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Breast Augmentation Information Resource for Southern California including Orange County, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, San Diego, and Beverly Hills.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

 

 

Overview of Abdominoplasty

 

Abdominoplasty is also known as tummy tuck. Because of its effectiveness at creating a tight, flat abdomen, it is one of the most common procedures performed in plastic surgery. In a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes an incision just above the pubic bone (similar to but slightly longer than a C-section incision) and removes excess abdominal skin and fat.

 

Today's society places strong emphasis on a slender, youthful appearance of the abdomen. This is especially true in the warm and sunny climate of Southern California, where fashion trends often focus on the midriff area. This poses a particular problem for women who, after childbirth or a significant weight loss, have a flabby, stretched-out stomach and highly visible stretch marks. Because their abdominal skin has lost its elasticity, it cannot return to its original state. No matter how often these women exercise, or how carefully they follow weight loss programs, or how routinely they apply commercial creams and lotions, the redundant skin never goes away.

 

The good news is that when the correct operation is chosen for the patient, the level of satisfaction is extremely high. A properly performed abdominoplasty can remove not only the redundant skin but also a significant portion of the stretch marks. The not so good news is that the operation leaves a long scar just above the pubic bone that often extends across the lower abdomen. If preformed properly, however, this procedure results in a scar that it is easily hidden by underwear and even by a small bikini.

 

Abdominoplasty procedures can be divided into 4 types: mini; standard; extended; and the most aggressive, a complete, circumferential body lift. The most appropriate procedure for you is determined during your consultation with Dr. Cruise, based on your goals and Dr. Cruise's assessment of your skin excess, skin quality, fat excess, fat distribution, and body type.

 

Mini-Abdominoplasty/Mini-Tummy Tuck

 

In the least involved of these four types, the mini-abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision within the pelvic bones that is relatively short, although slightly longer than a C-section incision. It usually is not necessary to reposition the umbilicus. The best candidate for this procedure typically has redundant skin and an abdominal "pooch" located below the umbilicus.

 

Mini Abdominoplasty Incision.

 

It usually is not necessary to reposition the umbilicus. The best candidate for this procedure typically has redundant skin and an abdominal "pooch" located below the umbilicus.

 

Mini Abdominoplasty. Correction of abdominal "pooch" 4 months post-op. Patient is in her mid-30s and is a mother of 2.

 

If there is redundant skin above the belly button, but not enough to perform a standard tummy tuck, a modified mini-tummy tuck with release of the umbilicus may be performed. The umbilicus is released from the cord and moved slightly downward, usually about .5 to 1 inch, resulting in a natural look.

 

Mini-Tummy Tuck with Umbilicus Release, 3 months post-op. Patient is 39 years old.

 

Standard Abdominoplasty (Standard Tummy Tuck)

 

The standard abdominoplasty is the most common abdominoplasty. It does an excellent job in eliminating the "abdominal pooch" below the umbilicus, especially in women who have given birth. The process results in a much flatter stomach. Dr. Cruise goes several steps further by tightening the underlying muscles in two places. This flattens the stomach and narrows the waistline. An additional bonus is the removal of all the stretch marks located below the umbilicus, the area in which most stretch marks occur.

 

In addition, a properly performed standard abdominoplasty will help create an hourglass waistline. A standard abdominoplasty will not, however, effectively treat fat deposits in the flank area. This can be addressed with either liposuction or by performing an extended abdominoplasty. If there is only a small or moderate amount of flank fat, liposuction is the best course. If you have a significant amount of flank fat, an extended abdominoplasty would most likely be the best choice.

 

Before and After of mother of two with loose, hanging abdominal skin. Dr. Cruise pays particular attention to an attractive umbilicus.	Notice the flattening of the abdomen and overall reduction in waist circumference.

 

Standard method of placing an incision around the opening for the belly button. The tummy tuck removes the skin and flattens the abdomen, but the resulting scar is noticeable when the belly button is exposed.	Dr. Cruise has modified the method of doing belly buttons. It is almost impossible to tell that this patient had a tummy tuck. She can wear a bikini and no one would notice.

 

The standard abdominoplasty leaves a scar from hip to hip and requires repositioning of the umbilicus to avoid positioning it too low on the abdomen. In addition to removing skin and fat, Dr. Cruise also has developed various techniques to tighten the underlying musculature. This allows him to tighten the abdominal wall even further to create a sculpted look.

 

Standard Abdominoplasty Incision.

 

Extended Abdominoplasty (Extended Tummy Tuck)

 

The extended abdominoplasty is a procedure that Dr. Cruise has championed in the world of plastic surgery. After hundreds of standard abdominoplasty procedures, Dr. Cruise found that in certain patients although the abdomen was markedly improved, the flank and back area still had deposits and folds of extra skin and fat. This compromised the overall result. Therefore, he began to extend the procedure posteriorly in patients who had significant fat deposits in the love handle region. The results were nothing less than spectacular. No other procedure can produce such an impressive waistline even in patients who never had an attractive waistline in their youth.

 

See the example above and to the right as well as those in the Before/After section. This procedure is only necessary when there is a significant amount of fat in the love handle and upper hip region.

The extended abdominoplasty gives hope to the patient who is not a candidate for a standard abdominoplasty.

 

The incision for the extended abdominoplasty goes to the back of the hip area. Dr. Cruise has developed techniques to keep the incision low so that even low-rise clothing can be worn without scar exposure. See below for incision placement.

 

Extended Abdominoplasty Incision.	Extended Abdominoplasty Incision From Behind.

 

Circumferential Abdominoplasty (Body Lift)

 

The circumferential body lift is a very aggressive procedure reserved for those patients with a significant amount of redundant skin posteriorly. Another indication for this procedure, as Dr. Cruise has pioneered, is the patient with flabby hips and droopy buttocks. The hips and buttocks can be markedly elevated to give a sleeker, more youthful appearance. It must be mentioned, however, that this more aggressive operation will leave a circumferential scar and is more complicated. This will be discussed during your consultation.

 

Circumferential Body Lift Incision.

 

Testimonial

 

Dear Dr. Cruise and Staff,

I just wanted to say thank you for the great experience I had while getting

my tummy tuck and breast augmentation. The moment I arrived at the office

I felt welcomed and comfortable with the staff, I had a great feeling when

meeting Dr. Cruise and knew he was the Doctor who would perform this

surgery for me. I was nervous about going under general anesthesia, but it

went really well I did not feel a thing. I am very pleased with the outcome of

my procedures, I am healing well and the scars are so small I can hardly

see them. I have already recommended Dr. Cruise to my friends who are

interested in having procedures done.

 

Thank you again,
Lisa, 28

 

Breast Augmentation Information Resource for Southern California including Newport Beach, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Beverly Hills.