Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in La Jolla California

Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is a popular procedure for removal of stretched, loose, and excess skin and fat from the lower part of the abdomen. The effects of aging, multiple pregnancy and major weight loss contribute to weakening of the abdominal muscles. When skin has been stretched and loses its ability to 'snap back', it has to be surgically removed.

Abdominoplasty may involve liposuction, either alone or in combination with removal of skin. Some tummy tucks are done without "repositioning" the navel, by removing skin only from the lower-most part of the abdomen ("mini" abdominoplasty). View tummy tuck photos.

A "full" abdominoplasty generally takes two to two and a half hours of surgery time. They are all done on an outpatient basis (with rare exceptions). The navel is kept in its original position, as the skin around it is lifted and pulled downward, a new "belly-button hole" is made and stitched around the navel. There is a scar across the lower abdomen, kept low enough to conceal below the "swim-suit" line.

Surgical drain tubes are used to remove accumulations of fluid that may form during the recovery period, usually for the first week. Accumulation of fluid is called a "seroma", and it is fairly common after abdominoplasty. This can usually be treated with needle aspiration during office visits scheduled after surgery. A binder may be used and may help, but not prevent all seromas.