

Most tummy tuck procedures are done on an outpatient basis, but patients who are having an unusually large quantity of skin removed or who are having their tummy tuck done at the same time as another procedure may need to stay in the hospital for one or more nights. Additionally, the type of tummy tuck that you have will also play an important role, as some tummy tucks are more comprehensive and require more time to heal than others. The amount of time it takes for a patient to recover from a tummy tuck procedure typically depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s age, body weight, and overall health. Tummy tuck recovery is a bit different for everyone. This type of abdominoplasty requires the longest recovery, as it is capable of removing the most tissue. Often best suited to patients who have lost a large amount of weight, the incision for a circumferential abdominoplasty extends around the body. Patients who have significant excess skin and fat on both the abdomen and the lower back may benefit from a circumferential abdominoplasty.

The amount of skin and tissue that needs to be removed determines the length of the incision, which usually extends from hip bone to hip bone, allowing the surgeon to work with the skin and muscle as required. While the recovery from a complete abdominoplasty is longer than the recovery from a partial abdominoplasty, the scarring is minimized by placing an incision low on the abdomen at the same level as the underwear or bikini. A mini tummy tuck requires the least recovery time of any of the tummy tuck procedures.Ĭomplete abdominoplasty is performed on patients who have a moderate to a significant amount of fat and skin that need to be removed from the midsection. When a mini tummy tuck is performed, your surgeon may be able to use a limited incision that prevents the procedure from being more invasive than necessary. There are three primary types of tummy tucks: partial abdominoplasty, complete abdominoplasty, and circumferential abdominoplasty.Ī partial abdominoplasty, or mini tummy tuck, is most appropriate for patients who store the majority of their excess fat and skin below the navel and do not require extensive tissue removal. Tummy tucks are commonly performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and want to remove excess hanging skin and fat and people who have experienced pregnancy and want to remove loose skin. The tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a common plastic surgery procedure that helps to flatten the abdomen by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess fat and skin, resulting in a leaner, trimmed appearance. Depending on the amount of excess fat and skin you have, there are several different types of procedures that may be appropriate, but each requires a different period of tummy tuck recovery.

Whether you have experienced pregnancy, lost a significant amount of weight, or are simply bothered by loose, hanging abdominal skin, a tummy tuck can help transform your body and improve your confidence. Tummy tucks are one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States.
