TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE

When diet and exercise fail to achieve the waistline you desire, we offer the expertise of plastic surgeons who have perfected procedures to help you attain a flat, well-toned abdomen.

Why Choose Us

When considering a tummy tuck, always look for a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with specialized training and significant experience.

TUMMY TUCK VARIATIONS

Standard tummy tuck

• Addresses the loose, sagging abdominal skin common after pregnancy and weight loss
• Surgically removes excess fat and skin from abdomen
• Tightens weakened or separated muscles above and below the belly button, creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer
• The scar is horizontal, situated above the pubis
• Mini-abdominoplasty
• Surgical removal of fat and skin; specifically the area below the belly button
• Tightens the weakened muscles below the belly button
• The scar is horizontal, situated above the pubis

Lipo-abdominoplasty

• This procedure combines the benefits of an abdominoplasty with liposuction
• Addresses the fat or fullness of the upper abdomen with liposuction that a standard tummy tuck will not address
• Extended abdominoplasty or Fluer-De-Lis
• Addresses the excess skin and fat above the belly button often a result of massive weight loss
• The scar orientation is both vertical and horizontal

HOW TO PREPARE

What is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)? What is panniculectomy?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty surgery, is a type of abdominal plastic surgery that removes excess fat, skin, and in most cases, can reestablish weakened or separated muscles – creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

Panniculectomy, which can be performed alone or in combination with tummy tuck surgery, removes any overhanging “apron” of skin and tissue from below the belly button. This excess skin is most typically a result of significant weight loss (100 pounds or more) through diet and exercise.

The hanging skin of the abdomen, called the pannus or “apron” can cause a variety of problems, including the inability to fit comfortably into clothing, difficulty in daily hygiene, yeast infections or cysts in the folds of skin, and lower back pain. Different from a tummy tuck, which tightens the underlying stomach muscles, a panniculectomy only removes excess skin and fat.

Many people who have achieved significant weight loss can be left with large amounts of heavy, loose folds of skin around the abdomen, which can sag and lose elasticity as a result of being stretched for a long period of time. This excess skin can lead to rashes above the pubic area and along the groin and hips. As a result, skin removal after weight loss is a crucial next step to take. A panniculectomy can offer relief of these symptoms to enhance your health and appearance.

Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)? Am I a candidate for a panniculectomy?

The ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are those who have a combination of loose or excess skin on their abdomen and/or excess abdominal fat. Almost all women who have had children will also have some degree of abdominal muscle laxity. Any of these conditions, or all three, can be corrected by a tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck surgery is a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
• You have realistic expectations
• You are a non-smoker
• You are bothered by the feeling that your stomach is too large.
• Panniculectomy candidates typically suffer from obesity, have recently experienced significant weight loss or suffer post-pregnancy issues with excessive fat located below the belly button.

You may be a candidate for panniculectomy if:

• Excess fat causes health issues, including back problems, breakdown of skin, rashes, ulcers or skin disorders
• Your weight has been stabilized for at least one year
• You are participating in a proper dietary and exercise plan
• You are a non-smoker
• You have a positive outlook and realistic goals for what panniculectomy can achieve
• You are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

How do I prepare for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and/or panniculectomy?

• Preparing for your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty procedure) and/or panniculectomy procedure will include a discussion with your plastic surgeon about your health, desires and lifestyle.
• To ensure the best results from your tummy tuck surgery or panniculectomy procedure, be prepared to discuss:
• Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Previous surgeries.

Your plastic surgeon may also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take photographs for your medical record
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications
• Order bloodwork, an EKG and obtain surgical clearance (for panniculectomy)
• Ask you to stop taking aspirin-containing products for two weeks before surgery.

What results can I expect?

After a tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty)

Whether you’re having a partial or complete tummy tuck & the overall result will be a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. Your final results after the abdominal plastic surgery may be initially hidden by swelling and the inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Your new slimmer profile should be will begin to be apparent within a week or two following surgery. It might take several weeks or even months to appreciate the final result.

