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Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a very popular procedure at the Straith Clinic. Also known as a tummy tuck, this procedure is performed to remove excess abdominal skin, sculpt the underlying fat and tighten the muscle tissue. Excess skin of the abdomen is common after pregnancy, with aging, and with weight fluctuations. The recent wellness movement has inspired more and more patients to achieve massive weight loss with medications, surgery, lifestyle modifications, or all the above. This population of massive weight loss patients is often left with significant skin excess, and they benefit tremendously from abdominoplasty. After tummy tuck surgery, you will achieve a smooth abdominal contour and a more defined waist. Many, if not all, stretch marks are removed with the excess skin. Oftentimes, this leaves patients feeling more comfortable in clothing and swimwear, with an overall boost in confidence! Patients come from all over the metro Detroit area – Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Dearborn, Royal Oak and more – to see our talented Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. At your tummy consultation you will meet Dr. Sabbagh, a highly experienced plastic surgeon, or Dr. Baca, a skilled Female Plastic Surgeon specializing in body contouring.
Tummy Tuck Benefits
A tummy tuck offers a variety of cosmetic and functional benefits. The tummy tuck procedure alters the shape and appearance of the abdomen creating sleek contours and better proportions. By realigning separated abdominal muscles, it can also improve low back pain, core function and even bladder function.
Tummy Tuck Options
We offer a variety of different tummy tuck procedures depending on the extent of your surgery needs. Our tummy tuck options include:
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck procedure addresses the area of the abdomen below the belly button. Your plastic surgeon will make one incision at your bikini line and will stretch the skin downward to create a more toned look. This option is best for patients who have a small amount of skin excess limited to the lower abdomen.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
This procedure is the most common variation of tummy tuck. Your surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten the skin of the entire abdomen – above and below the belly button. Excess fat may be removed for further shaping. Abdominal muscle separation is repaired as well. By addressing the abdomen at each layer – skin, fat, and muscle, the abdominal contour can be truly transformed. This option is an excellent choice for patients who have experienced changes in their bodies due to pregnancy, aging, or weight loss.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is performed on individuals who have more skin excess and need an extended, or longer, incision to remove that skin. The incision and resulting scar are still kept low on the abdomen. This procedure still addresses all three layers: skin, fat, and muscle, like a traditional tummy tuck.
Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck
A fleur de lis tummy tuck is performed on patients who have experienced massive weight loss. These patients typically have skin excess in more than one direction – both vertical and horizontal. As a result, they need skin excision in both directions as well. This technique adds a vertical scar down the center of the abdomen, but it can be highly effective in creating a defined waist and removing the maximum amount of skin excess. Again, all three layers are addressed: skin, fat, and muscle, like a traditional tummy tuck.
Circumferential Tummy Tuck
A circumferential tummy tuck, also known as a lower body lift, is sometimes needed on patients who have experienced massive weight loss. These patients have skin excess that does not stop at the abdomen, but travels around the waist to the hips, lower back and buttock. This technique addresses that skin excess by carrying the skin excision 360 degrees around the waist/lower abdomen/trunk. This can also be combined with a fleur de lis tummy tuck if needed. Again, all three layers are addressed: skin, fat, and muscle.
expectations
What to expect for your Tummy Tuck surgery
Anesthesia
Local with IV sedation
Length of Surgery
3 to 6 hours (depending on the type)
In / Outpatient
Outpatient- in our accredited on-site surgery center.
- Can I walk after tummy tuck?
- How much weight can you lose having a tummy tuck?
- Do you get a scar from a tummy tuck?
- Does a tummy tuck tighten muscles?
Traditional Tummy Tuck vs. No Drain Tummy Tuck
Traditionally, abdominoplasty uses drains placed between the skin/fat flap and muscle layers to collect fluid from swelling.
A new technique called “Progressive Tension Sutures” has eliminated the need for drains after an abdominoplasty. These sutures close the space between the skin/fat flap and the underlying muscle. By closing off the space, swelling fluid is less likely to collect in a pocket. Instead, the swelling fluid is distributed within the tissues where the body can absorb it over time. These sutures also fix the flap into position and distribute the tension over the entire abdomen rather than at the lower abdominal incision. With less tension on the lower abdominal incision, there can be better scar formation.
Who is a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Loose skin, stubborn fat deposits and muscle separation all lead to poor abdominal contour. These issues can be a result of pregnancy, aging, fluctuations in weight, or tethered prior surgical scars. If you are unhappy with your abdominal contour, a tummy tuck may be able to benefit you. Those who are at a stable weight and have realistic expectations are often happiest with their results. It is important that patients do not smoke prior to or after their procedure, as it can cause complications.
3-6 weeks
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Generally, after an abdominoplasty, patients will be fairly sore in the first week. Most patients can resume normal light activities after the first week of tummy tuck recovery. Driving is possible when patients are no longer on prescription pain medication and feel physically able to maneuver behind the wheel. Patients may feel ready to participate in some social events after two to three weeks. Those with a low physical activity job or the option for remote work may be able to resume work in 1-2 weeks. Patients with a physically strenuous job will typically require 4 weeks off from work. Strenuous activity and exercise can be slowly reintroduced at 4-6 weeks, if the patient feels able. Activities may be increased gradually every day.
Tummy Tuck Combination Procedures
Tummy tuck is commonly performed in combination with other procedures. With combination surgery, you can see the maximum transformation with a single surgery. Many patients opt to receive a tummy tuck procedure in combination with other body contouring treatments, including:
Breast Lift
A breast lift is performed to help lift sagging breasts and nipple position. A breast lift uses your existing breast volume but tightens the soft tissue envelope to create a lifted, perkier breast without a significant change in size.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation increases breast size with the use of breast implants. This can also improve the shape of the breast by restoring fullness to the upper breast. Sometimes, a breast lift is performed at the same time if needed.
Liposuction
Some patients are bothered by other areas of stubborn fat pockets such as the hips/flanks and back/bra roll. Liposuction of these stubborn areas can be performed at the same time as tummy tuck to further enhance the contour of the body and waist.
Buttock Enhancement
The buttock enhancement procedure improves the contour, size, and shape of your buttocks. This surgical procedure uses fat transfer techniques to help you achieve your desired contours.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a customizable set of procedures designed to help reverse the changes that happen to the body after pregnancy so you can achieve your goal contour, volume and proportions. The typical combination is breast and abdominal procedures, such as: breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction and more.
The Procedure
For the surgery, an incision is made low on the abdomen within an area hidden by swimsuit bottoms or underwear. The excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen is excised, and the remaining skin is pulled down to create a smooth, flat abdomen. Underlying muscle separation is repaired. Excess fat may be liposuctioned for further contour enhancement. The belly button is repositioned to a new opening along the smoother, tighter abdominal skin.
What are the Risks?
No surgical procedure is risk-free and that includes cosmetic surgery like tummy tuck surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca, they will review the risks so you can make an educated decision.
Schedule a Consultation
Call us today at 248-270-5272 or send us an email to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, you can discuss our facial and body services and tour our facility, including our on-site operating facility.