Type of Surgery

Information

Doctor Certified

Last updated: 11/24/2009

Alternatives

Before seeking abdominoplasty, an individual will want to be sure that loose and excess abdominal skin and fat cannot be decreased through a regimen of diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty should not be viewed as an alternative to weight loss. In fact,...

some doctors would suggest that a patient be no more than 15% over his or her ideal body weight in order to undergo the procedure.

Liposuction is a surgical alternative to abdominoplasty. There are several advantages to liposuction. It is less expensive (an average of $2,000 per body area treated compared to $6,500 for abdominoplasty). It also is associated with a faster recovery, a need for less anesthesia, a smaller rate of complications, and significantly smaller incisions. What liposuction cannot do is remove excess skin. Liposuction is a good choice for patients with localized deposits of fat, while abdominoplasty is a better choice for patients with excess abdominal skin and fat.



NEXT:
11. Resources
PREVIOUS:

Advertisement

This video provides a detailed description of different bariatric surgeries used to treat obesity. It describes gastric bypass surgery and lap banding with an overview of the current trends towards a laparoscopic approach. A discussion of patient selection and bariatric surgery cost is also shown.

Related Videos

ROSE Procedure Animation

The ROSE procedure helps patients that have had gastric bypass surgery but are starting to gain weight again. As the video shows, the procedure is "incisionless" because it is performed endoscopically with a thin tube placed down the esophagus. The stomach and esophagus are narrowed as a result of the ROSE procedure.

Acne Scars (Acne #6)

A physician describes what causes acne to develop and how it can lead to facial scars. She also describes several acne scarring treatments including collagen injections, dermal fat injections, dermabrasion, and laser skin treatments. The doctor also describes the role of skin transplant surgery and skin grafts in acne scar repair.

The Life of Your Cells

This stylized animation shows what a cell might look like at very high magnification. It begins by showing the cell membrane and the proteins that hold the cell together. The video continues to describe the internal workings of a cell. While the narration is very detailed and accurate, this video may use terminology that is advanced for a general audience.

3 most used bariatric operations - which to have ?

The animation describes gastric bypass surgery, gastric band surgery, and sleeve gastrectomy. As explained in the video, these procedures use either restrictive or malabsorptive approaches to weight loss, or both.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery. Portions of the lower abdominal tissues have been removed and the navel repositioned. The remaining skin flaps will be sutured. (Photography by MM Michele Del Guercio. Reproduced by permission.) Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery. Portions of the lower abdominal tissues have been removed and the navel repositioned. The remaining skin flaps will be sutured. (Photography by MM Michele Del Guercio. Reproduced by permission.)




In an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, an incision is made in the abdomen (usually from hip bone to hip bone). Excess skin and fat is removed (B). The muscles may be tightened (C). The navel will be placed into the proper position (D), and the major incision closed beneath it. (Illustration by GGS Inc.) In an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, an incision is made in the abdomen (usually from hip bone to hip bone). Excess skin and fat is removed (B). The muscles may be tightened (C). The navel will be placed into the proper position (D), and the major incision closed beneath it. (Illustration by GGS Inc.)




Search

Other Information

Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reshape and firm the abdomen. It involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This type of surgery is usually sought by woman (who are not considering having any or more children) and individuals who have abdominal fat deposits which do not respond well to diet and exercise.


From http://www.doctorslounge.com/surgery/procedures/abdominoplasty.htm

Find a Qualified Specialist

Looking for a specialist?

Please enter your zip code.