Tighten Sagging Muscles and Loose Skin Using Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that results in a more youthful and firm abdomen. While diet and exercise are traditional methods of achieving a better-looking abdomen, they are often ineffective with certain body types. Additionally, major body changes such as pregnancy or excessive fluctuations in weight are extremely difficult to recover from with these traditional methods.
Abdominoplasty is a safe and simple plastic-surgery option that involves the elimination of excess fat and loose skin from the abdominal region, particularly the middle and lower abdomen. The muscle tissues are also tightened using internal sutures.
Candidates for Abdominoplasty
People who are fit and free from serious diseases or chronic conditions are fit for a tummy-tuck operation. The goal of the operation is not to help with obesity or to offer weight-reduction solutions. Techniques like liposuction are far more effective for such purposes.
Instead, abdominoplasty is strictly meant to improve the aesthetics of the abdomen and as such is fit for candidates with a good overall figure. Liposuction may be combined with a tummy tuck to perform a more intensive treatment.
Women with multiple pregnancies often find their skin stretched and sagging. The muscles around the stomach lose their rigidity and strength. The tummy tuck can get rid of the loose skin and tighten the muscles around the abdomen to bring back the shape and contours of days past.
An Overview of the Procedure
Depending upon the nature and intensity of tissue alteration, an abdominoplasty can last from one to five hours. A typical abdominoplasty has the following basic steps:
1. Delivering Anesthesia: Depending upon the intensity of the surgery, local or general anesthesia can be used. The choice of anesthesia also depends on the preferences of the surgeon and the patient. Intravenous sedation is a popular form of anesthesia for this procedure.
2. Making the incision: A horizontal incision is made in the area between the pubic region and the bellybutton. The length and shape of the incision are governed by the amount of skin and fat that is to be removed. After making the incision, the skin is lifted right up to the belly button, revealing the fat deposits and weakened muscles. The excess fat deposits are cleared and the muscles are strengthened. Subsequently, a second incision is made around the bellybutton in order to work on the excess skin and sagging. The upper abdominal skin is stretched downwards like a drape and the excess skin is removed. The upper skin is then tightly stitched together and the new orifice for the bellybutton is made.
3. Closing the incisions: After the alterations are complete, the incisions are sutured back together. The results of an abdominoplasty are visible almost immediately, and the patient is advised against any physically intensive activity for over a week.
Ready to Get the Stomach You’ve Been Dreaming Of?
If you’re feeling ready to take the next step towards a beautifully contoured abdomen, it’s time to contact our office for a consultation. Doctors Roger Friedman, Douglas Forman, and Kathy Huang are board-certified plastic surgeons and will be happy to help.
