Aesthetic plastic surgery of the abdomen, called abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is designed to firm and smooth your abdomen. The procedure removes excess abdominal skin and fat and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. The results are a flatter abdominal profile.
If you are considering abdominoplasty, we want you to be thoroughly informed about the procedure. Below is some helpful information. A personal consultation with Dr. Newen is the best way to obtain the additional information you will need.
Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that does not respond to exercise 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.
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 by pregnancy
- Excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen
Your personal consultation
During the consultation with Dr. Newen, you will be asked about the results you expect to achieve from abdominoplasty. This will help him to understand your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically achieved.
How will I be evaluated for abdominoplasty?
Your abdomen will be examined standing up. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region will be assessed. Dr. Newen will also evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.
You should be prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for to provide complete information.
How is abdominoplasty performed?
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 style of bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. We recommend that you bring your bathing suit bottom with you on the day of surgery so that when Dr. Newen marks the incision site, it will be below the bathing suit bottom.
Skin of the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks will be removed during the procedure. Any remaining stretch marks, if pre-existing in the upper abdomen, will be flattened and improved. Dr. Newen will also tighten the underlying abdominal muscles that have been stretched out and displaced by pregnancy.
There are many variations both to design of the incisions and the technique itself. In some cases, it may be possible to avoid an incision around the naval. When the amount of loose skin is minimal and the excess fat deposits are located below the naval, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary. This procedure is called a partial or “mini” abdominoplasty.
Sometimes liposuction may be used in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove excess fat of flanks (love handles). Dr. Newen will recommend the best technique for achieving the best result for you.
Understanding risks
Significant complications from abdominoplasty are very rare. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks. The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis during your consultation with Dr. Newen. After surgery, there may be a temporary feeling of pain, swelling, and bruising. The types of symptoms experienced and the duration of the symptoms vary in patients.
Your surgical experience
Our goal is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible. If you’re a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. You will be provided with complete preoperative and postoperative instructions. You will have a drain inserted in your lower abdomen to help remove the excess fluid from your surgery and accelerate the healing process. This drain will be removed 2-3 days after your surgery. Most patients can go back to work 1-2 weeks after surgery. You will be advised to wear a compression garment over your abdomen for approximately 6 weeks.
Abdominoplasty is performed at Huntington Surgery Center, our outpatient surgery facility located within The Image Center. Please be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
For more information
For more information on tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a consultation, please call our office at (714) 230-2430.
The services provided have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any therapy program, aesthetic treatments, plastic surgery, and other services that the Image Center provides. Any designations or references to therapies are for marketing purposes only.