The Joys Of Tummy Tucks

I do a lot of tummy tucks. And the patients are generally happy. It's not a perfect procedure and there are some real risks, but I find that when someone has lived with a lot of extra sagging abdominal skin along with bit of a bulge they are excited when they can get their feminine curves back. And a tummy tuck often makes a dramatic improvement.

Let's talk about what a tummy tuck will and won't do. First, it's not a a weight reduction technique. Although I have removed up to 10 lbs of abdominal pannus (folded skin), weight removal is not reliable. Second, a tummy tuck won't remove significant 'love handles'. The surgery ends when you reach a patient's sides. By adding liposuction to the procedure you can decrease the rolls on the side, But unless you plan on doing a 'belt lipectomy', which is a much larger surgery, you have to stop at the sides. (A belt lipectomy includes the tummy tuck, a lateral thigh lift, gluteal lift, and back lift). Lastly, the tummy tuck does not do a good job of thinning out the upper abdomen. Liposuction can help in this area.

Where a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) shines is in removing the rolls in the lower abdomen and in rejuvenating a more feminine curve to the abdomen and upper hips. (Assuming your a woman. If you are a man, then the goal is a firmer, flat abdomen.) The concept is straightforward. Depending on how much skin needs to be removed, the incision is started above the belly button (umbilicus) for a large roll and under the belly button for a little bulging. The extra skin is removed. Before closing the incision, the abdominal muscles - rectus muscles - are usually sutured back together in the midline. These muscles move apart during pregnancy or weight gain. By bringing them back together the bulging in the abdomen decreases and the waist is more defined. Some liposuction is added here to define the love handles and upper abdomen if necessary. Then everything is closed up. Other than a little trouble standing up straight for a few days, most people do just fine.

There are a few possible complications though - like with any surgery. Smoking makes these much more likely. Infections can happen, although are rare. Wounds can heal more slowly then you would like. It is even possible to lose your belly button, although this is fortunately very rare. If you are planning on a tummy tuck make sure your physician goes through all of the risks so you can decide if this procedure is for you.

And there you have a nice summary. If you have any questions, please feel free to post a comment here or visit my website to ask for information.

By: Al Rosenthal, MD

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Al Rosenthal, MD, is a board certified plastic surgeon practicing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in the northern Atlanta suburbs. He invites to you to view his website at www.plasticsurgeryofgwinnett.com and his blog at www.plasticsurgeryofgwinnett.com/musings.