A FLAT AND WELL- TONED ABDOMEN IS SOMETHING MANY OF US STRIVE FOR THROUGH EXERCISE AND WEIGHT CONTROL.
But regardless of effort, sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery, significant fluctuations in weight or congenital spine abnormalities that affect posture.

If you desire a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck may be appropriate to help achieve your goals. In general, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in some cases restores weakened or separated muscles. This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing your body image and confidence.

What is a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a common term for the surgical procedure to correct a protruding or loose, sagging abdomen. Areas to be treated may include the center of the abdomen or may extend to the entire area between the lower rib cage and pubic bone, as well as to the sides and back.

Abdominal contouring can be performed using a variety of techniques. When localized fat is the cause, abdominal contour surgery may be performed using only liposuction techniques. When excess fat is combined with loose, sagging skin and tissue, a tummy tuck removes unwanted fat, tissues and skin by excision. Abdominal muscles that have weakened or separated, a condition called diastasis, can also be corrected with a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck is best performed on adults of any age who are in good health, are close to the ideal weight for their body type and size, are moderately fit and, overall, have good muscle tone. Good candidates are:

Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness
or medical conditions that can impair healing

Non-smokers

Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring

In addition, previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck. In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may often be incorporated or revised for new incisions.

An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.

Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs.

The surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.

Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed. With complete abdominoplasty, a new opening is cut for the navel. Both incisions are stitched closed.

After surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.

Where do I begin?

A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how abdominal contour surgery or a tummy tuck can improve your body image and abdominal contour. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about tummy tuck in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case

The options available in tummy tuck surgery

The likely outcomes of tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications

The course of treatment recommended by your plastic surgeon

Your plastic surgeon will also answer your questions.

Evaluation

Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of body contouring surgery, including tummy tuck. These will be carefully evaluated in your consultation with your plastic surgeon. The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction require that you:

Honestly share your expectations

Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco,
and drugs

Understand what results can be expected from the procedure you decide to pursue

Commit to following all of your plastic surgeon's instructions precisely

Safety

By making the decision to consult with a plastic surgeon and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Your plastic surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®. This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.

My tummy tuck

Your tummy tuck will be individualized to your specific condition that may include:

Excess localized fat in the abdominal area

Loose and sagging skin in the abdominal region

Weakened or separated abdominal muscles due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging

One or all of these conditions may be present and can be surgically improved by a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are primarily located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button.

Surgical removal of excess fat and skin may be combined with liposuction during a tummy tuck. There are variations to tummy tuck surgery; the technique selected is dependent on the degree of correction necessary to achieve a flatter profile and firmer abdomen. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as personal preference and surgical judgment.

Liposuction may be used in conjunction with a tummy tuck or to recontour other areas of the body by removing localized excess fat deposits. Other body contouring procedures may be performed separately or in the same surgical session as a tummy tuck. However, not all patients are good candidates for combined procedures. Your case will be evaluated on an individual basis.