Abdominoplasty

Types of Tummy Tucks

With a single plastic surgery procedure, years of unsightly fat, skin, and stretched muscle can be removed, repaired, and rejuvenated.  Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a very common procedure in women who have had previous pregnancies, women who have undergone weight gain and loss, and in women over the age of 50 who have developed excess skin along their abdomen and hips.  Men commonly seek abdominoplasty after significant weight loss, or after the age of 50 for a tightening effect to the abdomen. Many  patients also like to combine different cosmetic surgery procedures such as brachioplasty, breast lifts, and cellulite reduction, to target different areas of the body at once.

There are many different types of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedures.  As with the human face, all abdomens are unique, and all of them require individualized attention and a customized treatment package.

1)   Limited Incision Abdominoplasty

A limited incision abdominoplasty is designed to tighten and firm the abdomen below the belly button, tighten up the belly button, and tighten up the lower abdominal muscles.  This cosmetic plastic surgery procedure is best suited for women that are at or near their ideal body weight, who have excess skin below the belly button.  A common indication for this procedure is removal of stretch marks.  The greatest benefit of this procedure is that it allows tightening of the abdominal wall, which creates a natural, athletic  appearance, and a complete “reset” of the abdominal wall.   Downtime for this procedure is 3-5 days.  We routinely incorporate comprehensive liposuction with this procedure, as it allows us to sculpture your abdomen, and provide you your best, safest result.  As well, all patients receive an continuous pain control therapy that minimizes postoperative pain and discomfort.

2)   Standard Abdominoplasty

A standard abdominoplasty involves a low incision on the abdomen that gently curves upwards over the hips.  This procedure offers removal of all excess skin below the belly button, restoring your belly button to a vertical orientation,  and tightening and reinforcement of the core musculature of the abdomen.  These goals combine to provide total rejuvenation of your abdomen, and restoration of your natural aesthetic form.  Patients that are closest to their targeted ideal weight have rountinely outstanding results following abdominoplasty.  As well, this procedure is commonly undertaken in men.  Liposuction is appropriately utilized to provide the best result possible.  Use of liposuction and low volume liposculpture allows our plastic surgeon to provide outstanding results in combination with abdominoplasty.

All tummy tuck patients receive continuous pain control therapy with this procedure.  We provide concierge overnight recovery at our privately owned cosmetic plastic surgery center.  Our staff provides clinical and personal support during the day of surgery at our overnight beachside plastic surgery center.  Patients and their families are allowed to recover together in a quiet, individualized, suite.   Typically, patients require a minimum of 7-10 days recovery.  Patients may shower after surgery.  Normal exercise is started 6 weeks after surgery.  Final results of this type of cosmetic surgery are seen at three to six months from surgery.

3)   Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty

The umbilical float abdominoplasty procedure is a novel technique that is perfect for women with excess skin above and below the belly button.  In this type of patient, we commonly employ an umbilical float technique.  This procedure allows me to limit the length of the incision, but provide a comprehensive tightening of the abdominal core.  It also allows for fantastic contouring along the hips and flanks.  Liposuction is universally used with this approach, and is usually used along the abdomen and flank.