Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) can remove excess skin and fat from your belly. It is not weight loss surgery, but a body shaping procedure, designed to optimize your shape.
Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy Tuck Before and After - Left: Before Abdominoplasty with loose skin, muscle laxity and lower abdominal fat. Right: After Abdominoplasty with tight skin, firm muscles and removal of disproportionate fat. Liposuction (Liposculpture) was also performed on the sides
Sometimes less is more
I am all for using the smallest hammer to get the job done. Sometimes a tummy tuck is more surgery than is needed to get a great result. Sometimes less, a Mini-Tummy-Tuck or Liposuction, is sufficient.
Abdominoplasty and Liposuction are not interchangeable. While liposuction can remove disproportionate fat, a tummy tuck does much more. A tummy tuck can correct loose skin and lax muscle. It is not just a matter of getting better results.
Sometimes Less is Worse
Doing liposuction instead of a tummy tuck is often not a decision between good and better. Liposuction performed on an area with loose skin may make you look worse. Liposuction, even laser liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction, do not shrink skin well enough to convert tummy tuck candidates into liposuction candidates. Liposuction under loose skin can be expected to remove the skin’s support causing additional folding and visible irregularities, lumps and indentations, in the skin.
The decision between Liposuction or Tummy Tuck should be discussed with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon near you.
What does a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) do?
Tummy Tucks
- Tighten the abdominal wall’s muscular layers
- Remove loose skin from below and above the belly button
- Reduce the superficial abdominal wall fat that accumulates on the lower belly
Why do Women and Men have Adbominoplasty?
Common reasons for Abdominoplasty are:
- Pregnancy
- Fluctuations in Weight
- After bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
- Stretch marks of the lower abdomen
- Aging
- Heredity
- Previous abdominal surgery
Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty may be a good choice if:
- You are healthy.
- Your weight is stable.
- You have realistic expectations.
- You do not smoke.
When not to have Abdominoplasty
Most Board Certified Plastic Surgeons will advice postponing your Tummy Tuck if:
- You are trying to become pregnant.
- You are planning significant weight loss.
- You are continuing to gain weight.
- You have uncontrolled medical problems.
- You continue to smoke.
Pregnancy and large fluctuations in weight will diminish and potentially undo the benefits of abdominoplasty. Uncontrolled medical problems should always be addressed, but uncontrolled medical problems can significantly increase the risks associated with surgery. Smoking increases the risk of wound healing problems after procedures like tummy tucks, facelifts and breast reduction by 600%. It is best to stop smoking prior to having surgery, and once stopped, why not quit? It will improve your health and appearance.
Tummy Tuck Consultation
If you are considering rejuvenating your belly, make a consultation appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. There is no better way to get the specific information you need to make an informed decision. To schedule a personal plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Mele, send us a request via the contact form to the left, or give us a call at (925) 943-6353.
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