ABDOMINOPLASTY

Commonly known as a Tummy Tuck, an abdominoplasty eliminates excess abdominal skin and tightens the gap between abdominal muscles. This procedure is often desired after a woman has been through pregnancy or after major weight loss, both of which can leave a doughy, pouch like abdomen behind that cannot be exercised away. While you may be able to tone the underlying muscles of the abdomen, the stubborn fat pockets and excess skin often remain. 

During an abdominoplasty, the skin and top layer of tissue in the abdomen is lifted. The abdominal muscles are carefully sewn together to correct any separation and create an internal corset to better define the waist. The skin is then pulled down over the body and excess skin and tissue is removed. 

If the contour of your abdomen prevents you from feeling confident, you should consider an abdominoplasty to restore a smoother, more youthful looking contour to your tummy. You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are a relatively healthy adult at a stable weight who is looking to change the appearance and laxity of their abdomen. It is vital that you have realistic expectations and a positive outlook. Achieving a tummy tuck is impossible without a scar. Patients typically have an incision that runs from hip to hip above their pubic bone as well as around the replaced belly button, but most patients feel the scar is well worth the benefits of surgery and that it is well hidden by a bikini bottom or most lingerie or underwear.

BENEFITS OF SURGERY

• Eliminates saggy, excess skin
• Removes pockets of unwanted fat Restores a tighter, smoother contour to the abdomen
• Addresses the full abdomen, both under and over the belly button
• Corrects separation of abdominal muscles

WHAT TO EXPECT

Once the decision is made to move forward with surgery, our team will schedule a pre-procedure visit and select your surgery date. An abdominoplasty will be performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep for the operation. Surgery typically takes about two hours to complete. You will have a scar along your panty line where the excess skin was removed and around the belly button, but patients most often find the benefits outweigh the scar. You will go home the same day as surgery to recover. We recommend you plan for extra help around the house for the days following your procedure as you adjust and recover. Recovery for each patient varies and depends on your lifestyle.

YOUR CONSULTATION FOR TUMMY TUCK

If you are considering a tummy tuck or wondering if it may be the right procedure for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Szymanski to review your goals and desired results. It is important that you understand and have realistic expectations for the procedure before moving forward. During your appointment, Dr. Szymanski may have you undress to more fully evaluate the area and talk through you concerns. 

Deciding if a plastic surgery procedure is the right choice for you is your individual decision. We want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Before your first consultation with our office, we recommend you write down any questions you have and bring your list with you. It can also be beneficial to bring someone with you who is supportive and a good listener. If you find you have a lot of questions after your consultation, a second appointment to address your questions with Dr. Szymanski is always an option.