Abdominoplasty
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 and stomach.
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 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 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 musculature. Some amount of
liposuction may be done as well to enhance the contours of the waist.
Surgery is done under general aneaesthesia and may take between two to
four hours.
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 liposuction.