One of the plastic surgery procedures we get asked about the most is abdominoplasty, or more commonly known as a tummy tuck.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, but have questions about the procedure and whether or not it is right for you, then some of these common questions about abdominoplasty below should help.
Abdominoplasty Questions
I recently lost a good deal of weight, but my abdomen still looks soft and flabby. Would an abdominoplasty help?
The most common candidates for abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, are those who are close to their ideal weight but are still not happy with the contours of their abdominal area.
In spite of diligent diet and exercise, the abdominal muscles can be stretched, often by pregnancy or by previous obesity. Once they are stretched, these muscles often cannot return to their former, taut profile.
In these cases, an abdominoplasty can make a big difference in your appearance. Not only is excess fat removed, but these stretched and loosened muscles are tightened and sutured back into place, giving you a slimmer, sleeker look.
How is an Abdominoplasty usually performed?
The most common approach for a full abdominoplasty is an incision that goes from one hipbone to the other.
The fat and excess skin in the abdominal area is removed and the remaining skin is lifted. In most cases, the navel must be removed and reattached in order to remain in the right place relative to the rest of the abdomen.
Any muscles that have been stretched out of shape by pregnancy or other factors are repositioned and fixed into place, as well.
What is a mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck addresses fat and loose skin or stretched muscle below the navel.
If your profile sags more in the lower abdomen, but you are fairly pleased with the upper abdominal area, a mini tummy tuck might be a better option than a full abdominoplasty.
While still an invasive surgical procedure, the mini tummy tuck involves a smaller area of the body.
What are the advantages of an Abdominoplasty over Liposuction?
Liposuction is intended to remove small deposits of fat from the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, buttocks or other problem areas.
It is not intended to remove large amounts of fat, nor will it address the problem of stretched abdominal muscles or loose skin.
If you only wish to remove small subcutaneous fat deposits, liposuction might be a better option. However, if you have loose, lax muscles in your abdomen, loose skin and larger deposits of fat, an abdominoplasty will address these concerns.
Have More Abdominoplasty Questions?
If you have questions that didn’t get answered from the information above, then I invite you to contact our team so that we can properly address every question or concern you may have.