Letty's Liposuction Directory

What is abdominoplasty?

Author: Letty's Staff Writer

Otherwise known as a tummy tuck – this surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region.

The goal of abdominoplasty is to create a flatter, firmer tummy and smaller waist while tightening, and or, repairing the underlying abdominal muscles.

This should return the individual to a sleeker and more normalized frontal and side-view silhouette.

When is this surgery generally done?

Sagging skin and lax abdominal muscles can occur for a number of reasons.

Most typically women who have had multiple pregnancies and individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight can develop a large area of overhanging skin at the waist called a pannus.

If you have seen any season of the American television show The Biggest Loser – you’ve seen a number of these (pannuses) on most all of the overweight contestants. And you also have witnessed that diet and exercise alone aren’t always sufficient to tighten and lift the skin once a pannus forms.

At that point this condition becomes an issue to be addressed with abdominal tummy tuck surgery.

How much does abdominoplasty cost?

A number of costs must be taken into consideration when calculating the total cost for the procedure.

1. Fees for the surgeon
2. Facility Charges
3. Anesthetic Fees

The above list is not exhaustive - just intended to demonstrate that there are various components to the cost of tummy tuck surgery.

Depending on the complexity of the case, and any additional procedures performed at the same time, the costs can be considerably higher.

What are the benefits of abdominoplasty surgery?

The main benefits for abdominal tummy tuck surgery are: flatter stomach appearance, smaller waist, and firmer (or repaired abdominal muscles). If there was a over-hanging skin in the abdominal region prior to surgery – it will be removed and given a more normal appearance.

One of the biggest benefits of all plastic surgery, is that most patient tend to feel better about how they look - and gain more confidence in their interactions with others.

What are the risks of abdominoplasty surgery?

When we discuss any surgery we have to talk about the negatives as well. There are risks associated with all surgical procedures and below are listed just a few of the more common ones.

1. Wound Infection
2. Blood Clots
3. Nerve Damage
4. Hematoma or Seroma (Bruising and Fluid Collection)
5. Delayed Wound Healing
6. Skin or Fat Necrosis (Tissue Death)
7. Anesthesia Complications
8. Nonsymmetrical Results or Excessive Scaring

Although you can’t totally eliminate risks or complications during surgery – there are things you can do to improve your chances of having a successful surgical experience.

Normal Results:

In 9 months the finally results of the surgery can be seen. It takes some time for the tissue to completely heal, swelling to resolve, and the scars to lighten in color. For most cases – a tummy tuck does result in a trimmer, leaner appearance to the abdominal region. And the results should be fairly long lasting if the patient remains in good health.

Ultimately most patients do report feeling better about their looks, and being more self-confident after the surgery. And that is the most important measuring stick of a successful procedure.

Demographics:

Abdominoplasty Facts and Figures:

• According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons - over 147,392 adminoplasties were conducted by its member surgeons in 2008

• This makes tummy tuck surgery the fifth most popular surgical procedure when considering all plastic surgeries.

• Women make up the largest group of individuals seeking plastic surgery. Over 92% of all surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures are performed on women.

• About 45% of all procedures are done on patients between the ages of 35 – 50.

• When it comes to racial statistics – 20% of all plastic surgery procedures are performed on ethnic Minorities, the remaining 80% on Whites.

Note: Data representing statistics in the US Only

What is the take home here?

Tummy tuck surgery is a drastic way to address sagging skin and damage musculature of the abdominal region when diet and exercise alone don’t work.

However, it is major surgery and should be treated as such. Do your homework to make sure that you understand what needs to happen prior to surgery, during surgery and after surgery.

Be realistic...

The results aren’t always centerfold perfection – and if you are willing to except some imperfection and still feel good about yourself – then you may be a great candidate for a tummy tuck.

Our Letty’s Liposuction Directory – final thought about abdominoplasty and all plastic surgery is that feeling good about yourself shouldn’t be dependent on the results of any surgery. Be gentle with yourself. You are unique in the universe and – as such – are priceless even with your flaws.

About Abdominoplasty Surgery References:

• Bhargava, Dinesh. "Abdominoplasty today." Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery 41.3 (2008). 20. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web. 20 Jan. 2010.

• "Abdominoplasty." Stephanie Dionne Sherk. and Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD. The Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery and Medical Tests. Ed. Brigham Narins. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 4 vols.

• "Tummy tuck." Lee A. Mancini. Clinical Reference Systems. Nov 2008 v2008 i3 pNA.