Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Excess fat pockets, loose muscles, and sagging skin in the abdominal area are common problems which give the body an irregular and appealing appearance.

Sometimes fat pockets may be stubborn and unresponsive to diet and exercise. Fat in the abdominal region may not always occur due to unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. It can also develop because of genetic causes or as an after-effect of pregnancy.

When abdominal fat does not respond to diet and exercise, and the patient is displeased with the uneven contours of the stomach, the surgeon may recommend a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery.

The surgeon can effectively re-define and reshape the abdominal area by tightening lax muscles and eliminating excess skin and fat with a tummy tuck surgery.

Suitable Candidates

People with one or more of the following concerns may be good candidates for a tummy tuck surgery:

• Sagging or loose skin in the upper or lower stomach region.
• Excess fat pockets or extra skin after pregnancy with no short-term plans for another child.
• Prominent tummy.
• Separated or weakened abdominal muscles that do not respond to toning exercises.
• Excess skin due to major weight loss.

Procedure

Depending on the circumstances of an individual case, the surgeon will perform the tummy tuck plastic surgery procedure under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon and the patient will discuss the anesthesia options and arrive at a decision prior to the procedure.

The surgeon will commence the surgery by making a horizontal incision in the area between the navel and pubic hairline. The amount of skin and fat to be removed will determine the length and shape of the incision.

The surgeon will access and tighten weak abdominal muscles through this incision. They will also eliminate excess skin, tissue, and fat to create an attractive stomach contour.

If there is excess sagging skin in the upper part of the abdomen, the surgeon may need to make another incision. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions will be closed using sutures or skin adhesives.

A tummy tuck can create a tighter, slimmer abdominal contour, which is in proportion to the patient’s size, weight, and body shape. Any bruising and inflammation that the patient experiences will slowly resolve in the weeks following the tummy tuck. The complete results will manifest as the healing progresses. Most patients can return to their routine activities within one week of the procedure.

Partial Tummy Tuck

Mini abdominoplasty (partial tummy tuck) is appropriate for patients who need limited correction and tightening of muscles in specific areas around the stomach. The procedure usually treats the lower abdomen region. This procedure is also effective after weight change or as a revision procedure after a previous surgery.

Questions? Book a Consultation Now.

Contact Houston / Webster, Texas Plastic Surgeon Shitel D. Patel, MD at Lift Plastic Surgery.

For more information on cosmetic procedures and treatments provided please schedule a consultation.

Serving patients in Houston Texas, Webster, League City, Galveston, Pearland, Kemah, Seabrook and all other surrounding Greater Houston, Texas communities and more.