Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty Plastic Surgery in Troy, Michigan

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps to flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. The ideal candidates are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. A plastic surgeon from Somerset Plastic Surgery can provide a consultation to help you determine if you are a good candidate for an abdominoplasty.

What Is an Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure that improves the contours of the abdomen. A plastic surgeon does this by tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles and getting rid of loose skin. The procedure entails making an incision on the lower abdomen, and this allows the surgeon to remove loose tissue and reposition the remaining skin.

The procedure takes approximately two to five hours and can be performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with a sedative. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results can be long-lasting. Abdominoplasty will likely leave a permanent scar stretching between the hips, although it should be low enough for even a bikini to conceal it.

Who Benefits From an Abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty is beneficial for individuals with excess abdominal skin or stubborn tissue that does not respond to diet and exercise. This plastic surgery is not intended as a weight-loss solution; it simply helps create a smoother, firmer abdominal contour. Individuals who benefit from this procedure include:

• Women with stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin following pregnancy
• Individuals who have lost a large amount of weight and are left with loose abdominal skin
• People with separated abdominal muscles that contribute to a protruding abdomen
• Individuals looking for a flatter, firmer abdominal profile after major body changes

How Should Patients Prepare for an Abdominoplasty?

Preparation starts well before the surgical date; at the initial consultation, a plastic surgeon will review the patient’s medical history, medications, supplements, and any current medical conditions that may affect the procedure. This information helps them determine if any lifestyle adjustments need to be made. If a patient smokes regularly, they will be asked to discontinue for a short period in the weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine use affects blood flow and recovery.

Depending on whether any preexisting health conditions are present, the doctor may require bloodwork or clearance from primary care doctors. On the day of the procedure, patients are often asked to fast for several hours before the surgery. Abstaining from food and drink helps reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia.

What Does the Abdominoplasty Recovery Look Like?

After abdominoplasty surgery, patients should plan to spend the first several days focusing on rest and recovery. Patients should plan to get a ride home with a friend or family member after the procedure; even though the surgery is typically over quickly, patients may feel groggy or tired immediately afterward. Carefully follow the plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, like caring for incisions and limiting physical activity. Temporary swelling, soreness, and bruising are common around the abdomen during this time. Follow-up appointments allow surgeons to monitor healing and address any questions.

Can Abdominoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Abdominoplasty is sometimes performed alongside other body-contouring procedures; plastic surgeons are able to personalize the surgical plan to suit varying aesthetic or functional goals. Combining procedures allows multiple concerns to be addressed during a single operation. Suitability depends on factors like the patient’s health history and the complexity of the procedures involved.

One procedure that may be combined with abdominoplasty is liposuction. A tummy tuck focuses on removing excess skin, while liposuction targets localized fat deposits. These procedures work together to address different parts of the abdominal contouring process.

Abdominoplasty surgery can also be combined with common “mommy makeover” procedures like breast lifts, breast augmentations, or breast reductions. These treatments are tailored to address physical changes that occur after childbirth; the chosen procedure varies depending on each patient’s anatomy and desired aesthetic goals. Talking with a plastic surgeon allows patients to carefully explore their possibilities and the surgical timeline for any combined procedures.

Partner With a Qualified Plastic Surgeon Today

Somerset Plastic Surgery does not apply a one-size-fits-all approach to our abdominoplasty procedures. Individual factors, like medical history and aesthetic concerns, are taken into account when planning the plastic surgery. Along with abdominoplasty surgery, our team also offers procedures like rhytidectomy, rhinoplasty, body lifts, and more. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.