Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps to flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles.

The best candidates are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. Older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity can be helped. Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Women who plan to have children or intend to lose a lot of weight are encouraged to wait before undergoing the procedure since the results will be compromised by further stretching (pregnancy) or loose, hanging skin (weight loss).

The procedure takes approximately two to five hours and can be performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with a sedative. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months, but with a balanced diet and regular exercise results are long lasting.

Dr. Sabry performs abdominoplasty with a low-lying horizontal incision easily concealable by a bikini. Excess fat and skin are removed and abdominal muscle tightened. Liposuction is often added for further contouring of the abdomen and waistlines. Skin is then redraped and navel repositioned to its original location. Small drainage tubes are placed and maintained for 3 to 5 days. Stitches used are dissolvable and do not require removal.

Compression garments are recommended for two weeks following surgery. You should allow two weeks for recovery. Light exercises may be begun after two weeks and more strenuous activities should wait for 3 to 4 weeks.

Post-operative complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots in legs, and spread scar.

Partial Abdominoplasty (“Mini-Tummy Tuck”)

Partial abdominoplasty is similar to abdominoplasty except a shorter incision is made and the skin is only lifted to the navel, which does not have to be moved (although it may be pulled into a different shape as skin is stretched).

Before	After
Click to Enlarge	Click to Enlarge