Tummy Tuck Overview – Abdominoplasty

Plastic surgery procedures for the body have become more popular as women look to regain their youthful figures. Procedures like tummy tuck and liposuction are extremely popular with those women who have finished child bearing and would like a more sleek and tight mid section. Sometimes tummy tuck is performed in conjunction with breast procedures, such as breast augmentation with breast implants or breast lift. Surgeons who perform tummy tuck also typically perform medical procedures. Breast reduction, like rhinoplasty, can be performed for medical reasons or for purely cosmetic reasons. Sometimes tummy tuck is confused with panniculectomy surgery. The difference is that during panniculectomy, excess skin and fat are removed, but no muscles are tightened. The paragraphs below provide more information about the tummy tuck procedure.

Tummy Tuck – The Abdominoplasty Procedure

Tummy tuck surgery, formally referred to as abdominoplasty, is a type of major cosmetic plastic surgery through which excess fat and skin is removed from the abdomen in conjunction with the tightening of the abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty procedures are performed on male and female patients alike, in one of two broad varieties: Partial or complete abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty Expectations

Prior to undergoing the abdominoplasty surgery procedure, patients must first consult with a plastic surgeon to gauge the risks involved with the surgery and discuss realistic expectations. The removal of excess skin and tightening of the muscles of the abdominal wall can significantly improve a patient's body contour and appearance, helping to bolster self-confidence.

Patients undergoing an abdominoplasty procedure can expect it to produce a permanent scar, typically stretching across the full width of the midsection. The scar can typically be placed so that it is hidden by the bikini line. The scarring is considered to be a small price to pay for the type of results that are produced from tummy tuck surgery. People concerned about permanent scarring may not be the best candidates for tummy tuck surgery.

Postponement of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Women who are considering future pregnancies should discuss postponing abdominoplasty with their plastic surgeon because of possible complications. A standard tummy tuck surgery involves reparation of the vertical abdominal muscle system called the rectus muscles. During pregnancy, these muscles can separate, nullifying any cosmetic work done in associated areas. Similarly, people who are considering a serious diet in which they plan to lose a significant amount of weight should consider postponing an abdominoplasty procedure. Consultations are designated for the discussion of any such related issues.

Common Plastic Surgery Procedures

Abdominoplasty is a commonly performed type of plastic surgery. Some of the other common types of plastic surgery procedures include: liposuction (suction lipectomy), facelift, nose surgery (rhinoplasty) and breast augmentation. To get information about these common procedures or about hair and skin treatments, consult an informational guide like the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.

This webpage describes the plastic surgery procedure called abdominoplasty, who are the best candidates and how to find a tummy tuck surgeon.