Tummy tuck Mayo Clinic

Tummy tuck Mayo Clinic

Tummy tuck - Mayo Clinic

COVID-19 Advice updates and vaccine options

Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version.This content does not have an Arabic version. Search Request an Appointment Find a Doctor Find a Job Give Now Log in to Patient Account English Español العربية 简体中文 Twitter Facebook Pinterest YouTube Menu Request an Appointment Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures

Tummy tuck

Print

Overview

Tummy tuck Open pop-up dialog box Close

Tummy tuck

Tummy tuck

During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. The skin is then draped back over the newly repositioned contours to create a smoother and more toned look. A tummy tuck - also known as abdominoplasty - is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the shape and appearance of the abdomen. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. Connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) usually is tightened with sutures as well. The remaining skin is then repositioned to create a more toned look. You might choose to have a tummy tuck if you have excess fat or skin around the area of your bellybutton or a weak lower abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can also boost your body image.

Products & Services

Assortment of Health Products from Mayo Clinic StoreBook: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter - Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic

Why it s done

There are a number of reasons you might have excess fat, poor elasticity of the skin or weakened connective tissue in your abdomen. These include: Significant changes in weight Pregnancy Abdominal surgery, such as a C-section Aging Your natural body type A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck may also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the bellybutton. However, a tummy tuck won't correct stretch marks outside of this area. If you've previously had a C-section, your plastic surgeon might be able to incorporate your existing C-section scar into your tummy tuck scar. A tummy tuck can also be done in combination with other body contouring cosmetic procedures, such as breast surgery. If you've had fat removed from your abdomen (liposuction), you may decide to have a tummy tuck because liposuction removes tissue just under the skin and fat but not any excess skin. A tummy tuck isn't for everyone. Your doctor might caution against a tummy tuck if you: Plan to lose a significant amount of weight Might consider pregnancy in the future Have a severe chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes Have a body mass index that's greater than 30 Smoke Have had a previous abdominal surgery that caused significant scar tissue Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic

Risks

A tummy tuck poses various risks, including: Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid. Your doctor might also remove fluid after surgery using a needle and syringe. Poor wound healing. Sometimes areas along the incision line heal poorly or begin to separate. You might be given antibiotics during and after surgery to prevent an infection. Unexpected scarring. The incision scar from a tummy tuck is permanent, but it's typically placed along the easily hidden bikini line. The length and visibility of the scar varies from person to person. Tissue damage. During a tummy tuck, fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area might get damaged or die. Smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. Depending on the size of the area, tissue might heal on its own or require a surgical touch-up procedure. Changes in skin sensation. During a tummy tuck, the repositioning of your abdominal tissues can affect the nerves in the abdominal area, and infrequently, in the upper thighs. You'll likely feel some reduced sensation or numbness. This usually diminishes in the months after the procedure. Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

How you prepare

You'll talk to a plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck. During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will likely: Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions. Talk about any medications you're taking or have taken recently, as well as any surgeries you've had. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. If your desire for a tummy tuck is related to weight loss, your doctor will likely ask detailed questions about your weight gain and loss. Do a physical exam. To determine your treatment options, the doctor will examine your abdomen. The doctor might also take pictures of your abdomen for your medical record. Discuss your expectations. Explain why you want a tummy tuck, and what you're hoping for in terms of appearance after the procedure. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks of the procedure, including scarring. Keep in mind that previous abdominal surgery might limit your results. Before a tummy tuck you might also need to: Stop smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery. Avoid certain medications. You'll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding. Maintain a stable weight. Ideally, you'll maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months before having a tummy tuck. If you're severely overweight, your doctor will recommend that you lose weight before the procedure. Significant weight loss after the procedure can diminish your results. Arrange for help during recovery. Make plans for someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital and stay with you for at least the first night of your recovery at home.

What you can expect

A tummy tuck is done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. During a tummy tuck, you'll be under general anesthesia - which makes you completely unconscious and unable to feel pain. In some cases, you might be given a pain-relieving medication and be moderately sedated (partially asleep).

Before the procedure

There are a number of different procedures for a tummy tuck, depending on your goals and the extent of change you would like to see. During the typical tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon makes incisions to remove most of the skin and fat between your bellybutton and pubic hair in a horizontal oval or elliptical shape. Connective tissue (fascia) that lies over the abdominal muscles is then tightened with permanent sutures. The amount of excess skin removed and the type of procedure you have will determine the shape and length of the incision. The incision above the pubic hair will be stitched together and will leave a scar that falls along the natural crease within the bikini line. Your plastic surgeon will also reposition the skin around your bellybutton. Your bellybutton will be brought out through a small incision and sutured in its normal position. During the procedure you might be given an antibiotic to prevent infection. The procedure typically takes about two to three hours.

After the procedure

After a tummy tuck, your abdominal incision and bellybutton will likely be covered with surgical dressing. Small tubes might be placed along the incision site to drain any excess blood or fluid. Members of your health care team will help you walk as early as the first day after a tummy tuck to help prevent the formation of blood clots. You'll likely be given pain medication. It's normal to have swelling in the surgical area. Drains might be left in place for several days after surgery. Your doctor or another member of your health care team will show you how to empty and care for your drains. You might need to continue taking an antibiotic as long as the drains are in place. Your surgeon might also prescribe a blood-thinning medication for a short time after your tummy tuck. You'll wear a supportive abdominal garment (abdominal binder) for about six weeks after your tummy tuck. This helps prevent fluid buildup and provides abdominal support while you heal. Your doctor will explain how to care for your scar. For the first six weeks after a tummy tuck, you'll need to be careful when moving around. You'll also need to avoid positions that strain your incision line - such as quickly bending at the waist - to prevent the reopening of the wound. You'll need to schedule regular follow-up visits. Ask your doctor how often you need to be seen.

Results

By removing excess skin and fat and strengthening your abdominal wall, a tummy tuck can give your abdomen a more toned and slimmer appearance. Tummy tuck results are usually long lasting if you maintain a stable weight. By Mayo Clinic Staff Tummy tuck care at Mayo Clinic Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Doctors & Departments Jan. 20, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references AskMayoExpert. Abdominoplasty. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Tummy tuck, abdominoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/recovery. Accessed Nov. 10, 2021. Neligan PC, et al., eds. Abdominoplasty procedures. In: Plastic Surgery. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 10, 2021. Tummy tuck guide. American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/body/tummy-tuck-guide/. Accessed Nov. 10, 2021.

Related

Tummy tuck

News from Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic's Center for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery is now open in Rochester Sept. 15, 2021, 04:00 p.m. CDT

Products & Services

Assortment of Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter - Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic

Tummy tuck

AboutDoctors & DepartmentsCare at Mayo Clinic

Advertisement

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20206618 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Tummy tuck
Share:
0 comments

Comments (0)

Leave a Comment

Minimum 10 characters required

* All fields are required. Comments are moderated before appearing.

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!