Abdominoplasty (Tummy-Tuck)

An abdominoplasty, also known as tummy-tuck, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat tissue from the abdomen.  This is usually done for people who have lost weight, and have extra skin with fat underneath, which just won’t retract back.  No amount of exercise can get rid of this extra tissue, since exercise works by tightening or building muscles and burning fat. 

It simply has no effect on hanging skin.  No creams will lift lax skin, and oftentimes even the healthiest diet will not be able to reduce certain fat deposits along the abdominal wall.   Therefore the only procedure for excess skin and underlying fat removal is the abdominoplasty. 

A low lying skin incision is made at the bottom portion of the abdominal fat.  A small circular skin incision is also made around the belly button. (see below)

Skin, together with fat, is then separated from the underlying abdominal muscles.  These  muscles are exposed and tightened using sutures,  giving you a smaller, tighter abdomen and a thinner waist line. (see below)

Excess skin & fat are pulled down and trimmed.  The belly-button is repositioned to its proper location since pulling the skin down moves it as well.  The remaining skin and underlying tissue are sutured together to finish the procedure.

Abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck) is the one of the most popular surgeries following significant weight loss.  The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours, is performed under general anesthesia, and overnight hospitalization is required.  This procedure is covered by most insurance companies, if considered medically necessary. There is usually some additional cost incurred by the patients, which is discussed during the consultation.  For more information, please look at our FAQ’s, or feel free to contact the office or Dr. Mehta.