How Long Will It Take To Heal From Having My Abdominal Apron Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have an “apron” that hangs below my pelvic bone due to 3 c-sections. I have had this for 20 years. It is my dream to wear a wedding dress and not see the hang over through the dress. Would I have time to heal before wedding date of late October 2013?

A: Prepare to have your dream come true. One of the most rewarding of all tummy tucks is the removal of the abdominal apron, also known as a pannus. Its dramatic removal creates not only an instantaneous waistline change but a near lifestyle improvement without a floppy bag of tissue getting in the way of clothes, exercise, personal hygiene and intimate relations. Given that your wedding is over six months away, you will be in good shape for your wedding as long as you have the tummy tuck at least 3 months before the big day. The other good news is that after the tummy tuck there is no chance that this abdominal apron will ever come back unless one has more children (I am assuming after 3 that you are having no more) or unless you gain a tremendous amount of weight (greater than 50 lbs) and lose it again.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana