Our Summary

This research paper is about how plastic surgeons are particularly interested in the abdomen or “trunk” area when it comes to body reshaping. The trunk is the area from below the breasts to above the pelvis. A procedure known as an abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” is used to remove extra skin and fat from the abdomen and also to strengthen the stomach muscles. The aim is to create a more appealing looking stomach and can include methods such as liposuction or direct removal of tissue. With the increase in weight loss surgeries, tummy tucks have become a crucial tool to help these patients deal with leftover loose skin on their stomachs after their weight loss.

FAQs

  1. What is an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” procedure?
  2. What is the main purpose of a tummy tuck procedure and what methods does it include?
  3. How has the increase in weight loss surgeries influenced the demand for tummy tucks?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about a tummy tuck is to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the procedure. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying active, and avoiding significant weight fluctuations. By doing so, patients can better preserve the results of their tummy tuck and enjoy a more toned and sculpted abdomen for the long term. It’s also important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a tummy tuck procedure include:

  1. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. This can be a result of weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve procedures, or through diet and exercise.

  2. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and are left with stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone.

  3. Patients who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area due to aging or genetics.

  4. Patients who have tried other methods of reducing abdominal fat and skin, such as diet and exercise, but have not achieved the desired results.

  5. Patients who are in good overall health and at a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of the tummy tuck procedure.

It is important for patients considering a tummy tuck to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure and to understand the potential risks and complications. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is recommended to determine if a tummy tuck is the right option for each individual patient.

Timeline

Before a tummy tuck procedure, a patient will typically have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations. They will also undergo a physical examination to determine if they are a good candidate for the surgery. The surgeon may also request medical tests to ensure the patient is healthy enough for the procedure.

During the tummy tuck surgery, which can take several hours, the patient will be under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision along the lower abdomen, remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the abdominal muscles. The incision will then be closed with sutures.

After the surgery, the patient will need to rest and recover for several weeks. They may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and compression garments. The surgeon will provide post-operative care instructions, including how to care for the incision site and when to follow up for a post-operative appointment.

Over time, as the swelling subsides and the incision heals, the patient will begin to see the results of their tummy tuck. They can expect a flatter, firmer abdomen with improved muscle tone. It is important for the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to maintain the results of the tummy tuck for the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tummy tuck?
  3. What are the different types of tummy tuck procedures and which one would be best for me?
  4. How long is the recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  5. Will I have visible scarring after the procedure and how can I minimize scarring?
  6. What kind of results can I expect from a tummy tuck and are there any limitations to what can be achieved?
  7. How long will the results of a tummy tuck last and are there any factors that could affect the longevity of the results?
  8. Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction, for better results?
  9. What are the costs associated with a tummy tuck procedure and is it covered by insurance?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or post-operative care instructions I should be aware of to maintain the results of a tummy tuck?

Reference

Authors: Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Journal: 2023 Jul 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 28613712