Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Intro
Major abdominal surgery for cosmetic reasons is gaining wide popularity among both men and women. The surgical techniques have improved to such an extent that the surgery time has decreased, recovery time is shorter and scarring is minimized. Tummy tuck surgery and panniculectomy surgery are the two most common types of procedures for the mid section. Panniculectomy is somewhat different than tummy tuck and is performed primarily on patients who have undergone weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery. During panniculectomy, skin and fat are removed, while during a full tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles are tightened as part of the procedure. Breast surgeries, such as breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast lift are also often performed after weight loss surgery. Liposuction surgery and rhinoplasty ("nose job") are two other common cosmetic surgery procedures.
Tummy Tuck – The Procedure
Tummy tuck, or known by its medical procedure name abdominoplasty, is a major type of cosmetic plastic surgery. The purpose of this procedure is to reshape and tighten the midsection, and improve the appearance or the lower to middle abdomen for both males and females. During the tummy tuck procedure, excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen area and the muscles ("abs") of the abdominal wall are tightened.
Candidates for Tummy Tuck
The ideal candidates for tummy tuck s are those men and women in relatively good physical shape, but have excess skin or fat in the abdomen area that is resistant to exercise. Women who suffer from excess skin in the lower abdomen and loose abdominal muscles after multiple pregnancies, are particularly good candidates for this surgery. For these women, the skin and muscles have stretched beyond the point where they can naturally return to the normal shape and location. Older persons, whose skin has lost elasticity and has begun to sag in the midsection can also benefit from a tummy tuck.
Expectations for Tummy Tuck Surgery
The repair and tightening of the abdominal muscles, along with removal of the excess skin, can greatly improve the patients' body contour and appearance. This improved appearance can aid in self-confidence. However, the surgery cannot create a person's youth or the ideal figure. Abdominoplasty does produce a permanent scar, typically across the full width of the midsection. If you are concerned about the scaring, or if you have other abdominal scars, you may not be a good candidate for surgery. When making a decision about abdominoplasty, you should consider these factors and set the proper expectations. When considering a tummy tuck, viewing tummy tuck before and after pics can also help you develop a good idea of your potential surgical results.
Talk to a Qualified Tummy Tuck Surgeon
To make a decision about the tummy tuck procedure, it is best to consult a qualified tummy tuck surgeon who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon can discuss the details of the surgical procedure, the type of anesthetic to be used, the extent of skin removal and muscle repair during surgery, the cost of tummy tuck and the expected recovery period.
Patients Who Should Postpone Tummy Tuck
Women who are considering additional pregnancies should postpone abdominoplasty surgery. The vertical abdominal muscles, called the rectus muscles, that are repaired during the tummy tuck procedure can separate again during pregnancy. Those persons who intend to lose a considerable amount of weight should also postpone surgery until after the weight loss.
Another Internet resource for information about Tummy Tuck Surgeons are the Tummy Tuck Surgeons and Tummy Tuck Cost.
The most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures are rhinoplasty (nose surgery), liposuction and breast augmentation surgery. Other popular surgical procedures include tummy tuck and face lift surgery. Learn more about breast, nose and abdominoplasty procedures from the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.
This webpage discusses information about abdominoplasty, who are the best candidates and how to find a tummy tuck surgeon.
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