Most people wish to flaunt a well-toned stomach and may employ extreme diet and exercise regimes to achieve this goal. But stubborn fat sometimes fails to respond to any form of exercise or diet. In such cases, a tummy tuck works as the perfect solution. Even if you are at a normal weight and have a proportionate body structure, it is possible that your stomach is loose/sagging, or protruding out. An abdominoplasty works in such cases as well.

Some of the common reasons why people struggle with excess skin and fat or loose skin around their abdomen include the following:

  • Heredity
  • Aging
  • Former surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Major weight fluctuations

Candidates for a Tummy Tuck

All individuals (males and females) who enjoy good general health can consider an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery. The procedure is common among women who’ve experienced multiple pregnancies and ended up with loose and sagging skin around the stomach. The abdominoplasty surgery helps in tightening the muscles and removing extra skin from the stomach. The result is a firmer, smoother, and more toned abdomen.

The tummy tuck procedure may also be considered by those people who were earlier overweight and hence have loose skin and/or fat deposits around the abdomen.

Types of Abdominoplasty

Complete/Full Abdominoplasty

In the traditional tummy tuck, the surgeon will make an incision in the area around your navel (besides the incision in the lower abdominal area). The procedure typically involves the removal of excess skin, the tightening of abdominal muscles, and liposuction for reshaping the abdomen. In a complete abdominoplasty, skin is removed from the area above your navel, all the way down to your pubic area. It is generally performed in cases of multiple pregnancies, extreme obesity, or genetic laxity.

Mini/Partial Abdominoplasty

A mini-abdominoplasty is usually recommended for those who have fat deposits located underneath the navel. This procedure will not likely require a repositioning of the belly button and takes just about 2 hours to be completed (time may vary slightly, depending on each individual case). In a mini-abdominoplasty, the surgeon will make just one incision in the patient’s pubic area.

Recovery

After the tummy tuck procedure is completed, your surgeon may apply bandages or dressings to the incisions in order to aid recovery. A special compression garment or elastic bandage may also be prescribed for wrapping around the operated area. This will help in minimizing swelling while also supporting the abdomen which is healing after surgery.

The recovery procedure generally involves the temporary placement of thin, small tubes underneath the skin for draining any extra fluid or blood that might be accumulated. You would need to take note of the specific instructions given by your surgeon with regards to caring for the surgical site as well as the drains. Medicines may be prescribed to support recovery as well.

We recommend that patients slowly get back to their normal routine rather than rushing into it at once. It is important to note that the recovery time for complete abdominoplasty is usually longer as compared to that of mini abdominoplasty.

Get the most from life

Dr. Paul Nassif understands the importance of feeling confident in your appearance. He works with patients to enhance their natural beauty and allow them to get the most out of life. If you are interested in an appointment with Dr. Nassif, contact our office to schedule your consultation.

Schedule a Consultation
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (424) 453-8966 .
Contact Us