Abdominoplasty (otherwise known as “tummy tuck”) is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdominal area. The abdomen is made flatter and a waist line is created by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles.
Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
The best candidate for abdominoplasty is a patient who, though in relatively good shape, has loose abdominal skin, separated or stretched abdominal musculature, or a large fat deposit in the abdomen that does not respond to exercise and diet. Women who have experienced significant abdominal loosening after pregnancy or individuals who have undergone significant, rapid weight loss are particularly good candidates for this procedure.
What can I expect?
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between 2 and 3 hours, though this times can vary according to each patient’s particular case. Facility and anesthesia fees will apply. During the procedure, an incision is made in the pubic area and around the belly button if to remove excess skin from the lower abdomen while keeping the belly button in its natural position. Prior to re-approximating the skin, the abdominal muscles are tightened and the excess skin is trimmed to create a flatter, firmer abdomen.
How much time is needed to recover abdominoplasty?
Recover after an abdominoplasty will vary for from patient to patient, but most patients are able to go back to work approximately 2 weeks after their procedure. More strenuous physical activities will need to be postponed for 4 to 6 weeks.
Where are the scars located for Abdominoplasty?
A traditional abdominoplasty involves a long incision made just above the pubic area which stretches from one hipbone to the other. In addition, a second incision is made around the belly button. For a partial abdominoplasty, or “mini-tuck”, the incision around the belly button is usually not required and the one above the pubic areas is usually significantly shorter. A series of fractional resurfacing laser treatments may be added post-surgery to minimize scarring (for which additional fees will apply).
Can stretch marks be removed with Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty will remove stretch marks that are located on the lower abdomen, while stretch marks that are farther to the sides or above the belly button will not be removed. Those that are not removed will be repositions, and they generally will appear somewhat tighter, smoothed out, and less noticeable. Just as with the scar from the procedure, stretch marks may also be treated post-surgery with a series of fractional laser treatments (additional fees will apply).
Are the results permanent?
Assuming individuals maintain their weight within a limited range, results are permanent. Since pregnancy stretches both the abdominal muscles and skin, it can also negatively impact the results of abdominoplasty. Therefore it is advisable that a woman is sure she no longer wishes to have children prior to undergoing the procedure.
Are there any risks associated with Abdominoplasty?
All types of surgery carry some degree of risk. Though rare, some potential risks and complications that can occur with abdominoplasty include bleeding beneath the skin flap, blood clots, open wounds, infection, poor healing and nerve damage.
Before & After Photos
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Abdominoplasty FAQs
What is an Abdominoplasty ?
Abdominoplasty (otherwise known as “tummy tuck”) is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdominal area. The abdomen is made flatter and a waist line is created by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles.
Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
The best candidate for abdominoplasty is a patient who, though in relatively good shape, has loose abdominal skin, separated or stretched abdominal musculature, or a large fat deposit in the abdomen that does not respond to exercise and diet. Women who have experienced significant abdominal loosening after pregnancy or individuals who have undergone significant, rapid weight loss are particularly good candidates for this procedure.
What can I expect?
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between 2 and 3 hours, though this times can vary according to each patient’s particular case. Facility and anesthesia fees will apply. During the procedure, an incision is made in the pubic area and around the belly button if to remove excess skin from the lower abdomen while keeping the belly button in its natural position. Prior to re-approximating the skin, the abdominal muscles are tightened and the excess skin is trimmed to create a flatter, firmer abdomen.
How much time is needed to recover abdominoplasty?
Recover after an abdominoplasty will vary for from patient to patient, but most patients are able to go back to work approximately 2 weeks after their procedure. More strenuous physical activities will need to be postponed for 4 to 6 weeks.
Where are the scars located for Abdominoplasty?
A traditional abdominoplasty involves a long incision made just above the pubic area which stretches from one hipbone to the other. In addition, a second incision is made around the belly button. For a partial abdominoplasty, or “mini-tuck”, the incision around the belly button is usually not required and the one above the pubic areas is usually significantly shorter. A series of fractional resurfacing laser treatments may be added post-surgery to minimize scarring (for which additional fees will apply).
Can stretch marks be removed with Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty will remove stretch marks that are located on the lower abdomen, while stretch marks that are farther to the sides or above the belly button will not be removed. Those that are not removed will be repositions, and they generally will appear somewhat tighter, smoothed out, and less noticeable. Just as with the scar from the procedure, stretch marks may also be treated post-surgery with a series of fractional laser treatments (additional fees will apply).
Are the results permanent?
Assuming individuals maintain their weight within a limited range, results are permanent. Since pregnancy stretches both the abdominal muscles and skin, it can also negatively impact the results of abdominoplasty. Therefore it is advisable that a woman is sure she no longer wishes to have children prior to undergoing the procedure.
Are there any risks associated with Abdominoplasty?
All types of surgery carry some degree of risk. Though rare, some potential risks and complications that can occur with abdominoplasty include bleeding beneath the skin flap, blood clots, open wounds, infection, poor healing and nerve damage.
Before & After Photos