Tummy Tuck Procedure
Our patients in Columbia, SC choose tummy tuck surgery, which is also called abdominoplasty, to refresh their abdomen area. Abdominoplasty, which is done while you are under general anesthesia, is usually done to fix three specific problems:
- Loose skin: During a procedure called “redraping,” your surgeon removes some of the loose, stretched skin from your abdomen and pulls the rest of the skin tight to make a smooth, proportionate shape.
- Extra fat: Your surgeon uses selective tumescent liposuction to remove fat deposits in a careful way.
- Muscles that are weaker: Sometimes, pregnancy or a big weight loss can leave the abdominal muscles weak, loose, or out of place. During your tummy tuck, your doctor can fix these muscles and make them stronger by sewing them from the inside.
The result of these three factors working together is a profound, complete, and long-lasting improvement that enhances both the abdominal strength and attractiveness. If the loose skin and fat deposits are limited to the lower abdomen, your Carlin plastic surgeon team may propose a partial abdominoplasty, or “small tummy tuck.”
Tummy Tuck
Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty.
Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy.
The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel. During the consultation, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve from abdominoplasty. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.
How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for abdominoplasty?
Your plastic surgeon may examine your abdomen while you are standing as well as lying down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region will be assessed.
Your surgeon also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history.
This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.
Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Excess or sagging abdominal skin
- An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body
- Abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened
- Excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen
If you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from previous abdominal surgery may limit the results of your abdominoplasty.
