What is Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and selected fat and may repair separation of the abdominal wall. It is not a weight-loss operation and cannot remove all stretch marks.
What this procedure may address
• Loose lower-abdominal skin
• Skin and contour changes after pregnancy
• Abdominal-wall laxity or diastasis
• Overhanging tissue
• Selected scars or contour deformity
Removes excess abdominal skin and fat
Tightens abdominal muscles
Enhances overall abdominal contour
What patients need to understand
Panniculectomy removes a hanging apron; abdominoplasty also reshapes the abdomen and may address the muscle layer and umbilicus. Liposuction alone cannot remove substantial loose skin.
Assessment and planning
ANATOMY AND HEALTH
Planning considers skin distribution, scars, hernias, muscle separation, weight stability, smoking, previous surgery and future pregnancy. The low transverse scar length is determined by the amount of skin to remove.
DRAINLESS TECHNIQUE
Progressive-tension sutures may permit a drainless approach in selected patients. Drains may still be recommended according to anatomy, the extent of surgery and intraoperative findings.
A consultation with Dr. Elahi is an assessment of anatomy, goals, alternatives, scars, recovery, risk and whether treatment is appropriate. It does not create an obligation to proceed.
Risks and limitations
The proposed benefits must be weighed against risks that include bleeding or hematoma; infection; anaesthetic complications; poor wound healing or unfavourable scarring; asymmetry or contour irregularity; altered sensation or numbness; persistent pain or swelling; an unsatisfactory result or revision surgery; fluid accumulation or seroma; fat necrosis or skin loss; blood clots, deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary complications; residual or recurrent skin laxity; umbilical healing problems; wound separation; and loss of correction with pregnancy or weight change. This list is not exhaustive. The risks relevant to the proposed treatment are discussed during consultation and again before informed consent.
Consultation
A consultation with Dr. Elahi is an assessment of anatomy, goals, alternatives, scars, recovery, risk and whether treatment is appropriate. It does not create an obligation to proceed.
See for yourself!
Visit our before and after gallery.
Recovery
Early walking is important, but posture may remain flexed initially. Progressive-tension sutures may allow a drainless technique in selected patients; drains may still be used when clinically appropriate. Compression may be recommended. Many patients require two to three weeks away from desk work and longer before heavy lifting or exercise. Individual postoperative instructions take priority over general timelines published online.