The tummy-tuck, or abdominoplasty is one the procedures I perform most frequently. My San Francisco tummy tuck patients are some of my happiest. The procedure can not only remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, it can directly tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. However, not everyone who comes into the office for a cosmetic plastic surgery consultation needs a full tummy-tuck.

A “full” tummy-tuck provides improvement to the muscular foundation of the abdomen. This is especially important after pregnancy and weight loss. Both cause stretching of the abdominal wall from the inside out, and can result in laxity and even separation of the muscles that provide support to the abdominal contents.

There are situations when a full tummy tuck may not be necessary. If the problems with fullness, muscle laxity and excess skin are confined to the lower abdomen, a mini-tummy-tuck might provide the appropriate amount of correction. In other words, if the skin above the umbilicus (belly-button) is tight and the contour of the abdomen in this area is acceptable, a mini-tummy-tuck can provide sufficient correction. Laxity below the umbilicus can be corrected with this smaller surgery resulting in a quicker recovery and lower costs.

Liposuction can be used to contour the abdomen also. For liposuction to be successful the muscle and skin must be tight. Disproportionate fat located between the muscle and the skin causes fullness that can be localized. Most commonly this is found in the lower part of the abdomen. Liposuction can selectively remove this excess fat and improve the overall contour of the abdomen.

If you are interested in improving the contour of your abdomen, additional and information on liposuction, the mini-tummy-tuck and the tummy-tuck is available on my website and in the video above. Both provide general information about the procedures; however specific guidance for you can only be made after a thoughtful and thorough consultation appointment. For a recommendation based on your specific needs and goals, call (925) 943-6353. As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon located in San Francisco’s East Bay city of Walnut Creek, I have all the options available and can choose the simplest plan with the greatest probability of getting the best possible results.