Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty, Panniculectomy, it doesn't matter what you want to call it, the result is a flatter, firmer stomach.

What Does a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Do?

Tummy tucks are designed to fix abdominal wall laxity. Abdominoplasty can repair stretched abdominal wall muscles. The tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat that accumulates on the lower belly. This part of the abdominoplasty is sometimes called a Panniculectomy. Whatever the name, the result is a firmer, flatter abdominal wall.

Tummy Tuck Timing – When to Get Your Abdominoplasty

There are several reasons for abdominal wall laxity, but having children tops the list. Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and skin. Often the stretching is irreversible, and the skin and muscle remain loose, despite weight loss and working out. It may take several months for your abdomen to recover from child birth. Normally, maximum shrinkage is seen by your newborns first birthday. The best time to get a tummy tuck is after your are done having children. For more information about abdominoplasty, click on San Francisco Tummy Tucks

Another common reason for a tummy tuck is a history of being overweight. Weight gain, like pregnancy, stretches the abdominal wall. When the weight is lost, loose skin and stretched muscle may continue to be a problem. This occurs in more areas than the abdomen. Loose skin may affect the breasts, face, arms and thighs too. The best time to have a tummy tuck after Weight Loss, is when you have reached your goal weight. If you have had bariatric surgery for weight loss, it is recommended to wait one year after your weight loss surgery. This allows you to reach a stable weight, and gives your body time to adjust to its new physiology. For more information on plastic surgery that can help improve your appearance after weight loss, click on Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery.

Mommy Makeovers

The Mommy Makeover is a combination of Tummy Tuck and Breast Enhancement. Since pregnancy affects the breast and abdomen, the mommy makeover is one of the most common combination surgeries I perform. Most commonly, Breast Augmentation, with or without a Breast Lift, is added to the tummy tuck. But sometimes, just a breast lift (mastopexy) or even breast reduction is needed. A mommy makeover may involve a smaller abdominal procedure when appropriate, so liposuction and mini tummy tucks (mini abdominoplasty) are always considered. For more information on Mommy Makeovers, click on San Francisco Mommy Makeover.

If you would like more information about the mommy makeover, tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, liposuction, Breast Augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction or post-bariatric plastic surgery, make an appointment for a personal, private plastic surgery consultation. Give us a call at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form on this page.

Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck Before and After - Left: Before Abdominoplasty with loose skin, muscle laxity and lower abdominal fat. Right: After Abdominoplasty with tight skin, firm muscles and removal of disproportionate fat. Liposuction (Liposculpture) was also performed on the sides

Sometimes less is more

I am all for using the smallest hammer to get the job done. Sometimes a tummy tuck is more surgery than is needed to get a great result. Sometimes less, a Mini-Tummy-Tuck or Liposuction, is sufficient.

Abdominoplasty and Liposuction are not interchangeable. While liposuction can remove disproportionate fat, a tummy tuck does much more. A tummy tuck can correct loose skin and lax muscle. It is not just a matter of getting better results.

Sometimes Less is Worse

Doing liposuction instead of a tummy tuck is often not a decision between good and better. Liposuction performed on an area with loose skin may make you look worse. Liposuction, even laser liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction, do not shrink skin well enough to convert tummy tuck candidates into liposuction candidates. Liposuction under loose skin can be expected to remove the skin’s support causing additional folding and visible irregularities, lumps and indentations, in the skin.

The decision between Liposuction or Tummy Tuck should be discussed with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon near you.

What does a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) do?

Tummy Tucks

• Tighten the abdominal wall’s muscular layers
• Remove loose skin from below and above the belly button
• Reduce the superficial abdominal wall fat that accumulates on the lower belly

Why do Women and Men have Adbominoplasty?

Common reasons for Abdominoplasty are:

• Pregnancy
• Fluctuations in Weight
• After bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
• Stretch marks of the lower abdomen
• Aging
• Heredity
• Previous abdominal surgery

Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty may be a good choice if:

• You are healthy.
• Your weight is stable.
• You have realistic expectations.
• You do not smoke.

