Tummy Tuck

Surgery takes between one to five hours depending on whether it is a complete or partial tummy tuck procedure.

• Complete abdominoplasty: In a complete procedure, the surgeon will cut your abdomen from hipbone to hipbone and remove excess skin and fat. In most cases, the surgeon will also pull the vertical abdominal muscles together and sew them. This tightens the muscles, making the abdominal wall firmer and the waistline narrower. The surgery will involve moving your belly button, and you may need drainage tubes under your skin for a few days after surgery.
• Partial abdominoplasty: A partial abdominoplasty involves a shorter incision and the navel may not be moved, as it is in a complete abdominoplasty procedure. The surgery usually takes under two hours, and is often performed on people whose fat deposits are located below the navel.

After a tummy tuck, your abdominal incision and your belly button will likely be covered with surgical dressing. As with all surgery, expect to feel sore and bruised. It's normal to have swelling in the surgical area for about six weeks. It will also be necessary for you to wear a tight support garment for around six weeks, which will help prevent fluid buildup and provide abdominal support while you heal.

Healing from abdominal surgery is slow and gradual and complete healing may take several months. How fast you recover depends in part on how extensive a procedure you had and your general physical condition.

Although rare, tummy tuck complications can include:

• Blood clots or blood accumulation under the skin flap
• Poor wound healing
• Changes in skin sensations
• Tissue necrosis, which occurs when fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area gets damaged or dies

Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.