Body Sculpting
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Who is a candidate?
Both men and women with excess abdominal fat and skin
can benefit from abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck.” Those
desiring a narrower waist and tighter abdomen are
good candidates providing they are not smokers or
have poor circulation. Belly overhang is the result
of pregnancy, weight fluctuation or genetic predisposition.
Abdominoplasty is intended for people of relatively
normal weight. It is not the answer for a huge
overhang of skin. Those who intend to lose significant
weight should postpone having a tummy tuck until their
weight is within a satisfactory range.
How is it done?
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the mid
and lower abdomen. An incision is made near
the pubic hairline from hip to hip. It is placed
low enough to be undetectable in bikini attire. If
necessary, sagging or separated vertical muscles in
the abdomen are tightened with permanent internal
sutures. Abdominal fat may be treated with surgical
excision at the time of surgery. Skin and tissue are
pulled down over the existing navel and excess skin
is removed. Abominoplasty is considered a major aesthetic
surgery and takes up to 5 hours.
Recuperation
The patient can expect to stay overnight in the recovery
center. A support garment will be worn and drainage
tubes will be placed to aid in swelling, bruising
and healing. Recovery usually takes 7 to 10
days and work is typically resumed within 2 weeks. Stitches
will be removed in 7 to 14 days. Scar maturation can
take up to twelve months.
Other Options
- Liposuction.
Click here for liposculpture.
- Other body lift procedures may be performed in conjunction
with abdominoplasty including buttock lift, or thigh
lift.
A word about financing…
Abdominoplasty can be made very affordable through our
partners at CareCredit. Visit them at www.carecredit.com.
Deborah would be happy to answer any of your questions
or assist you with the necessary paperwork.
Insurance Notes:
Abdominoplasty is considered a purely aesthetic procedure
and as such is not covered by insurance. |
Ask Dr. Beck
Q: |
Can I have an abdominoplasty if I intend
to have children? |
A: |
You can have Liposuction and/or a tummy tuck prior to
having children, but if you get pregnant you will likely
lose the benefits you have gained. |
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Q: |
If I exercise after having a baby, won’t that
get me back to a pre-pregnancy shape? |
A: |
It depends on your body. Some women are fortunate
to resume near pre-pregnancy shape while the majority
of women complain that they cannot return to their “previous” body
proportions. While exercise will help strengthen
the muscles stretched open during pregnancy, it cannot
replace the effectiveness of surgery for damaged or
loose skin. |
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Q: |
I have heard of a non surgical tummy tuck. What
is that? |
A: |
A new form of light based energy uses laser heat to
tighten excess skin. This does not address even
minor fat pockets but can improve very mild sagging. |
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Q: |
My stomach hangs over my pubic region ever since I
lost weight. Can a tummy tuck pull this up and
tighten it? |
A: |
What you are describing may necessitate a procedure
called panniculectomy to reduce significant skin and
fat hanging below the abs. This degree of skin
sag is often experienced by those who were or are morbidly
obese. Gastric bypass patients often need this
type of body contouring for overall hygiene as well
as aesthetic considerations. |
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