Tummy Tuck: Plastic Surgery | Cleveland Clinic

Overview

When diet and exercise fail to achieve the waistline you desire, Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center offers the expertise of plastic surgeons who have perfected procedures to help you attain a flat, well-toned abdomen.

There are variations to the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure:

Standard tummy tuck

Addresses lower abdominal fullness, loose, sagging skin, stretch marks and fat common after aging, pregnancy and weight loss.
Surgically removes excess fat and skin from abdomen.
Tightens weakened or separated muscles above and below the belly button (creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer).
The length of the scar made in the same area as the C section scar depends on the amount of excess skin. There is an incision around the belly button since this needs to be moved when skin is removed.

Mini-abdominoplasty

A smaller operation which limits the length of the scar, does not move the belly button, and is suggested for minor problems of skin excess and generally younger patients.
Surgical removal of fat and skin; specifically, the area below the belly button.
Tightens the weakened muscles below the belly button.
The scar is horizontal, situated above the pubis.

Lipo-abdominoplasty

This procedure combines the benefits of an abdominoplasty with liposuction.
Addresses the fat or fullness of the upper abdomen with liposuction that a standard tummy tuck will not address.

Extended Abdominoplasty (“Fluer-De-Lis”)

This is an abdominoplasty procedure for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and have a large amount of extra skin. This operation removes skin through both a lower horizontal incision and using an incision that runs vertically from under the rib cage to the pubic area.

Panniculectomy

This operation only removes extra, overhanging skin just above the pubis and does not make an incision around the belly button. It is reserved for patients with problems such as rashes under the extra roll of skin, difficulty with hygiene and skin infections. (these conditions are most common in patients after large amounts of weight loss).

Why choose us?

Experts at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center have advanced training in tummy tuck. When considering tummy tuck, always look for a surgeon with significant experience. A good rule of thumb is to see a surgeon recommended by your primary care doctor, family members or friends who have had a positive experience.

You should feel comfortable with the surgeon. You should ask how many such procedures the surgeon has done, and you should review before and after photographs of their past procedures. Make sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon about their credentials, training and how many procedures they performed.

Learn more about Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center.

Before & After Photos

This is a woman in her early fifties who lost 130 pounds. She underwent a circumferential abdominoplasty and is shown before surgery (left) and 6 months after surgery (right).
This is a woman in her early fifties who lost 130 pounds. She underwent a circumferential abdominoplasty and is shown before surgery (left) and 6 months after surgery (right).
This is a woman in her early forties who had previous weight loss and wished to improve her abdominal area. She is shown before abdominoplasty (left) and not even 2 months after surgery (right).
This is a woman in her early forties who had previous weight loss and wished to improve her abdominal area. She is shown before abdominoplasty (left) and not even 2 months after surgery (right).
This is a 40-year-old woman who wished for improvement of her abdominal contour and excess skin after childbirth. She is shown before abdominoplasty (left) and 6 months after surgery (right).
This is a 40-year-old woman who wished for improvement of her abdominal contour and excess skin after childbirth. She is shown before abdominoplasty (left) and 6 months after surgery (right).
This is a woman in her early forties who after childbirth, wished for cosmetic improvement of her abdomen. She is shown before abdominoplasty (left) and nearly 3 months after (right).
This is a woman in her early forties who after childbirth, wished for cosmetic improvement of her abdomen. She is shown before abdominoplasty (left) and nearly 3 months after (right).
This is a woman in her late fifties who lost nearly 50 pounds and desired correction of skin laxity and excess fat in the abdomen. She is shown before circumferential abdominoplasty(left) and 5 months after (right).
This is a woman in her late fifties who lost nearly 50 pounds and desired correction of skin laxity and excess fat in the abdomen. She is shown before circumferential abdominoplasty(left) and 5 months after (right).

How to Prepare

What is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)? What is panniculectomy?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty surgery, is a type of abdominal plastic surgery that removes excess fat. Lipoabdominoplasty is a variation of the standard abdominoplasty described above but combines liposuction with skin and fat removal. It requires similar scars above the pubis and around the belly button.

Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)? Am I a candidate for a panniculectomy?

The ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are those who have a combination of loose or excess skin on their abdomen and/or excess abdominal fat. Almost all women who have had children will also have some degree of abdominal muscle laxity. Any of these conditions, or all three, can be corrected by a tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck surgery is a good option for a patient if:

You are physically healthy and at a stable weight.
You have realistic expectations.
You are a non-smoker.
You are bothered by the feeling that your stomach is too large.

Panniculectomy candidates typically suffer from obesity, have recently experienced significant weight loss or suffer post-pregnancy issues with excessive fat located below the belly button.

The best way to determine if you are a candidate for tummy tuck or panniculectomy is through a consultation with a plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center.

What to Expect

How do I prepare for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and/or panniculectomy?

Preparing for your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center will include a discussion with your plastic surgeon about your health, desires and lifestyle.

To ensure the best results from your tummy tuck, be prepared to discuss:

Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome..
Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments..
Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs..
Previous surgeries..

Your Cleveland Clinic plastic surgeon will also:

Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors..
Take photographs for your medical record..
Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment..
Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications..
Order bloodwork, an EKG and obtain surgical clearance (for panniculectomy)..
Ask you to stop taking aspirin-containing products two weeks prior to surgery.

How is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) performed?

