Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck Surgery Background No matter how diligently one exercises, there is no exercise that will tighten loose skin. However, the operation of abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck surgery, can not only remove the excess skin, but also tighten and shape the tummy wall beneath the skin. Dr. Sellers has years of experience performing tummy tuck surgeries in the state of Utah. Tummy tuck procedures are a great way to attain the body shape you have always desired.

Tummy Tuck Surgery - Procedure Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a surgical operation designed to remove excess lower abdominal skin and fat while tightening the inner wall of the abdomen. The operation shapes the tummy area into a more pleasing profile. Certainly, any "hanging-over" skin, or pannus, is removed. In the tummy tuck procedure, an incision is made that runs very low on the abdominal wall, just above the pubic area-in the same location as a C-section incision. The incision is extended towards the hip area. All of the skin and fat of the abdominal wall from that point to the ribs is lifted off the muscles beneath (although the navel is left in the same place), then pulled downward like a window blind. The excess skin is removed, the abdominal wall musculature tightened, and the wound closed in such a way as to leave the navel in the correct position. In a "mini-tuck" the tissues are lifted up and tightened only to the navel level. Suction lipectomy, or liposuction, is frequently added to shape the hips and flanks. In an extended tummy-tuck, the incision is carried around to the buttock cleft line, and the flank, thigh, hip, and buttock tissues are tightened as well (this is also called a "circumferential body lift"). Drains are left under the skin to prevent excess drainage from accumulating after the tummy tuck surgery.

Since the goal in a full tummy tuck surgery is to ultimately get the point of skin just above the navel to advance clear down to the pubic level (and thereby be able to throw all of the skin in- between away), an individual with fairly tight and trim upper abdominal skin may not have enough tissue to make it. These individuals may best be suited by a mini-tuck. Those with "apple" profiles, or rotund upper tummies, will not be able to achieve as good of a result as those with excess lower skin, but will still get some benefit. Those with good tone of the lower abdominal muscles, but just some unwanted fat-and who still have good skin tone, may only need liposuction instead of a tummy tuck to correct their appearance. My goal as a board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience is to help you choose the best procedure for you.

Tummy Tuck Surgery - Recovery Although one will have a much flatter and shapelier tummy after any of a tummy tuck surgery, one should not expect stronger abdominal muscles from the tightening of the fascia over the muscles. Only appropriate exercise will tone the muscles. One should not expect an invisible scar, although most scars are very acceptable to patients. Tummy tuck surgery patients are generally very happy with their chosen operation. Recovery usually takes about 6 weeks until full activity, although normal self-care activities of daily life are possible within a few days after a standard tummy tuck surgery.

Tummy Tuck Surgery - Precaution The most common (yet still not often seen) risk of these operations is that of wound healing troubles because of the tightness of the reconstructed tissues. Such are seen more commonly in smokers, but are still not very common. More serious complications, including blood clots in the legs and pulmonary complications are occasionally seen with abdominal area surgeries of any kind.