Tummy tuck, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is a major cosmetic surgery procedure involving a few key steps. Some of the steps could vary in each procedure according to the extent of correction required and the type of surgical technique used. The surgeon will explain the steps to the patient at the time of initial consultation.
Once the patient is aware of what to expect during tummy tuck surgery procedure, it can help to reduce their pre-surgery anxiety and make them better prepared for the surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD provides tummy tuck surgery to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA , and surrounding communities.
Incision Placement
After the patient is brought into the surgery room and placed under anesthesia, the first step in the tummy tuck procedure will be to create incisions in discreet locations within the abdominal area. The length and number of incisions will depend on the choice of surgical technique. A partial abdominoplasty will only require a small incision to be placed under the navel, while a circumferential tummy tuck will involve a major incision around the entire waist line, including the back.
Navel Repositioning
A traditional tummy tuck surgery may involve navel. This is done to make the tightened and lifted abdomen look more natural. The surgeon will detach the original navel and move it to a more youthful location. In a few cases, the original navel may not be re-attached, but a new navel may be artificially sculpted. This type of artistic cosmetic surgery procedure should only be performed by an experienced surgeon.
Tightening Abdominal Muscles
Due to aging and excessive weight of the abdomen, the underlying abdominal muscles may become weak or separated over time, causing the abdomen to sag. The surgeon will use the incisions to separate the abdominal skin from the abdominal walls. They will pull the weak muscles closer together and stitched them into a position to create a more toned appearance. Abdominal muscle tightening will make the waistline appear narrower.
Removal of Loose Skin
Once abdominal muscles and tissue are tightened, the surgeon will pull the skin downward to make it smooth and taut. Excess skin will then be trimmed away. The surgeon may sometimes perform liposuction as an additional procedure at this stage to eliminate excess fatty tissue before the skin is pulled taut.
Reducing Stretch Marks
Stretch mark removal is not an integral part of tummy tuck surgery, but in many cases the effect of stretch marks can be reduced. This will depend on the location of the incisions. If the stretch marks are present under the navel, they are often eliminated with the removal of loose skin. Even other stretch marks could become less pronounced after a tummy tuck surgery.
Closing the Incisions
Once the procedure is completed, the surgeon will suture the skin together with surgical stitches. This will allow the wounds to close naturally over time. Surgical drains below the skin at the site of incisions will be temporarily inserted. Profound cosmetic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other cities and towns in this part of California for a tummy tuck.
For more information on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and treatments by Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon, Roger Tsai, MD please click here or call us at 310.276.1190. Taking patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and other surrounding cities.