What is an Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck or body contouring, is a surgical intervention designed to eliminate surplus fat and skin, aiming to enhance the firmness and tautness of the abdominal area. This procedure addresses issues such as loose skin, weakened muscles, and excess fat deposits. It’s important to note that while a tummy tuck can be beneficial, it should not be viewed as a substitute for maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, exercise, and weight management. Rather, it can complement a patient’s efforts to adopt a healthier way of life.
The specific type of abdominoplasty—whether it be mini, modified, full, extended, or circumferential—depends on the individual needs of each patient, and the experienced plastic surgeons at Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery will provide guidance throughout this decision-making process.
Am I A Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Individuals who make ideal candidates for abdominoplasty are already committed to a healthy lifestyle, incorporating balanced nutrition and regular exercise into their routines. Ideally, candidates should be within 20% of their ideal body weight and in good physical and emotional health.
What To Expect During an Abdominoplasty Consultation?
The journey begins with a consultation with your plastic surgeon and the staff. During this meeting, your medical history will be discussed, and you’ll be invited to stand in front of a full-length mirror to articulate your goals. Your plastic surgeon will assess your torso comprehensively, from the breastbone to the knees, examining both the front and back. The surgical details, including facilities, costs, preoperative procedures, and potential scheduling of a preoperative appointment, will be reviewed by the staff.
How Is an Abdominoplasty Surgery Performed?
Abdominoplasty is performed under full anesthesia in an accredited outpatient or hospital surgery setting, with the supervision of a board-certified anesthesiologist. The duration of the procedure is typically around three hours, although the specific time varies depending on the individual patient and the amount of skin to be addressed.
The nature of the surgery is tailored to the patient’s unique goals. In most cases, the procedure commences with the patient positioned face down to address fat deposits on the hips and thighs. The patient is then flipped onto their back to restore the front of the abdomen, incorporating liposuction to refine the waistline.
While many patients undergo a traditional hip-to-hip abdominoplasty, other options exist. For instance, some may opt for a mini abdominoplasty, involving smaller incisions to address limited skin concerns. Extended or circumferential abdominoplasties involve the removal of more skin and stretch marks, along with the tightening of muscles and the removal of fat deposits from the hips and thighs. Individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, such as through bariatric surgery, may opt for a circumferential abdominoplasty to eliminate excess, loose skin.
Patients must refrain from using tobacco products for at least two months before the surgery.
I’m Interested in an Abdominoplasty
Whether you are ready to schedule a consultation or have inquiries about the procedure, the team at Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is available to assist you. Contact us today for more information.
FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU
PHYSICIANS THAT OFFER ABDOMINOPLASTY PROCEDURE
Chris Surek, DO
Daniel Bortnick, MD
