The tummy tuck procedure, technically known as an abdominoplasty, flattens and tones the stomach by removing excess skin and fat. While this is a common female cosmetic surgery procedure, it is also performed on male patients.
A tummy tuck is performed through an incision across the pubic area and along the groin crease in the lower abdomen. Excess fat and skin are removed and the abdominal tone is improved with sutures, which tighten the abdominal muscles.
A patient with skin and fat excess limited to below the belly button, and who has minimal abdominal wall laxity, may be an ideal candidate for a mini-tummy tuck. This procedure is less complex, and takes less time than a full abdominoplasty. The standard full abdominoplasty procedure can take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the patient and the amount of fat in the abdominal area. A mini-abdominoplasty may take 1 to 2 hours.
Women who are planning to become pregnant should consider delaying a tummy tuck until they are done having children; pregnancy can undo the results of the procedure.
Patients who smoke are at increased risk of wound healing problems following surgery.
Tummy tuck patients should allow a minimum of 3 weeks before resuming normal exertion activities.
View our before-and-after abdominoplasty pictures.
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Following massive weight loss, the skin can lose its elasticity. With the loss of fat, the inelastic excess skin often does not shrink adequately and hangs in “sheets,” creating an undesirable appearance of the stomach, arms and legs.
This condition may not only make a person feel unattractive, but also:
Body shaping or body contouring is the surgical technique that removes excess skin from arms, legs, abdomen and back. The body shaping procedure can require long incisions where the extra skin was removed. The incision scars are usually well concealed on the undersides of arms, the inside of legs, low on the abdomen, and in buttock creases.
Complete body shaping can include:
Body shaping surgery is frequently done in stages as an outpatient. In some select cases, patients may have more extensive combined procedures and are hospitalized overnight for observation.
Most body shaping patients return to their normal activities in about 2 to 3 weeks. Full activity can usually be resumed in 4 to 6 weeks. It may take up to a year for the incision scars to fade and final appearance to be achieved.
Visit our photo gallery showing before-and-after pictures of body shaping patients.
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Dr. Fealy performs a buttock lift, or gluteal lift, for patients who desire a fuller shape to their bottom. The procedure is also performed for patients who have lost significant amounts of weight and are unhappy with the remaining loose, hanging skin on their buttocks.
To improve its appearance, the doctor creates a flap of skin and fat on the patient’s buttock which is then moved upward and repositioned on the peak of the buttock mound, creating a fuller, rounder shape. Excess skin and fat are removed.
To perform a gluteal lift, Dr. Fealy makes crescent-shaped incisions that follow the natural creases and contours where the buttock meets the lower back. This minimizes visible scars; concealing them within clothing and swim suits.
View our before-and-after pictures of buttock lift patients.
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