The Problem: Abdominoplasty, panniculectomy, abdominal lipectomy, or more commonly a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that offers enhanced body contour and a firmer, flatter abdomen for women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat concentrated in the abdominal area. You may suffer from sagging or excess skin as a result of the loss of skin elasticity. You may also have a protruding or bulging abdomen. Liposuction can also be used to reduce a protruding abdomen by removing excess fat, but it does not address redundant flab, abdominal wall weakness, or stretch marks. A tummy tuck does address these issues and can leave the abdomen looking firmer and tighter.
The Goal: Abdominoplasty removes flaccid abdominal skin and tightens muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy or weight gain, restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall. This procedure is particularly effective in women who have been through pregnancy, or people who have experienced rapid weight gain and weight loss. It removes most, if not all, of the stretch marks caused by childbirth. The tummy tuck will visibly tighten and flatten the abdominal muscles and skin for a firmer, smoother look.
The Procedure: In the traditional “full tummy tuck” procedure, we create a new belly button and tighten the muscles from the lower chest area to the pubis. The scar is usually from hip to hip and placed below the bikini line so that it will be hidden in most bathing suits or underwear. Liposuction can be performed at the same time to create a nice contour of the abdomen and waistline. Thanks to advances in Tummy Tuck surgery, there are many variations both to the design of the incisions and the technique itself:
A partial abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck” - when the amount of loose skin is minimal and the excess fat deposits are located below the navel, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary.
Endoscopic abdominoplasty — another technique using special instruments to minimize scarring. This procedure is useful when patients have only a mild degree of excess fat and muscle laxity as no skin is removed during this procedure; candidates for this procedure will generally have a protruding abdomen but good skin elasticity.
A circumferential tummy tuck — Also known as a lower body lift, this is usually for someone who has lost a great deal of weight and fat (usually after gastric bypass surgery or other types of bariatric surgery) and now has loose overhanging skin all around the body. In order to create a nice contour, we need to extend the scar all around the waist line. This allows us to lift the outer thigh and buttock, creating a smoother, nicer look. Also the muscle is tightened and the new belly button is created.
Surgical Overview
Length: Usually 2-3 hours.
Anesthesia: General (asleep).
Hospital Stay: Outpatient or inpatient (usually a one night stay).
Side Effects: Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, and change of sensation in the lower abdomen. The incisions from the procedure will heal and fade overtime. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your abdominoplasty are usually in locations concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.
Risks: Bleeding, infection, risks of anesthesia and scarring.
Recovery: Back to work usually in seven to ten days. Patient can shower the following day and resume activity as they feel comfortable. A compression garment is worn for approximately two weeks. Drains are usually necessary for one to two weeks.
Duration of Results: If weight remains stable, results are usually permanent.