Magazine Feature - Rivaaj, April 2007
There is a reason that tummy tuck operations have become so popular - because they work. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimated that 130,000 tummy tuck operations were performed in 2005, which is an increase of 26% from the previous year. As a plastic surgeon in Santa Monica, CA, the reasons for this to me are very clear. There is no laser, lotion, cream, or diet and exercise regimen that can reverse the effects of age, child bearing, or massive weight loss on the stomach, no matter what the advertisements claim. Stretch marks, loose skin, and loss of abdominal muscle tone are all the result of gradual stretching of the tissues over time. While exercise may strengthen the abdominal muscles, and diet may lose a few inches, only a tummy tuck can get rid of the stretch marks, tighten the loose skin, and produce a flatter, toned appearance to the stomach.
Removing Stretched Skin and Tighting Skin Flattens the Stomach
Your doctor will likely perform the operation under a general anesthesia, and it typically takes two to five hours, depending on your particular goals. The operation is designed to accomplish essentially two major goals. First, is to remove all the stretched out skin from just above the belly button down to the bikini line. This means that any stretch marks, loose hanging skin, and localized fat collections go with it. The remaining skin is then pulled down snug and sutured, so that the stomach now has a tight, flat appearance. Ultimately, the scar will be positioned within the bikini line so that it will not be visible in a bathing suit or underwear. The belly button does not get moved, but there will be a faint scar around where it is sewn to the skin.
Tightening the Rectus Abdominis
The second goal, which really, has a dramatic effect, is to tighten the rectus abdominis muscles, the two muscles that form the so-called “six pack“. What happens during pregnancy or significant weight gain is that these two muscles, normally positioned like two columns touching each other, get stretched apart from each other, leaving only a thin lining of tissue between them. after child-birth or weight loss, the muscles usually do not return to their original position, and the remains a gap between them. This is the main reason that no matter how many sit-ups you do, there will always be a bulge in this central area of weakness. These muscles are repositioned using sutures during surgery, so that the abdomen can once again have a smooth, flat, and toned appearance.
Lesser Operations: Mini-Tummy Tucks
Everything just described is what goes into a full tummy tuck, also known as “abdominoplasty“. There is also a lesser form of this operation, commonly known as a mini-tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty. This is an operation for the fortunate few who have little to no separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, and have very little loose or stretched out skin above the belly button. For these people, the operation can be modified so that a lesser amount of skin is removed in the lower abdomen, and no work is done on the muscles. The main advantage to this is that there is usually a shorter scar in the bikini line, no scar around the belly button, and less pain after the surgery because the muscles were not manipulated.
Combining Liposuction and Tummy Tucks
One of the most commonly asked questions is “Can liposuction be done at the same time?“ Well, the answer is yes and no. If you're having a full tummy tuck, then certain areas of the stomach have to be avoided to prevent complications relating to blood supply - however, all other areas, such as the hips, thighs, buttocks, etc, are fair game. The risk of damaging blood supply is much less when doing only a mini-tummy tuck, and the surgeon can be more aggressive about addressing fatty deposits on your stomach and sides.
Considering a Tummy Tuck?
Now that you know everything that there is to know about tummy tucks, you may be considering if is right for you. Well, as long as you are in good health, do not plan on future pregnancies, don't not plan on losing significant amounts of weight in the future, and have realistic expectations, it can make a world of difference for your appearance and self-confidence. Just be prepared to buy a new wardrobe to match your new body.
Dr. Savalia practices at: 20072 S. Birch St., Suite 210,
Newport Beach, CA 92660, Tel: and 2001 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 890W, Santa Monica, CA 90404, Tel: (310) 829-5977. He can be reached at: drsavalia@finesse-aesthetics.com. For further information please check www.finesse-aesthetics.com |
