Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Bloomfield Hills Michigan
Abdominoplasty is a common procedure that enhances the abdominal contour. It is mostly considered by women after having children. Factors that lead to loss of abdominal contour are aging, weight loss and pregnancy. Abdominoplasty addresses three key anatomical structures which are abdominal muscles, abdominal fat and skin excess.
During pregnancy the abdominal muscles are subjected to a great deal of stretch. If the weight gain is rapid, two things happen; one. the abdominal muscles separate in the midline and second stretch marks appear over the abdominal skin. Once the pregnancy is over, the excess skin in many cases fails to shrink to its original state and the muscles fail to regain their tone. Fat deposition also takes place during pregnancy and many times these specific areas are resistant to any type of exercise or dieting.
In patients who had some type of bariatric (weight loss) surgery, rapid loss of significant amount of weight results in abundance of skin on the abdomen. In addition many of these patients develop hernias with time. Aging has a similar affect on the abdominal tissues. The muscles lose their tone, the skin becomes saggy and fat deposition takes place over the abdomen.
What to expect from the consultation
During this visit you should expect to sit at length with your doctor and discuss your goals for surgery. It is important to be informative about:
- Past surgeries
- Past and current medical conditions
- Any medications and vitamins you are currently taking
- Any and all supplements you are using
- Allergies to drugs, foods, dyes and rubber
What factors determine the surgical plan
There are a number of factors that must be carefully evaluated before the selecting the right procedure. First the skin excess and quality is addressed. This determines the length and pattern of skin excision. Second, the integrity of the abdominal muscles is assessed. It is imperative that the surgeon detect any hernia or muscle separation. Fat distribution needs to be carefully evaluated.
To obtain an esthetically pleasing abdomen it is necessary to sculpt the fat during the operation. Previous surgical scars are carefully recorded. These scars can affect the skin excision pattern. If ignored, disastrous complications can occur in the post-operative period.
How the surgery is performed
The surgical procedure needs to be tailored to the patient’s needs and physical attributes. Usually a horizontal incision is made across the pubic area that gently curves up. It is recommended that the patient wear their under garment before surgery so that the scar can be placed accordingly. Depending upon the skin laxity the incision needs to be extended to the sides.
The skin is then lifted off the muscles which are then tightened and excess skin and fat are removed. Liposuction is then performed in a strategic fashion so that the desired contouring can be obtained without compromising the blood supply. In a traditional full abdominoplasty another incision is placed around the umbilicus. Drains are usually left in place temporarily to drain any fluid accumulation after surgery.
For patients who have slight skin excess and abdominal laxity a mini-abdominoplasty can be performed which helps them to recover within a shorter period of time.
What to expect after the surgery
The first week after surgery, drain tubes might be removed. Some swelling and bruising will occur which usually subsides over the next few weeks. Most surgeons use absorbable sutures which are placed under the skin. Patients are advised to wear a support binder for several weeks. Patients are also encouraged to walk with a slight hunch to avoid any stress on the incision line.
After 6 weeks you can stop wearing the binder and drive. You should be realistic about your timeline of healing. You may take up to 6 to 8 months after surgery for the patient to see the final results.
Is abdominoplasty painful?
Working with our anesthesiologist we have developed a special technique of injecting long term anesthetic which makes this procedure virtually pain free. Some discomfort may be experienced which is easily controlled with pain medication.
Find out what Doctor Ali’s patients are saying about their experience.
Online research is no substitute
No amount of research is a substitute for a professional consultation with a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, not some other cosmetic association. Your physician must be board certified in order to become a member of this Society, the most elite organization of plastic surgeons in the world.
Talk to Dorine, our patient coordinator, to schedule your consultation. If you have a question for Doctor Ali, ask him now.
Tummy Tuck Resources
Why choose Doctor Ali?
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Ali is a highly skilled specialist with extensive training.
Using his 4-part system, he has helped thousands of patients achieve a more satisfying profile and boost self-confidence.
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