Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck,” is designed to correct excess skin and fatty tissue of the abdomen usually resulting from weight gain or pregnancy. Weight gain and pregnancy cause the skin to lose its elasticity. These conditions may not respond well to diet or exercise if the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched.

With abdominoplasty, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and excess fatty tissue and skin are removed from the lower abdomen to improve the body contour. The goal is a flatter tighter abdomen and a narrower waist line to achieve a better "hour glass" figure.

It is very common to perform an abdominoplasty at the same time as other gynecologic procedures such as a hysterectomy or bladder suspension. This will require coordination with your gynecologist.

Dr. Tjelmeland considers age, obesity and smoking habits when evaluating a candidate for this procedure.

Before Surgery

We will take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination to evaluate your general, overall health. Patients on a large weight-loss plan (greater than 20 lbs) should be close to their target weight before having the operation. Women planning future pregnancies should delay abdominoplasty, as pregnancy may promote further abdominal stretching.

Photographs will be taken before and after surgery.

Antibiotics will be prescribed prior to surgery to decrease the likelihood of infection. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking certain drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen. A complete list of medications to avoid will be discussed in detail at your preoperative appointment.

The Procedure

Abdominoplasty is performed using general anesthesia. You may be given medication beforehand so you will feel relaxed. The surgery may take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on your overall condition and the amount of work that needs to be done. Most patients are released a couple of hours after the completion of surgery.  Occasionally you may require an overnight stay at the hospital. This is especially true when combined with a gynecologic procedure.

The procedure is most commonly performed by making a horizontal incision above the pubic area that extends to each hipbone.  A second incision is made around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall, exposing loose tissue covering the abdominal muscle.

Loose, stretched out muscles are tightened with sutures, and the skin is lowered over the abdomen. The navel is then reconstructed. Excess skin and fat are removed and the incisions are sutured together. Drains are inserted to eliminate fluid buildup. Often times an implantable pain pump is inserted to help alleviate pain for the first few days. Firm elastic bandages are applied to the area and the patient is placed in a tight fitting garment to help reduce swelling.

Recovery: What to Expect

You may experience some discomfort immediately following surgery that can be controlled with pain pills. A pain pump is used in most cases that infuses anesthetic to your abdominal wall which dramatically decreases discomfort after surgery. Some swelling after surgery is normal. You will be given special instructions for showering and changing your dressings. You may also be required to wear a support garment.

The speed of recovery depends on your physical condition prior to surgery; those with stronger abdominal muscles usually recover faster. Allow at least 2-4 weeks to recuperate before returning to work depending on your type of work.

Some scarring is also normal. It often takes 12 months and sometimes longer before the scars fade.
Though the recovery period can be longer than that of other cosmetic procedures, the rewards are great for a patient previously distressed by a protruding abdomen. Those who follow a proper exercise routine and healthy diet will benefit from abdominoplasty the most.

                                                       Link to Abdominoplasty Photos