A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries. It reduces excess abdominal skin, tightens the stomach muscles and helps restore a flatter, firmer abdomen. It’s usually an outpatient procedure, but you might need to stay in the hospital overnight if it’s part of another surgery. You’ll receive general anesthesia during the surgery.
Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) along your lower belly. Then they’ll trim the skin, remove any excess tissue and make a new opening for your belly button. Then they’ll suture or use tapes or clips to close the incisions. They might put drainage tubes in the incision sites to help prevent fluid buildup and clots.
Before surgery, discuss your goals and expectations with your doctor. They might take a few pictures of your abdomen for your medical records. Your doctor will also ask you about your health, family history and medications you take. You should avoid smoking or taking aspirin or other drugs that increase the risk of bleeding and slow wound healing.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and to stay with you during your first night at home. You might have pain and swelling for weeks or months after the procedure. Your doctor might give you pain medicine to manage it. To keep your results, maintain a stable weight and follow your doctor’s recovery instructions. tummy surgery