Abdominoplasty and Other Forms of "Tummy Tuck" Abdominal wall tone and contour problems develop for many as they age. Muscular laxity and extra fat will sometimes respond to exercise, and for these situations, surgery is certainly not the best solution. For many, however, contour problems may persist even with a program of regular exercise. This is most commonly seen after pregnancy in the female patient. For individuals such as these, surgical restoration of abdominal form may be appropriate.
Abdominoplasty, Liposuction or Something Else?
Today's plastic surgical techniques allow the surgeon to focus the treatment plan upon the specific problems encountered in the patient's physical exam. The examination findings tend to place the patient in one of three classes. Based upon this "class" analysis, an appropriate treatment regimen can be developed as described below, ranging from a minimally invasive procedure to a fill tummy tuck.
However, it is important to point out that subtle variations in anatomy and in patient goals can sometimes suggest a solution that does not precisely follow a rigid scheme of classification. There can be instances in which a patient chooses a procedure of more limited scope that will not solve the entire problem, but that may address the most important issue while engendering less risk and recovery. Where the limitations of such an approach are understood and embraced, a happy outcome can be obtained.
Class 1: Normal abdominal wall; no skin excess. Limited to excess fat.
Treatment: Liposuction alone
Class 2: Abdominal wall laxity and minimal fat and/or skin excess.
Treatment: Muscle repair via "mini abdominoplasty" or "mini tummy tuck" and skin tightening.
Class 3: Abdominal wall laxity, notable fat and skin excess.
Treatment: Open surgical abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck") with accessory liposuction
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