Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is an operation to cut away loose skin
and fat in your abdominal area and tighten up the muscles. Additionally,
abdominal muscles that are stretched and weakened are tightened, giving
the appearance of a firmer and flatter tummy. This procedure can
dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
With age, previous pregnancy, genetics or
weight loss, the skin around your abdomen becomes lax and may develop
stretch marks. This lax skin will not respond to diet and exercise,
although the underlying fat may reduce.
The aim of
the tummy tuck is to flatten the profile of the abdomen (tummy).
Typically, patients have already lost weight but are left with loose
folds of skin in their abdomen that need corrective
surgery.
The best candidates for plastic surgery
tummy tuck are people who are in good physical shape but still have a
paunch or loose abdominal skin that just won't disappear despite dieting
and exercise. Women with multiple pregnancies whose skin is stretched
as well as patients who have lost a lot of weight and are suffering from
a loss of elasticity in the abdomen area are good candidates for tummy
tucks.
This procedure does not remove stretch marks
above the level of the umbilicus. A tummy tuck operation is not a
contraindication to future pregnancy, but the cosmetic result may reduce
somewhat after a pregnancy or excess weight gain. It is possible to
have another tummy tuck if this happens and the benefits as well as the
risks and precautions are exactly the same as the first
time.
Full Tummy Tuck
A
full tummy tuck involves excision of the loose skin and fat below the
level of the umbilicus, and repair of the abdominal muscles. Some
amount of Vaser lipo may be done as well to enhance the contours of the
waist. Surgery is done under general anesthesia and may take between
two to four hours. If your tummy muscles are in good condition and do not need to be repaired, then recovery is short, and you can resume full activities much sooner.
Mini Tummy
Tuck
A mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty is
much less invasive than a full abdominoplasty and can be done as a day
care surgery. A mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision, and leaves
the belly button intact. In some cases the mini tummy tuck is performed
along with Vaser Lipo.
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