A tummy tuck, more formally known as an “abdominoplasty” is a major surgery procedure, so patients often have a number of questions for us prior to their procedure.  Many patients want to know what they can expect from their tummy tuck procedure in terms of recovery and scarring. We want our patients to be well informed and comfortable with their procedure. In light of that we, this blog post will attempt to accurately depict the physical results you can expect following your abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty procedures can be life changing for individuals who suffer from excess skin in the abdominal region. Patients who have experienced major physical changes such as significant weight loss can be freed from the physical and emotional burden of carrying around extra weight in skin. Not only does the procedure remove excess skin, but the muscles of the abdominal wall can be tightened as well. This is what makes a tummy tuck procedure such an appealing option for individuals who have lost a lot of weight, or for women who have had children. If you are having a full tummy tuck rather than a mini tummy tuck, you will have two scars. One will be around the belly button, and the second will stretch from hipbone to hipbone. It is necessary to make an incision around your navel as the skin will be removed from the surrounding tissue in order to remove tissue and tighten the muscles. The incision that runs from hipbone to hipbone is made just above the pubic area so that it can be hidden by your undergarments and bathing suit bottoms. The appearance of your scars will depend on the following factors:

• location of the incision
• skill of your surgeon
• your ability to avoid smoking and sun exposure
• how well you naturally tend to heal
• the aftercare that you provide the scarred area

Our patients often find that their scars improve over time and continue to lighten and flatten out in the year following their surgery. Aftercare that improves the appearance of the scar includes regular application of a scar recovery gel, wearing silicone scar strips, or both. Daily use of these silicone based products help to reduce the redness in scars as well as improve texture. Abdominoplasty scar strips are designed to match the contour of your abdomen, are reusable for up to 6 weeks, and can be left on the skin all day. Both products can be purchased at our facility, and our staff are happy to explain how to use them properly. It is important for patients to understand that their a smoother, tighter midsection will come at the cost of a scar that extends from hip to hip, as well as a smaller scar around the navel. The most satisfied patients have weighed the pros and cons of their recovery and scarring with the benefits they will achieve from being rid of excess skin and discomfort. A consultation will provide you with all the information you need to help you make your decision. The consultation is a great opportunity to ask questions, and to view before and after photos of our past abdominoplasty patients to see what type of results the procedure can provide.