Everyone wants a flat, youthful abdomen. When we try to shed that excess fat, we always find it disturbing after the weight loss because there are excess and loose skins that will remain after those fats have gone. That’s why many people often seek the help of plastic surgeons to tighten their tummy area and remove that unwanted excess fats. This procedure is known as Abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty or also known as "tummy tuck” is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen thinner and firmer. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. This type of surgery is usually sought by patients with loose or sagging tissues after pregnancy or major weight loss.

This is a very satisfying surgery. There are variations of a tummy tuck depending on the degree of excess skin, fat and protrusion of the belly. The procedure is done in the office surgery suit either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia depending on exactly what was needed. This surgical procedure can be performed in two ways: a full tummy tuck (complete tummy tuck) or a mini-tummy tuck (partial tummy tuck). This, of course, depends on your condition. Even if you are committed to a good diet and regular exercise, the excess fat that can accumulate in the abdominal area may just sit there and drive you crazy. The types of patients who most commonly undergo tummy tuck surgery are women left with a protruding belly after having multiple pregnancies.

Let’s discuss some differences between the two tummy tuck procedures:

Complete Abdominoplasty (Full Tummy Tuck):

• An incision is made from hip to hip just about the pubic area.
• Another incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding skin.
• The skin is detached from the abdominal wall to reveal the muscle and tissue to be tightened. Then the muscle fascia wall is tightened with sutures.
• Liposuction is often used to refine the transition zones of the abdominal sculpture.
• A dressing or sometimes a compression garment is applied and any excess fluid from the site is drained.

Partial Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)

• A smaller incision is made.
• The skin and fat of the lower abdomen are detached in more limited fashion. The skin is stretched down and excess skin is removed.
• Liposuction is often used to contour the transition zone.
• The flap is stitched back into place.

Although every effort will be made to minimize the scarring, abdominoplasty scars are permanent. Generally, within three to six months (of up to one year) the scars will flatten and lighten in color.

To know more about Abdominoplasty, you can learn a lot from Dr. Ernest DiGeronimo. He is the best plastic surgeon in Miami, FL. Call his office at (305) 932-5557 to learn more now!