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Tummy Tuck

Am I a good candidate for the tummy tuck procedure?

You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you fall into one of the following categories:

• You are a man or woman in relatively good condition bothered by fatty deposits and loose skin around the abdomen area.

• Have an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body.

• A woman who has excessively stretched her abdominal muscles due to multiple pregnancies.

• Have excess fatty tissue concentrated in the abdomen area.

• Older people who, due to age, have sagging, loose skin on the abdomen or weakened abdominal muscles

How is a tummy tuck procedure done?

In most situations, the surgeon will make a long incision from one side of the hip-bone to the other and another to release the navel from surrounding tissue. The skin tissue is lifted to reveal the abdominal muscles which are then tightened by pulling them together and stitching them into their new position. Extra skin is removed and a new hole is cut for the navel before finally closing the incisions.
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

In cases where the amount of loose skin is minimal and the excess fat deposits are located below the navel, it may be possible to avoid an incision around the navel. In a mini tummy tuck , a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. If there is loose skin above the navel, the surgeon may make a second incision around the navel.

Skin in the shaded area is separated from the abdominal wall. To tighten the abdominal wall, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures. Sometimes liposuction may be used alone, or in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove abdominal fat.
What is an Endoscopic Tummy Tuck?

An Endoscopic Tummy Tuck is another technique employed to minimize scarring and may be useful when patients have only a mild degree of excess fat and muscle laxity. Abdominal skin is pulled downward, and the excess is removed. A small opening is made to bring the navel through. Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you the particular method that he or she recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case.

A bikini incision across the lower abdomen is used. Excess skin and fat are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened. Liposuction is often used during an abdominoplasty. Some patients are candidates for the endoscopic technique using minimal incisions.

What can I expect from the after the procedure?

After your tummy tuck surgery, you will go home wearing a firm elastic garment. A light support garment is recommended for two to three weeks. It may be removed for brief periods to shower. There will be some postoperative discomfort for a few days but it is easily controlled by medication. You will have a firmer abdominal wall, a narrower waistline and a flatter lower abdomen.