Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a fairly common procedure that helps to tighten weak or separated muscles (caused by aging or pregnancy) and removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. Some patients just need fat removed from the area and they are often good candidates for liposuction. Ideal patients for tummy tuck surgery are those who need more than just fat removed because they have loose skin and/or loose muscle in the abdomen.
A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.
The tummy tuck surgery removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:
- Aging
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Prior surgery
- Significant fluctuations in weight
There are two types of tummy tucks (abdominoplasty). The full tummy tuck is a surgery that works on the full abdomen and goes into the muscular layer to tighten loose abdominal muscles. It also removes excess skin so it addresses both muscular weakness as well as skin laxity (looseness).
The mini tummy tuck is not as invasive and only removes the excess skin (usually from just the lower abdominal area). This procedure is ideal for patients who just have loose skin, but is not appropriate for patients who have loose muscle.
In summary, patients who have unwanted fat will often do best with liposuction. Patients with unwanted loose skin will sometimes choose to have a mini tummy tuck and patients with loose skin and muscle weakness will often require a fully tummy tuck.
We offer all of these procedures and are glad to give advice on the right procedure for you. Feel free to call us at 877-860-7927 for a free consultation with one of our surgeons.