Body Contouring

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Click here to view Before and After photographs of Abdominoplast treatments

There are several different types of Abdominoplasty. Each one will be customized to your individual needs. Dr. Polynice , our body contouring specialist, may perform liposuction and fat transfer in conjunction with Abdominoplasty procedures to give you a sculpted look.

A mini tummy tuck is the least invasive Abdominoplasty procedure we perform. Dr. Polynice will offer this to patients with fat deposits below the belly button. The lower abdominal muscles may be tightened and excess skin will be removed through an incision just above the bikini line. Liposuction is used to remove fat and to contour your flatter stomach. This is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. If you have more then a little pouch a full Abdominoplasty may be recommended. Recovery times may vary depending upon the patient. We recommend that you are out of work 1- 2 weeks and then it will be another 6 weeks until full activities including exercising may be resumed.

A full Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure which addresses the entire stomach area. Fat and excess skin is removed during the outpatient procedure. The procedure, sometimes called a power tuck, also tightens loose abdominal muscles. For many people this is a great choice following weight loss and child birth. The incision line will run below your underwear but will extend across your entire pelvic bone. During the Abdominoplasty a new belly button will be formed and any stretch marks below your current belly button will be removed.

An Extended Tummy tuck is usually performed on patients with excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen and lower back (love handles). The incision will extend from above one hip in the back along the bikini line to the other hip. Patients will be able to wear bathing suits without anyone knowing they had a body contouring procedure preformed. Dr. Polynice will perform liposuction to address any fat pockets on your upper abdomen and back. This procedure addresses the entire stomach, upper thighs/hips and lower back. Following weight loss and child birth our skin elasticity may not return to normal despite exercise. Many patients find this procedure extremely rewarding. Immediately following surgery you will see results though you will be swollen.

Risks for all of the above procedures include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, changes in skin sensations and unsightly scarring.

Recovery periods are generally 1-2 weeks until you resume daily activities and 4-6 weeks until you can perform strenuous activities including exercise. You will need someone to stay with you the first night following surgery because of the after effects of anesthesia. You may need help at home during the first few days with dressing and driving. A compression garment will need to be worn for at least 4-6 weeks under your clothes following your Abdominoplasty. Drains will be left in place to collect any drainage for a week following surgery. Dr. Polynice places all the sutures internally so none will need to be removed. Steri strips are applied but will fall off on their own after 2-3 weeks. We will see you in the office on day 4 to remove bandages. We will see you again at about 1 week to remove your drains.

Click here for aditional information about Tummy Tucks from ASPS