Often times even ideal weight individuals face issues of protruding belly due to reasons like hereditary, ageing, pregnancy, weight loss and considerable fluctuations in weight. This is often a result of lose abdominal skin and weak abdominal muscles that are often separated in the midline. Abdominoplasty, often called ‘Tummy-Tuck’, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance and shape of the abdomen by removing excess fat/skin and restoring weakened abdominal muscles.
Dr. Rani is very meticulous in planning and placing the tummy tuck incision. She places the incision as low as possible in the abdomen, just above the pubic area which allows the patients to wear bikini or any fashion clothing that reveals the midsection. Typically, the length of the incision depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed.
It is of paramount importance for Dr. Rani to inform her patients regarding the placement of abdominoplasty incision and the length of incision at the time of initial consultation. This allows the patient to be prepared and accept the abdominoplasty incision.
Abdominoplasty results in a smoother and flatter profile and Dr. Rani combines liposuction along with abdominoplasty to give it a dramatic hourglass contour.
The pubic area (mons pubis) is often overlooked. There can be accumulation of fat or sagging of mons pubis with excess skin. Dr. Rani always pays attention to this region. She focuses on rejuvenating the pubic area during abdominoplasty. She combines liposuction when there is lipoadiposity of pubic area or a monsplasty (pubic lift) to address mons ptosis which further enhances the outcome of abdominoplasty.
Most of the abdominoplasty procedures performed by Dr. Rani include the following elements:
- Liposuction of the abdomen and waistline
- Removing extra skin and fat from the lower abdomen through a lower abdominal incision
- Tightening abdominal muscles, creating a flatter abdomen and helps to create slimmer midsection
- Pulling down the loose skin of the upper abdomen like a window shade, then smoothing the skin and fatty bulges of the abdomen
- Repositioning the bellybutton
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
When patient concerns are limited to skin laxity below the bellybutton, Dr. Rani performs mini tummy tuck in these individuals. Since the length of the incision depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. These individuals have smaller amount of skin excess compared to the patients presenting for standard abdominoplasty. Hence mini tummy tuck generally involves making a smaller incision compared with those with full tummy tuck.
The best candidates for a mini tummy tuck are individuals who are satisfied with the appearance of their upper abdomen, have skin excess in the lower abdomen and don’t require repair of their abdominal muscles.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Candidates for a tummy tuck have some (or all) of the following concerns:
- Loose abdominal skin
- Stretch marks on the abdomen
- Hooding of skin above the belly button
- Abdominal muscle laxity
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty should be those who:
- Are over the age of 18.
- Healthy with no underlying medical conditions that can impair wound healing.
- Don’t smoke.
- Have realistic expectations
- Have a BMI under 30
- Have achieved an ideal, stable and sustainable weight
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends upon the extent of skin that is removed during tummy tuck. In most of the cases stretch marks on the lower abdomen are addressed as the skin in this area is removed, but those above the bellybutton may remain. However, the skin tightening that occurs as part of a tummy tuck improves the appearance of the remaining stretch marks.
The scars for a tummy tuck are inside the bellybutton and at the lower abdominal waistline. Ideally, the scar should be positioned so that a low-cut bikini bottom covers it.
Results of tummy tuck are long lasting if the patients maintain a stable weight and do not become pregnant. Age related changes continue to affect our body and with aging there can be some minor skin laxity at some point in future.
While a tummy tuck can be a great way to feel more comfortable and confident, there are times when it may be best to hold off on having the surgery, including:
- Your BMI is over 30
- You plan to become pregnant
- You want to lose weight
- You are a heavy smoker
- You have a health condition that can affect wound healing
However, many times it is possible to improve your medical condition. Dr. Rani welcomes you to come in for a consultation to discuss your unique situation. She then guides you if there are ways to address your clinical condition and health. For example, a well controlled diabetes mellitus, smoking cessation and weight loss can optimize your clinical condition and abdominoplasty can be performed.
Many abdominoplasty patients combine liposuction on their flanks or thighs to enhance their results. Additionally, some women choose to get breast enhancement surgery at the same time as a tummy tuck, a combination of procedures usually called a Mommy makeover.
Dr. Rani has successfully combined procedures and in her hands, there is no increase in complication rates when combining a tummy tuck with other operations. Of course, not all patients are candidates for combined surgical procedures. That decision is made on an individual basis in a detailed consultation.
Possible complications that can occur after a tummy tuck include bleeding, infection, seroma, delayed wound healing, and venous thrombosis. The complication rate may be decreased with experienced and diligent postoperative care.
Embrace the transformative power of abdominoplasty and achieve the body you’ve always desired. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you define your body and boost your confidence like never before!