Abdominoplasty
More commonly known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty is a cosmetic and functional procedure, which assists in removing excess skin and tightening the muscles around the abdominal area.
The aim of an abdominoplasty is to remove sagging skin and excess fat from the middle and lower abdomen and repair any separated muscles. The surgery can be very effective in reducing the bulge caused by excess skin, fat and loose abdominal muscles. The result is a flatter, firmer and more shapely abdomen.
While abdominoplasty can be a cosmetic procedure, it may also be partly a reconstructive procedure that is necessary to:
Your surgeon will need to take a complete medical history. Take notice of any pre-surgery instructions you are given. You might be asked to:
✔ Correct abdominal abnormalities caused by pregnancy, obesity, extensive weight loss, trauma, tumours or other disease
✔ Correct or relieve structural defects of the abdomen
✔ Improve function of abdominal muscles
✔ Create a more normal appearance of the abdomen
✔ Repair an abdominal hernia that has followed previous abdominal surgery
✔ Remove a large and distressing apron of fat, also called a “pannus”, that can cause chronic dermatitis, skin infection, difficulty in walking and difficulties with hygiene. The surgical removal of a pannus is called an “apronectomy”
Abdominoplasty may be a good option for you if:
✔ You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
✔ You have realistic expectations
✔ You are a non-smoker or have stopped smoking
✔ You are bothered by the feeling that your tummy is too large