Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The abdomen is one of the most challenging areas to keep under check with the aging process. Perhaps even more challenging than the effects of aging are the extreme effects that occur with pregnancy, which include severe stretching of the skin, thinning and loss of elasticity of the skin from the effects of high levels of hormones, and separation of the supporting muscles. While weight gain can eventually be overcome with diet and exercise, loss of skin elasticity cannot, and, while the muscles can be strengthened, no amount of exercise will ever make them go back together. No matter how strong they are, if there is a separation, there is going to be pouching where the muscles are separated. An abdominoplasty addresses all the components of the problem. Usually, conservative liposuction is incorporated to remove pockets of fat. The muscles are tightened together to remove the separation and provide complete support. The excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is tightened.

Liposuction alone can be performed on those patients who have excess fat, but no muscle separation and good skin tightness.

TUMMY TUCK PATIENT TESTIMONIAL

“I finally feel confident in a bathing suit. Thank you for giving me back my waist”! S.C.

MINI TUMMY TUCK

A mini tummy tuck can be performed in those patients who have muscle separation but very little skin loosening, provided that skin loosening is confined to the lower abdomen. A full tummy tuck addresses all the problem areas. While the scar should never be longer than necessary, the amount of skin tightening that can be achieved is directly proportional to the length of the scar. Since the scar is placed low and inconspicuous, it is better to have a longer and well hidden scar with tighter overall skin, than a shorter scar with loose skin. Tightening of the skin above the belly button usually only occurs to any significant degree with a full tummy tuck.