Tummy Tuck

Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery - Houston, Texas

Tummy tuck procedures are designed to return the abdomen muscles to a tight position, after they've been sagging and excess skin has accumulated with fatty tissue. Stretched beyond the capacity to return to normal, these tissues will also fail to respond to exercise or diet programs.

Not only will the abdomen be firmer and flatter with abdominoplasty, but the waist will be smaller as well. The amount of improvement depends upon the extent of surgery and the patient's skin tone, body build, and healing process. Most people are happy with the results, and report a better body image after the surgery.

There are several different tummy tuck techniques. The most common procedure is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. Another incision is made around the belly button to free the surrounding skin, and the all of the skin is separated from the abdominal wall. Then the surgeon pulls the loose muscles from the left and the right sides and sutures them together. This tightens the muscles to create a stronger abdominal wall and a smaller waist. Excess skin is removed, and a new opening is made for the belly button at the right position.
 

If your only problem area is below the belly button, you may benefit from a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthetic, such as that used by dentists.

Panniculectomy refers to removal of the excess skin associated with a pannus. It does not usually include any reconstruction of the abdominal wall or tightening of the abdominal muscles. It is usually performed for medical necessity, which is when the pannus is causing a medical problem such as an infection. In these circumstances, it is usually covered by insurance. It should not be thought of as cosmetic surgery even though much of the excess skin is removed. It generally takes 1-2 hours and can often be done on an outpatient basis.

Abdominoplasty refers to removal of excess skin in the abdominal area with tightening of muscular structures with the intention of producing a flatter, more cosmetically appealing abdomen. An abdominoplasty is a tummy tuck. There are several varieties of abdominoplasty, and the choice of procedure is made between the patient and his/her plastic surgeon. Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by most insurance companies. Many people who have had gastric bypass surgery and want excess skin removed are candidates for abdominoplasty but will have to pay the full cost of the operation. Unfortunately, insurance regulations prevent you from receiving insurance payment for a panniculectomy and then paying the difference in order to get an abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty can take from 2-5 hours or longer, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done. It should be thought of as major surgery, and carries with it the risks and complications of major surgery.