Columbus Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is designed to firm and smooth your abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. This surgical procedure may also tighten the fascia or internal girdle of the abdominal wall. The result is a flatter, tighter abdominal profile.

Why have an abdominoplasty?

• If a healthy diet and regular exercise have not eliminated your excess abdominal skin and fat
• If you have have had significant weight gain and/or loss
• If you have had multiple pregnancies

Procedure:

Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just above the pubic area, extending from hip bone to hip bone. Depending on the amount of skin to be removed, the incision size will vary. For women, the incision is kept within the swimsuit line whenever possible. Working through this incision, Dr. Sullivan may tighten the underlying fascia. Any excess skin from the abdomen is trimmed away. Oftentimes, abdominal stretch marks will be removed; however, it may not be possible to remove them all. In the event of larger amounts of skin, it will be necessary to make a second incision around the navel.

A mini-abdominoplasty is beneficial if the area you are dissatisfied with is below the navel. A mini abdominoplasty requires a shorter horizontal incision and no navel incision. The mini-abdominoplasty will not correct loose skin above the abdomen.

Post-Op Results:

You will have to wear a support garment for the first few weeks to help control the swelling. Soon after surgery, you will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body. Although your scar may begin to fade after a few months, you will always have a scar. A Columbus tummy tuck produces long-lasting results, and unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, you can expect to retain your new shape for many years.

Most patients are able to return to work after two weeks and resume exercise after six weeks. Due to the increased risk of complications associated with flying, patients are not released to fly until four weeks following surgery. All individual pre- and post-operative needs will be discussed with our team of nurses during your comprehensive pre-operative appointment.

Associated Procedures:

• Liposuction—to contour areas not improved with diet and exercise
• Mini-abdominoplasty—if you are dissatisfied with the area below your navel