You are the proud mother of two children and you are finally at your pre-pregnancy weight. Unfortunately, the skin, muscles and fat in your abdominal region now sag. Or maybe you have always wanted flatter abs, but no matter how many sit-ups you do, you are not achieving the results you desire. Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Also known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty is a highly invasive cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin by tightening the muscles in your abdominal wall. What is an Abdominoplasty? Abdominoplasty removes the excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A flat, well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. However, sometimes these methods cannot achieve our desired goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight can proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of excess fat and skin in the abdomen include: *Pregnancy *Aging *Significant fluctuations in weight *Heredity *Previous surgery Abdominoplasty is a highly individualized procedure. If you are interested in this procedure it is important that you are only doing this for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. When is Abdominoplasty Appropriate and What Won't it Do? Although the results of an abdominoplasty procedure are permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone abdominoplasty surgery. Abdominoplasty may be a good option for you if: * *You are physically healthy and at a stable weight *You have realistic expectations *You do not smoke Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck, is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Additionally, abdominoplasty cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally the treated areas below the belly button. What to Expect During an abdominoplasty procedure, the first step includes anesthesia. Medications are administered to ensure your comfort during your surgery. The choices generally include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the best choice for you and your procedure. Next, your plastic surgeon will make the incision. Through the incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured while excess fat, tissue and skin are removed. A second incision made around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. To close the incisions, your plastic surgeon may use sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips to close the skin incisions. Your abdominoplasty procedure will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate to your body type and weight. The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until the internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident about your new slimmer profile. Contact your board certified plastic surgeon in Naperville, Hinsdale and Oak Brook for more information on abdominoplasty. With a proper consultation, you and your plastic surgeon will come to an appropriate solution for your desired change in appearance.
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