Abdominoplasty

Commonly referred to as a "tummy tuck", abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. A “poochy” or protuberant abdomen, with slack skin and stretch marks, cannot be fixed by diet and exercise alone.

The most common condition leading to these physical signs is pregnancy. The effects of pregnancy vary from woman to woman, but in many, the physical effects cannot be reversed without surgery. It is very important to be evaluated thoroughly, so that the cause of the problem can be determined, and an appropriate treatment plan can be targeted to treat the physical problems.

There are three anatomical structures that need to be considered in evaluating the protuberant abdomen: skin, fat, and the underlying muscle.

The first step in acquiring a flat abdomen is defining the problem. When fat alone is the cause of the “poochiness,” liposuction alone may suffice to achieve a flat stomach.

If the skin has been stretched beyond its capacity to contract so that there is loose skin or unsightly stretch marks, then the skin needs to be addressed by either tightening with laser liposuction (Smart Lipo) or skin removal with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

When the abdominal muscles have been weakened, then a muscle tightening procedure must be added to achieve a flat stomach, and this is rountinely performed as part of an abdominoplasty.

After a thorough evaluation, and a review of all of your alternatives, Dr. Siporin will recommend a treatment plan to treat the underlying problem, and to achieve your individual goals.

The Surgery

• Performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgery center
• Removes excess skin and stretch marks from the belly button downward
• Removes excess fat and places permanent sutures to tighten the abdominal wall muscles
• Improves the appearance of the belly button
• May be performed with small amounts of liposuction to both the abdomen and other areas
• Results in scars, which become inconspicuous with time, and can be concealed by a bikini
• As with all surgeries, there are risks and potential complications, which will be discussed in detail with you
• The most common complications are scarring, numbness, seroma or hematoma, and delayed healing

Recovery from your Tummy Tuck

• Patients must either stay in a post-operative care center or have responsible adult supervision
• Patients experience discomfort and tightness, and may walk hunched over for a couple of days
• Walking in encouraged the day after surgery but patients do not return to vigorous exercise for six weeks
• Patients generally can return to work within two weeks
• Scars continue to improve and fade for up to one year