Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) for a Firmer, Flatter Abdomen
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin, tightening weakened abdominal muscles, and restoring a smoother, firmer contour. In some cases, it may also include repair of an abdominal hernia, which can occur due to muscle separation, often following pregnancy.
Candidacy for Abdominoplasty
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck at McKinnon Plastic Surgery are individuals who:
- Are in good overall health
- Maintain a stable body weight
- Have moderate excess abdominal skin or muscle laxity
- Have a body mass index (BMI) under 30
A comprehensive in-office consultation is essential prior to surgery. This includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and a discussion of the patient’s goals, expectations, risks, and potential benefits. While abdominoplasty is generally safe, it is a major surgical procedure, and potential risks—though uncommon—may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Skin or muscle injury
- Intestinal injury
- Scarring
- Need for revision surgery
Hernia Repair and Abdominoplasty
An abdominal hernia involves a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall, often associated with pregnancy or prior surgery. When present, hernia repair can be performed at the same time as abdominoplasty for both functional and aesthetic improvement. In some cases, hernia repair may be covered by insurance, depending on the patient’s plan.
Abdominoplasty Procedure Overview
At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, abdominoplasty is performed in a hospital or accredited surgical center under general anesthesia and is typically an outpatient procedure.
A standard tummy tuck includes:
- A horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, positioned just above the pubic area and designed to be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear
- A second incision around the umbilicus (belly button)
- Elevation of the abdominal skin and fat layer up to the rib cage
- Tightening of the abdominal muscles (when necessary) by suturing the fascia to restore core strength and contour
- Removal of excess skin and fat
- Repositioning of the belly button to its natural location
- Placement of drains to prevent fluid accumulation
- Layered closure of the incision for optimal healing
A supportive abdominal binder and dressings are applied after surgery to reduce swelling, minimize fluid buildup, and improve comfort.
Recovery and Healing Timeline
The abdominoplasty procedure typically takes about two hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Postoperative recovery includes:
- Follow-up visit within 2 days after surgery
- Drain removal typically within 4–5 days
- Initial swelling subsiding within 10 days
- Residual swelling gradually resolving over 8–10 weeks
- Temporary reduced skin sensation lasting several weeks
- Gradual improvement in comfort as muscles heal
Patients can usually resume light activities within a few weeks and return to full exercise after approximately one month, depending on individual healing progress.
Customized Abdominoplasty Options
There are several variations of the standard tummy tuck procedure, including modified or limited abdominoplasty techniques, which may be appropriate depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals.
A personalized consultation at McKinnon Plastic Surgery ensures that the most appropriate surgical approach is selected to achieve safe, effective, and natural-looking results.
Results and Expectations
Abdominoplasty provides a long-lasting improvement in abdominal contour, particularly for patients with excess skin or muscle laxity that cannot be corrected through diet and exercise alone. The goal is a flatter, firmer abdomen with improved body confidence, while maintaining natural proportions and minimizing visible scarring.
With proper patient selection and expert surgical care, abdominoplasty is a highly effective procedure for restoring abdominal tone and enhancing overall body aesthetics.
Why Choose McKinnon Plastic Surgery For Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty requires careful surgical planning to safely remove excess tissue while restoring abdominal wall support and contour. Dr. McKay McKinnon has decades of surgical experience performing procedures involving soft tissue reconstruction and anatomical reshaping.
His training includes work on the Harvard Surgical Service, followed by a plastic surgery residency at the University of Miami, where he developed extensive experience in surgical technique and patient-centered treatment planning.
Each abdominoplasty procedure is planned individually to address the patient’s anatomy while prioritizing surgical safety and long-term stability.
Abdominoplasty In Chicago, IL & Coral Gables, FL
Abdominoplasty can improve abdominal contour by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall. Patients in Chicago, IL, and Coral Gables, FL, interested in tummy tuck surgery can contact McKinnon Plastic Surgery at (312) 335-9566 in Chicago or (305) 753-1400 in Coral Gables to schedule a consultation.
