Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is an operation to cut away loose skin and fat in your abdominal area and tighten up the muscles. Additionally, abdominal muscles that are stretched and weakened are tightened, giving the appearance of a firmer and flatter tummy. This procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen and stomach.

With age, previous pregnancy, genetics or weight loss, the skin around your abdomen becomes lax and may develop stretch marks. This lax skin will not respond to diet and exercise, although the underlying fat may reduce.

The aim of the tummy tuck is to flatten the profile of the abdomen (tummy). Typically, patients have already lost weight but are left with loose folds of skin in their abdomen that need corrective surgery.

The best candidates for plastic surgery tummy tuck are people who are in good physical shape but still have a paunch or loose abdominal skin that just won't disappear despite dieting and exercise. Women with multiple pregnancies whose skin is stretched as well as patients who have lost a lot of weight and are suffering from a loss of elasticity in the abdomen area are good candidates for tummy tucks.

This procedure does not remove stretch marks above the level of the umbilicus. A tummy tuck operation is not a contraindication to future pregnancy, but the cosmetic result may reduce somewhat after a pregnancy or excess weight gain. It is possible to have another tummy tuck if this happens and the benefits as well as the risks and precautions are exactly the same as the first time.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck involves excision of the loose skin and fat below the level of the umbilicus, and repair of the abdominal musculature. Some amount of liposuction may be done as well to enhance the contours of the waist. Surgery is done under general aneaesthesia and may take between two to four hours.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty is much less invasive than a full abdominoplasty and can be done as a day care surgery. A mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision, and leaves the belly button intact. In some cases the mini tummy tuck is performed along with liposuction.