Tummy Tuck Popular Surgical Procedure
Fat around the abdomen can be one of the most difficult areas of the body to eliminate despite a well-rounded exercise and diet plan. With over 25 years of experience, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott frequently sees both men and women who would like to address sagging skin or excess fat of the abdomen.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the most recent statistics show tummy tuck surgery ranked third for most performed surgical procedure for women and the second for men. Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and fat and can also restore separated abdominal muscles to create a smoother profile. Abdominal muscles are often weakened or separated after childbirth, which is why many women choose tummy tuck surgery as part of a complete mommy makeover.
Besides pregnancy, factors such as aging, drastic weight change, and heredity can also contribute to excess fatty tissue and skin. Dr. Elliott generally makes a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen to remove fat and skin as well as tighten the abdominal wall if necessary. If an individual has minimal fat and loose skin then a “mini” tummy tuck may be recommended in which the muscle is not addressed. Liposuction is also sometimes used in combination with tummy tuck surgery to remove isolated abdominal fat.
Although plastic surgery results are long-lasting, Dr. Elliott recommends that his patients wait until they are finished having babies to undergo body contouring procedures as additional pregnancies can compromise results. During a consultation, Dr. Elliott also discusses realistic results and reminds patients that tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss solution.
If you are interested in learning more about abdominoplasty or other cosmetic procedures, please call our office to schedule a consultation. Also, connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest cosmetic and reconstructive surgery news.