“From diets to exercise, nothing worked to give me that flatter tummy that I longed for…until Dr. Carney recommended abdominoplasty. It feels wonderful to be able to comfortably put on my favorite pair of jeans again!”*

– Carol R., Portsmouth, VA

Abdominoplasty, sometimes called the “tummy tuck” is a procedure that can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.

The procedure firms and smooths the abdomen by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing the extra fatty tissue and skin of the lower abdomen.

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are reasonably close to their normal weight, but with loose, sagging, excess abdominal skin, abdominal muscles weakened by aging or pregnancy or an abdomen that is out of proportion to the rest of the body. Abdominoplasty improves women and men of all sizes and shapes. Occasionally, Dr. Carney will recommend that a patient lose weight prior to surgery.

In most cases, the results of abdominoplasty are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

HOW IT WORKS

Incisions are made just above the pubic area and to free the navel from surrounding tissue. Muscles are tightened by stitching them close together, creating a firmer abdominal wall and narrower waistline. The skin is then stretched down and the extra skin removed. Your navel will be stitched into a new position appropriate to its new surroundings.

Abdominoplasty is a major procedure that usually takes two to three hours. In partial abdominoplasty, skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed and stitched back into place. A partial abdominoplasty can take less than two hours.

AFTER TREATMENT

Depending on the extent of the surgery, patients can be expected to be released within a few hours of surgery or may stay for extended recovery at The Carney Center. Any discomfort can be controlled by medication.

You should start walking as soon as possible. Special instructions will be given for showering. In about a week the surface stitches will be removed and deeper sutures will come out in less than two weeks.

IS ABDOMINOPLASTY FOR YOU?

This procedure works best for an individual in good shape but who has loose abdominal skin that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. If your expectations are realistic and you are prepared for the recovery time, abdominoplasty may be the answer.

Keep in mind the possibility of partial or “mini” abdominoplasty, which removes excess skin below the navel and requires only a small incision. Liposuction or LipoSelection are also good options.

Learn More About Abdominoplasty

If you’d like to learn more about abdominoplasty, please watch our educational video below. Just select the procedure from the dropdown video menu below. You can also learn more about abdominoplasty from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is also a good source of information about abdominoplasty. Dr. Carney is a member of both medical societies.

If you feel that you would like to speak with Dr. Carney personally about abdominoplasty, please request a consultation or contact us with your question. 

Individual results may vary.