Posted November 14, 2021 in Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, better known as tummy tuck, is a procedure that removes loose skin around the midsection to achieve a flatter stomach. According to the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank, it is currently the third-most performed cosmetic surgery in the United States. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Green explains a few of the reasons for this procedure’s surging popularity:
1. Unwanted Skin Is Gone
For many people, once the belly skin has stretched, it is unable to retract to its smaller size — even if the extra weight that caused the belly to expand is lost. That extra skin then creates a pooch that no amount of diet or exercise can eliminate. Therefore, the only way to get rid of loose skin is with surgery. Tummy tuck excises the unwanted skin and pulls the remaining skin tighter. Patients can finally reattain the flat tummy they have worked so hard to achieve.
2. Stubborn Fat Removal
Although abdominoplasty is mainly a skin tightening procedure, Dr. Green can also remove small deposits of stubborn fat to help achieve nicer contours. For some patients, he may recommend combining tummy tuck with liposuction to maximize the fat removal so the patient can reach their desired appearance.
3. Repaired Abdominal Muscles
The abdominal wall is prone to tearing, especially among pregnant women. When these muscles separate (a condition known as diastasis recti), the stomach loses some firmness and bulges. During tummy tuck, Dr. Green can suture the abdominal wall back together to restore the stomach’s former shape and definition.
4. The Results Can Be Permanent
Not all cosmetic procedures last forever, but abdominoplasty can last the remainder of the patient’s life. The trick to maximizing the results is to maintain a steady weight. On the other hand, if the patient puts on a significant amount of weight, the stomach is liable to expand and stretch the skin all over again. An ongoing commitment to a healthy diet can ensure that the stomach remains flat for many years to come.
5. The Procedure Is Customizable
In the hands of a great surgeon, many aspects of tummy tuck can be customized to suit the specific needs of the patient. Patients with a smaller amount of excess skin may benefit from mini tummy tuck, a procedure that features a shorter scar and less downtime. Dr. Green also performs extended tummy tuck for patients whose extra skin spans from one hip to the other and circumferential tummy tuck on those with skin concentrated to the midsection. If necessary, he can adjust the position of the belly button so that it looks more natural on the patient’s trimmer stomach.
Meet with Dr. Green
Dr. Green is an award-winning surgeon who specializes in post-weight loss procedures like tummy tuck. To schedule a consultation virtually or at his Sacramento or Granite Bay offices, please reach out to his friendly staff today.