Are Your Abs Hiding? Abdominoplasty Can Help

World-class plastic surgeon Gordon Sasaki, MD, FACS, and his team at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center offer a full suite of surgical, nonsurgical, and cosmetic skin care services designed to help you look and feel your best no matter your age.

The Sasaki group is internationally recognized for its clinical expertise and innovative treatment plans that address your aesthetic concerns at their source. Read more about the many benefits of abdominoplasty, when Dr. Sasaki might recommend it, and what happens during and after this popular surgical procedure.

Why would I consider abdominoplasty?

Also known as a “tummy tuck,” abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region and tightens abdominal wall muscles.

Abdominoplasty won’t create those washboard abs you’re seeking; only focused exercise can do that, but the procedure does remove sagging skin, stretch marks, and fatty deposits that hide your abs from view.

Dr. Sasaki may recommend abdominoplasty if you’ve experienced decreased skin elasticity, weakened abdominal muscles, or excess fatty deposits related to:

• Significant weight loss
• Pregnancy
• Previous abdominal surgery or liposuction
• Aging

Abdominoplasty is reserved for people who aren’t planning a future pregnancy or substantial weight loss since both negate the benefits of this major surgical procedure. However, if you’ve reached your weight loss goal or are ready for a “mommy makeover,” abdominoplasty may be a perfect reward for all your hard work.

A tummy tuck can also relieve the skin irritation and physical discomfort associated with excessively weakened and sagging abdominal skin and muscles that you may experience following dramatic weight loss or after multiple pregnancies.

What happens during an abdominoplasty?

Dr. Sasaki discusses the procedure in detail before scheduling your surgery. Generally, however, what occurs during abdominoplasty depends on the amount of excess skin removal and muscle correction you need.

A full abdominoplasty, for instance, requires incisions just above the belly button and at the bikini line. Dr. Sasaki removes excess skin and fat, and he tightens your abdominal muscles via these incisions. He then repositions your belly button to fit your new shape.

Dr. Sasaki may recommend a partial or mini-abdominoplasty if your excess skin and loose muscle tone occurs below the belly button. The navel remains in place during a mini-abdominoplasty, which requires only one incision at the bikini line. However, if there exists mild to moderate loose skin above the umbilicus (belly button), Dr. Sasaki is able to perform a variation of an abdominoplasty by separating the umbilical stalk from the abdominal wall and reposition it at a slightly lower level without any change to the appearance of the belly button. This requires only one incision at the bikini line.

Dr. Sasaki’s patient-first approach to cosmetic surgery ensures you have adequate time to ask questions and discuss expectations before making an informed decision about abdominoplasty.

What happens after abdominoplasty?

Recovery following abdominoplasty varies and often depends on your overall health and the type of procedure. You’ll receive detailed information about expected recovery time and post-surgical care, and you must follow these instructions carefully.

It generally takes three to six weeks for the swelling, soreness, and other “side effects” of abdominoplasty to resolve. The Sasaki team typically recommends you have help at home for the first day or so to ensure you can rest after abdominoplasty, which is an outpatient procedure.

Strenuous physical activity is limited for several weeks after abdominoplasty to ensure adequate healing, but most people can return to work after a week. Dr. Sasaki and his team continue to provide supportive care as they monitor your recovery and results following the surgery.

For more information about abdominoplasty, schedule your evaluation at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.