After a panniculectomy

Most patients are very pleased with the results of the panniculectomy. The majority lose approximately five to 10 pounds in weight. You will notice that your clothing fits more comfortably. Some patients also find personal hygiene and physical activity easier.

While it will take a few months after surgery to realize final results, your body’s new contour will be permanent, providing your weight remains stable. An additional benefit for most patients is that changes in their weight do not result in accumulation in the waist as it did before the procedure.

What is involved in recovery?

After a tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty)

Following your tummy tuck procedure, the incision site will be stitched and bandaged. Your plastic surgeon may have you wear either an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals.

It’s very important that you follow all of your surgeon’s instructions on wearing this garment (if you are given one) and caring for the bandage in the days following surgery. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain.

Tummy tuck procedures are often performed as an outpatient procedure or with a one-night stay at hospital. If your tummy tuck is completed as an outpatient procedure, make certain you bring someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

You will have to severely limit strenuous exercise for four to six weeks as you go through the healing process, in addition to possibly needing to take up to one month off work after surgery to ensure the recovery and results. Your cosmetic surgeon will help you determine a recovery based on your personal situation.

After a panniculectomy

Following panniculectomy, your surgeon will instruct you regarding showering and bathing. Use a supportive abdominal garment only if your surgeon recommends it.

You will need to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks, but most people can usually return to work within two weeks of the procedure. Any stitches in the skin are generally removed in about a week. You will also have deeper sutures that dissolve on their own.

How is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) performed?

In a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty procedure), a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic hairline. The length of this lower abdominal incision is determined by the amount of excess skin.

The skin is then dissected up toward the rib cage, the muscle is tightened, the belly button is repositioned and excess skin is removed. Your cosmetic surgeon may also recommend combining liposuction with your tummy tuck surgery for the best results.

In those cases where loose skin extends towards the back, the incision can be lengthened into the back area performing a so-called “circumferential abdominoplasty.”

The tummy tuck procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia and can often be performed as an outpatient or with a one-night stay. The procedure itself requires anywhere from two to four hours to perform. Drains are most often used and are removed several days following the procedure.

How is panniculectomy performed?

Panniculectomy may be performed as a single procedure or combined with a tummy tuck. The procedure may also be performed with another abdominal surgery, such as a hysterectomy, repair of the abdominal wall, or hernia repair. When done alone the panniculectomy is intended to only to remove the overhanging skin and fat and is not a cosmetic procedure.

The procedure takes approximately three to five hours and involves an incision just above the pubic area extending outward toward the hips.The length of your incision depends upon the amount of skin to be removed. Depending on the size of the pannus, the naval might get pulled down or completely removed with the panniculectomy. Your surgeon will be able advise you of this in your pre-operative consult.

Panniculectomy may be an outpatient procedure or require an overnight stay, depending on the particular circumstances of your procedure.

What are the different types of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures?

There are three different types of tummy tuck procedures. The degree of loose skin, excess fat or laxity of the stomach muscle, in addition to a full consultation with your plastic surgeon, will determine whether a traditional or complete abdominoplasty, a partial mini abdominoplasty or circumferential abdominoplasty is right for you.

Learn more about these tummy tuck options:

Complete Abdominoplasty

A complete abdominoplasty procedure requires an incision above the pubic hairline, an incision around the umbilicus, or belly button, and a tightening of the rectus abdominis muscles (the pair of muscles that run vertically on each side of the stomach’s front wall). Muscle tightening, as well as skin removal, is the most important step in improving the stomach’s contour. Liposuction may also be performed at the same time of a complete tummy tuck

Partial or Mini Abdominoplasty

The mini abdominoplasty is performed on those patients with mild to moderate tummy contour changes, relatively little skin excess and little weakness of the abdominal wall. In the mini abdominoplasty procedure, the navel incision is avoided. Liposuction may also be performed at the time of mini abdominoplasty surgery.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty

Skin laxity or skin excess is a three-dimensional issue and involves not only the abdominal area, but also the back region. When there is significant excess fat in the back area as well, abdominoplasty can be performed with liposuction of the back region or circumferential abdominoplasty can be performed. The benefit of the circumferential abdominoplasty procedure is that both skin and fat can be removed in the hip and back region, improving your body contour three dimensionally.Results

Is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and panniculectomy safe?

