How to Get a Flatter Stomach

Many people complain on a regular basis about the stubborn excess fat around their abdomen and waist region. Unfortunately, when they try and do something about it, they’re often rewarded with no noticeable change. When it comes to stubborn fat and loose skin, no amount of exercise or dieting seems to work.

Happily, the medical world has a solution: a surgical procedure called abdominoplasty. This operation offers targeted removal of excess fat and sagging skin from around the abdomen region. It also tightens the sagging muscle tissues of the abdominal wall.

What Is an Abdominoplasty?

The abdominoplasty, colloquially referred to as the tummy tuck, includes removal of excess skin and fat from the lower and middle abdominal regions, along with a tightening of the abdominal wall by restoring separated or weakened abdominal muscles.

Tummy tuck surgery is typically performed on individuals with loose sagging skin tissues that have come about as a result of childbirth or a sudden drastic weight loss.

Depending upon the patient’s needs, the abdominoplasty may be performed as either a complete abdominoplasty or a partial abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck).

Complete Abdominoplasty

In a complete abdominoplasty, a long incision is made in the skin just above the pubic area extending from one hip to the other. Next, the surgeon makes another incision to separate the skin of the navel region from the surrounding area.

The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall, exposing the underlying muscles. The abdominal wall muscles are tightened and firmed with the help of internal sutures.

Sometimes, a new belly button needs to be reconstructed with the help of surgical intervention by a process known as umbilicoplasty.

The procedure often takes somewhere between one to five hours to be performed and removes up to 50% of the individual’s excess skin.

Many times, a complete abdominoplasty is performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction for further enhancement of the look of the torso.

Partial Abdominoplasty

As the name suggests, the mini tuck is performed by making a smaller incision in the abdominal skin. The excess fat and loose skin of the lower abdomen is detached from the muscle fascia. A portion of the abdominal wall is also tightened.

The remaining skin is pulled down, which lends a flatter and smoother outside appearance to the abdomen. The incision is then sutured closed.

The Best Candidates for Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck is a safe and reliable option for the reduction of excess abdominal bulging in both men and women who are healthy. It is a boon for women who have undergone multiple pregnancies and as a result have developed excessive stretch marks and loose muscles all over their abdominal region.

The abdominoplasty is also a great option for both men and women who might have excessive deposits of fat and loose skin remaining as a result of a drastic weight loss within a short period of time.

Abdominoplasty Consultation

Speak with Dr. Stephen Herring, a board-certified plastic surgeon, during an abdominoplasty consultation to find out more about what this procedure can do for you. You’ll discuss your tummy tuck options and decide on the best choice for your procedure. Arrange a visit – contact us today.