Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Eliminate wrinkles, loose skin, stretch marks, and fat with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). This procedure is a favorite of women who have been pregnant, people who have lost large amounts of weight, and anyone wanting a flatter, tighter stomach. With LocateADoc.com, prospective patients can read in-depth articles about the procedure that detail the surgery, risks, and recovery time. You can also browse our galleries of before and after pictures, filtering by location to find qualified, surgeons in your area.
An abdominoplasty not only removes excess fat and skin, but it also involves the tightening of the muscles in the abdomen. While the patient is under general anesthesia, the surgeon will begin by making a long incision below the belly button, usually along the underwear line. This incision generally will go from one hip bone to the other. The skin will be lifted to gain access to the abdominal muscles. Any separated muscles will be connected and any that are droopy will be tightened. If the tummy skin is saggy, the belly button may need to be repositioned. The surgeon will then stretch the skin down past the incision, cutting away any excess skin and closing the wound.
Since this is a major surgery, anesthesia risks and risks of infection are present. Patients may also be at risk for excessive bleeding, internal bleeding, buildup of fluid, loss of sensation, and slow healing. Talk to your doctor about all the possible risks before deciding if this procedure is right for you. Like all surgeries, ideal candidates are in good physical and mental health. Other factors that will be considered are the patient's weight, skin elasticity and tone, and muscle laxity. Women who still plan to have children, smokers, and those who are overweight are not good candidates for this surgery. When you are considering a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), the first step is to find the right doctor. LocateADoc.com can help by giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Ever wonder what it costs to go under the knife? Review popular procedures and the average cost in our fun and informative Plastic Surgery Cost Infographic. Click to launch.
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