Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Plastic Surgery 

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tuck, is a body contouring cosmetic surgery procedure involving a number of steps. Depending on the surgical technique chosen by the surgeon, the steps may slightly vary. At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will explain the procedure steps and educate the patient about tummy tuck surgery.

Once the patient is aware of what the tummy tuck surgery will entail, it will typically make them less anxious and they will be better prepared to go through the surgery.

Profound and successful plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides tummy tuck surgery and various other aesthetic procedures to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations in The Birthplace of Aviation.

Incision Placement

Following general anesthesia, the first step in tummy tuck surgery will be to create incisions in discreet locations within the abdominal area. The length and number of incisions will depend on the type of technique applied. A mini abdominoplasty may only involve a small incision made under the navel, while a circumferential tummy tuck will require an incision around the entire waist line, including the back.

Repositioning of the Navel

In a full tummy tuck surgery, navel repositioning may sometimes be involved. This will help make the tightened and lifted abdomen appear more natural. The surgeon may decide to detach the original navel and place it in a more youthful location. Sometimes the old navel may not be re-attached, but a new navel may be artificially sculpted. Such an artistic cosmetic surgery procedure should only be performed by an experienced surgeon.

Tightening Underlying Abdominal Muscles

The underlying muscles in the abdomen may become weak or separated over the years, which can cause the area to sag. Through the incisions, the surgeon will separate the abdominal skin from the abdominal walls. The muscles will be pulled closer together and stitched into a position to create a more toned appearance. Abdominal muscle tightening will make the waistline look narrower.

Removing Excess Skin

After the tightening of abdominal muscles, the surgeon will pull the skin downward to make it smooth and tight. Excess skin will then be trimmed away. In some cases, liposuction may be performed at this point to remove excess fat before the skin is pulled taut. Outstanding and astute plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and other suburbs and communities in The Buckeye State for a tummy tuck.

Improving Stretch Marks

While stretch mark removal is not one of the specific goals in tummy tuck surgery, many times it is possible to minimize the effect of stretch marks, depending on where the incision is located. If the stretch marks are present under the navel, they are usually removed along with excess skin. Even other stretch marks may sometimes become less conspicuous after tummy tuck surgery.

Wound Closure

Once the procedure is completed, the surgeon will close the incisions with surgical stitches. This will allow the wounds to close naturally over time. A surgical drain may be placed below the skin at the incision site to collect excess fluid and minimize the risk of infection. The sutures and drains will be removed in about 10 days after the surgery.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.