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Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)

Skin laxity and looseness can develop for many reasons, including pregnancy and childbirth, dramatic weight loss, and the natural aging process. As skin loses elasticity, so too can muscles begin to soften and relax, creating a pooch. Tummy tuck surgery, medically referred to as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that addresses these concerns and serves to tighten and flatten the stomach area. Both men and women undergo this procedure, and the technique can be tailored to suit the individual goals and characteristics of each patient. Our board certified plastic surgeon is committed to achieving natural-looking and aesthetically appealing results, and he can help you find out if tummy tuck surgery is right for you.

What are the benefits of tummy tuck surgery?

Abdominoplasty is primarily intended to improve the appearance of the midsection by removing excess skin, tightening underlying muscles, and (in many cases) eliminating excess fat. Liposuction is often included with this procedure to help contour this region. The abdomen is one of the most difficult areas to tone using traditional means of weight loss. Dr. Robert Schlenker tailors his approach to optimize the outcome based on your anatomical characteristics. If excess skin is limited to the lower abdomen, he may be able to use a shorter incision. Conversely, if excess skin is located beyond the traditional targeted area, he can adjust the treatment plan as needed. He will review these options with your during your first meeting with him.

Is tummy tuck surgery the right choice for me?

Your health and medical history are some of the most important factors to consider when deciding if tummy tuck surgery is appropriate for you. Dr. Schlenker takes great care to evaluate you, and he will help you to become well-informed about the various aspects of the operation. One thing you should know: if you are a smoker, you will need to stop using tobacco products for a few weeks before and after the surgery.

Tummy tuck surgery is designed for individuals with moderate to significant excess skin on the abdomen. If your concerns are more about excess fat, liposuction alone may be sufficient to achieve your goals. In many cases, patients choose to combine these techniques for a slimmer, firmer midsection.

What will my tummy tuck scars look like?

While there will be some minor differences in the length and location of the scar depending on your treatment plan, in all cases it will be placed low on the hip line, usually from hip-to-hip. The scar at first will appear pink and raised, but as it heals it should lose color, grow flatter, and become less noticeable. The placement helps to keep the scar below the line of your clothing, including underwear and swimwear. You may even wish to bring a bikini bottom or pair of underwear to the consultation to show Dr. Schlenker to help determine where the incision should be placed. Scars can take up to a year or more to heal, so keep in mind your final result and the ultimate appearance of the scar will take some time to materialize.

What can I expect during recovery after a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you should be able to leave the hospital the same day as the operation. You will likely need to take one to two weeks off from your normal responsibilities while you begin to heal. We will provide instructions to help make this process as smooth as possible, and medication will be prescribed to manage any pain. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated area is to be expected, and these effects should gradually subside. If drains are placed, these will be removed after a few days to a week. You should see some immediate signs of improvement, but the final outcome will be achieved after about one year. While some swelling can continue up to this point, you should have an excellent idea of the results after a few months.

To learn more about tummy tuck surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schlenker, please reach out to our medical team today.