Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, is a very popular surgery in America. Tummy tucks help flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. Our doctors have been performing abdominoplasties with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under our doctors’ exceptional care.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. We can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.
Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty.
Procedure
Abdominoplasty takes approximately two to five hours under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. He or she will separate the skin from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. He or she will stretch the skin flap down and over the newly tightened muscles, remove excess skin, and reattach the navel in a natural position. Finally, he or she will close the incisions and apply sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.
Buttock Lift / Outer Thigh Lift
As we get older, our buttocks and thighs may begin to droop and sag like other areas of the body, such as the breasts and stomach. Stubborn pockets of localized fat may develop as well, which do not go away despite traditional weight loss attempts such as diet and exercise. Fortunately, like these other areas, there are surgical options available for reversing these changes and restoring a tighter, firmer and more youthful appearance to the buttock and outer thigh area.
These cosmetic procedures can be performed alone, or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as part of a body lift or with a gluteal augmentation. When combined with other procedures, patients can achieve maximum aesthetic results and enjoy a younger and more refreshed appearance overall.
Procedure
The buttock and outer thigh lift procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The entire procedure usually takes two to three hours to perform. Your doctor will place the incision across the top of the buttocks, low enough to be concealed by underwear or a bikini. This incision spreads along the back from one hip bone to the other.
After the incision is made, excess skin and fat are removed from the buttocks and thighs. This may be done using liposuction if there is a large amount of fat to be removed. The skin is then stretched to position the buttocks and thighs into their new position, and the area is sutured closed. Compression garments are usually applied to help reduce swelling and expedite the healing process. Some patients may need to stay overnight after this procedure, while others can leave shortly after the effects of anesthesia have worn off.
Body Lift
Also called belt lipectomy, torsoplasty and panniculectomy, the circumferential body lift is performed to remove excess skin from the torso and upper legs.
Candidates for body lifts typically suffer from loose (inelastic) skin on many or most areas of the body as a result of age, childbearing or significant weight loss due to diet, exercise or bariatric surgery. Because of this, the procedure is often combined with others such as breast lifts, arm lifts and liposuction to retain a proper body proportion. Body lifts tighten and tone the abdomen, back, buttocks, hips and thighs.
During the procedure, skin is lifted from underlying tissue, muscles are tightened and stitched, fat is removed where necessary, and the skin is sutured closed. The navel is often removed and replaced in its new position. Surgical tubes may be needed for a few days to drain any fluid, and patients may need to wear compression garments for a few weeks to facilitate faster healing.
After surgery, patients are encouraged to walk as soon as they are able to, although strenuous activities must be limited for about a month. Results are visible immediately.
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