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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

If you're considering abdominoplasty, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask your surgeon about anything you don't understand.

The Best Candidates For Abdominoplasty

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.

Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Technology

Most commonly, a surgeon will make a long incision across the hipbone directly above the pubic area, with a second incision following to free the navel from surrounding tissue. The surgeon will separate the skin from the abdominal wall up to the ribs, lifting a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. He or she will eventually tighten the muscles by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. Some patients qualify for a "minimum" tummy tuck, if most of their fat is carried below their navel. This is considered a less complex procedure.
The Surgery

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.

Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.

ABOUT DR. YOUSSEF

A practitioner of cosmetic surgery for many years, Dr. Mark Youssef is a regular physician on The New You, created by the producers of The Swan, due to air this fall on NBC. On the show, he performs various cosmetic procedures using the latest in cutting-edge aesthetic technology. He is no stranger to the media, having been featured in a variety of publications, including Star Magazine, INtouch Magazine, and TV shows such as Access Hollywood.

Dr. Youssef is an expert in Laser LipoSculpture, Transumbilical Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, Eye lid surgery, Botox treatments, advanced filler injections, and the lastest in facial rejuvenation.

He is an international guest speaker in addition to publishing numerous articles in national and international scientific journals. He has trained and mentored hundreds of physicians around the world through various teaching programs and has injected over 10,000 patients.

Currently, Dr. Youssef is the surgeon and founder of YOUnique Medical Spa in Santa Monica, California. His facility offers medical procedures in breast enhancement liposculpture, as well as being a pioneer in non-invasive procedures such as the "liquid face lift" and Carboxytherapy.

An honors graduate from the University of California Irvine, he is board certified and has completed extensive research in his field of study. He's an active member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic surgery, American Society of Cosmetic Breast surgery and the American Medical Association.

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Plastic Surgery: Breast Augmentation; Liposuction, Alternative Lipo Treatments;