Abdominoplasty

Source: https://www.plasticsurgery.org

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

  • Aging

  • Heredity

  • Pregnancy

  • Prior surgery

  • Significant fluctuations in weight

Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

In general, you may be a good tummy tuck candidate if:

  • You are physically healthy and at a stable weight

  • You have realistic expectations

  • You are a nonsmoker

  • You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen

What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of tummy tuck surgery are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.

Tummy tuck risks include:

  • Anesthesia risks

  • Bleeding

  • Infection

  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)

  • Poor wound healing

  • Skin loss

  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation

  • Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling

  • Unfavorable scarring

  • Recurrent looseness of skin

  • Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)

  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

  • Asymmetry

  • Suboptimal aesthetic result

  • Possibility of revisional surgery

  • Persistent pain

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

 

What are the steps of a tummy tuck procedure?

A tummy tuck procedure includes the following steps:

Step 1 - Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button.

The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.

A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.

Step 4 – See the results

Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.