What is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is an operation to improve the appearance and contour of the tummy (abdomen). The operation involves removing a portion of skin and fat of the lower abdomen down to the muscle, such that the resulting scar lies roughly at the level of a caesarean section scar. The scar is normally always longer than a c-section scar, but still remains hidden beneath standard underwear or swimming costumes. A small cut is made around the tummy-button (umbilicus) down to the muscles. The remaining abdominal skin and fat is then raised off the abdominal muscles up to the level of the ribcage, leaving the umbilicus still attached to the muscles. If the muscles have become separated (such as after childbirth) they can be brought together and tightened, which can strengthen them, and acts like an internal corset improving the shape of the waist. The raised abdominal tissue is then brought down and sutured to the skin above the pubis and thighs. Finally, a small hole is made in the tissue, and the umbilicus is brought back through and sutured to the skin.

Are there any variations to a Tummy Tuck?

Some people are not suitable for the muscle tightening "internal corset", mainly people who have breathing problems. If there is only a small amount of excess abdominal tissue to remove then a full abdominoplasty may not be possible, A mini abdominoplasty may instead be appropriate, in which the umbilicus is not detached from the abdominal tissue, but as the tissues are pulled down and stitched the umbilicus moves to a slightly lower position. Sometimes a midline vertical scar from the pubis up towards the umbilicus is necessary if the closure is going to be too tight, or if there is excess waist (lateral flank) tissue, in which case a "fleur-de-lis" abdominoplasty may be the best option. In cases of massive weight loss, a standard abdominoplasty may not be sufficient, and instead body contouring procedure such as a circumferential abdominoplasty (also called lipectomy) may be required. This removes a ring of tissue right the way around the body, like a belt.