Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is specifically designed for those who have suffered the pregnancy stretch-out, weight gain and loss with subsequent floppy belly, or just laxity from the passage of time. A thoughtful approach to re-beautifying the abdomen directs our pre-operative surgical planning toward excess skin and fat removal and muscle tightening. The goal is a flat, contoured belly, with good muscular strength and appearance, and a properly positioned belly button. Side benefits include instant weight reduction and strengthening of the muscle cylinder supporting your back as well. The sculptured abdomen of youth blends muscle support with beauty.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven't responded well to diet and exercise. We can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of it's elasticity.

Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty.

We also encourage patients who intend to lose weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.

Abdominoplasty procedures take approximately 2-4 hours under general anesthesia. The skin and fat are raised off the underlying abdominal muscles, which are then tightened to each other for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin flap is stretched over these stronger muscle columns, the navel repositioned, and excess skin and fat removed. Drains are usually inserted to prevent fluid accumulation and the skin incision then closed. Recovery time ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months. A balanced diet and regular exercise helps to maintain a long lasting result. Some individuals may benefit from a partial abdominoplasty, (mini tummy tuck), which confines surgery to the lower abdomen only, keeping the navel uninvolved.

Body Contouring After Significant Weight Loss

Lifestyle changes adversely affect our body shape where once little was given. As adult life proceeds, the sculptured abdomen of youth, blending muscle support with beauty, gives way to extra pounds in the wrong places. A thoughtful approach to beautifying the abdomen directs our surgical planning toward excess skin and fat removal and muscle tightening. The goal is a flat contoured belly, with good muscular strength and appearance, and a properly positioned belly button. Side benefits include instant weight reduction and strengthening the muscle cylinder supporting your back.

Abdominoplasty, sometimes with discrete liposuction for additional shaping, can often be performed as an outpatient procedure. Reduced rate overnight hospitalization is also available. Special considerations and planning are designed for those who have labored through significant weight loss, now only to find hanging skin aprons everywhere. While the abdomen is the most obvious location, other areas which become bothersome and need adjustment include the upper arms, buttocks, and inner thighs. Incisions are planned to be as unobtrusive as possible, while allowing removal of the excess baggage.

The surgical scar trade-off is preferable to the excess contour and body tissue deformity that comes with significant weight loss. Anticipate a longer recovery and the need to return for subsequent "touch-ups" as these areas relax. Staging surgical procedures is not only safer but affords the opportunity to also return to those prior surgical sites for further modification and improvement.

Liposuction

Fat removal by suction was developed for people with isolated areas of excess bulge or generalized fullness of abdomen, hip or thighs. Ultrasonic and power-assisted liposuction have opened up new vistas for those suffering from fat accumulation in more difficult anatomic regions such as chest, flank and back, especially in men. The reduced ability to redeposit fat in a previous area of liposuction offers an additional side benefit. Following established safety parameters allows larger-volume fat obliteration with lower complication risks. Though dramatic changes occur within one month, shrinkage continues over the course of a year.

Liposuction sculpts the body by removing undesirable fat that has not responded to diet and exercise, from the abdomen, hips, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, knees, upper arms, and neck. Liposuction not only slims excess body areas but also helps to ensure that they will not accumulate new fatty deposits in the future.

The liposuction or liposculpture procedure begins with the injection of a solution of saline and adrenaline to act as a vehicle for fat removal. This is known as either tumescent of super-wet technique, depending on the ratio of fluid to fat planned for removal. Small incisions are placed inconspicuously allowing cannulas or small suction tube to be inserted. These are moved in a back and forth motion beneath the skin, breaking up the fatty layers while suctioning it out. Power assisted and ultrasonic liposuction equipment can also be utilized in certain circumstances. The liposuction or liposculpture procedures can last anywhere from one to five hours, depending on the amount of fat being removed.

Recovery

After liposuction surgery, drainage tubes, compression garments and antibiotics may be needed to facilitate the healing process. Patients are encouraged to walk as soon as they are able, and many return to work within a few days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about a month.

back to top