"Tummy Tuck" or Abdominoplasty
A very common problem after pregnancy and/or weight change is loss of support of the abdominal wall and an excess of "hanging" skin of the lower abdomen. An abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck, is designed to address a variety of problems. It involves removal of the excess skin of the lower abdomen and tightening of the abdominal muscles. This combination of skin removal and muscle tightening provides the powerful results. Often, liposuction is also performed to help create a more defined waistline. The surgery is designed to create a smooth, flat, and tight abdomen.
Body + Abdominoplasty - 5 + Abdominoplasty - 2 + Abdominoplasty - 3 + Abdominoplasty - 4 + Abdominoplasty - 1 (massive weight loss) + Abdominoplasty 6 + Abdominoplasty 7
An abominoplasty was performed on this woman resulting in dramatic improvement in the contour of her abdomen. The excess skin and underlying fat was removed and the abdominal muscles were tightened.
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The scar is placed across the lower abdomen and it is low enough to easily be concealed by underwear or bathing suits.
The abdominal muscles (abdominis rectus) are 2 long strips of muscles that are in the middle of the abdomen, running up and down. Often, these muscles become lax, which allow the abdomen to "bulge." This is not a hernia. It is just a weakness that cannot be corrected with any amount of exercise. If there is visible weakness in the muscles, this will be corrected at the time of your surgery.
After your abdominoplasty, you will be restricted from lifting anything above 10 pounds for several weeks. You will be able to return to a limited exercise routine at 4 weeks, and can begin unrestricted lifting between 6-8 weeks. Obviously, these are just guidelines, and may vary depending on your specific operation, body type, and healing ability.
A "mini" abdominoplasty involves the removal of the excess skin of the lower abdomen. The scar is significantly shorter than in a traditional abdominoplasty. This operation is suitable for those people that require no muscle tightening, and have only a small amount of excess skin.