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Abdominoplasty
Also referred to as a "tummy tuck", abdominoplasty
is a procedure that minimizes the abdominal area. In abdominoplasty,
the surgeon makes a long incision from one side of the hipbone to
the other. Excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the middle
and lower abdomen and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened.
Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated
in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions
are inherited, or substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin
to become flaccid, and abdominoplasty can also tighten muscles that
have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may improve
the appearance of stretch marks somewhat, especially those located
below the navel.
Individual factors
and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected
to smooth and flatten the abdomen. Generally, a horizontal incision
is placed just within or above the pubic area, and if there is loose
skin above the navel, the surgeon may make a second incision around
the navel. Skin is then separated from the abdominal wall. To tighten
the abdominal wall, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and
muscle together with sutures. Abdominal skin is pulled downward, and
the excess abdominal skin is removed. A small opening is made to bring
the navel through. The position of the navel remains unchanged. Skin
of the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks may be removed as
well. Any remaining stretch marks may be somewhat flattened and improved,
but do not expect a dramatic change in their appearance.
The length of the horizontal incision, which extends laterally toward
the pelvic bones, depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed.
The contour of this incision will vary somewhat according to the structure
of the abdomen and the style of bathing suit or undergarments preferred.
A plastic surgeon will try to keep the incision within bathing suit
lines, if possible. Some patients have loose skin above the navel,
and in such cases, the surgeon may make a second incision around the
navel so that the redundant skin above it can be pulled down. The
procedure may include tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles
using sutures.
Variations to the Common
Abdominoplasty Technique
There are many
variations both to the design of the incisions and the abdominoplasty
technique. In some instances, it may be possible to avoid an incision
around the navel. When the amount of loose skin is minimal and the
excess fat deposits are located below the navel, a short horizontal
incision is all that is necessary, and this procedure is called a
partial (or "mini") abdominoplasty.
Sometimes liposuction
may be used alone, or in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove
abdominal fat. Endoscopic abdominoplasty is another technique for
minimizing scars and may be useful when patients have only a mild
degree of excess fat and muscle laxity. A plastic surgeon can discuss
the particular method that they recommend for achieving the best result
in a particular case.
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