Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty
More commonly known as a tummy tuck, Abdominoplasty is designed to flatten the abdomen and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles. Dr. Michele Koo’s tummy tuck procedure creates an abdominal appearance and profile that is smoother and firmer. The most common reasons for loss or sagging skin around the abdomen are:
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Significant weight loss
- Heredity
- Prior Surgery
Significant weight gain and pregnancy can cause the skin of the abdomen to stretch beyond the skin’s natural capacity causing the skin to lose elasticity. A tummy tuck restores the skin’s natural skin elasticity as well as repair any damage to the underlying muscles of the abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck begins with an incision made along the natural fold of the waist between the pubic hairline and the naval to reduce visible scarring. The size and length of the incision will vary depending on the amount of correction necessary. If there is a large amount of excess skin above the naval, a second incision may be made above the naval to address this area. Once the incision is made, Dr. Koo gently lifts the skin and tissue to reveal the underlying muscles and tissue. Dr. Koo then carefully repairs the underlying muscles to ensure long-lasting results. Once the ideal contour is achieved, the skin is re-draped over the abdomen and excess skin is removed. By removing excess skin from the abdomen, Dr. Koo is able to restore the natural skin elasticity to the abdomen ensuring long-lasting results.
Tummy Tuck Results
Results from a tummy tuck are immediately visible following the procedure but will improve as inflammation and bruising subside. Recovery times will vary depending on the amount of correction necessary and the size of the incision. Many patients are able to stand upright after 1-2 weeks once the internal structures of the abdomen have healed. Recovery times can range from 2 weeks to a few months. Abdominoplasty will leave a permanent scar along the waist line, but incision lines will fade over time reducing visible scarring. Generally, incisions are made low enough that incision lines can be covered by clothing and can often be concealed by a bikini.