Full Abdominoplasty
 
Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.
 
Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to smooth and flatten your abdomen.
 
There are many variations both to the design of the incisions and the technique itself. In some instances, it may be possible to avoid an incision around the navel. When the amount of loose skin is minimal and the excess fat deposits are located below the navel, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary. This procedure is called a partial, or “mini” abdominoplasty. 
 
Sometimes liposuction may be used alone, or in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove abdominal fat.
 
Dr. David Williamson will discuss with you the particular method that he or she recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case. 
 
Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is a body contouring surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. While this procedure is not a surgical treatment for being overweight, it can dramatically improve the contour of the protruding abdomen. Your surgeon will help you determine what is best for you. The incision is usually hidden in the underwear line. The abdominal facia is often relaxed after having children or after significant weight loss, this is tightened with sutures like wearing an internal corset. Liposuction is often used to contour the abdominal wall and blend in the sides. You typically keep your own belly button but it is repositioned and brought up through a new whole in the skin.
 
A full abdomioplasty usually takes between 2-3 hrs. Surgeons may or may not use drains. The procedure can usually be done as an outpatient and you go home that same day. Bruising is common.
        
Complications may include anaesthetic problems, bleeding, infection, wound healing problems, irrgularites and contour deformities. Clots in your legs (DVT) and Pulmonary emboli can be life threatening are early mobilization is very important.
 
Your surgeon will make your abdomen as flat and as tight as they deem safe at the time of the procedure. Tissues relax and soften and at 6-10 months after surgery there may again be some minimal excess.
 
Abdominoplasty is a common procedure for women after have children and who just can’t get ride of a bulge in the lower abdomen – “mommy tummy”.

Body contouring is any procedure that alters the shape of different areas of the body. Body contouring after massive weight loss refers to a series of procedures that eliminate and/or reduce excess skin and fat that remains after previously obese individuals have lost a significant amount of weight, in a variety of places including the torso, upper arms, chest, and thighs.