Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck,” is designed to correct a protruding abdomen resulting from weak abdominal muscles, weight gain 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, this surgery will address these trouble areas.

Dr. Bray, Jr. performs many abdominoplasty procedures, and he will customize the procedure based on your concerns. Tummy tucks may be combined with liposuction to achieve optimal results.

With tummy tuck surgery, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and excess fatty tissue and skin are removed to improve the body contour. Stretch marks are removed from the lower abdomen.  A tummy tuck is the best body contouring procedure for patients who have loose or hanging skin, stretch marks, and muscle laxity of the abdomen. The goal is a narrower, flatter abdomen. Realistic expectations are important with this procedure. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss.

Many patients seeking a “mommy makeover” may also decide to have breast augmentation surgery at the time of their tummy tuck. Dr. Bray, Jr. considers age,
obesity, medical problems, and smoking habits when evaluating a candidate for a tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck: Before Surgery

Dr. Bray, Jr. will meet with you for an initial consultation. During this consultation he will take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination to evaluate your general, overall health prior to tummy tuck surgery. Ideally, the patient has no health problems, and wishes only to remove an excess deposit of fat and 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 the surgery, as pregnancy may promote further abdominal stretching.

Photographs will be taken before and after surgery.

Antibiotics will be prescribed prior to surgery to prevent infection. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin. You will also be advised to bathe with an antiseptic soap for several days prior to surgery.

The “Tummy Tuck” Procedure

Abdominoplasty is performed using general anesthesia. You may be given medication beforehand so you will feel relaxed. The surgery may take 2-5 hours, depending on your overall condition. You may be released after a few hours, or you may require a couple days of hospitalization.

Tummy tucks are most commonly performed by making a transverse incision below one hipbone, across the pubic area and under the other hipbone. A second incision is made around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up to the hipbone, exposing loose tissue covering the abdominal muscle.

Loose, 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. The incisions are then sutured together. Drains are often inserted to eliminate fluid buildup, and firm elastic bandages are applied to the area.

Recovery: What to Expect after Your Tummy Tuck

You may experience some discomfort immediately following tummy tuck surgery, which can be controlled with pain pills. Some swelling is normal. You will be given special instructions for showering and changing your dressings.  You may also be required to wear a support garment.

The speed of tummy tuck recovery depends on your physical condition prior to surgery; those with stronger abdominal muscles usually recover faster. Allow at least 2-4 weeks to recuperate before returning to work.

Some scarring is also normal. Dr. Bray, Jr. places the sutures under the skin to optimize the scar and prevent scars related to sutures. Dr. Bray will also recommend scar treatments that may improve the quality of the tummy tuck scar.

Though the recovery period is longer than some other cosmetic procedures, the rewards are great for a patient previously distressed by a protruding abdomen. Those who follow a proper exercise routine and healthy diet will benefit from abdominoplasty the most.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

How does tummy tuck differ from liposuction?

Liposuction is done purely for fat reduction purposes. It does not address issues affecting the skin or muscles.

Tummy tuck surgery includes liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits; it further tones and contours the stomach by repairing muscles and removing and tightening the skin.

What type of scar can I expect from tummy tuck?

Dr. Bray Jr. places the primary tummy tuck incision low enough on the abdomen that resulting scarring can be hidden beneath most kinds of clothing, including low-cut jeans and bikini bottoms. With good scar care, the scar may flatten and fade significantly in the months following surgery.

An incision is also made around the belly button. Dr. Bray Jr. uses a meticulous technique in an effort to hide the incision. The goal is for patients to be able to wear a bikini or show their abdomen with no apparent scar.

How should I care for my healing incisions?

Dr. Bray Jr. and our team will give you detailed incision care instructions. Generally, it is most important to keep your incisions clean and dry. You should avoid any activities that put pressure or strain on your healing incisions, and you should not expose incisions to the sun during your recovery.

Can I have a tummy tuck before having children?

Pregnancy after tummy tuck is possible. However, most patients delay tummy tuck until they are done having children. Getting pregnant after a tummy tuck can reverse some of the aesthetic improvements made during surgery.

Is tummy tuck painful?

Anesthesia is administered to prevent you from feeling anything during surgery. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. In addition, Dr. Bray Jr. may use local anesthesia to reduce postoperative pain.

If you are concerned about pain management after tummy tuck, Dr. Bray Jr. can discuss your options with you so you feel more confident.

When can I return to work after tummy tuck?

It depends on each individual’s healing progress and the nature of their job. Many patients who work at a desk return to work after two weeks. However, more physically demanding work may require additional time off.

When can I resume exercising after tummy tuck?

It is important to get up and walk around your house as soon as possible. Walking promotes good circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. As you regain more energy, you can start to walk longer distances.

Other types of exercise, including high-impact activities that involve running, jumping or bouncing up and down, should be avoided for approximately six weeks after surgery.

Dr. Bray Jr. will give you a precise timeline for resuming exercise based on your individual circumstances.

Additional before/after images of Dr Bray, Jr.’s abdominoplasty work are available in the image gallery.