Skip to content

Tummy Tuck

Learn More About Abdominoplasty Treatments

Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is designed to correct a protruding abdomen resulting from weak abdominal muscles, weight gain, aging, heredity or pregnancy. Obesity causes 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 to improve the body contour. The goal is a narrower and flatter abdomen. Realistic expectations are important because this procedure is not a substitute for weight loss.

This treatment is right for you if you:

  • Are physically healthy and at a stable weight
  • Have realistic expectations
  • Are a non-smoker
  • Feel your tummy is too large

Risks

There are many risks associated with any surgery. Dr. Sommerhaug will go over all the liabilities and benefits with you. Some of the risks include:

  • Scarring
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fluid Accumulation
  • Poor Wound Healing
  • Skin Loss
  • Blood Clots
  • Changes in Skin Sensation
  • Numbness
  • Swelling
  • Asymmetry
  • Pain
  • Anesthesia Complications
  • Wound Separation Due to Increased Activity Too Soon

Dr. Sommerhaug 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. Ideally, the abdominoplasty patient has no health problems and wishes only to remove an excess deposit of fat or loose abdominal skin.

Patients on a weight-loss plan 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.

We will take photographs before and after surgery. You will need to sign a consent form for this.

Antibiotics may be prescribed before surgery to prevent infection. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing ibuprofen or aspirin, including Pepto-Bismol type products.

We perform the procedure using general anesthesia. You may be given medication beforehand so you will feel relaxed. The surgery may take two to five hours, depending on your overall condition. After a few hours, you may be released or may require a couple of days of hospitalization.

The procedure is most commonly performed by making a U-shaped incision below one hipbone, across the pubic area, and under the other hipbone. A second incision is made around the navel. We then separate the skin from the abdominal wall and lift it towards the hipbone, exposing the loose tissue covering the abdominal muscle.

Loose and stretched out muscles are tightened with sutures, and excess skin and fat are removed. The skin is lowered over the abdomen and the navel is reconstructed, then the incisions are sutured together. Drains are often inserted to eliminate fluid buildup and firm elastic bandages are applied to the area.

Recovery: What to Expect

You may experience some discomfort immediately following surgery, but pain pills can help ease the pain. Some swelling is normal, though you may consult with us to be sure of the condition.

We will give you special instructions for showering and changing your dressings until the surface stitches are removed in five to seven days. You may also be required to wear a support garment.

Surgical drains will be in place and you will be required to empty them as well as write down the amount of drainage. We gather this information so that Dr. Sommerhaug can tell you the maximum amount you should expect per hour and when to call. If you are getting 50cc per hour or more, you must call immediately.

The speed of recovery depends on your physical condition before surgery. Those with stronger abdominal muscles usually recover faster. You must have at least two to four weeks to recuperate before returning to work. Lifting will be limited for six weeks.

Some scarring is also normal. It often takes 9 to 12 months before the scars begin to fade. Do not expose your scars to the sun, as this will cause the scar to look angry, red, and will not heal desirably. Always use a sunscreen that is safe for scars. Please ask Dr. Sommerhaug, as he can provide safe skin protection.

Though the recovery period is 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 a healthy diet will benefit from abdominoplasty the most.

Scroll To Top