Abdominoplasty (Tummy
Tuck)
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical
procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and
to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically
reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
The
Best Candidates for Abdominoplasty
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men
or women who
are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose
abdominal skin that
won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women
who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and
skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity
in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also,
women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen
that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.
Planning
Your Surgery
In your initial consultation, Dr. Koplin will evaluate your health, determine
the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your
skin tone. If your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you
may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also know
as a mini-tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You
may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty
done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for
a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result. Dr.
Koplin will help you choose the procedure that is right for you and will come
closest to producing the desired body contour.
The Surgery
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent
of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.
Most commonly, the incision extends from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic
area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With
partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel is usually
not moved. Next, the surgeon elevates the skin to reveal the vertical muscles
in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and
stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall
and narrows the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra
skin is removed. A new opening is made for your navel. Finally, the incisions
will be closed, dressings applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain
excess fluid from the surgical site.
In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line
and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the
flap is stitched back into place.
