Tummy Tuck Surgery Information And Procedure

Loss of elasticity of the skin of the abdominal region and laxity of the musculature may be helped by an abdominoplasty, more commonly referred to as a "Tummy Tuck".

Abdominoplasty, removes loose hanging abdominal skin and tightens weakened abdominal wall muscles. Because even diligent diet and exercise cannot fix these problems, each year more than 80,000 American women and men undergo tummy tuck surgery.

Not a remedy for dietary indiscretion, the procedure of abdominoplasty affords relief for those suffering from overhanging abdominal skin as the result of loss of weight or multiple pregnancies.

During this surgical procedure all of the excess fat and skin from the umbilicus, or "bellybutton", to the pubic hairline is removed. If necessary, the muscles are then brought together with multiple sutures in order to tighten the appearance of the abdomen.

Finally, the skin and fatty tissue are removed. The umbilicus is resutured to the skin in its normal anatomic location.

During abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes an incision that extends from hip to hip along the lower pubic area. A skilled plastic surgeon makes this incision so that the resulting scar is hidden under a bathing suit or by undergarments. The plastic surgeon then lifts the loose skin off of the abdominal wall, and tightens and repairs the loosened "rectus" muscles the muscles that normally give the abdomen its strength achieving the effect that an old-fashioned girdle would.

The umbilicus or "belly button" is disconnected from the abdomen, and reattached after the loose skin is removed. A skilled plastic surgeon not only tightens the abdominal wall, but also pulls up and tightens the thighs and the buttocks. Drains will be inserted into each side of your abdomen to remove excess fluid as it accumulates following surgery.

The procedure takes about two and a half hours and is performed with the patient asleep. Patients either go home or transfer to one of our aftercare facilities following surgery.

Many patients lose additional weight as a result of the success achieved through their surgery. They are motivated to further improve their self-image.

Mini-Abdominoplasty, also known as a Mini-Tummy Tuck, is reserved for those who have only a limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen, or above the public bone. Also, Mini Tummy Tuck does not usually involve the tightening of abdominal muscles. Therefore, it is sometimes combined with Liposuction for patients with excessive fat, but limited looseness of the abdomen.

About The Author-- Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery procedures. Learn more about tummy tuck surgery and other plastic surgery procedures.

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