The aging process, weight gain and childbirth can be very hard on the youthful figure. Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck or body contouring, is a surgical procedure designed to firm and tighten the belly to restore a youthful appearance. The procedure helps to address loose skin, weak muscle tissue and fat deposits on the waistline, outer thighs and hips. While not meant as a substitute for diet, exercise or a healthy lifestyle, surgery can help jumpstart the patient’s journey to regain their figure.
Abdominoplasties may be mini, modified, full, extended and circumferential, depending on the patient’s need. Schedule a consultation to determine which type of abdominoplasty is right for you.
Am I a good candidate for Abdominoplasty?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet and follow a regular exercise regimen. They do not need to be at their ideal body weight but are generally within 20% of this target. Patients should be physically and emotionally healthy and allow adequate time for recovery after surgery.
Dr. Bortnick will help determine if you are a good candidate of abdominoplasty during your consultation. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
What to expect during the consultation
During your consultation, you will meet with Dr. Bortnick and the nurse coordinator for 30 to 45 minutes. They will discuss your medical history and informed consent. You will be asked to stand in front of a full-length mirror to discuss your goals and allow the doctor to form a surgical plan in a non-invasive manner. The doctor will evaluate your torso from the breast bone to the knees on the front and back. Often, these areas can be corrected at the same time with no additional costs. You will also cover the details of the surgery, including facilities, costs and preoperative routines. If necessary, the doctor will request that you schedule a second visit to review all preoperative instructions, take medical photographs and receive prescriptions.
How is the surgery performed?
Abdominoplasty surgery is always performed in an accredited outpatient or hospital surgery setting. The patient must be fully asleep under the direction of a board-certified anesthesiologist.
The surgery always starts with the patient face down on their tummy in order to address fat deposits on the hips and thighs. During the surgery, the patient is flipped onto their back so that the front of the tummy may be restored and the waistline can undergo liposuction. The procedure typically lasts three hours, but the length depends on the amount of skin the practitioner must remove.
Most patients will have a traditional hip-to-hip abdominoplasty, but several other options are available.
Some patients will have a mini abdominoplasty, during which only small amounts of skin will be removed and involve only small incisions. These procedures can still address muscle weaknesses and unbalanced fat deposits, often through c-section incisions.
Extended or circumferential abdominoplasties, meanwhile, remove more skin and stretch marks, tighten muscles and remove more fat deposits on the hips and thighs. The areas and combinations addressed are based on the patient’s individual goals. Patients who have experienced massive weight loss from bariatric surgery, for example, may have a type of circumferential abdominoplasty called a “fleur de lis” to remove extra, loose skin.
Prior to surgery, patients must not use any tobacco products for for one month. Learn more about preoperative and postoperative care.
Dr. Bortnick will help you determine which type of abdominoplasty is right for you in a consultation. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
