Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a tummy tuck, is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and permanently remove fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
If you’re considering abdominoplasty, talk to Dr. Gunn about the procedure-when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. She will answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and your surgeon. Please ask Dr. Gunn about anything you don’t understand.
The best candidates for a tummy tuck procedure are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise.
The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Gunn.
If you’re not positive that a tummy tuck is right for you, we offer a few other options to reduce excess fat. Liposuction services work to remove stubborn fat from the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks, and neck.
Visit the Photo Gallery for images of some of Dr. Gunn’s patients.
Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy procedure surgically removes the pannus, or the apron of excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen. Differing from a tummy tuck, panniculectomy surgery does not tighten the abdominal muscles for a cosmetic reason. However, removing the excess fat will still make the abdominal area flatter. A panniculectomy can also be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck or body lift procedures.
A panniculectomy is performed for medical reasons, disqualifying it as a cosmetic procedure, and is often performed after significant weight loss when the excess skin causes rashes, irritation, odor from moisture, back pain, or ulcers.
This procedure is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Since it is an invasive surgical procedure that can last up to five hours, general anesthesia is administered. Up to two incisions are made, a horizontal cut from one hipbone to the next and sometimes a vertical cut extending to the pubic bone. Doctors may insert drains during the procedure in order to remove excess fluid. In certain cases, your belly button may be either removed or repositioned.
Contact our office to set up a consultation.
