Commonly referred to as a "tummy tuck", abdominoplasty is a procedure designed to flatten and tighten the abdomen. Additionally it may tighten the waistline and reposition and improve the appearance of the navel. Abdominoplasty is very often combined with liposuction of the region to optimize the results. Old poorly healed scars and stretch marks may also be revised, removed or improved with the surgery.

Abdominoplasty is an ideal procedure for the correction of the skin laxity and "pot belly" that results from aging and pregnancy. This protuberant lower abdominal region is very often resistant to exercise and diet. The excess skin and fat are removed with the surgery, the navel made more youthful appearing, and the abdominal muscles around the waistline are tightened.

Before Surgery:

Some issues considered at the time of your consultation include:

• Your will wake up wearing a support garment (like a girdle) which you must wear for the first four to six weeks depending on the extent of the procedure
• 48 hours after surgery:  your first post-operative visit, incision check, you may begin showering after which you replace the garment.  Swelling, pain and bruising are at their maximum
• 2 - 4 weeks following surgery:  most pain swelling and bruising is resolved, residual swelling slowly decreases but may take months to completely resolve.  Patient may return to work and normal daily activities.
• 4 - 6 weeks following surgery:  remove compression / support garment, return to exercising, heavy lifting etc.  Results are very long lasting, barring any major fluctuations in weight.