A Brief Guide to Tummy Tuck Surgery

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A slim midsection and flat abdomen are common goals for both men and women. When changes in body weight (often pregnancy or major weight loss) make it impossible to achieve those goals, a tummy tuck may help.

What is a tummy tuck? A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves the removal excess fat and skin from the mid-section and repair of weakened or separated muscles.

Reasons for a tummy tuck

The natural elasticity of the skin allows it to stretch to accommodate changes in the body’s shape, but there is a limit to how far it can stretch and still return to its previous shape. When the skin stretches beyond that limit, due to pregnancy or dramatic weight loss, the result is often loose, wrinkly skin that does not respond to diet or exercise.

A fully tummy tuck is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgery begins with an incision across the lower part of the abdomen;  running  from hip bone to hip bone, just above the pubic area. The skin is then separated from the underlying tissues, which creates a flap of skin that is lifted to gain access to the abdominal muscles.

A second incision is made around the belly button to free it from the abdominal tissue. The muscles underneath are then pulled together and stitched into their new position, creating a firmer abdominal wall and thinner waist-line. The flap of skin is stretched down over the muscles and excess skin and fat are removed. The  skin is then reattached and a new opening is cut for the belly button. The result is a smother, flatter tummy. Any scars from the procedure are intentionally located just above the pubic area so as to be easily concealed by a swimsuit or underwear.

What to keep in mind when considering a tummy tuck

Any person considering a tummy tuck should have realistic expectations about the procedures and meet with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss the risks as well as benefits of the procedure. A person’s age, weight, overall health and type of skin can affect the results of a tummy tuck. Depending on the type of procedure (a full or partial tummy tuck) a patient should plan for adequate recovery time before returning to normal activities. Recovery times vary from patient to patient.

An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is physically healthy and at a stable weight, has realistic expectations and does not smoke. Contact Dr. Samaha in Boston today to see if you can benefit from a tummy tuck.