Abdominoplasty

There is one area of the body that more people complain about than any other – the abdomen. Our abdominal area is very prone to retaining fat cells and is particularly difficult to tighten and tone. Weight gain and loss, particularly in pregnancy, can cause the abdominal muscles to stretch and sometimes this damages them beyond natural repair which can make regaining a flat, toned stomach virtually impossible. Fortunately, it is possible to address these issues with abdominoplasty surgery.

Also known as a tummy tuck, this very popular cosmetic procedure is a major form of surgery. It involves not only removing excess loose skin and fat from the abdominal area, but also tightening and repairing the abdominal muscles so that they are stronger and flatter than before. This is not, as many people think, a quick fix for patients who are overweight and want a flatter stomach. There are two types of abdominoplasty, both performed under general anesthetic.

A mini tummy tuck

A partial abdominoplasty, also known as a mini tummy tuck, focuses on the area of the abdomen below the belly button. An incision is made across the lower part of the abdomen where it meets the bikini line and the skin is separated from the abdominal wall. The skin is then pulled tight and any excess is cut away and discarded. The remaining skin is then pulled together and stitched into place.

A full tummy tuck

A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area, including that above the belly button. In addition to the main incision, a further incision is made around the belly button to separate it from the tissues around it. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall, the underlying muscles are realigned and tightened, and any excess fat and skin is removed and discarded. A new hole is then created for the belly button and is stitched into place before the skin is pulled tight and secured.

Whether you have a mini or full abdominoplasty, you will need to stay in your medical facility for at least one night so that the earliest stages of your recovery can be closely monitored. You will be given very specific guidelines that you will need to follow to ensure that you minimize your risk of complications and achieve the best possible aesthetic result from your procedure.