• All surgical procedures carry some risk.
• Possible risks of tummy tuck and panniculectomy procedures include:
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Unfavorable scarring
• Anesthesia risks
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Pain (possibly persistent)
• Deep vein thrombosis, (Blood Clots) cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Nerve damage
• Possibility of revisional surgery.

BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE

Overview

Your breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. Pregnancy, nursing, weight gain and loss, aging and gravity can cause breasts to soften and sag. Women who are unhappy with the shape, volume and/or firmness of their breasts may consider having breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy. A mastopexy raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast. A breast lift is often combined with breast augmentation surgery to increase both the firmness and size of the breasts.

WHAT TO EXPECT

How is breast lift surgery (mastopexy) performed?

Breast lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, usually under general anesthesia and typically takes 1 ½ to 2 hours.

The procedure can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniquesYour physician will determine the appropriate technique for you based on:

Breast size and shape

The size and position of your areolas (small darkened area around the nipples)

The degree of breast sagging

Skin quality and elasticity, as well as the amount of extra skin.

All types of breast lifts require an incision to remove excess skin so that the remaining skin can be repositioned. There are several types of surgery techniques available that differ in the incision made and the procedure used to lift the skin.

Standard Breast Lift Surgery

Uses an anchor or keyhole incision, which starts at the base of the breast in the crease and extends upward around the areola – creating an anchor shape. It is most often used for extensive ptosis (drooping), resulting in the most noticeable scarring.

“Doughnut Mastopexy”

Which is also called a Benelli lift or periareolar lift, is much less invasive than the anchor breast lift procedure because the incision is limited to a circle around the areola. A piece of skin around the areola is removed and the surrounding skin is reattached to create a lifted look with minimal scarring.

Vertical Mastopexy

Is a procedure resulting in an incision around the areola and then vertically down the breast. This avoids the horizontal incision under the breast that results from a standard breast lift.

HOW TO PREPARE

Am I a candidate for breast lift surgery (mastopexy)?

Breast lift surgery, also known as a boob lift, is a highly individualized procedure achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques, which involves removing excess skin and relocating the nipple and areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple). Patients with smaller breasts and minimal sagging may be candidates for a mastopexy procedure that involves smaller incisions than a standard breast lift requires. While there are many variations to the procedure, a consultation with the physician is an excellent means of establishing your individualized treatment plan.

How do I prepare for breast lift surgery (mastopexy)?

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of breast lift surgery. You should avoid aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause increased bleeding for a period of time before surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

RESULTS

What results can I expect?

Though results from your breast lift surgery are immediately visible, breast shape and position continue to settle over the next few months. Incision lines are permanent, but will continue to fade over time.

While the results of your surgery will be long lasting, over time your breasts can continue to change due to aging and gravity. You will be able to retain the results of your mastopexy by maintaining your weight and keeping a healthy lifestyle.

What is involved in recovery?

Breast lift surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. If this is the case, be certain to plan for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you at least the first night following surgery.

Following your surgery, your breasts will be bruised, swollen and sore for one to two weeks. You’ll need to wear a surgical bra for the first week after surgery, followed by a support bra for several weeks after that.

Post-surgical swelling will resolve over time and incision lines will fade. You may experience some loss of sensation in your nipples and breasts following mastopexy surgery, with sensation gradually returning over the next weeks and months. However, some patients experience numbness for up to a year. On rare occasions, loss of sensation can be permanent.

Is breast lift surgery safe?

• All surgical procedures carry some risk.
• Although rare, risks associated with breast lift surgery include:
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Unevenly positioned nipples
• Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts
• Problems with wound healing.

Breast lift surgery incisions do leave scars, but these will fade with time with maximum fading occurring at one year. Scar locations include an incision around the nipples, vertically down the breast and sometimes horizontally in the breast fold.