After pregnancy and childbirth, some women have extra skin and fat in the abdomen that is difficult or impossible to eliminate with only diet and exercise. In addition, the belly skin stretches to accommodate the baby during pregnancy and won’t always ‘bounce back’ after the baby is born.
That’s why many mothers want to have a tummy tuck after pregnancy, also called abdominoplasty. This popular procedure removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen, and then the remaining skin is pulled down to make the belly flatter.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), abdominoplasty is consistently one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States. It is especially sought after by patients looking to address changes from pregnancy, aging, and significant weight loss.
Other reasons you may want a tummy tuck include:
- Aging
- Other abdominal surgeries, such as a C-section
- Major weight changes
A tummy tuck can also remove stretch marks on the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles. If you have a lot of extra fat in the belly, liposuction can be used. But patients who are more than 10 or 15 pounds overweight should lose it before a tummy tuck.
Below is critical information to consider if you are thinking about a tummy tuck.
Contents
Tummy Tuck procedure overview
Several procedures can be used during a tummy tuck. Which the surgeon uses what depends on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
The most common procedure is a full tummy tuck, which is appropriate if there is loose skin above and below the belly button. The other procedure is a mini tummy tuck, which works if the only loose skin is above the navel.
After the loose skin and extra fat are removed, the remaining skin is tightened and sutured. The surgeon also may tighten the abdominal muscles with internal sutures. This may be needed for pregnant women because the muscles may have gotten separated during that time.
Tummy Tuck age limits
Many patients wonder if you can be too old for a tummy tuck, such as 50 or older. There’s no age limit for having this procedure; it’s possible to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen in older patients.
A retrospective study of 104 patients older than 55 published in PubMed found that abdominoplasty can be safely performed in carefully selected older patients. It has a total complication rate of 20% and no reported mortality. The study concludes that the procedure does not present increased morbidity or mortality compared to younger populations when patients are appropriately screened. It also emphasizes that this holds true when a single procedure is performed at a time.
Age alone is not a contraindication for a tummy tuck. What matters much more is the patient’s overall health, smoking status, and how close they are to their ideal weight. In our practice, we do thorough preoperative screening for every patient. When an older patient is a good candidate, the results can be just as impressive as they are for younger patients.
– Dr. Lahar
However, as patients enter their 50s, 60s, and beyond, there are several considerations for having any surgery:
- You need to not smoke or use nicotine products for at least a month before and after surgery
- It’s essential to be in good health and tolerate anesthesia and significant surgery without excessive risk.
- You should be close to your ideal weight because heavier patients have more complications
- You need to have plenty of time to rest and recover, especially as an older patient
Regardless of age, you should have realistic expectations of the surgery and not expect it to reverse the aging process.
Mayo Clinic advises that ideal tummy tuck candidates are in good overall health, at a stable weight, and are non-smokers. Patients who are considering future pregnancies should wait, as pregnancy can separate the muscles and stretch the skin that a tummy tuck tightens.
Also, remember that separated abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, are common for women who have had more than one child. Separated abdominal muscles may give the belly a protruding appearance, no matter how much you diet and exercise.
One of the other benefits of a tummy tuck is that the surgeon can reattach the abdominal muscles with internal sutures. In addition to removing loose belly skin, this procedure will give the stomach a flat and smooth appearance.
Repairing the abdominal muscles also has functional benefits for older women. A stronger abdominal wall can improve posture, reduce lower back pain, and enhance balance over time. A study published in PubMed confirms that abdominoplasty addresses both the cosmetic and structural components of abdominal laxity. Muscle plication plays a key role in achieving a lasting, functional result.
After the Tummy Tuck
After the procedure, the incision above or below the belly button will be covered with bandages. The surgeon may insert drains to remove extra blood and fluid, but they are usually removed after three days.
Some patients may go home the same day, but your medical team might keep you overnight. Likewise, if a friend or family member takes you home, they should stay with you overnight.
You’ll be sore and unable to stand up entirely for a few weeks, so if you have small children, help will be required around the house.
The surgeon will give you prescription pain medication for the first one or two weeks. Expect pain, swelling, and bruising, but they will fade after a few weeks. Take Tylenol if pain lasts after the first two weeks.
Your surgeon will fit you with an abdominal binder that you must wear for six weeks, except when showering. This will reduce swelling and avoid fluid buildup. It also gives the abdomen more support during the healing process.
Remember that it will take at least one or two months to fade most of the swelling. This means you need to be patient for your results, but the wait is worth it.
This is a significant operation with two months of recovery, so consider other surgeries simultaneously, such as breast augmentation or a Brazilian butt lift.
Tummy Tuck risks
Most tummy tucks go well without significant complications. But remember: This is major surgery, and there are risks. The most common complications are:
- Seroma: This is fluid accumulation under the abdominal incision. Drainage tubes usually are inserted to remove extra fluid.
- Poor healing: The incision area may not heal properly and become infected. Thes surgeon can provide antibiotics to clear this up.
- Excessive scarring: The incision from the procedure is permanent. But it’s hidden where the underwear and bikini line is. How long depends on the surgeon and procedure.
- Tissue damage: Fatty tissue in the abdomen could die after the procedure. Smoking makes this outcome more likely. If it happens, you may need more surgery.
- Sensation changes; Moving the abdominal muscles can affect the abdominal nerves and sometimes the upper thighs. This usually goes away after a few months.
A systematic review of abdominoplasty outcomes published in PubMed found that minor complication rates average around 25% across prospective studies. Seroma and wound healing issues were the most frequently reported, while major complications such as venous thromboembolism occurred in 2% to 8% of cases across three reported series.
The risk profile of tummy tuck surgery is well-understood and very manageable with careful patient selection. In our practice, we take a thoughtful approach to drains, compression, and early mobilization.
– Dr. Lahar
A tummy tuck offers many women a flat stomach and higher self-confidence. Complications are rare, and the procedure can work well in people over 50.
Request a Tummy Tuck consultation
Thinking about a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills? Dr. Nicholas Lahar is pleased to provide plastic surgery procedures to his Beverly Hills patients. He will discuss your aesthetic goals during your consultation and help you decide if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Tummy Tuck.
- Mayo Clinic. Tummy Tuck: About.
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty. StatPearls/PubMed. 2017.
- Neinstein RM, et al. Outcomes of Patients Older Than 55 Years Undergoing Abdominoplasty After Bariatric Surgery. PubMed. 2021.
- Staalesen T, et al. A Systematic Review of Outcomes of Abdominoplasty. PubMed. 2012.