Procedures
Abdominoplasty (and its variations)
An abdominoplasty is the removal of loose, excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen. The "tummy tuck” is frequently performed after the completion of pregnancies. Following childbirth, the stretched skin and muscle rarely returns completely back to normal. Skin may hang, abdominal muscles may be slack and provide less back support, and neither can be improved by exercise. Stretch marks are permanent (creams and/or lasers have yet to be proven as reliable treatment), and are removed, only when the skin is excised.
Other patients, who have excess skin as the result from weight-loss surgery, or diet and exercise, can benefit from removing the “apron of skin.”
Liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks in combination with abdominoplasty yields the best possible result. The addition of conservative fat removal does not increase the possibility of major complication, but can greatly improve the overall appearance of the abdomen.
Liposuction, without the skin excision, is only beneficial to those individuals with fat deposits who, also, have ample skin thickness and elasticity.
For those who have a lesser degree of lower abdominal skin and fat, but are not candidates for liposuction alone, or a full abdominoplasty, intermediate procedures are available.
The “mini-abdominoplasty” excises the skin and fat below the umbilicus (belly-button). It requires a smaller incision and allows for a rapid recovery (frequently, less than one week). Another approach uses a small vertical incision above the pubic harline. The approach that is used, is tailored to fit with the patient’s needs and desires.
These procedures are performed as an outpatient, and wiith the use of a pain pump that injects local anesthesia- discomfort is minimal; patients are encouraged to avoid prolonged bed rest. Incisions are tailored so they may be concealed by clothing or swimwear. You’re encouraged to bring a favorite swim suit on the morning of surgery to assist in the placement of incisions. Normal activities can be resumed a week or two after surgery.
