Abdominoplasty, also known as Tummy Tuck, removes loose hanging abdominal skin and tightens weakened abdominal wall muscles. Because even diligent diet and exercise cannot fix these problems, each year more than 80,000 American women and men undergo Tummy Tuck.

Women and men who have a protruding belly, loose hanging abdominal skin and weak abdominal muscles are candidates for a full Tummy Tuck.

Mini-Abdominoplasty, also known as a Mini-Tummy Tuck, is reserved for those who have only a limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen, or above the public bone. Also, Mini Tummy Tuck does not usually involve the tightening of abdominal muscles. Therefore, it is sometimes combined with Liposuction for patients with excessive fat, but limited looseness of the abdomen.

In most cases, women considering Abdominoplasty should not be considering additional pregnancies, or they may have the need for a second procedure to re-tighten the belly. In many cases, Tummy Tuck does help rid of stretch marks because it removes most of the “stretched out” skin below the navel.

During Abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes an incision that extends from hip to hip along the lower pubic area. A skilled surgeon makes this incision so that the resulting scar is hidden under a bathing suit or by undergarments. The plastic surgeon then lifts the loose skin off of the abdominal wall, and tightens and repairs the loosened “rectus” muscles – the muscles that normally give the abdomen its strength – achieving the effect that an old-fashioned girdle would.

The umbilicus or “belly button” is disconnected from the abdomen, and reattached after the loose skin is removed. A skilled plastic surgeon not only tightens the abdominal wall, but also pulls up and tightens the thighs and the buttocks – as we do at the Regency Surgery Center. Drains will be inserted into each side of your abdomen to remove excess fluid as it accumulates following surgery.

During Mini-Abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes an incision that generally spans only the width of the pubic area, and that is similar to a C-section incision. In both procedures, patients with excessive fat in the hips and flanks may have Liposuction in these areas to contour them, but not in the areas of the abdomen that are being stretched because this could cause damage to the blood circulation in those areas, leading to scarring or even skin loss.

The result of Tummy Tuck is an abdomen that is tight and flat, a waist that is narrow and curvy and thighs and buttocks that are firmer.

Tummy Tuck is major surgery that can be performed only after any chronic health conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes; high blood pressure and arthritis have been optimized. Nonetheless, depending on the patient, it can be safely performed simultaneously with procedures such as Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation and Facial Rejuvenation procedures such as Eyelid Surgery.

There are also other trunk lift procedures that are similar to a tummy tuck. For example a Panniculectomy is a type of abdominoplasty where only the redundant abdominal pannis is removed without tightening the abdominal wall. This is usually reserved for those with extremely large pannis that are too sick to undergo a lengthier procedure such as an abdominoplasty.

A body lift is a combination of a tummy tuck in the front and a buttock lift in the back. With this procedure the surgeon makes a circumferential incision around the waist and lifts the entire lower body. A body lift is reserved for those with much redundant and loose abdominal and lower body skin, such as those who have had Gastric Bypass Bariatric surgery. A belt Lipectomy is another version of a body lift where a belt-like section of the trunk skin flap is removed circumferentially.

A thigh lift is procedure designed to lift sagging thighs. A thigh lift mostly lifts only the inner thighs, while the outer thighs and buttocks are lifted with a body lift. An extensive tummy tuck also to some extend lifts the thighs.

In the following sections Dr. Younai reviews your treatment options for body contouring and tummy tuck, including pros and cons of each procedure, potential risks and complications, recovery course, pre and post operative instructions, and esthetic outcomes. There are also many before-and-after pictures and high resolution images of abdominoplasty available in our photo gallery.

About the Author:

Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery in Los Angeles. Learn more about these plastic surgeons and tummy tuck surgery procedures.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Tummy Tuck Surgery – Abdominoplasty

WEIGHT LOSS WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE SUPPORT BELT $3.66

Maternity Top Nursing Tummy Tube Belly Belt Wrap Band#X $9.15

Waist Tummy Trimmer Body Shaper Fitness Slimmer Belt M $0.99

NEW WOMENS CORSETT GARTER BELT BLACK XXL TUMMY TUCK HOT $64.99

NEW WOMENS CORSETT GARTER BELT BLACK XXXL TUMMY TUCK $44.99

BLACK WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE BELT WEIGHT LOSS L $0.99

NIP Tummy Belt Sport Waist Trimmer Exercise Gym 1SizeFA $4.92

Exercise Weight Loss Slimmer Waist Tummy Belt Sauna L $9.99

BLACK WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE BELT WEIGHT LOSS L $0.99

TUMMY TRIM ABDOMINAL BELT brand new $21.00

TUMMY BELT - SAUNA ACTION - 8" Sports Fitness Workout $0.99

Weight Loss Sauna Waist Sweat Burn Belt Tummy Wrap $9.99

BLACK WAIST/TUMMY belt cincher UNDERBUST SHAPER 2XL XXL $19.95

BLACK WAIST/TUMMY belt cincher UNDERBUST SHAPER body L $19.95

NUDE WAIST/TUMMY belt cincher UNDERBUST SHAPER body M $19.95

NUDE WAIST/TUMMY belt cincher UNDERBUST SHAPER body 2XL $19.95

BLACK WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE BELT WEIGHT LOSS - M $0.99

