A “Tummy Tuck” or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that flattens a protruding abdomen by tightening the underlying muscles and removing extra skin and fat in the abdominal area. Although weight loss can reduce the amount of fat located in the abdominal area, certain factors, such as weak abdominal muscles, pregnancy, or excess skin resulting from weight loss, can cause protrusion that can be corrected only through surgery.
There are three basic techniques used to flatten the abdomen. Liposuction alone will help flatten a fatty abdomen. If there is mild skin laxity and fat below the navel, a mini tummy tuck may be the answer. If there is severe laxity of the abdominal wall and a large amount of excess skin and/or fat, a full abdominoplasty is often the best solution. Dr. Schantz can assess the nature of your protrusion, explore your concerns and expectations, and explain what type of surgery would be the best solution for your particular problem.
Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?
- The ideal tummy tuck candidate is at or near his or her ideal weight and has maximized efforts of weight loss through dietary and exercise means.
- 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.
Where is the abdominoplasty performed?
Due to Dr. Schantz requiring an overnight stay in the hospital for a 23 hour observation, the tummy tuck surgery is most commonly performed in the hospital setting. Dr. Schantz performs surgery at Samaritan Hospital. Mini-tummy tucks are most commonly performed in our fully accredited surgical facility.
What is a mini-tummy tuck?
A mini-tummy tuck is simply a less extensive abdominoplasty. Patients with smaller amounts of excess skin and muscle laxity can be candidates for a mini-tummy tuck. A mini-tummy tuck involves fewer sutures and tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only.
I am very happy with my results! Dr. Schantz has made my dreams come true. I was so down on myself about my body after three children and putting myself on the back burner. I started teaching Zumba a year ago and still couldn't get rid of the extra abdominal fat. Everything I tried wouldn't work. I had been wanting to have abdominoplasty and Breast augmentation for sometime. I am so glad I made the decision to have it done. my clothes fit great and I've thrown all those spanks/kamoras/girdles out. I recommend anyone wanting to have this procedure done to go for it. It Was the best decision I've ever made. Dr Schantz has also done the abdominoplasty on three other friends of mine and they look awesome.
How long is the recovery period?
An Abdominoplasty can be one of the more uncomfortable surgical procedures performed. 1 day of hospitalization is usually required and you will be encouraged to be moving and walking almost immediately after surgery. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days and sports will not be comfortable for about 6 weeks. At least 3 weeks off work is recommended, this could be more or less depending on your occupation.
Are there risks associated with abdominoplasty
All surgery involves risk and potential complications. A thorough discussion of all risks and potential complications is an essential part of the consultative process prior to undergoing any aesthetic surgical procedure, including abdominoplasty.
Related Procedures:
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) | Body Lift | Breast Lift | Liposuction