An abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is placed low on the abdomen and concealed below the bikini line. In most cases, an incision is also made around the navel. The muscles of the abdomen are then tightened with sutures, producing a narrower waistline and flatter abdomen. The extra skin is then removed which further helps with improving the contour of the abdomen. Liposuction is commonly performed to further improve the silhouette of the abdomen.

Abdominoplasty surgery takes approximately 3 hours but may take longer if other procedures are performed at the same time.

Yes! An abdominoplasty is commonly performed on women who have had a c-section in the past. If you have had a c-section, this typically does not change the length of surgery.

Surgery should be delayed until you have completed having children, as pregnancy after an abdominoplasty will re-stretch the abdominal tissues.

A tummy tuck can remove the majority of stretch marks below the belly button. However, a tummy tuck does not remove stretch marks above the belly button and may only partially remove stretch marks that are closer to your flanks.

A mini-abdominoplasty may be an option in some patients where there is mild to minimal extra skin isolated to the area below the navel and if you have a high position of your naval (belly button). Like all procedures, there are potential advantages and disadvantages compared to other tummy tuck techniques. A consultation with Dr. Vaca will help determine if you are a good candidate.

Yes, umbilical hernias are very common after pregnancy and are often repaired at the same time as an abdominoplasty.

All surgical procedures carry a degree of uncertainty and risk. Thankfully, the risk of a major complication is rare.

The principal tradeoff of an abdominoplasty are scars on the abdomen. Poor healing can occur – this is more common in nicotine product users. Unfavorable scarring is more common in patients who experience poor healing. Infection and bleeding are rare but can occur.

After surgery, there will be a change in sensation in the lower abdomen. Sensation recovers over time; however, loss or decreased sensation can be permanent in some areas. Occasionally, fluid can accumulate beneath the skin that may need to be drained.

If you have an umbilical hernia, there is an increased risk of poor healing of the navel. Though rare, the most concerning risk of an abdominoplasty is the formation of a blood clot in your legs (DVT) that can travel to your lungs, otherwise known as a pulmonary embolism (PE), which would require blood thinning medication and other potential treatments. The best way to decrease the risk of a blood clot is to be of a healthy weight prior to surgery and to walk and remain mobile after surgery.