Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty, more commonly referred to as a Tummy Tuck is a procedure, which removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the over stretched muscles. Some patients in Cleveland have been known to refer to this procedure as "Spare Tire Removal". Excessive laxity of the abdominal skin and muscles is generally due to multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss. While exercising is effective in toning muscles in mild cases, it is not capable of reversing sagging skin, removing stretch marks, or tightening loose abdominal muscles. Rolls of abdominal skin, which may extend down into the pubic area are called panniculus or pannus. Removal of abdominal or pubic area pannus without tightening of the abdominal muscles is referred to as abdominal or pubic panniculectomy. When tightening of the muscles is also included the procedure becomes an Abdominoplasty.

Conventional abdominoplasty tightens muscles in a vertical line. In some patients, it may be necessary for the muscles to be tightened horizontally as well. The final result with this technique is a dramatically flat abdomen with an improved/better defined waistline.

Since tummy tuck is a skin tailoring and trimming operation, an abdominal scar is to be expected. The incision is placed very low in the abdomen so the scar is less conspicuous. In some patients the hair bearing pubic area is stretched beyond its normal height. In these cases, pubic area excision or panniculectomy is performed which not only tightens and lifts the pubic area but also reduces the height of the hair-bearing region. After the skin is trimmed a new opening is made in the tightly pulled skin for the relocation of the umbilicus (belly button). In reality, the operation does not create a new belly button, it is the patient's own belly button which appears through a new opening. Prior to the final skin tightening, the loose and stretched abdominal muscles are sewn together in the vertical and horizontal plane. All suturing is done under the skin surface with permanent and absorbable stitiches. Patients who have excessive amount of fat under the skin may also require liposuction and body sculpting of the abdomen.

The most dramatic effects in the waistline are seen in patients who in addition to abdominoplasty, undergo liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, hip rolls, and lower back.

Patients who undergo Abdominoplasty not only look better but also feel better about their appearance. Once again shopping for outfits becomes enjoyable. Quite often patients are so motivated to maintain the newly contoured shape that changing their eating and exercising habits become part of their new lifestyles.

Take the next step: request a FREE Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Consultation now and call us at 216.227.FACE. You can visit the Western Reserve Center for Orofacial and Cosmetic Surgery at our convenient locations in Canton and Cleveland, Ohio or complete the form and one of our representatives will call you within 24 hours!