Abdominoplasty

Ever longed for a flat contoured abdomen?

An abdominoplasty might be the answer you have been looking for. A fair number of mothers after pregnancy and patients after weight loss seek this procedure to get the curves they have been looking for.

Abdominoplasty, often called a “tummy tuck,” is a very popular surgery in America. Tummy tucks help flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. Dr. Sawan has been performing abdominoplasties with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under his exceptional care.

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Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. We can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity. Active smoking is detrimental to the healing process and patients who smoke are advised to stop at least three months before the procedure.

Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty.

We also encourage patients who intend to lose a lot of weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss. Usually 10 pounds of weight loss is acceptable after an abdominoplasty however, if a patient plans to lose anywhere from 20 pounds or more the procedure is best done when their weight has stabilized.

Customized Treatment for Optimal Cosmetic Results

We take the time during every pre-operative consultation to learn what each patient wants to achieve from a tummy tuck, both for their bodies and for their self-confidence. By listening to what patients have to say and closely examining them rather than performing a one-size-fits-all procedure on every person, we provide patients with completely customized treatment that takes into account their specific goals.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Abdominoplasty takes approximately two to five hours under general anesthesia. Dr Sawan will usually liposuction the flank area to give you a better waist line, then he will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. He will separate the skin from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. He will stretch the skin flap down and over the newly tightened muscles, remove excess skin, and reattach the navel in a natural position (the navel will have a new opening or window). Finally, he will close the incisions, apply glue to the skin and apply sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.

Recovery after Abdominoplasty

A temporary tube (Drain) may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Recovery time ranges from two weeks for normal non strenuous activities to 6 weeks for active exercise.

Tummy Tuck Results

Abdominoplasty will leave a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip. We are very careful to make the incision low enough for even a bikini to conceal the scar. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting.

Risks of Abdominoplasty

Though rare, post-operative complications from surgery are possible. They may include infection, blood clots, and poor healing, which may require further surgery.

Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the procedure. A scar revision procedure after abdominoplasty may minimize the appearance of an unsightly scar.

Partial Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)

Partial abdominoplasty is similar to abdominoplasty except that a shorter incision is made and the skin is only lifted to the navel, which does not have to be moved. This can be combined with liposuction of the area above the navel and the waist line.