Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)
This surgical procedure is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal region and, also, tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
This procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a bulging or sagging abdomen. Stretch marks and any scarring from earlier surgery or injury can be also be removed from the lower abdominal region. The size of the scar from the abdominoplasty depends on each person’s physique, running from hip to hip but designed to lie low so that it will be hidden behind underwear and bikinis in the future.
Candidates
Men and women in good health with abdominal muscle issues, excessive fat deposits or people who, despite having dieted, cannot seem to get rid of their bulges or have been left with sagging and excess skin. Women whose pregnancies have left them with loose skin and stretchmarks, along with weakened abdominal muscles. Patients with a protruding abdomen (pot belly) and also individuals who wish to get rid of scarring from previous surgery.
Technique
There are several surgical techniques that can be used, depending on a person’s physique, height, weight, fat distribution, number of pregnancies and personal tastes. Your surgeon will explain the various methods and together you can reach a decision on the best option for your case. The techniques range according to the amount of fat to be removed, whether muscle tightening is needed or waist contouring required, plus the positioning of the scar.
Generally, liposuction in certain areas is also combined with this surgery in order to achieve the best contouring results.
Surgery
This procedure takes approximately two hours. Depending on each patient and the chosen technique, a very small incision is made for a mini abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck), combined with liposculpture; or a longer incision is made to remove excess skin and fat from the navel to pubic area, with the stitches down the middle of the abdomen; the longest incision is used for obese patients or those with a sagging abdomen.