Full Tummy Tuck (Complete Abdominoplasty)

Full Tummy Tuck (Complete Abdominoplasty)

Full Tummy Tuck Surgery is a cosmetic surgery performed in order to remove excess skin above and below the naval. A full tummy tuck or complete abdominoplasty is far more invasive than the mini tummy tuck and requires more time for both the surgery and the healing process. A full tummy tuck is a major procedure and should only be performed by a skilled plastic surgeon.

When performing a full tummy tuck, the cosmetic / plastic surgeon will make a large incision from hip to hip and an additional incision around the naval in order to pull the skin loose from it. Next, the abdominal wall is revealed by peeling back the skin covering it. With a full tummy tuck the skin is pulled back farther than a mini tummy tuck. The abdominal wall is sutured together in a process that both strengthens and reduces the size of the waste. The skin is pulled down over the abdomen and the excess is removed. The surgeon will then cut a new belly button hole and reattached the skin to the abdominal wall.

Full tummy tucks require a significant amount of recovery. It is recommended for a patient who receives this surgery to not perform any difficult activities for at least 2 weeks after the surgery. The patient can also expect a good deal of pain the first couple of days post operation.

Ideal full tummy tuck candidates include moms after multiple pregnancies and people who have lost a large amount of weight. The excess skin that results oftentimes will not come off even with proper exercise and dieting.

For more information on mini tummy tuck surgery visit our General Information Page for Abdominoplasty Surgery.