Abdominoplasty/ Tummy Tuck


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Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is an excellent surgery which allows for the removal of a large amount of skin and fat from the lower abdomen, in which exercise and diet alone cannot remove. This surgery is usually done for women who have had one or more pregnancies or have lost a large amount of weight. Post-operatively, this will result in a much firmer, flatter abdomen with removal of the lax or excess skin. It will also result in a smaller waist, as well as a more generally youthful appearance to the abdomen.


The surgery involves making a low incision in the bikini area, and then separating the skin and fat from the underlying muscle. But the umbilicus (belly button) is left attached. The umbilicus is reshaped and tightened (an innie) during the closure. The separation of the muscles is carefully repaired. The excess skin and fat is removed and the incision is carefully closed.


Two important additions to this surgery have made a significant difference for the patients. One is a small pump that allows a tiny volume of local anesthesia to run over the abdominal wall. This reduces post-operative pain by a remarkable amount. The second is an intra-operative fibrin spray (a completely natural material which our own body makes) that helps seal the overlying skin and fat to the abdominal wall. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of a seroma (a collection of serum or fluid).


When there is a lesser degree of laxity involving the skin and/or muscle, then a limited abdominoplasty can be performed. This procedure has a much shorter incision and allows for a shorter surgical time and a quicker recovery.