What is a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty, the medical term for what is commonly called a "tummy tuck,"  involves surgically removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower part of the abdomen and sometimes the tightening of abdominal muscles. The result is a flatter abdomen and a smaller waist, because the procedure corrects loose, sagging skin and excess fat. Any scars are usually located below the line of a swimsuit or underwear to make the results as aesthetically pleasing and unnoticeable as possible.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia to provide not only complete pain relief but also relaxation of abdominal wall, which is necessary for optimal muscle tightening. Various surgical techniques can be used, depending on your goals and your specific problem. In some cases, a mini-abdominoplasty (combination of liposuction, muscle tightening and below the navel skin removal) may suffice. For those with severe laxity of abdominal muscles or excessive skin, a full tummy tuck may be the best solution. During abdominoplasty an incision is made in your bikini area and after liposuction, excess amounts of skin are removed and muscles are tightened with permanent sutures. In a mini-abdominoplasty, no incision is made around the navel. The incision is closed right above the pubic hair area resulting in a low lying, transverse scar. 

Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?

A protuberant abdomen can be the result of excess fat, weak abdominal muscles, pregnancy or loose skin that has been over-stretched and no longer responds to diet and exercise. Also, patients who have experienced a massive weight loss, find that their only real solution to loose, overhanging skin is surgery. The procedure is very common and can benefit both men and women. Frequently, it can be combined with other surgeries such as breast augmentation, liposuction or hysterectomy. I will gladly work with a patient's gynecologist to arrange for a combined hysterectomy/abdominoplasty procedure to save the patient from having two separate procedures performed.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

Excess skin removal and the tightening of abdominal muscles will give your stomach a flatter and firmer appearance in addition to decreasing the width of your waistline. Often, the appearance of stretch marks, particularly beneath the line of the navel, can be dramatically improved if not eliminated. A tummy tuck can also significantly improve a patient's self-confidence.