A “tummy tuck,” or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure which tightens and flattens the lower abdomen by removing the excess skin and tissue. A woman’s abdomen can undergo various changes due to fluctuations in weight—whether from weight gain/loss, or from pregnancy. Abdominal skin can become loose and redundant, and unfortunately no amount of diet or exercise will restore the youthful, flat appearance that most women strive to attain. An abdominoplasty operation can remove saggy and over-stretched skin as well as some inherent stretch marks. If necessary, the belly button can be relocated to a more ideal location. The overall result is a taut, slimmer abdomen.
Depending upon the amount of skin and fat which needs to be removed, your abdominoplasty procedure will be done either in the hospital or at an outpatient surgery facility. The surgery requires anywhere from two to five hours to perform and can possibly be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction and/or breast surgery. For some patients, abdominoplasty surgery can even be done in concert with gynecological procedures such as hysterectomy surgery. Please inquire with Dr. Lee if you are considering tummy tuck surgery.
