Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

The diagrams below show the position of the youthful abdominal rectus muscle , left, and the damaged muscle following childbirth, age, or weight loss (right).

Because there is no central muscle tone anymore, the stomach and intestines are allow to bulge out. While this is not a true hernia—insurance will not pay for the repair—the midsection protrusion that troubles many moms can only be repaired with a tummy tuck. Simple liposuction will leave the problem uncorrected.

You are most likely right. Stretched out skin will only contract slightly after pregnancy or weight loss. We have a non-excisional solution for mild to moderate skin excess, when you need less than a 33% contraction (see RF assisted abdominal contouring). However, if you have pendulous skin that hangs over a scar or in a swimsuit, you are like to need a tummy tuck.

The patient below had a tummy tuck by Dr. Duncan at age 30. She returned 12 years later for another concern. She maintained her results by following a careful diet and going to the gym 4 times a week.

Dr. Duncan uses a pain pump, filled with long acting local anesthetic, in addition to giving you a prescription for pain medication. This lasts for four days. Usually patients do not need pain medication other than Tylenol past this point.

The pain pump slowly drives the liquid medication through two IV-like catheters that are inserted just below the rib cage. These small tubes are removed on day 4. There is a drain in the lower abdomen that Dr. Duncan will take out about one week postop.

Many of our patients have an intolerance to codeine based pain medication. We have several alternatives including Tramadol, muscle relaxants, and Meloxicam. About 25% of our patients need no pain medication if the pain pump is used.