If you have excess skin and fat folds on your abdomen caused by weight loss or pregnancy it is likely that you will benefit from an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. The procedure can sometimes also remove some stretch marks. A tummy tuck will enhance your shape by making your stomach firmer and flatter.

Prior to surgery, Dr. McLean will assess how much excess fat and loose skin you have in your abdomen as well as the condition of your stomach muscles.

There are several approaches to this procedure depending upon the amount of skin and fat to be removed. Dr. McLean will talk to you about the method he feels will achieve the best result in your case. The standard abdominoplasty incision is made above the pubic area extends in a line toward the pelvic bones. Effort is always taken to keep the incision within the area covered by a bathing suit or undergarment. A more limited excision of skin and fat may be done in a "Mini" abdominoplasty, a procedure usually accompanied by liposuction of the rest of the abdomen.

The most common complication is fluid accumulation under the skin. A drainage tube us usually placed at the time of surgery and removed in few days to prevent your having to have fluid removed later in several office visits. It is possible to experience tissue loss at the abdominoplasty incision. Tissue loss happens more in those who smoke, have diabetes or hypertension, and who are obese.

You will be given a support garment to wear for several weeks and you should not sit for long periods in the week after your surgery.

While bruising and swelling disappear over a few weeks, numbness in a limited area of the abdomen may persist. Scars will be red in color for some time following surgery and will likely always be visible. The scars rarely fade to very faint lines.