Tummy tuck is the common term referring to the operation abdominoplasty. As can be deduced from the wording the procedure will reduce the overall size or laxity in the abdominal region making the contour and profile more pleasing.
The process involves removing excess skin and fatty tissues along with tightening the abdominal muscles that have been stretched or weakened (often a result of excessive weight gain or pregnancy(s)).
Results may vary.*
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Despite our best efforts at diet and exercise, there remains excessive fatty tissues and skin that do not return to their once smooth and tight condition. Alternatively, in some patients, as a result of excessive weight fluctuations, aging or pregnancy there has been significant stretching to muscles and skin of the abdomen that, once stretched, will not return to its previous state.
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can remove a significant amount of skin and fat that has accumulated in the abdominal region, in addition it will tighten the rectus or vertical muscles of the abdomen which helps define the tone of abdomen. Many patients gain the added benefit of removing a majority, if not all, the stretch marks that have resulted from previous pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Overall, the results better define the shape of the body, give a more tone and defined central region to the body.
Some patients desire tummy tuck as a way to remove all the central body fat. Despite removing a large portion of fatty tissue, the abdominoplasty is not designed as a weight loss procedure. Also the abdominoplasty will not remove any of the fat that is internal to the abodominal muscles which in some patients can contribute to the undesirable abdominal contour. Results are best in patients who are at or near their goal weight.
For some patients the lower abdomen is the main area that develops excess skin and fat. If this is the case and the weakness in the muscles is only around or below the belly button, the traditional abdominoplasty can be scaled back to focus mainly on the lower abdomen. In this “mini-abdominoplasty” similar principles apply as in the traditional abdominoplasty, but not involving the upper muscles and skin. This can often be done quicker, cheaper and with quicker return to normal activity.
On the other hand, an “extended abdominoplasty” extends the traditional abdominoplasty to the sides and sometimes the back to tighten and contour excess tissues that extend beyond the central abdomen to these other regions. As more operating is involved the procedure can result in a longer procedure that costs more.
Dr. Marion is a talented cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, double board certified and equipped with elite training. Growing up, he worked alongside his grandfather in a bronze sculpture studio, and artistic instinct became second nature. Early in his college career, Dr. Marion became enthralled with human anatomy, and the passion blossomed into advanced surgical education and now a thriving clinic.
