Abdominoplasty is a common solution for those looking to tighten the abdomen muscles and remove extra skin from the stomach area.

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is used to remove extra skin from the abdomen area and to tighten the muscles. The surgery causes a permanent scar, which can extend from hip to hip.

Usually general anesthesia is used, so the patient is asleep during the surgery. Generally, a long incision from one hipbone to the other is made, just above the pubic area. Another incision is made to free the belly button from the surrounding skin.

Next, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs. In order to tighten the abdomen muscles, they are pulled closer together and then stitched into place. The skin flap is stretched down to the incision area, and extra skin is removed. The incisions and the navel are stitched back.

The surgery takes 2 to 5 hours. Generally, patients of a tummy tuck takes from 1 to 3 weeks to return to regular activity. Scars may seem to worsen in the first 3 or 6 months, but this is part of a normal healing process. It takes about a year for scars to become lighter in color. Exercise is encouraged to help the healing development, even if you’ve never exercised before.



Complications are rare during and after tummy tucks, however infections and blood clots may occur. The risk of blood clots can be minimized by moving around as soon as possible after surgery. Infections can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, poor healing may occur. This requires an additional surgery and can cause scarring. Smokers are advised to stop smoking for at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery to reduce risks.



Abdominoplasty prices range from $3000 to $8000.



Remember that this surgery causes a permanent scar, however it is usually low enough to be able to wear a bathing suit. Abdominoplasty is great for those looking to get rid of extra skin after losing a lot of weight.