Even though times are different depending on each individuals situation, the common tummy tuck surgery can be anywhere from two to five hours long.

Otherwise known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a operative method intended to make the abdominal region look better. By getting rid of the extra fat and skin and reducing the muscles of the abdomen, the tummy is made flat. Usually the price of a tummy tuck is not covered by insurance, although in some situations, such as spreading of the anterior muscles or a hernia, insurance may cover a portion of the cost.

Recovery time is different for each individual. Some, within two to four weeks, can go back to work after the operation, however laborious work should be delayed for four to six weeks after.

This depends on the location of the scars on your abdomen. Dr. Spence will discuss the risk to the blood supply when additional scars from a tummy tuck are placed. My girlfriend had a tummy tuck and formed scar tissue around her belly button, which closed it off. I am afraid of this happening to me. This is a risk of having a tummy tuck because the outer rim of the belly button is a circle. Formation of a hypertrophic scar can often lead to contraction of the belly button.

Almost all patients that have a tummy tuck will have drains placed during the surgery. There is no set time for the drains to be in place. Patients that have drains placed during surgery must track the amount of fluid put out by the drain. When the amount of fluid put out by the drain falls below 30cc over a 24-hour period for 2 consecutive days, then the drains will be removed.

Tummy tuck results can be extremely long-term. By eating well and remaining in good physical shape you can preserve it.

If anesthesia is used for the operation then it should not be hurt. You will, however, feel uncomfortable and have some tenderness. Your surgeon will provide you with medicine for these symptoms.

It depends on the type of work you do. If you have a job that does not require heavy lifting or standing for long periods, you can go back to work after 2 weeks. However, if your job does require heavy lifting or prolonged standing, you will be off work for usually 6 weeks.

The length of the incision depends on the amount of loose skin and fat present as well as the condition of the abdominal musculature.

The panniculectomy or tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat from the abdomen as well as tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Liposuction of the abdominal region removes deposits of excess fat only. Liposuction is a less invasive procedure than the panniculectomy.

This partial procedure removes excess skin in a smaller area of the belly (just the lower part of the abdomen) than with a complete abdominoplasty. Unlike in a full abdominoplasty, the belly button is usually not moved. The surgeon may tighten the abdominal muscles along with removing skin and fat. A mini-abdominoplasty can give very good results.

Tummy tucks are often associated with a scar from hip bone to hip bone. In this procedure, the belly button is repositioned causing a small scar surrounding it. Although the lower abdominal/pubic scar is usually covered when a bathing suit is worn, the scars are visible without clothes. The scars will fade with time.

Danger can be involved with many types of surgeries. During tummy tuck surgery, the possible problems that can happen are: bleeding under the skin flap, blood clotting, prominent scarring, a virus, slow healing, loss of skin, and the requirement for additional surgery.

Usually for a tummy tuck a lengthy cut is made right over the pubic region and runs across to each hipbone. Another cut is typically around the belly button, too. If you're getting a partial abdominoplasty than the belly button is not cut and the opening over the pubic region is considerably shorter. The resulting scars will become paler and smooth out over a period of time.

If you are in good health and have hanging abdominal skin or a fat deposit that is large and doesn't go away with exercise and eating right then you may be a good person for getting a tummy tuck. Some women after being pregnant or after gaining a large amount of weight will predominantly have an advantage from getting the operation.