Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
What is an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
An Abdominoplasty (AKA “Tummy Tuck”) is a procedure to improve the appearance of the stomach area by removing the excess skin and fat. Excess skin can result from things such as pregnancy and significant weight loss, and an Abdominoplasty is a wonderful way to improve the shape of the torso. There are many variations of the traditional Abdominoplasty, including a “mini tummy tuck” (where the small scar is about the length of a C section), “extended tummy tuck” which allows for extra contouring of the flanks and upper-outer thighs, “Circumferential Abdominoplasty” or “body lift” where the buttocks and lower back are also addressed, “Reverse Abdominoplasty” which removes the skin and fat in the upper stomach area and leaves a scar hidden under the breasts, and a “Fleur de Lis Abdominoplasty” where much of the excess skin in the central abdomen is also removed (typically done in patients with very significant weight loss). The well-healed scars are easily hidden in clothing, with additional emphasis on creating a cute, youthful belly button.
You may have also heard the term “Mommy Makeover”. A “Mommy Makeover” is a general term used to describe a combination of procedures done to get a patient back into their “pre-mommy body”, including a tummy tuck and some form of breast procedure (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, etc.). If you’re considering a tummy tuck surgery, you may want to consider additional procedures to be performed at the same time to limit the amount of surgeries you have and the additional recovery time.
How is a Tummy Tuck Done?
Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A good candidate for an abdominoplasty/tummy tuck is anybody who is unhappy with the appearance of their stomach due to extra skin. Ideally, a person should be close to their “goal weight” and be in generally good health prior to the procedure to maximize safety and the end result.
What is the Recovery for Abdominoplasty?
What About Plus-Size Abdominoplasty?
Some patients, no matter how hard they try, cannot get to their ideal body weight. Oftentimes this is due to significant abdominal tissue that is hindering their weight loss goals. By removing that extra skin and fat from the stomach area, this may stimulate weight loss because now workouts will become more efficient and it’ll become easier to burn calories! While some plastic surgeons do not operate on overweight/obese individuals, others (including Dr. Krochmal) perform these “plus-size abdominoplasty” procedures with some modifications to maximize safety and limit potential complications.
In the name of safety, there may still be times where a surgeon asks patients to lose more weight before undergoing body contouring surgery. Dr. Krochmal works closely with nutritionists, personal trainers, and bariatric surgeons to assist patients achieve their lifelong goals of living healthy lifestyles with shapes they’re happy with!