Abdominoplasty, more commonly known 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. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)
Is a tummy tuck a viable option for weight loss?
No. An abdominoplasty is not an effective tool for general weight loss. It is primarily useful in cases in which a patient is uncomfortable with loose skin around the belly, and with isolated pockets of fat.
How does abdominal liposuction differ from a “tummy tuck”? Liposuction of the abdomen removes most of the fat found under the skin and above the abdominal muscles. When patients have good abdominal muscle tone, liposuction can provide a dramatic improvement, with a natural appearance of the abdomen, and with minimal scarring. In the vast majority of liposuction patients, the natural elasticity of abdominal skin contracts smoothly, and there is no need to surgically remove skin. Tummy tuck usually involves liposuction to remove fat plus the surgical removal of a large section of skin from the lower abdomen, together with a surgical relocation of the belly button. A tummy tuck can result in an unsightly scar that extends across the entire lower abdomen, just above the pubic area in addition to an unnatural appearance of the belly button. The recovery after liposuction is much safer, quicker and easier than the recovery after a tummy tuck.
What are the advantages of a tummy tuck (compared to liposuction)? The only patients for whom a tummy tuck is superior to abdominal liposuction are the relatively few women having extreme degrees of lower abdominal skin laxity, unusually extensive stretch marks, or severely stretched abdominal muscles (as a result of pregnancy). Tummy tuck surgically removes skin with severe stretch-marks (striae-distensae). Liposuction does not remove stretch marks. A tummy tuck can produce a flatter abdominal wall by tightening the abdominal muscles. Liposuction is appropriate for patients who have abdominal muscles that have not be excessively stretched out of shape by pregnancy. A tummy tuck can remove excessive amounts of loose abdominal skin. However, loose abdominal skin does not mean that a tummy tuck is necessary. After liposuction, abdominal skin often contracts to a surprising degree so that an excision is not necessary.
When is liposuction sufficient and when is a tummy tuck necessary? The majority of female patients who have excessive abdominal fat find that they are very happy with the results of a simple abdominal liposuction. Several months after having had an abdominal liposuction, the vast majority of women are so happy with their results that they decline a subsequent tummy tuck.
How long will the results of my tummy tuck last?
While your abdomen will continue to experience changes in elasticity and shape over the years, in most cases, your abdomen should always be flatter and tauter than it would have been if you hadn’t had the procedure.
If you become pregnant or experience extreme weight changes, however, the results of your procedure will likely be reversed.
Am I a candidate for abdominoplasty?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your midsection, and do not plan to become pregnant or experience any extreme weight changes (gaining or losing), you may be a candidate for the procedure.
Other questions?
If you have any questions we have not answered here, or would like to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bato, call us today at +(632) 8725449, +(632) 8746153 or get in touch via Skype®, Yahoo Messenger®, our Live Help utility, or our contact form. We’re here to help!
