Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular procedures I have performed on both male and female patients. The abdomen is a common area where many patients have stubborn, unwanted fat and/or excess skin. There are multiple factors such as pregnancy, weight loss or gain, and aging which can all affect the appearance of the midsection. Unlike other body contouring procedures such as liposuction, which does not eliminate loose skin or target muscle separation, tummy tucks are specifically designed to remove excess skin and fat and repair the muscles in the abdominal area.
During a tummy tuck procedure, incisions are made in the lower abdominal region between the hips; the loose skin and unwanted fat are removed, followed by repairing the weakened abdominal muscles. For patients who do not require muscle repair, they can choose a mini tummy tuck option. By repairing affected abdominal muscles, the midsection maintains an even smoother appearance. If there are still remaining areas of unwanted fat in the hips, flanks, or back, liposuction may be combined with tummy tuck surgery to remove the fat. Over my 20 plus years of practice, I have perfected a specialized tummy tuck technique, which involves tapering the Scarpa fascia portion of the abdominal region to enhance waist narrowing. By utilizing these methods, abdominoplasty results can produce an improved waist definition in proportion to a natural body structure.
Often, abdominoplasty is a procedure used in mommy makeover surgery to help patients restore their pre-pregnancy stomach as pregnancies can cause weight gain and skin to lose elasticity. I also perform tummy tuck surgery for post-bariatric patients who have residual skin from substantial weight loss. While tummy tucks can help patients achieve their aesthetic goals, it should never substitute weight loss or a healthy lifestyle. I always advise my patients to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen after surgery for long-lasting abdominoplasty results.
If you’re interested in tummy tuck surgery or other body contouring procedures I perform, contact Southern Plastic Surgery, P.C. today. As an additional resource to help you plan a healthy lifestyle, Jackie Madison is a certified Lifestyle & Weight Management Specialist and is available in-office at Southern Plastic Surgery. Be sure to connect with me, Dr. David Whiteman, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.