Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty (commonly referred to as tummy tuck surgery) is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten muscles of the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Obese individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have reached a stable weight.

There are a variety of different techniques used by plastic surgeons for abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty can be combined with other forms of body-contouring surgery, including suction-assisted lipectomy, or performed at the same time with other elective surgeries. Many factors affect where the incision is made and how long the incision will need to be extended to remove the unwanted excess skin. Often, the underlying muscles need to be repaired due to stretching and tearing during pregnancy.

Umbilicoplasty is usually performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty. The outcome umbilicus is as important as the lower incision. Patients can usually hide their incisions with a moderate coverage bikini, but you cannot hide your umbilicus. Dr. Massiha’s extremely effective method of creating a more natural looking umbilicus has been published in an indexed medical journal. You may read more about it at ___link to journal article_______.

Abdominoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia. In some patients, drains are needed to minimize the risk of collections of fluid (seroma) after surgery. Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort following abdminoplasty surgery for 5-7 days. Narcotics and muscle relaxer are given to minimize discomfort. Patients will walk slightly bent over for the first two or three days and will gradually stand upright. An abdominal binder will be provided as extra support during this period. Patients should avoid any heavy lifting or activity that puts any strain on their abdominal muscles for 6-8 weeks. It is recommended that patients move around as much as possible after surgery to minimize the risk of blood clot formation.

As with all surgeries, abdominoplasty surgery has serious risks. You should consider these risks carefully and discuss them with your doctor prior to undergoing surgery.

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

Incision size is largely dependant on the amount of excess skin to be removed. Where correction is isolated to the area below the navel, a limited or mini tummy tuck with a shorter incision at the pubic bone may be recommended. Liposuction may be performed with a mini tummy tuck; where excess fat is the only factor, liposuction alone may achieve the desired result.

A tummy tuck results almost immediately in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident about your new slimmer profile.