Surgeon: Dr. Mejie Billones/Dr. Reden Abella

Treatment time: 1 hour pre-op
2 hours operation
overnight stay for recovery

Anesthesia: Spinal/Regional Block

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

"Abdominoplasty,” or a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Tummy tucks can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.

Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid.

Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.

The day after surgery, patients will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation. Although they may not be able to stand up completely straight, it is best if they do not sit for long periods of time during the first several days. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. Patients may be instructed to sleep on their back with a pillow under their knees.

Any surgical drains probably will be removed within a week following surgery, at which time the dressings may also be changed or removed. The patients may be instructed to wear a support garment for several weeks. Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period of approximately one or two weeks.
Patients will notice swelling and bruising, which is to be expected. The bruising and much of the swelling will disappear over a period of weeks.

However, it may be months before all swelling subsides and they will see the final result of their abdominoplasty. Patients may also notice some numbness over portions of the abdominal area, and this may persist for several months. Incisions will initially be red or pink in color. They will remain this way for many months following surgery and may even appear to worsen before they finally begin to fade.