Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominoplasty

Most women know that "tummy tuck" can give you a flatter, firmer abdomen. But if you are considering a tummy tuck, you probably still have questions. Here are some answers

Note: If you are already scheduled for a tummy tuck, please click this link for a printable Informed Consent Form, You must sign this form before you surgery. If you print it here and complete it at home, you will save time in the office.

Q: Are there different types of adominoplasty?
A: Abdominoplasty can vary depending on the needs of the patient. An abdominoplasty can be simple in which we would take out a small amount of skin in the lower abdomen and perhaps placate or suture together the loose muscles. Sometimes people will need a full extended abdominoplasty extending the dissection all the way to the rib cage, cutting around the umbilicus, placating the muscles and removing the skin.

Q: How much pain is there associated with abdominoplasty?
A: The pain associated with an abdominoplasty is primarily associated with when we do a tightening of the muscles. During the course of the operation when I tighten the muscles I put in long acting anesthetic agents to minimize the pain that is associated with the Abdominoplasty. There is also usually a drain placed in the lower abdomen that will remain in for several days.

Q: What kind of recovery time is there?
A: Most of the recovery is based on the type of work that you do, for the first 3 to 4 days it is imperative that you either walk or lie with your feet elevated. It is most important that you not sit for prolonged periods of time to minimize the possibility or chance of blood clots forming. I think that real physical activity such as golf, tennis, aerobics, etc. should not be resumed for 3 to 4 weeks.

Q: When can I go back to work?
A: Again this depends on the type of work that you do. It is imperative that if you have a desk job and you go back to work, that you have frequent periods of ambulation so as not to allow any stasis or minimize the risks of blood clots forming.

Q: What if I get pregnant again? Can I get pregnant again?
A: Many women ask if they have a tummy tuck and then 2 to 3 years later get pregnant how will pregnancy affect the tummy tuck. There is no question it will not affect your ability to get pregnant and if you do get pregnant then your skin will stretch and how it will contract after the delivery will vary from patient to patient. Many women during the course of a pregnancy will develop stretch marks and usually the stretch marks from the belly button to the pubic area will be eliminated during the course of a full abdominoplasty.

Q: Can liposuction be done at the same time and is it common?
A: Many times when we do an Abdominoplasty on a patient we are actually contouring the middle portion of the abdomen and I would say that a large percentage of women who want to have the abdominoplasty will also have suctioning of the flanks. This will contour the middle section and also really enhance the overall effect of the abdominoplasty. In many cases we may suction the upper inner thighs or the knees in conjunction with the Abdominoplasty.

I say consider because a "tummy tuck" may not be right for you.

During your free, confidential consultation with me, I will examine your specific situation and discuss with you if you should be a candidate for a "tummy tuck.

Besides removing flab, a "tummy tuck" also strengthens weakened or separated muscles. A "tummy tuck" can be performed along with liposuction, or liposuction may be an alternative to a "tummy tuck" if localized fat is the sole reason for the problem.

The video presentation uses professional models for demonstartion purposes. It does not represent actual surgery by Dr. Brueck. Before-and-after photographs of Dr. Brueck's work may be accessed here.

If you want to know more about whether or not a "tummy tuck" is for you, use the Ask Dr Brueck secure inquiry form to send me your question. Please realize that email is inherently unsecured since your message may be read by a third party when icomes into our office. If this concerns you call me at 239-939-5233 instead. (If you would prefer to speak with a woman, ask for Judy when you call.)

What did she look like before?

Here are a few facts about me :

I am Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained in plastic surgery.
With 29 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including five straight years (2003-2008) of recognition by Gulfshore Life magazine as one of the top plastic surgeons in Southwest Florida (Northport to Marco Island), I am dedicated to beautiful results and the highest quality patient care.

If you woild like to view BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS of Dr. Brueck's abdominoplasty work, click the link above. Please recognize that before and after photos may be offensive to some people. If that includes you or you are under 18 years old, please do not view the before and after page.

Dr. Brueck practices in a state-of-the-art Fort Myers facility for plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. The office incorporates the most advanced technologies and the latest treatment therapies The goal is to provide you with the very best in surgical and non-surgical results.


While tummy tucks and liposuction are all primary cosmetic surgery procedures offered by Dr. Brueck, he also provides a wide variety of additional plastic and reconstructive services to patients throughout the Fort Myers and greater Naples area of Southwest Florida.

Dr. Brueck also performs breast enhancement, breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reductions and breast reconstruction, chin implants, face lifts, forehead lifts, neck lifts and eyelid surgeries (blepharoplasty).

Non-surgical procedures include laser hair removal, laser resurfacing, Obagi, Botox and Restylane.

If you think you might be a candidate for a tummy tuck or liposuction, please schedule a free, private and confidential consultation and a full cosmetic surgery evaluation with Dr. Brueck.

You may contact Dr. Brueck by telephone at 239-939-5233, through email or through his Aesthetic Co-ordinator, Judy.