New Waist Trimmer Black Nylon Tummy Exercise Belt L $0.99

WEIGHT LOSS WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE SUPPORT BELT $3.00

NEOPRENE WAIST BAND BELT EXERCISE SHAPER TUMMY SALES $7.00

WEIGHT LOSS WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE SUPPORT BELT $3.66

Slimming Weight Loss Sweat Sauna Tummy Belly Waist Belt $0.99

Slimming Weight Loss Sweat Sauna Tummy Belly Waist Belt $0.99

Slimming Weight Loss Sweat Sauna Tummy Belly Waist Belt $0.99

NIP Tummy Belt Sport Waist Trimmer Exercise Gym 1SizeFA $4.92

WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE SUPPORT BELT WEIGHT LOSS $3.75

BLUE WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE BELT WEIGHT LOSS $3.75

TV Weight Loss Waist Tummy Exercise Support Belt Pad $5.99

TUMMY BELT - SAUNA ACTION - 8" Sports Fitness Workout $0.99

NUDE WAIST/TUMMY belt cincher UNDERBUST SHAPER body XL $19.95

NUDE WAIST/TUMMY belt cincher UNDERBUST SHAPER body S $19.95

BLACK WAIST/TUMMY belt cincher UNDERBUST SHAPER body XL $19.95

BLACK WAIST/TUMMY belt cincher UNDERBUST SHAPER body M $19.95

NUDE WAIST/TUMMY belt cincher UNDERBUST SHAPER body S $19.95

FAJA latex WAIST/TUMMY cincher Brazilian SHAPER M belt $23.95

FAJA latex WAIST/TUMMY cincher Brazilian SHAPER XL belt $23.95

BLACK WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE BELT WEIGHT LOSS - M $0.99

Waist Tummy Trimmer Body Shaper Fitness Slimmer Belt M $0.99

Maternity Nursing Belt Tummy Tube Belly Wrap Band Med $0.01

New Waist Trimmer Black Nylon Tummy Exercise Belt L $0.99

Maternity Top Nursing Tummy Tube Belt Belly Wrap Band $0.01

BLACK WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE BELT WEIGHT LOSS L $0.99

WEIGHT LOSS WAIST TUMMY TRIMMER EXERCISE SUPPORT BELT $3.00

Maternity Top Nursing Tummy Tube Belly Belt Wrap Band#X $6.60

Maternity Nursing Belt Tummy Tube Belly Wrap Band Small $0.01

Wilton Tummy Belt Shower Game $9.99 Wilton Tummy Belt Shower Game...

Bellysonic $69.95 The Bellysonic(R) is the perfect way for an expectant mom to participate in their baby's sensory development, and to enrich their pregnancy experience using a natural, sound therapy approach. Crafted in an Organic SherpaTM cotton belt-pouch, the Bellysonic places soft and gentle-output stereo mini speakers in the direction of the womb, while making room for a MP3 player. Adjustable belt with easy ...

Abdominal Binder Support Wrap/ Surgical Binder / Hernia Support /Abdominal Hernia Reduction Device $29.99 The Universal Abdominal Binder is made with 6?, 8?, 10", or 12? wide super stretch elastic. At one end of the elastic there is a 1/8" thick X 21" long foam pad laminated (covered) with soft soothing cotton flannel. The foam pad adds rigidity, padding, and provides a non-elastic zone that helps to direct compression to the front of the abdomen. The Universal Abdominal binder is made for many purpos...

9 Three Panel-Elastic Abdominal Binder & Waist Trimmer The Three Panel-Elastic Abdominal Binder and Waist Trimmer is made from light weight, breathable elastic. The low profile of the elastic makes it discrete and comfortable. The panel elastic allows the support to move with the body and helps it stay in place even when going back and forth from sitting to standing. The sturdy elastic provides compression to the abdomen for a multitude of purposes in...

Sports Slimmer Belt Back Support Waist Trimmer-Exercise Belt-Gym Tummy Belt $1.30 Best selling waist trimmer for women and men. Great for the gym and aerobic training for either under or over clothing. Also helpful in reducing back pain and for back support during weight training exercises. Slims waist and hips with sauna action. Get greater benefits and effectiveness from your exercise program. Adjustable belt with velcro fastener stretches to fit most waist sizes....

Seen On TV Weight Loss Waist Tummy Exercise Support Belt Pad $6.32 Description : The Brand New Fitness Sports or Martial Arts Hip Waist Back Support Band Belt. Slimming Shaper Brace This belt is blue color and made for an elastic Abdominal Binder Support for hip and waist. It is Unisex and Universal, free size. It is used for support as well as back brace, Waist and hip support. It flattens your tummy in no time. Good for getting back in shape after giving birth....