Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that treats loose or sagging abdominal skin, leading to a protruding abdomen that typically occurs after significant weight loss. Good candidates for abdominoplasty are individuals in good health who have one or more of the above conditions and who have tried to address these issues with diet and exercise with little or no results.
Women who have had multiple pregnancies often seek abdominoplasty as a means of ridding themselves of loose abdominal skin. While in many cases diet and exercise are sufficient in reducing abdominal fat and loose skin after pregnancy, in some women these conditions may persist. Abdominoplasty is not recommended for women who wish to have further pregnancies, as the beneficial effects of the surgery may be undone.
Another common reason for abdominoplasty is to remove excess skin from a person who has lost a large amount of weight or is obese. A large area of overhanging skin is called a pannus. Older patients are at an increased risk of developing a pannus because skin loses elasticity as one ages. Problems with hygiene or wound formation can result in a patient who has multiple hanging folds of abdominal skin and fat. If a large area of excess tissue is removed, the procedure is called a panniculectomy.
In some instances, abdominoplasty is performed simultaneously or directly following gynecologic surgery such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). One study found that the removal of a large amount of excess abdominal skin and fat from morbidly obese patients during gynecologic surgery results in better exposure to the operating field and improved wound healing.
Contraindications
Certain patients should not undergo abdominoplasty. Poor candidates for the surgery include:
- Women who wish to have subsequent pregnancies.
- Individuals who wish to lose a large amount of weight following surgery.
- Patients with unrealistic expectations (those who think the surgery will give them a "perfect" figure).
- Those who are unable to deal with the post-surgical scars.
- Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery.
- Heavy smokers.
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.
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.)
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.