Abdominoplasty means abdomen changing, or more accurately, abdominal wall flattening and tightening . It is one of my favorite procedures because it allows me to change the abdomen in three distinct and complementary ways: tightening the muscles, removing disproportionate fat and excising loose skin.
Three Ways Tummy Tucks Work
Tummy Tucks are a combination of three surgical techniques all of which contribute to the flattening, thinning and tightening of the abdomen. It begins with tightening the foundation, the muscles, continues with thinning the fat of the middle layers and ends with removing any excess skin. A well crafted Abdominoplasty is a lot of work, but the results are satisfying for patient and surgeon.
Number 1: Tightening the abdominal wall muscles
The muscles are the foundation of a youthful, strong abdominal wall. When restoring the abdominal wall after pregnancy or weight loss, it is important to create a firm base on which to build.
Abdominoplasty before and after pictures – These side views show the convexity of the abdomen caused by muscle laxity before and the flattening of the belly after due to tightening the muscles which create the foundation of the abdominal wall.
When the abdominal wall muscles are loose and stretched, the abdominal contents push the abdominal wall out, forming a convex, round belly, as is seen in the above before picture profile view. Even when the skin is tight and the abdominal wall fat is thin, the abdomen will appear full, not flat.
After Abdominoplasty, the abdominal muscles are tight, flattening the appearance of the abdominal wall and improving the appearance of the belly both in and out of clothing.
Number 2: Removing disproportionate lower abdominal fat
Once the muscles are tightened, the bulging fat is addressed. On the lower abdomen treatment is simple and effective. The lower abdominal skin is directly excised, including the subcutaneous fat attached to the lower abdominal skin.
Abdominoplasty before and after pictures – These side views show disproportionate fat of the lower abdomen in the before picture. The after picture shows an improvement in contour and proportions created by removing the excess fat.
In the before picture above, a disproportionate collection of fat causes an overhang of the lower belly. After this fat is removed, the abdominal wall is smooth. For fat located in other areas, the sides, flanks and back, Liposuction is used. On the upper abdomen, less fat is usually present, so it is not often needed. If a lot of fat is present, your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon may recommend delaying the Liposuction to preserve the abdominal wall circulation and reduce the risk of ischemia and thus healing complications of the abdominal skin.
Number 3: Excision of loose skin
Loose abdominal wall skin is often the first thing we notice on candidates for Tummy Tuck. It can overhang and even cause rashes and infections beneath the pannus. Excising this excess skin is a must for the best abdominoplasty result.
Abdominoplasty before and after pictures – These front views show the benefits of excising loose, redundant, excess lower abdominal skin. The combination of muscle tightening, fat reduction and skin excision are the three secrets that make Tummy Tucks so effective for abdominal rejuvenation.
The loose skin at the lower abdomen is made more apparent by her C-section scar. The scar is often depressed after a cesarean section, so the Tummy Tuck incision is placed below this level to remove the old scar and provide a smoother belly. The picture above shows what tightening the muscle, removing disproportionate fat and excising loose skin can do for a woman’s belly.
Tummy Tuck Consultations
If you are considering Abdominoplasty consult with an experienced, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Whether you need a little Liposuction or a full Tummy Tuck, for the best results find a plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic plastic surgery. In the San Francisco Bay Area, call (925) 943-6353 and schedule your private consultation appointment.
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