Tummy tuck surgery, also known as an abdominoplasty, is performed to flatten your abdominal area. Your loose skin and excess fat will be removed and your abdominal muscles will be tightened to reveal a slimmer, smoother midsection. Depending on the placement of your strech-marks, most or all of them can be removed during your tummy tuck surgery.

At the time of your initial consultation you will meet with Dr. Brooks to discuss your tummy tuck goals in detail. The surgical steps of your abdominoplasty will be explained and all of your questions will be answered.

A bikini line incision will be made horizontally, from hip bone to hip bone. The incision line may be placed lower or higher to some degree depending on your preferences. A second hidden incision will be made around your belly button.

Once the incisions are made, your skin and fat will be elevated from your abdominal muscles. The elevated skin will be lifted and gently placed up towards your chest giving Dr. Brooks the appropriate space to work on your abs. Your abdominal muscles will be tightened and diastasis-recti repaired with sutures for a firm midsection. Once the muscle tightening is complete, your elevated skin will be gently pulled down toward your bikini line incision, any excess skin and fat that hangs over the incision line will be removed.

Before closing your incisions, Dr. Brooks will make a small opening through your remaining abdominal skin. Your belly button will be pulled through the opening and sutured in its original position. Drainage tubes will be placed, then your incisions will be sutured.

General anesthesia is used so you will be extremely comfortable and asleep during your procedure.

Tummy tuck surgery takes about 1.5 to 3 hours to perform. Once you are awake, and our recovery team has cleared you to go, your arranged ride can drive you home.

You will be asked to walk with a slight bend at the waist for the first 5 days. You will be able to stand up straight after 1 week. Dr. Brooks can prescribe pain medication to help alleviate post surgical discomfort. Plan to take about 7 to 10 days off work for rest and recovery.

You will see the results of your tummy tuck surgery immediately. Post surgical swelling will take a few weeks to resolve and your incision lines will continue to fade over time.

You can see our standard post-operative care instructions for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) here: View Post-Op Care Instructions