Overview of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty Surgery is a form of cosmetic surgery used to make the abdomen firmer. It is commonly known as a tummy tuck. The surgical procedure typically involves removing the excess skin from the lower abdomen to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. They typical patient is one with loose tissue after pregnancy, or sagging skin left over after a major, rapid weight loss.

Abdominoplasty procedures vary in scope. They are frequently divided into categories based on the severity of the procedure. A complete abdominoplasty can take one to five hours. A partial abdominoplasty, or mini-tuck, normally can be finished in an hour or two.

The procedure for a complete, or full, abdominoplasty typically starts with an incision made from hip to hip just above the pubic area. Then, another incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding skin. The skin is then detached from the abdominal wall to reveal the muscles and fascia to be tightened. The muscle fascia wall is tightened with sutures. After that, the surgeon removes the excess and closing the defect tighten the remaining skin and fat. The belly button stalk is then brought out through a new hole and sutured into place, and liposuction is often used to refine the transition zones of the abdominal sculpture. Typically the patient will have dressing and sometimes a compression garment applied and any excess fluid from the site drained.

A partial, or mini, abdominoplasty involves smaller incisions. The skin and fat of the lower abdomen are detached in a more limited fashion from the muscle fascia. The skin is stretched down and excess skin removed. The belly button stalk may be divided from the muscle below and the belly button moved lower on the abdominal wall. A portion of the abdominal muscle fascia wall is then tightened, and liposuction is often used to contour the transition zone. After all that, the flap is stitched back into place.

An extended abdominoplasty is a complete abdominoplasty that extends to the fronts of the thighs and flanks (sides). There are also combination procedures, and an abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction contouring, breast reduction, breast lift, and occasionally hysterectomy, depending on the reason for the hysterectomy.

An adbominoplasty may be an effective way to improve the appearance of your abdomen, but bear in mind that it is a substantial surgical procedure and such procedures invariably involve an element of risk. You can request a free consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your options.