There will be pain and swelling for a few days after your abdominoplasty, and there will be some residual soreness for weeks, maybe even months. You may need to take up to a month off of work, and any strenuous activity will have to wait six weeks. Dr. Saltz will give you detailed instructions on how to best handle your recovery.

Your tummy tuck from Dr. Saltz will look great for decades, as long as you maintain a healthy weight and follow some sort of exercise routine. Weight gain can negate the surgery’s results.

Skin is elastic and resilient, but there is a point at which, if overstretched, it will not rebound to its previous state. This can happen when the stomach is stretched by pregnancy or massive weight gain (and subsequent loss), leaving you with sagging skin or a protruding stomach pouch. Both men and women can benefit from tummy tuck surgery. But a tummy tuck is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss method, and is intended for people at a healthy, stable weight. As with any surgical procedure, successful abdominoplasty candidates are generally in good health with no serious medical complications. Women need to be sure they are not going to become pregnant and have another child, as this will negate the results of the tummy tuck.

Abdominoplasty with Dr. Saltz is major surgery, and it entails the risks inherent with any surgery: excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, reaction to anesthesia, infection, keloid scar formation, and the like. However, Dr. Saltz has extensive experience with these procedures and they have proven to be very safe and very satisfying for our patients. The most significant and rare risks of abdominoplasty surgery are pulmonary complications and blood clots, which are prevented by using leg compression devices, blood thinners, early ambulation, and respiratory exercises. Patients at higher risk are kept in the hospital overnight for observation and intense early ambulation.

Recovery from your tummy tuck will involve some pain. This procedure can create a long incision just above the pubic area (the size of the scar depends on how much loose skin is to be removed), and Dr. Saltz repositions and anchors underlying muscles and the abdominal skin. Once the core muscles are brought back together with permanent stitches, numbing medication is injected directly on the fascia surrounding the muscle so patients have no pain when they wake up. Pain pills will be necessary for the first few days of your recovery. After your initial recovery, you can have residual soreness that comes and goes for weeks. You’ll need to be cognizant of your incision and try not to stress it too much.

A mini tummy tuck is similar to a standard tummy tuck, only more conservative. This procedure may be ideal for you if you have a "mini" amount of skin and fat to address. During the mini tummy tuck, Dr. Saltz makes an incision that may measure only a few inches long. This is made in between the hips where the resulting scar will be hidden by a bathing suit or underpants. Like the full tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck involves muscle tightening, fat removal as needed, and skin trimming to sculpt the lower abdomen. Your belly button is untouched during this mini procedure.

The purpose of the abdominoplasty procedure is primarily to resolve the issue of severe tissue laxity. The correction of stretch marks is an added bonus that may or may not be possible. If you have stretch marks in the area from which excess skin will be removed, your stretch marks may be eliminated. If your stretch marks extend beyond the area of surgical focus, such as around your sides or higher up above your belly button, they will not be removed through your tummy tuck. That said, because your abdomen will be flatter and smoother after surgery, the appearance of your stretch marks may be less prominent than before.

In general, we encourage patients to take a full two weeks off to heal after a tummy tuck. During this time, the primary objective is to rest as much as needed. Your body will tell you how much rest you need and how much activity you can tolerate. While you do need to walk a little bit here and there every day, this is only to prevent blood clots due to inactivity. Aside from walking, you will not engage in many tasks. No cooking or cleaning. No exercise, just rest and sleep. You may return to work after two weeks provided that you do not have to meet certain physical demands as part of your job. Even after two weeks, though, you may feel sore and tender, and you may tire more easily for some time. Your body has a lot of healing to do in the deeper layers of your abdomen, so be patient. Rest assured that our staff is available to support you through your recovery period after your tummy tuck.

After your abdominoplasty procedure, your belly button and incision will be covered with an appropriate dressing. You may have drains in place and will need to wear a compression garment. These necessary bandages and drains can obscure your tummy for at least a few days. If you observe your tummy when you awaken from anesthesia, you may notice that it looks flatter and tighter, but it will also look swollen. It may look extraordinarily tight due to the restructuring of your abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin. It is important not to observe your immediate appearance as an indication of your final outcome from surgery. In fact, Dr. Saltz or the surgical staff may advise against looking at the area until your first follow-up visit.

While tummy tuck drains are in place, you cannot shower as you normally would. For this brief period of having drains, you will take sponge baths as needed to remain comfortable and clean. You may need assistance with this task to obtain the most benefit. However, even on your own, seated safely, you can wet a soft cloth in warm soapy water and clean your body. Take extra care around your incision and belly button.

Pregnancy after a tummy tuck can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin, potentially reversing the results. If this happens, a revision surgery may be needed to restore your desired appearance.

Yes, your surgeon will take care to create a natural-looking belly button during the procedure. The placement and contouring of the belly button are carefully planned to complement your new abdominal profile, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and realistic appearance.

Yes, men can undergo tummy tuck surgery tailored to their anatomy and goals. For men, the focus is often on removing excess skin and fat while creating a flatter, more masculine abdominal contour. The techniques may vary slightly to ensure the results align with male body aesthetics.

Follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring your healing process and ensuring optimal results. Dr. Saltz will check your incisions, remove any sutures or drains (if used), and address any concerns. You’ll also receive guidance on scar care, activity restrictions, and timelines for resuming normal activities.

In addition to a flatter and firmer abdomen, a tummy tuck can improve posture by tightening weakened abdominal muscles, which may reduce lower back pain. Some patients also experience improved self-confidence and clothing fit, enhancing their quality of life.