Is Abdominoplasty for You?

Why do patients seek abdominoplasty?

Men and women who have experienced dramatic weight loss, either through diet and exercise, or as a result of bariatric (gastric bypass) surgery, often have excess skin around the abdomen. Women can also experience this condition as a result of pregnancy, making the abdomen soft and flabby. An abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck" , can remove excess folds of skin and tighten your abdominal muscles to create a lean, flat and more well-defined stomach.

It can also diminish unsightly stretch marks. Because diet and exercise cannot remove excess skin, abdominoplasty is the perfect solution to tone and refine the abdomen. It is crucial to find an experienced cosmetic surgeon for your tummy tuck procedure, such as Dr. Bray in Los Angeles, California. The effects of a tummy tuck can be long lasting, provided you exercise regularly, eat a sensible diet, and maintain a suitable weight level.

Abdominoplasty can:
• Tighten stretched abdominal skin
• Correct lower abdominal bulging
• Correct weakened abdominal muscles
• Complement liposuction

How is Abdominoplasty Performed?

During the procedure, an incision is made at the bikini line from hip to hip, after which your plastic surgeon will remove any excess skin between the pubic area and the belly button. To tighten the contour of the abdomen, your plastic surgeon takes the skin on the upper part of the abdomen and stretches it downward. The belly button is then repositioned to its normal position. If the abdominal muscles are loose, the surgeon can also tighten these muscles during the procedure by uniting the muscle and tissue and stitching them together. Lastly, the incisions are carefully stitched closed and a dressing is applied. The type of anesthesia administered will be determined by your plastic surgeon.

Should I have a full or mini tummy tuck?

If your abdominal fullness and loose skin are confined to the area below the belly button, you may be a candidate for a mini abdominoplasty, which has a shorter incision and limits the tightening to the lower abdomen. If the fullness and skin laxity involve your entire abdomen, then a full abdominoplasty is most likely needed to help you achieve your desired results. A consultation with you and your plastic surgeon will determine which method is right for you.

Who is the best candidate for abdominoplasty?

Good candidates include men and women who are in relatively good shape but have a large fat deposit in the abdominal wall or have loose abdominal skin. Abdominoplasty works best for people whose weight is fairly normal and stable. If you intend to lose more weight, you should consider postponing your tummy tuck until you’ve reached your target weight. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss technique.

What are the risks of having abdominoplasty?

Thousands of men and women undergo tummy tuck surgery successfully every year and are very satisfied with the outcome. However, any surgical procedure comes with inherent risk, such as the effects of anesthesia, blood clots, swelling, infection, bleeding, and discomfort. These and other complications rarely occur and can usually be avoided. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the risks with you thoroughly during your consultation and you should carefully follow your doctor’s pre-operative and post-operative instructions.

How long is the recovery period?

The length of time it takes to recuperate after a tummy tuck may vary depending on your individual health. After the procedure, a compression garment or girdle may be worn for 4-6 weeks. Heavy lifting or any other vigorous activity, which would strain the abdominal muscles, may be restricted initially. A light exercise program will help you heal better and can help avoid medical complications such as excess swelling and blood clotting. As with any scar, it takes about a year for it to mature and form an inconspicuous and pale line.