Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck Surgery (abdominoplasty) is a major cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens underlying loose muscle tissue and is used to remove excess skin and fat from the front abdomen. Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) does nothing for the hip area and at times may necessitate additional liposuction surgery there. The procedure is generally used for individuals that are greater than 20 percent above their ideal weight or have excessively loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy. The procedure necessitates general anesthesia and a prolonged recovery time due to the incision that is placed hip to hip in all patients. Although ‘mini tucks’ are often advertised, it is rare that patients are candidates for short scar procedures. Generally the belly button is totally removed and reformed aesthetically. Immediate recovery from a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is generally 2 weeks with limited activity for a few months. A hip to hip scar is present and can vary in pigmentation and severity. Although is it a commonly performed procedure, tummy tucks do have risks. Prolonged healing, excessive scar formation, infection, and the risks of general anesthesia must be considered.

The most common question patients have regarding the abdomen is whether or not liposuction is enough to improve the area cosmetically. Fortunately, with current technologies and techniques it often is. The general rule is that liposuction will be enough to satisfy patients unless the belly is pendulous, meaning significantly hangs over the belt line. Tumescent Liposuction, or liposuction under local anesthesia, causes significant, natural contraction in the skin. With the use of laser, ultrasound, and powered liposuction technology, most patients can avoid the invasiveness of tummy tuck procedures. On occasion, patients may get liposuction first to see how much skin retraction occurs. If a tummy tuck procedure is needed down the road it generally requires less invasiveness and risk. Dr Frank is a world renowned expert in the field of minimally invasive tumescent liposuction. Upon consultation discuss with him the surgical options necessary to achieve the best results. More information about his transformative procedure is available on our site.