BODY

ABDOMINOPLASTY  “TUMMY TUCK”


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An Abdominoplasty will help

  • Tighten stretched abdominal skin
  • Correct lower abdominal bulging
  • Correct weakened abdominal muscles
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  • Supplement liposuction for a more  toned appearance
Men and women who have experienced dramatic weight loss, either through diet and exercise, or as a result of bariatric surgery, often have excess amounts of skin around the abdomen.  Women can also experience this condition as a result of pregnancy, making the abdomen soft and flabby.  An abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck", can remove excess folds of skin and tighten your abdominal muscles to create a lean, flat and more well-defined stomach.  It can also diminish unsightly stretch marks.  Because diet and exercise cannot remove excess skin, abdominoplasty is the perfect solution to tone and refine the abdomen.  The effects of a tummy tuck can be long lasting, provided you exercise regularly, eat a sensible diet, and maintain a suitable weight level.
 

How is Abdominoplasty Performed?

 
During the procedure, an incision is made at the bikini line from hip to hip. The length of the incision will depend on the amount of excess skin between the pubic area and the belly button which will be removed .  To tighten the contour of the abdomen, upper abdominal tissue are elevated and stretched downward.  The belly button is then repositioned to its normal position.  The loose abdominal muscles are tightened.  Lastly, the incisions are carefully stitched closed using internal sutures and a dressing is applied.  The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.  If your abdominal fullness is confined to the area below the belly button with no or minimal loose skin, you may be a candidate for a mini abdominoplasty, which has a shorter incision.  More extensive abdominal  fullness and skin laxity require a full abdominoplasty to help you achieve your desired results.  A consultation with Dr Chun will determine which method is right for your.
 

Frequently Asked Questions about Abdominoplasty

 

Who is the best candidate for abdominoplasty?

Good candidates include men and women who are in relatively good shape but have a large fat deposit in the abdominal wall or have loose abdominal skin.  Abdominoplasty works best for people whose weight is fairly normal and stable.  If you intend to lose more weight, you should consider postponing your tummy tuck until you've reached your target weight.  A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss technique.
 

What are the risks of having abdominoplasty?

Thousands of men and women undergo tummy tuck surgery successfully every year and are very satisfied with the outcome.  However, any surgical procedure comes with inherent risks, such as the effects of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, blood clots, swelling and discomfort.  These and other complications rarely occur and can usually be avoided.  Your doctor will discuss the risks with you thoroughly during your consultation and you should carefully follow your doctor's preoperative and postoperative instructions.
 

How long is the recovery period?

The length of time it takes to recuperate after a tummy tuck may vary depending on your individual health.  After the procedure, a compression garment or girdle may be worn for 4-6 weeks.  Heavy lifting or any other vigorous activity which would strain the abdominal muscles will be restricted initially.  However, early walking and movements are encouraged to avoid  blood clots.  Although well hidden, the abdominoplasty scar will take almost 1 year to fully heal and settle. Dr Chun uses proactive scar management using silicone sheeting to maximize scar outcome.