| Description:
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a surgical
procedure performed to improve abdominal contour in one
or more of the following ways:
· To reduce lower
abdominal stretch marks and skin laxity.
· To reduce skin irritation and
rashes due to overhanging skin.
· To remove excessive fat from
the lower abdomen.
· To tighten abdominal muscle
laxity resulting from pregnancy.
The abdominal wall consists of three distinct
layers: skin, fat, and muscle. Three distinct abdominal
contouring procedures are available, depending upon your
specific anatomy and concerns:
1. Liposuction
- This is an excellent technique to treat excessive abdominal
wall fat in patients with good skin tone and muscle tone.
Two to three 1/4 inch incisions are used to remove the excessive
fat. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
2. Mini tummy tuck
- In patients with lower abdominal muscle laxity and excessive
fat but good abdominal skin tone, Dr. Friedman prefers a
mini tummy tuck. Through a limited bikini line incision,
the lower abdominal muscles are tightened. Excessive
fat is removed by liposuction. An overnight stay is
sometimes required.
3. Full tummy tuck
- In patients with poor skin tone, poor muscle tone, and
excessive fat, full tummy tuck is the best option.
Through an extended lower abdominal incision, all excessive
skin and fat between the belly button and pubic area is
removed. The muscles are tightened from the rib cage
to the pubic bone, frequently decreasing waist size by 2
to 4 inches. An overnight hospital stay is required.
Liposuction of the hips, "love handles",
or thighs is frequently performed in conjunction with these
procedures. If liposuction is performed, a compression
garment must be worn after surgery to maximize surgical
results.
All incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
Temporary drainage tubes are required after tummy tucks.
Return to normal activities occurs 10 to 14 days after surgery,
though strenuous abdominal exercise should be avoided for
4 to 6 weeks.
When you visit our office, Dr. Friedman will
discuss your specific concerns. He will recommend
the optimal procedure for improving your abdominal contour,
based upon your anatomy. We will also show you several
"before and after" photos of abdominal contouring
procedures performed by Dr. Friedman. If you wish
to speak to other patients who have undergone these procedures,
we will provide you with phone numbers.
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