Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, as it is commonly referred to, is a procedure that can have quite im- pressive results with people who have stretched abdominal skin due to multiple pregnancies or severe weight loss.
The procedure is relatively simple and requires the surgeon to make an incision across the lower abdomen, from one hip bone to the other. Then the fat and excess skin are removed and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened, and the remaining skin is stitched back in place. The incision is made within the bikini or un- derwear line so the scar in most cases is covered up by clothing. The procedure usually takes several hours to complete and the healing process can take weeks or even months before reaching full recovery. Usually a patient must remain at home for 2 to 4 weeks with no strenuous activity for 4 to 6 weeks. Also it’s not uncom- mon for scars to be quite visible for 3 months or more after the operation and may take up to a year or two to fully flatten out and lighten in color, though they may never fully disappear.
A tummy tuck is a major cosmetic surgery that is car- ried out under a general anesthetic and patients can ex- pect to have some discomfort after the operation, that will include swelling of the abdomen and pain in the ab- dominal area.
Risks
Risks may include blood clots, infection, and scarring.