Abdominoplasty Bay Area

The abdominoplasty is one of the best procedures plastic surgeons perform. This wonderful procedure is known by other names, i.e. a tummy tuck, a mini abdominal, an abdominal tightening, and an abdominal muscle repair. On the day of the consult, we look over the procedure from the day of surgery to recovery. I discuss all of the newest procedures and especially the use of the pain buster pump that reduces post operative discomfort by 80%. The tissues treated will be discussed as will incisions, anesthesia, variations in technique and exercise tolerance after the abdominoplasty.

During the consultation I examine my patient and photographs are taken. We look at the pictures together and discuss the patient's goals and desires. The corrective procedures are planned and discussed. The abdominoplasty corrects or improves stretch marks, a saggy belly button, bulging abdomen, excess skin, excess fat, wrinkled skin, separated muscles and resultant midline hernias. If there is just a little bulge that is mostly due to abdominal fat, liposuction may provide the answer. The diagnosis of what is causing the abdominal bulge is very important. A simple test (the "pinch" test) tells the tale. We will determine how much bulge is due to fat, how much is due to muscle separation, what factor does excess skin play, and how distorted the belly button. When we are born we have flat stomachs and a potential "six pack" rectus musculature. The rectus muscles are parallel muscles (one on each side of the belly button) running vertical in direction. The transverse striae in these rectus muscles give the 6 pack appearance of the youthful Arnold Schwarzenegger. These muscles become lax, bow forward, and separate as we grow older, get fatter, or become pregnant. Even if we lose weight or exercise, the rectus muscles may continue to bow lateral and forward. In many cases, the muscles can only be repaired to their original midline position by an abdominoplasty. During the abdominoplasty, the strong fascia of the rectus muscles is joined in the midline with multiple layers of strong sutures. This restores the abdomen to its youthful flatness and even to concave. Excess skin and fat are removed during the abdominoplasty. New techniques mandate keeping the incision as low as possible and as short as possible. Incisions are at the pubic hair level and laterally 4+ inches. Great detail is taken to minimize the incision. At the time of surgery, the umbilicus (belly button) is brought out in a new position on the abdominal skin. The patient retains their same "old" belly button but it now comes out in a new attractive home. The tiny pain buster tubes are placed under the skin flap of the abdomen and they work beautifully to minimize pain. A drain is also used to drain fluid and blood away, decrease bruising, and speed recovery time. The ends of the incision are made perfectly smooth. The lift obtained exerts its effect, indirectly, on the medial thighs which is a great secondary benefit. The operation takes 3 ½ to 5 ½ hours depending upon needed correction and the patient walks about that evening. In 2 weeks near full activity is safely possible. In 3 weeks full activity is fine. With the newly reconstructed abdominal muscles, the patient can do sit ups efficiently without lateral muscle sway and mal-direction. Great abdominal strength is attained. Often back pain or soreness is improved. The clothes and bathing suits the patient enjoyed in youth are again possible. This is one of the greatest patient pleasing operations in plastic surgery. The greatest numbers of candidates are women with multiple pregnancies. The results are very dramatic. Men can also enjoy a nice benefit from the abdominoplasty. After a month, full unrestricted athletic activity is encouraged. By 2 weeks, 90% of athletic activity is just fine. The position of the abdominoplasty incision favors beautiful healing and a lovely hair line incision in most cases. The abdominoplasty along with the large breast reduction are true rivals for the title of "Best All of Procedures" in body contour surgery. The joy of my patients makes this procedure fun and I love this wonderful procedure called the abdominoplasty.