When not to have Abdominoplasty

Most Board Certified Plastic Surgeons will advice postponing your Tummy Tuck if:

• You are trying to become pregnant.
• You are planning significant weight loss.
• You are continuing to gain weight.
• You have uncontrolled medical problems.
• You continue to smoke.

Pregnancy and large fluctuations in weight will diminish and potentially undo the benefits of abdominoplasty. Uncontrolled medical problems should always be addressed, but uncontrolled medical problems can significantly increase the risks associated with surgery. Smoking increases the risk of wound healing problems after procedures like tummy tucks, facelifts and breast reduction by 600%. It is best to stop smoking prior to having surgery, and once stopped, why not quit? It will improve your health and appearance.

Tummy Tuck Consultation

If you are considering rejuvenating your belly, make a consultation appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. There is no better way to get the specific information you need to make an informed decision. To schedule a personal plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Mele, send us a request via the contact form to the left, or give us a call at (925) 943-6353.

General Information

We are now enrolling patients in a clinical research study to look at an investigational post-surgical incision care dressing used in scar healing. If you are thinking of having a tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty), you may qualify for the clinical research study. The investigational dressing will be applied to one side of your abdominoplasty incision and the other side will be treated will be treated per the normal standard of care.

To Qualify You Must

To qualify you must:

• be a man or woman between the ages of 18 and 65
• be willing to participate in the study to evaluate a new dressing 1 week after a tummy tuck procedure
• not have any known reactions to medical tapes or adhesives
• not have a history of collagen vascular disease, cutis laxica, connective tissue disease, psoriasis, or lupus
• not be diagnosed with scleroderma
• not have a BMI > 30
• not have had weight loss of >100 lbs. within six months of the tummy tuck procedure
• not be a current smoker
• not be taking steroid therapy within 2 months from the date of study enrollment

Study Participation Involves

Study participation involves:

• study-related procedures and investigational dressing at no charge
• weekly office visits (lasting approximately 20 minutes) for up to 12 weeks post surgery with application of a new dressing at each visit
• photographic record taken of the incision at several visits
• follow-up visits and photographic record at six and 12 months post surgery

Enrolled participants will be compensated for their time and travel at the completion of the study. To learn more about this study give us a call, (925) 943-6353, and schedule a free consultation appointment. We are conveniently located in the San Francisco East Bay Area community of Walnut Creek, California.

This is an IRB controlled study. More information about this clinical trail is also available here.

Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures

Who Gets Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)?

Many of my tummy tuck patients have had children. Their abdomens have stretched due to pregnancy, especially with multiple pregnancies. The baby, like weight gain, stretches the abdominal wall causing both muscle and skin laxity. This can occur even when physically fit. Abdominal wall stretching is compounded by even mild weight gain, as the fat seems to be stored preferentially in the lower abdomen.

Why is the Abdomen More Full at the Bottom?

Extra skin tends to fold over at the belly-button and at the belt line. This happens because most the attachments between the skin and abdominal muscles are loose, allowing gravity to slide the skin down over the muscles when we stand. Dense attachments between the skin and the muscle at the belly button and along the belt line keep the skin from sliding. Redundant skin above these areas accumulates and may fold over itself. The lower abdominal skin folding is accentuated by lower abdominal scars, like the scar from a C-section. The C-section scar firmly glues the skin to the underlying muscle, and gravity pulls any loose skin over the scar enhancing the pooch.

Another reason the abdomen is more full at the bottom has to do with the abdominal wall muscles. Pregnancy and weight gain increase the volume inside the abdominal cavity. This stretches not only the skin but also the tough fascial layers that support the abdominal muscles. When the fascia layers are stretched, the guts can push forward, causing a rounder belly. Tightening the muscles voluntarily can help, but when overstretched, it may not be possible to suck the guts in completely.

Fat retained inside the abdominal cavity can also cause a firm round belly that cannot be sucked in. Fat in this interior location cannot be removed with a tummy tuck or liposuction, and must be lost through diet and exercise. This is part of the reason it is best to be close to your goal weight before having your tummy tuck.

What Can be Done to Flatten the Belly After Pregnancy or Weight Loss?

• Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures
  

  Tummy Tuck - Before and After Photos

  Tummy Tuck: The Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, was created to tighten the abdominal wall muscles and to remove excess skin. A tummy tuck also removes excess fat more completely than liposuction. This three pronged approach addresses excess skin, excess fat and lax abdominal muscles. It is the most effective way to rejuvenate the shape of the abdomen. Abdominoplasty smoothes the skin, removes the fat and tightens the abdominal muscles.

• Liposuction Before and After Pictures
  

  Liposuction Before and After Pictures

  Liposuction: If the skin tone and muscle wall are already in good shape, Liposuction alone may be sufficient. However, if liposuction is performed with loose skin or muscles, the results will not be optimal. The muscle is not tightened with liposuction, and the skin may lose support from the fat removal and become more irregular.

• Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures
  

  Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures

  Mini-Tummy Tuck: The Mini Tummy Tuck, or Mini Abdominoplasty, can help when the muscle and skin laxity is isolated to below the belly button. It does everything a tummy tuck can do below the belly button, and can be combined with liposuction to address disproportionate fat above the belly button or on the sides. For laxity above the belly button, a tummy tuck is still the best choice.

Tummy Tuck Information

More information about tummy tucks is available on my main web site DrMele.com. If you would like specific information regarding what can be done for your tummy, schedule a consultation in our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery Office in Walnut Creek, California. Call (925) 943-6353 or use the contact form in the column on to the left.

Dr. Mele discusses Tumescent Liposuction (aka: Liposuction, Suction Assisted Lipectomy and Liposculpture) on the San Francisco Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.

Liposuction, specifically Tumescent Liposuction, remains the gold-standard in efficient, safe and predictable fat removal. It allows for the selective removal of fat from areas that are disproportionate in a way that weight loss cannot. While weight loss is indicated for obesity, liposuction is superior for the spot removal of localized collections of fat that stubbornly remain, even if you are near your ideal weight.

Mesotherapy Banned

France recently banned one of the largest “alternative” fat removal treatments because it posses a significant risk to the patient’s health. The law was far reaching, and included ALL non-surgical alternatives to liposuction. The French court found that the inclusion of some already approved methods was inconsistent with the spirit of the law, and consequently has issued an injunction pending narrowing of the law’s scope.

San Francisco Bay Area Liposuction Expert

Below is the first segment of four from an appearance on the San Francisco Bay Area News Station, KRON, Channel 4. The topic for discussion was Liposuction and Liposuction alternatives, both surgical and non-surgical. The (415) number on the video was for viewers to call in with questions during the live show. If you have questions, please call our Walnut Creek Liposuction Expert at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form in the left column.

San Francisco Bay Area Liposuction Video

Tumescent Liposuction Topics Covered

Topics covered during the above San Francisco Bay Area Television appearance include:

• The recent French Mesotherapy Ban
• Problems associated with Mesotherapy
• Inclusion of Some Approved Treatments in the French Mesotherapy Ban leads to the requirement for modification
• Tumescent Liposuction
• The ability of Tumescent Liposuction to selectively remove fat
• Do lasers, ultrasound and radiofrequency dramatically improve the results of Tumescent Liposuction?

Additional Liposuction Videos

Additional Liposuction Videos from this appearance are available on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog via the following links:

• San Francisco Bay Area Liposuction – Part 1 of 4 (You Are Here)
• San Francisco Bay Area Liposuction – Part 2 of 4
• San Francisco Bay Area Liposuction – Part 3 of 4
• San Francisco Bay Area Liposuction – Part 4 of 4

Additional Liposuction Information

Additional information on Liposuction is available online on my personal Plastic Surgery Web Site by clicking here -> Walnut Creek Liposuction

Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.

