Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck" is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that will not respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

THE SURGERY

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.

Most commonly, Dr. Fisher will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.

Next, he separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed and the flap is stitched back into place.

AFTER YOUR SURGERY

For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you are likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.

Dr. Fisher will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. You may not be able to stand straight at first, but you should start walking as soon as possible.

Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days and deeper sutures with ends that protrude through the skin will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.


Abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos - Procedures performed by Dr. Fisher

Before

A thigh tightening procedure was combined with abdominal muscular tightening and removal of excess tummy skin.

After

Before

Dramatic improvement of the waistline is seen here with tightening of the lateral thighs.

After

Before

Muscular tightening is performed to achieve maximized results. Scar fading is beginning to occurr, however scar and incisions are customized to each patient's needs and desires.

After

Before

Total lack of abdominal muscular tone is present.

After

Before

As desired by the patient backward extensions of the scar allow thigh and buttock tightening.

After

Before

Once the abdominal muscles are reconstructed by surgical tightening much like an "internal corset" (t.m.), abdominal tone is achieved.

After

Before

Liposuction is performed separately to achieve a maximized result. Then, when ready, the abdominoplasty is performed to maximize abdominal tightening.

After

Before

Excess abdominal skin is removed, together with contruction of the "internal corset"(t.m.) Lateral thigh tightening is achieved by extending the abdominal skin resection to include the lateral thighs.

After

Before

Liposuction performed separately can achieved more reduction in fat with emphasis upon improvement of the posterior and lateral body profiles, as desired by the patient.

After