Known in more technical terms as an “abdominoplasty” a “tummy tuck” is a form of cosmetic surgery that involves “tightening up” ones tummy. It is a major surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower and middle abdomen (your stomach muscles) and involves the tightening of the muscles of the abdominal wall. This surgery can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding “stomach” or “belly” (your abdomen). However, it is important to be aware that this procedure does result in a permanent scar that can span from hip to hip.
As with any form of plastic surgery if performed by a qualified surgeon the majority of the time positive results occur, but there is also always some risk involved. The surgery itself can be performed at out-patient clinics where you would have the surgery and then be sent home or you can have it performed at the hospital where you would be able to stay and be monitored for a couple of days. The doctor performing the operation may use a general anesthesia where you would be out for the entire operation or a local anesthesia combined with a sedative. The surgery itself usually takes 2 to 5 hours. It usually involves the surgeon making an incision from hipbone to hipbone. Next the skin is separated from the abdominal muscles. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and then stitching them up in a new position which firms the abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. Then the skin flap is stretched down and the extra skin is removed; making your skin tight on the abdominal wall again. Then everything is stitched back into place. After surgery you will go through a painful recovery period but on the whole, other than your scar, your stomach will look and feel much tighter and thinner.