A tummy tuck is one of the most invasive cosmetic surgeries performed on patients and the vast majority of the procedures are performed on females. The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin from the stomach area as well as tighten the muscle group under the abdomen where pregnancy and severe weight gain and loss have taken their toll on the body.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

In a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a wide incision across the pubic hair. This incision runs from one hipbone to the next leaving a very noticeable scar when it is healed. The scar can be hidden in most swimsuits and underwear, however. The incision is used to give the surgeon access to the muscles of the abdomen. The surgeon then physically tightens the muscles of the abdomen that have become separated using stitches.

Once any muscle damage has been repaired, the surgeon cuts away the damaged and fatty skin along the bottom and middle of the abdomen. After removing the stretch marks and extra skin, the surgeon will then pull the skin preserved higher on the midsection down to meet the other end the surgery. The belly button will be dissected and repositioned on the belly before the incision closed across the hips. The surgery is complete.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After the surgery, the recovery process for a tummy tuck can be lengthy. The patient will be required to rest for up to ten days before moderate functions can resume. After fourteen days, the patient will likely be allowed to return to work with some restrictions, but total healing will not be complete for up to six months as the body adjusts to the surgery and the swelling from the procedure diminishes.