Abdominoplasty

What Is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, addresses excess skin and fat and damaged abdominal muscles to restore more aesthetic midsection contours. This procedure is often recommended when factors like pregnancy, massive weight loss, genetics, and aging have made it impossible for patients to achieve a flat, toned abdomen no matter how much effort they put into dieting and exercising.

At Renaissance Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons are highly qualified to perform both full and mini tummy tuck procedures. A full tummy tuck corrects issues in the upper and lower abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen only.

Tummy tuck surgery can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with complementary procedures. For instance, tummy tucks are often paired with abdominal liposuction when patients have a considerable amount of excess fat, along with loose, hanging skin in the treatment area.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for an Abdominoplasty?

Candidates for tummy tuck surgery include patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen due to drooping skin and excess fat. Candidates for this procedure may also have weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). The best candidates for an abdominoplasty are individuals who are non-smokers and are at or near their ideal weight. Patients who plan to lose weight or become pregnant are typically advised to postpone tummy tuck surgery until they have achieved their goal weight, as weight fluctuations can affect the results of this procedure.

What Is the Difference Between a Full Tummy Tuck and a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck, also called a partial abdominoplasty or mini abdominoplasty, is a less-invasive variation of the traditional abdominoplasty technique. This surgical procedure is often recommended for patients who have cosmetic concerns in the lower abdominal area and do not require extensive muscle repair.

Both procedures require a horizontal incision across the abdomen, just below the bikini line. For a full abdominoplasty, an incision is made from one hipbone to the other. An additional incision will be needed if it is necessary to reposition the belly button. In contrast, the mini tummy tuck incision is shorter, and the procedure does not require repositioning the belly button.

A mini tummy tuck involves a smaller treatment area and fewer modifications than a full tummy tuck, so patients tend to have a shorter and more comfortable recovery. However, a full tummy tuck can deliver more comprehensive and dramatic improvements than a mini abdominoplasty, as it addresses the entire abdomen and can restore a stronger abdominal wall.

Your Abdominoplasty Consultation

The best way to find out if you are a candidate for abdominoplasty is to meet with one of the plastic surgeons at Renaissance Plastic Surgery. Our surgeons are extensively trained, board-certified, and members of prestigious organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

During this initial appointment, our plastic surgeon will learn about your treatment goals, and he will physically examine the abdominal area. Photographs may be taken for your records.

In order to determine if you are a suitable candidate for cosmetic surgery, our plastic surgeon will also need to review your medical history, including past medical procedures, any pre-existing medical conditions, and any allergies you may have. He will ask you about the medications and supplements you are currently taking, as well.

Our plastic surgeon will then provide personalized treatment recommendations for achieving your desired results. He will answer any questions you may have about your treatment plan, and procedure and cost details will be reviewed with you.

How to Get Ready for Your Tummy Tuck

You will be given pre-op instructions to follow over the weeks leading up to your procedure. It is important that you  temporarily stop taking certain herbal supplements and medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),  as directed. These can interfere with your body’s natural healing process, impacting recovery time. Smoking also slows recovery and increases the risk of complications, so you must stop smoking at least six weeks before your procedure.

What Happens During the Abdominoplasty Procedure?

Abdominoplasty procedures begin with the administration of anesthesia. The surgeon will then make the necessary incision. The plastic surgeon will then tighten the abdominal muscles, if needed, and remove excess skin and fat. Once all necessary changes have been made, the surgeon will use advanced suturing techniques to close the incision, and a sterile dressing will be applied over the treatment area.

Abdominoplasty Recovery

After your abdominoplasty surgery is complete and you have been cleared to return home, a friend or family member will drive you home. Remember to arrange for this in advance.

The recovery process will include wearing a post-surgical elastic garment to control bruising and swelling. Pain medication will be prescribed, as will antibiotics to prevent infections.

Abdominoplasty recovery requires several days of downtime. It is crucial that you rest and adhere to all physical activity restrictions to promote expedient healing and optimal results. Our surgeon will advise you when you can expect to return to work and resume your normal activities.

Results of Abdominoplasty Surgery

Abdominoplasty surgery patients experience a radical change in the appearance of their abdomen as it becomes flatter and more toned. These changes will be visible right after the surgery, but full results will not be apparent until all swelling is gone. With the help of a balanced diet and regular exercise, abdominoplasty can give you long-lasting results.

Abdominoplasty Cost

When considering a tummy tuck, cost is a common concern. The price of an abdominoplasty procedure varies from patient to patient. Cost is often affected by factors like the total time needed to perform the surgery, the techniques used, and the amount of tissue being removed.

Set Up a Consultation

Renaissance Plastic Surgery is conveniently located in Troy, MI and encourages patients considering an abdominoplasty in Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne County to contact our office to schedule a consultation.