Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

About Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles, which can become stretched or separated (diastasis recti) after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Through a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, the surgeon repairs the muscle layer with internal sutures, removes excess tissue, and repositions the navel before closing the incision, sometimes combining the procedure with liposuction for additional contouring. It is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to four hours. Candidates are generally at a stable, healthy weight with loose abdominal skin or muscle separation that has not improved with exercise, and who do not plan future pregnancies, since pregnancy afterward can reverse the muscle repair. Recovery involves several weeks of restricted activity, with a compression garment worn to support healing, drains typically removed within the first week, and most patients returning to normal, non-strenuous activity within four to six weeks. Because recovery from abdominal muscle repair takes longer than many other body-contouring procedures, patients traveling to India for a tummy tuck usually plan a stay of two to three weeks to allow drains to be removed and healing monitored before flying.