Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of

stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.

Your Personal Consultation

During the consultation, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve from abdominoplasty. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• excess or sagging abdominal skin
• an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body
• abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened
• excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen

If you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from previous abdominal surgery may limit the results of your abdominoplasty.

How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for abdominoplasty?

Your plastic surgeon may examine your abdomen while you are standing as well as lying down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region will be assessed. Your surgeon also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

Will my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?

Abdominoplasty, as an aesthetic (cosmetic) procedure, generally is

not covered by insurance. In some instances, however, a patient may have a hernia and not just a spreading of the abdominal muscles. Insurance reimbursement may be available for that portion of the procedure that is not cosmetic.

Many factors determine your eligibility for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance policy. A letter of predetermination may be required by your insurance company prior to surgery. Your plastic surgeon or a staff member in your surgeon's office will discuss these matters with you.

How Abdominoplasty Is Performed

Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to smooth and flatten your abdomen.

Where are the incisions placed?

Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The length of the incision, which extends laterally toward the pelvic bones, depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The contour of this incision will vary somewhat according to the structure of your abdomen and the style of bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. Your plastic surgeon will try to keep the incision within your bathing suit lines, but this may not always be possible.

Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. If there is loose skin above the navel, the surgeon may make a second incision around the navel. Skin in the shaded area is separated from the abdominal wall.

Some patients have loose skin above the navel. In such cases, the surgeon may make a second incision around the navel so that the redundant skin above it can be pulled down. The excess abdominal skin is then removed. The position of the navel remains unchanged.

To tighten the abdominal wall, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures.

Skin of the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks may be removed as well. Any remaining stretch marks may be somewhat flattened and improved, but you should not expect a dramatic change in their appearance.

Abdominal skin is pulled downward, and the excess is removed. A small opening is made to bring the navel through.

The procedure may include tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles using sutures.

source: plasticsurgeryportal.com; safecosmeticsurgery.net; wikipedia.org