San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned the latest in body contouring on Body Beautiful with host Vicki Liviakis. My recent KRON 4 appearance reveals how Tummy Tucks can help after weight loss and childbirth. By removing disproportionate fat and repairing loose abdominal skin and muscle laxity, you can have a rejuvenated belly. This is part four of the video series; however, links to all four parts are available at the bottom of this post. Watch the show on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and learn about the latest techniques of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video

This is the final of four video segments about procedures for tightening your tummy. The video includes more viewer questions from the live broadcast. If you didn’t have a chance to call in during the broadcast, but you have questions, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the left column. The (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video Part 4

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information

This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:

• How much does a Tummy Tuck cost?
• Does insurance cover Abdominoplasty costs?
• What type of Tummy Tuck is best for you?
• Modifications of Abdominoplasty (Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck) for skin tightening after massive weight loss and after bariatric surgery?
• How long is the Tummy Tuck recovery?
• Can an Abdominoplasty be performed safely with Diabetes?

Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon

If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.

Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

This is part 4 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:

• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 1 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 2 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 3 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (You are here)

Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast. Information on procedures frequently combined with Tummy Tuck procedures, like Breast Augmentation or Liposuction, with a Tummy Tuck is also available. The combination of Tummy Tuck and Breast Enhancement (Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, etc…) is often called a Mommy Makeover.

Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.

San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned what’s new in body contouring on my recent KRON 4 Body Beautiful appearance with host Vicki Liviakis. Tummy Tucks can help after lost weight, childbirth and other causes of abdominal laxity. You can watch the show, in its entirety, on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and learn about the latest techniques of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video

This is the third of four video segments about abdominal rejuvenation. This video includes viewer questions from the live broadcast. The combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty is reviewed. If you have questions, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the left column. The (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video Part 3

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information

This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:

• Should you lose weight before Abdominoplasty surgery?
• Does having more fat mean more Tummy Tuck costs?
• Can a Tummy Tuck be performed after a C-section?
• Will Abdominoplasty interfere with my gym work-outs?
• Can I have more children after a Tummy Tuck? Is it a good idea?
• Does age matter?
• Can I combine other procedures, like Breast Augmentation or Liposuction, with a Tummy Tuck? (Breast Augmentation with Tummy Tuck is often called a Mommy Makeover)
• What are the alternatives to Abdominoplasty?
• What exactly does a Tummy Tuck repair?
  • Loose Skin?
  • Loose Muscle?
  • Excess Fat?
  • Stretch Marks?

Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon

If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.

Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

This is part 3 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:

• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 1 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 2 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 3 of 4 (You are here)
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (Coming Soon)

Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast.

Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.

I recently appeared on Body Beautiful, and San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned what’s new in body contouring. If you have lost weight, had a baby or have stubborn bulges of fat, cosmetic plastic surgery may be right for you. Hear the latest about Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video

Below is the second of four video segments about abdominal rejuvenation. This video includes before and after pictures of tummy tucks both large and small. Comparisons between liposuction and tummy tuck are made. Please note, the (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only. If you have questions about abdominoplasty, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the left column.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video Part 2

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information

This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:

• Abdominoplasty Before and After Pictures after massive weight loss (post-bariatric surgery)
• Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures after childbirth with stretch mark removal
• Abdominoplasty Before and After Pictures with muscle tightening
• Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures with removal of lower abdominal fat and muscle tightening
• What is the difference between a Mini Tummy Tuck and a Full Tummy Tuck?
• Where does Liposuction fit into abdominal rejuvenation?
• Where is the scar located for a Tummy Tuck?
• Is the Mini Tummy Tuck scar really shorter than the traditional Abdominoplasty scar?
• What can be done to minimize the Tummy Tuck scar?
  • Massage
  • Topical Silicone
  • Laser treatments

Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon

If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.

Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

This is part 2 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:

• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 1 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 2 of 4 (You are here)
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 3 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (Coming Soon)

Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast.

Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.

On a recent television appearance on the Bay Area’s News Station, KRON4, I discussed what’s new in body contouring. Broadcast topics included: Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck surgery), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction. On Body Beautiful, San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned about the latest plastic surgery techniques used to smooth the belly, and a lucky few were able to phone in and have their questions answered.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video

Below is the first of four video segments about abdominal rejuvenation. It includes a comparison of liposuction and tummy tuck procedures. The (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only. If you have questions about abdominoplasty, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the column to the left.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information

This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:

• What is a Tummy Tuck? What is Abdominoplasty?
• What is included in a Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty?
• Can a Tummy Tuck substitute for weight loss?
• Can weight loss accomplish the same thing as Abdominoplasty?
• What is the partnership between weight loss and Tummy Tuck?
• How do Liposuction and Abdominoplasty differ?
• Can Liposuction and Tummy Tuck be combined?
• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) before and after pictures are in part 2

Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon

If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.

Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

This is part 1 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:

• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 1 of 4 (You are here)
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 2 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 3 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (Coming Soon)

Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast.

Abdominoplasty - Left (before): Multiple rolls of redundant skin are seen after massive weight loss. Right (after): The loose abdominal skin is removed and the muscle wall is tightened, making finding clothes that fit much easier.

Tumescent Liposuction (Liposculpture, Suction Assisted Lipectomy or SAL)

Diet and exercise are always the first line of defense. No plastic surgery can eliminate the need for a proper diet and exercise plan. However, there are some problems that diet and exercise cannot fix. Localized accumulations of fat, which are disproportionate, are discussed in the previous post about Tumescent Liposuction. For bellies with small amounts of excess fat, that have good muscle and skin tone, tumescent liposuction provides a simpler and faster alternative to tummy tucks. Liposuction (SAL) cannot tighten loose skin. Even laser liposuction (LAL) and ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) cannot tighten skin that has lost its tone. If fact, liposuction can make loose skin look worse by further deflating the skin. By removing the fat, the support for the skin is removed, and the skin will fold over itself. The tummy tuck was designed specifically to address this problem.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini-Abdominoplasty)

When the abdominal skin and muscle laxity is isolated to the area below the belly-button (umbilicus), a mini tummy tuck may be the best option. For a mini tummy tuck, liposuction is often used in the upper abdomen and the sides to reduce unwanted fat, and a low abdominal incision is used to tighten the skin and muscles of the lower abdomen.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) With a “Floating” Belly-Button

In situations where the abdominal skin and muscle laxity is isolated to the area below the belly-button, but there is a small amount of loose skin just above the belly-button a “floating” belly-button technique is used. This is not the normal way to do a tummy tuck, and patients for this technique need to be carefully selected by an experienced, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. If you are a candidate, however, it usually means more improvement with the same scar as a mini tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck - Top (before): Excess skin, muscle laxity and disproportionate lower abdominal fat contribute to a flabby appearance. Bottom (after): Excess skin and fat have been removed, and the abdominal muscles tightened. The sides of the rectus abdominus muscle are closer to the midline after the repair.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the work horse of abdominal rejuvenation, and the gold standard to which every other abdominal tightening procedure is compared. It requires and incision low on the abdomen, and one around the umbilicus. The procedure allows not only for tightening the abdominal skin, but the removal of excess fat and tightening of the muscles of the abdominal wall. This muscle tightening provides a tighter foundation on which to build your new tummy.

Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck (Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty)

The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is used when the amount and laxity of the abdominal skin is massive. This is most often seen after bariatric surgery or weight loss of greater then 75 pounds. The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty incorporates all the features of a tummy-tuck with an additional incision running down the middle of the abdomen to remove excess skin from the midline. It is the biggest operation available, designed to reduce the most extreme amounts of excess abdominal skin.

The Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)

The lower body lift is a tummy tuck that extends all the way around to body. It is almost exclusively performed in post-bariatric surgery patients. The combination of extreme weight gain stretching out the skin, followed by loss of this weight, leaves a skirt of loose skin that can extend all the way around the back. In these cases, additional weight loss will not improve the appearance. The lower body lift is also called a belt lipectomy because a belt of excess skin and fat is removed. The abdominal muscles can also be tightened to enhance the abdominal contours, like in a traditional tummy tuck.

Body Beautiful on KRON4

Next Monday, March 14th, at 11:00 AM, I will be on KRON4′s Body Beautiful discussing Tummy Tucks. Feel free to call in and have your questions answered live, on the air. For a less public response, use the contact form on the left. While I do my best to provide you with accurate general information about all aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, the only way to get information specific to your needs is with a personalized consultation appointment. Give me a call at (925) 943-6353 to schedule your consultation today.