How is a tummy-tuck or abdominoplasty done?

Preoperative markings are made just before going back to the operating room. Based on patient preference, the final incision may be planned such that either a V-shaped or a more straight-cut bikini would adequately cover it. With the patient under general anesthesia, the skin and fat is raised away from the covering of the abdominal musculature to the level of the belly button or umbilicus is. A cut is made around the navel, and it is dissected from the surrounding skin and left on a stalk. The abdominal skin flap is the dissected superiorly to the level of the xiphoid bone, the lowest portion of the chest plate. The lower edge of the incision is pulled down and the excess skin and its underlying fat are removed. The edges of the rectus abdominis; the six pack muscle, may be tightened by sewing them together. The deeper layer separating the deep from superficial abdominal fat compartments is closed. Drains are placed under the skin/fat flap; following this the deep and then the superficial layers of the skin are closed. A new opening is made for the navel; the belly-button is then brought through this aperture and sutured in place. To reduce tension on the incision and keep it from spreading, the incisions are covered with Steri-strips™. A binder may be placed for support.