A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that is also called an abdominoplasty; they are the same. It is done to improve the appearance and shape of the abdomen. A tummy tuck is done to remove excess fat and skin. Connective tissues in the abdomen will be tightened, as well. The skin that remains will be repositioned to give you a more toned look.

People will choose to have a tummy tuck done if they have excess fat or skin in the area around the belly button or if they have a weak lower abdominal wall. Tummy tucks are often done to improve and boost a person’s self-image.

Abdominoplasty results are considered to be permanent. The skin and fat cells that are removed during the procedure cannot grow back. The internal sutures that are used to tighten areas are also permanent.

You will need to try and maintain a stable weight to prevent the growth of the existing fat cells and to prevent further stretching of the skin. Future pregnancies can cause problems for the area that has been treated.

There is a range of reasons that a person might have poor elasticity of the skin in the abdomen. There may be excess fat or weakened connective tissues in the abdomen, as well.

The cause of these can include:

– Pregnancy
– Significant changes in weight
– C-section or other abdominal surgery
– Aging
– Your natural body type

A tummy tuck can remove excess skin, loose skin, and fat, and tighten weakened fascia. It can be done to remove excess skin and stretch marks in the lower abdomen underneath the belly button. However, tummy tucks will not correct stretch marks that are outside of this area.

If you have previously had a C-section, the plastic surgeon may be able to incorporate the C-section scar into the abdominoplasty scar.

Tummy tucks can be done with other contouring cosmetic procedures, like breast surgery. If you have had fat removed from the abdomen (liposuction), you may want to consider a tummy tuck. The liposuction procedure removes tissues and fat under the skin but does not remove the excess fat that a tummy tuck would.

Tummy tucks aren’t for everyone. You may be cautioned about getting one if:

– You still plan to lose a significant amount of weight.
– You are considering getting pregnant.
– You have a severe chronic condition, like heart disease or diabetes.
– You have a body mass index above 30.
– You smoke.
– You have had abdominal surgery in the past that has caused significant scar tissue.

There are different procedures for an abdominoplasty. The procedure done will depend on your goals. During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will make incisions to remove skin and fat between the belly button and pubic hair. Connective tissues (fascia) that lie over the muscles can be tightened with permanent sutures.

The amount of excess skin that you want to be removed will dictate the type of procedure you will have done. The procedure will leave a scar that should fall along the bikini line. Your plastic surgeon will also reposition the skin around the belly button. The belly button will be brought out and sutured into its normal position.

This procedure should take around two to three hours to complete.

Altman Aesthetic Center specializes in Abdominoplasty. We have the trained staff to perform this procedure. To find out if this is right for you call and make an appointment. We serve patients from Englewood Cliffs NJ, Tenafly NJ, Cresskill NJ, Alpine NJ, Fort Lee NJ, Edgewater NJ and surrounding areas.