Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Tummy Tuck Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | Santa Barbara
Abdominoplasty Overview
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) states that an abdominoplasty is the surgical procedure used to restore a youthful body shape and improve contour by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles of the abdomen wall. A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss. The best candidates for abdominoplasty or tummy tuck are men or women who are in good health but bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. Currently, approximately 90% of cosmetic surgeries are performed on women and abdominoplasty is particularly helpful to women who through multiple pregnancies have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin to the point where it cannot return to normal.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure targeted at addressing abdominal deformities characterized by excess skin and subcutaneous tissue and laxity of the abdominal wall musculature. There are various types of tummy tuck procedures to contour your body and what procedure is best for you will depend on your particular anatomy. As a highly experienced abdominoplasty surgeon, Dr. Brent Moelleken will remove your excess abdominal fat then carefully address the laxity of your abdominal muscles. After directly suturing the muscles, you will once again have a flat, tight stomach. If you have sagging abdominal skin, you don’t have to be embarrassed another day because you could be the perfect candidate for a tummy tuck. At our Neo Surgery Center, Dr. Brent Moelleken will personally tailor your procedure to your anatomy so call us today and schedule your consultation.
Abdominoplasty Facts
Abdominoplasty, also known as a Tummy Tuck, abdominal lipectomy, and panniculectomy, is a major surgical procedure that flattens your stomach by removing excess skin and fat in your middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscles of your abdominal wall. A flat and well-toned stomach is something most of us strive for through diet and exercise but when these methods do not work, an abdominoplasty will restore weakened muscles and create a firmer abdominal profile. The most common reasons people develop a loose, protruding abdomen include pregnancy, aging, prior surgery, heredity, or weight fluctuations. One of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures, abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can dramatically improve the appearance of your stomach but it is considered a major cosmetic surgery. By educating yourself with the information we provide and by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Brent Moelleken, M.D., F.A.C.S., he will help you analyze your personal situation to see if a Tummy Tuck is the best solution for you.
Abdominoplasty Evaluation
In determining which abdominoplasty procedure is best for you, Dr. Moelleken will evaluate three vital components: Your fat, skin, and muscle. He will determine the amount of fat present and where your fat is located. He will decide if you have intra-abdominal or extra-abdominal fat as the difference between the two are crucial because the treatment options are completely different. If your fat is extra-abdominal, it can be removed with a tummy tuck but if it is intra-abdominal, the fat cannot be removed. Dr. Moelleken will evaluate the quality of your abdominal skin and the amount of excess skin you have. Your loss of skin elasticity and the ability of your skin to reshape itself will determine the best procedure and the length of your scar. Dr. Moelleken will also evaluate the looseness of your abdominal muscles called diastasis. Muscle looseness can be located either below your belly button area or the entire abdomen from xyphoid to pubis. When deciding your best treatment option, this differentiation is the key. If your abdominal bulge is located below your belly button and it is due to weak muscle and a mini-tummy tuck is usually an excellent choice. If the looseness is in your entire abdomen however, a full tummy tuck is required to tighten the entire muscle. The most effective procedure for you will depend on your skin, fat, and muscle components and how they interact.
