Abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck")

Abdominoplasty, often called a "tummy tuck," is a very popular surgery in America. Tummy tucks help to flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under Dr. Maier's exceptional care.

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.

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.

Customized Treatment for Optimal Cosmetic Results

We take the time during every pre-operative consultation to learn what patients want 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. Maier 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. Finally, he will close the incisions and apply sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.

Recovery after Abdominoplasty

A temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months.

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.

Partial Abdominoplasty ("Mini Tummy Tuck")

Partial abdominoplasty is similar to abdominoplasty except a shorter incision is made and the skin is only lifted to the navel, which does not have to be moved.

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