In a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic hairline. The length of this lower abdominal incision is determined by the amount of excess skin.

The skin is then dissected up toward the rib cage, the muscle is tightened, the belly button is repositioned, and excess skin is removed. Your cosmetic surgeon may also recommend combining liposuction with your tummy tuck for best results. In cases where loose skin extends towards the back, the incision can be lengthened into the back area performing a “circumferential abdominoplasty.”

The tummy tuck procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia and can be performed in an outpatient setting or with a one-night stay at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. The procedure itself requires anywhere from two to four hours to perform. Drains are most often used and are removed several days following the procedure.

How is panniculectomy performed?

Panniculectomy may be performed as a single procedure. The procedure may also be performed with another abdominal surgery, such as a hysterectomy, repair of the abdominal wall or hernia repair. When done alone, the panniculectomy is intended to only remove the overhanging skin and fat (it is not a cosmetic procedure).

The procedure involves an incision just above the pubic area extending outward toward the hips. The length of the incision depends upon the amount of skin to be removed. Depending on the size of the pannus, the naval might get pulled down or completely removed with the panniculectomy. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on these details in your pre-operative consult.

Panniculectomy at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center may be done in an outpatient setting or require an overnight stay, depending on the particular circumstances of your procedure.

What are the different types of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures?

There are three different types of tummy tuck procedures offered at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. The degree of loose skin, excess fat or laxity of the stomach muscle (in addition to a full consultation with your plastic surgeon) will determine whether a traditional or complete abdominoplasty, a partial mini abdominoplasty or circumferential abdominoplasty is right for you.

Learn more about these tummy tuck options:

Complete Abdominoplasty

A complete abdominoplasty procedure requires an incision above the pubic hairline, an incision around the umbilicus (belly button) and a tightening of the rectus abdominis muscles (the pair of muscles that run vertically on each side of the stomach’s front wall). Muscle tightening, as well as skin removal, is the most important step in improving the stomach’s contour. Liposuction may also be performed at the same time of a complete tummy tuck.

Partial or Mini Abdominoplasty

The mini abdominoplasty is performed on those patients with mild to moderate tummy contour changes, relatively little skin excess and little weakness of the abdominal wall. In the mini abdominoplasty procedure, the navel incision is avoided. Liposuction may also be performed at the time of mini abdominoplasty surgery.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty

Skin laxity or skin excess is a three-dimensional issue and involves not only the abdominal area, but also the back region. When there is significant excess fat in the back area, as well, abdominoplasty can be performed with liposuction of the back region or circumferential abdominoplasty. The benefit of the circumferential abdominoplasty procedure is that both skin and fat can be removed in the hip and back region, improving your body contour three dimensionally.

Results

What results can I expect?

After a Tummy Tuck Procedure (Abdominoplasty)

Whether you’re having a partial or complete tummy tuck at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center, the overall result will be a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.

Your final results after the abdominal plastic surgery may be initially hidden by swelling and the inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Your new slimmer profile should begin to be apparent within a week or two following surgery. It may take several weeks or even months to see full results.

After a Panniculectomy

The panniculectomy is performed to correct problems, such as recurrent infections under the overhanging skin, back pain caused by skin and fat excess. This procedure is not considered cosmetic and does not address fullness above the belly button.

While it will take a few months after surgery to realize final results, your body’s new contour will be permanent, providing that your weight remains stable. An additional benefit for most patients is that changes in their weight do not result in accumulation in the waist as it did before the procedure.

Following up with a plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center is the best way to ensure long-lasting results from your panniculectomy.

What is involved in recovery?

After a Tummy Tuck Procedure (Abdominoplasty)

Following your tummy tuck procedure, the incision site will be stitched and bandaged. It’s very important that you follow all your surgeon’s instructions on wearing a garment (if you are given one) and caring for the bandage in the days following surgery. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain.

Tummy tuck procedures are often performed in an outpatient setting or with a one-night stay at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. If your tummy tuck is completed in an outpatient setting, make sure to bring someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

You will have to severely limit strenuous exercise for four to six weeks as you go through the healing process (in addition to possibly needing to take up to one month off work after surgery to ensure the recovery and results). Your cosmetic surgeon will help you determine a recovery based on your personal situation.

After a Panniculectomy

Following a panniculectomy, your surgeon will instruct you on how best to shower and bathe. Use a supportive abdominal garment only if your surgeon recommends it.

You will need to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks, but most people can usually return to work within two weeks of the procedure. Any stitches in the skin are generally removed in about a week. You will also have deeper sutures that dissolve on their own.

Is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and panniculectomy safe?

All surgical procedures carry some risk. Possible risks of tummy tuck and panniculectomy procedures include:

Bleeding (hematoma).
Infection.
Fluid accumulation.
Poor wound healing.
Skin loss.
Unfavorable scarring.
Anesthesia risks.
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation.
Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling.
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis).
Major wound separation.
Asymmetry.
Recurrent looseness of skin.
Pain (possibly persistent).
Deep vein thrombosis, (Blood Clots) cardiac and pulmonary complications.
Persistent swelling in the legs.
Nerve damage.
Possibility of revisional surgery.

Insurance & Financing

Insurance rarely covers the cost of elective cosmetic surgery and procedures. Please call 216.444.4004 and ask to speak with one of our financial representatives who can explain payment options, including CareCredit financing.