Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin that can make a belly look flabby and puffy. As a leading physician at Hollywood Star Plastic Surgery in the West Hills Surgicenter, Dr. Vartivarian has extensive experience performing abdominoplasty in patients from West Hills, CA, and the San Fernando Valley region.
Also called an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and other tissue and to tighten the abdominal muscles, so the belly area appears firmer, flatter and more toned. Tummy tucks are often used following a considerable weight loss or after pregnancy when skin appears loose and saggy. They can also be used to address a “paunch” that does not respond to diet and exercise.
The abdominal muscles are part of the body's core muscles, used to support the body during most activities – even sitting and standing. These muscles can become weak and sometimes separated after years of supporting excess weight and fat tissue or following multiple pregnancies. Some people develop a flabby belly simply as a result of the natural changes that occur in the aging process or as a result of leading a very sedentary life. Previous surgery in the belly area can also weaken muscles and cause the abdomen to sag and become loose and flabby. Even genetics can play a role.
Two approaches are available, depending on the amount of fat and tissue to be removed and where the excess tissue is located in the abdomen:
Depending on the approach used, the surgery can take from one to five hours.
No. If excess weight is regained or additional pregnancies occur, the skin and tissues can become lax again. Ideally, women should wait until after they're done having children to have a tummy tuck.