A Tummy Tuck Does More Than Remove Skin and Fat

In medicine, the procedure is known as an abdominoplasty . In common parlance, it’s a tummy tuck. Many view it as cosmetic surgery to remove unwanted bulges or loose skin around the abdomen, especially in restoring women’s figures following pregnancy. This so-called “mommy makeover ” procedure does remove excess skin and fat, but it also restores separated or weakened muscles in most cases.

This is done through a horizontal incision located between the navel and the pubic hairline. The size of the incision depends on how much excess skin is to be removed. A shorter, lower incision could be made in cases where the excess skin and fat is limited only to the area below the belly button. This is known as a mini or a limited tummy tuck. Swelling in the area will generally subside in 2-4 weeks, and the full results can be seen as soon as 8 weeks after the surgery. Incision lines will steadily fade and flatten for up to a year.

Before and after tummy tuck photos show tighter muscle tone and renewed shape for better posture and potential incontinence relief in addition to a well-formed appearance.