A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for. Diet, exercise, more diet, and more exercise sometimes cannot achieve the results we’d like to see. Even individuals with normal weight can develop an abdomen that protrudes or that is loose and sagging. These may be caused by pregnancy, aging, weight loss, heredity, and prior surgery.

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while restoring weakened or separated abdominal muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile.

The procedure is performed under regional or general anesthesia. It begins with a transverse incision across the abdomen, from hip bone to hip bone. A second incision involves a circular incision to separate the navel from the surrounding abdominal skin. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall to expose the muscle fascia. If loose, the muscles are tightened with non-absorbable sutures. Excess skin is then stretched and removed. The remaining skin is then redraped over the incision and sutured into place. A hole is made to approximate the position of the navel and sutures into position.

Contrary to popular belief, the belly button is not repositioned during tummy tucks. The navel stays where it is and the skin is just redraped around it. After redraping, the surgeon can even adjust the size of the belly button with a bit of nipping and tucking.

Being a major surgical procedure, the patient can expect a considerable recovery time as compared to other plastic surgery procedures. Most patients will require between one to three weeks before returning to work and assuming a normal schedule. Daily activities are restricted for about 6 weeks to give time for the healing process to occur.

Swelling, bruising, and mild post-operative pain are expected. These are also expected to disappear in a couple of days. Post-operative pain is controlled with oral analgesics. Within the first six months, the abdominal scars can be expected to improve and flatten. The scars do not completely disappear but are strategically placed in positions which can be covered by underwear or bikinis.

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck. Furthermore, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks located above the navel, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button.

Good candidates understand the procedure and have realistic expectations. The repair and tightening of the abdominal muscles, along with the removal of the excess skin, may greatly improve body contour and appearance. Improved appearance may improve self-confidence and may change the way others interact with you. However, the surgery cannot bring back your youth or create the ideal figure. There is also no guarantee that other people will treat you differently after surgery.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary.

The decision to have a tummy tuck is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Article by JOEL UNSON MD, a fully trained Filipino Plastic Surgeon. For more information on tummy tuck and other plastic surgery procedures in the Philippines, you may visit his website at