TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)
A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control however sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery, significant fluctuations in weight or congenital spine abnormalities that affect posture.

If you desire a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck could be appropriate to help achieve your goals. A tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in some cases, can restore weakened or separated muscles. This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing your body image and confidence.

What is a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure to correct a protruding or loose, sagging abdomen. Areas to be treated may include the center of the abdomen or may extend to the entire area between the lower rib cage and pubic bone, as well as to the sides and back.

Abdominal contouring can he performed using a variety of techniques. When localized fat is the cause, abdominal contour surgery may be performed using only liposuction techniques. When excess fat is combined with loose, sagging skin and tissue, a tummy tuck removes unwanted fat, tissues and skin by excision. Abdominal muscles that have weakened or separated, a condition called diastasis, can also be corrected with a tummy tuck.

Your tummy tuck
If it's determined that a tummy tuck might be a good option for you, a individualized plan to your specific condition will be implemented that may include:

• Excess localized fat in the abdominal area
• Loose and sagging skin in the abdominal region
• Weakened or separated abdominal muscles clue to pregnancy, weight loss or aging

One or all of these conditions may he present and can be surgically improved by a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are primarily located on the areas of excess skin, generally those treated areas below the belly button.

Surgical removal of excess fat and skin may he combined with liposuction during a tummy tuck. There are variations to tummy tuck surgery; the technique selected is dependant on the degree of correction necessary to achieve a flatter profile and
firmer abdomen. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as personal preference and surgical judgment.

Liposuction may be used in conjunction with a tummy tuck or to recontour other areas of the body by removing localized excess fat deposits. Other body contouring procedures may be performed separately or in the same surgical session as a tummy tuck. However, not all patients are good candidates for combined procedures. Your case will be evaluated on an individual basis.

A Consultation Is a Great Place to Start
A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn not only if a tummy tuck might be right for you, but also how abdominal contour surgery or a tummy tuck can improve your body image and abdominal contour. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about tummy tuck in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

• Discussion of your goals and evaluation of your individual case
• Options available in tummy tuck surgery
• Likely outcomes of tummy tuck and risks/potential complications
• The course of treatment recommended by your plastic surgeon

If you are interested in receiving additional information or setting up an initial consultation, please contact Weniger Plastic Surgery's main office at (843) 757-0123.

Tummy Tuck FAQs