Abdominoplasty
or tummy tuck is an operation that elevates, redrapes and tightens the
abdomen and waist. Excess skin is removed via an incision hidden within
the bikini line and the muscle is tightened resulting in a shaplier figure
and flatter stomach. Liposuction especially of the love handles is usually
performed at the same time and stretchmarks below the level of the belly
button are removed. Some tightening of the thigh and buttock skin is also
achieved.
Due to lax regulations
and constantly decreasing health insurance reimbursement many non-plastic
surgeons have attempted to perform plastic surgery procedures on unsuspecting
patients to compensate for lost income. There is some overlap in training
and qualifications such as eyelid surgery - blepharoplasty - with respect
to ENT Otolaryngologists, Ophthalmologists and Plastic Surgeons. Some
surgical specialties do not involve any cosmetic procedures such as Neurosurgery
and Vascular Surgery. Non-surgeon physicians and surgeons who perform
cosmetic procedures not associated with their specialty are operating
outside the scope of their training or field of medicine. Examples of
this include Obstetrician - Gynecologists performing facial cosmetic surgery
and Otolaryngologists performing breast augmentation or abdominoplasty.
In the first case
(upper photos) the patient had an abdominoplasty by a Gynecologist
who failed to tighten skin above the belly button or remove the appendectomy
scar. The skin incision extended beyond the boundaries of undergarments
or bathing suits making it more visible. Unfortunately this could
only be partially corrected. 50 years old, 5'6" tall, 116 lb.
In the second case (lower photos) the patient had abdominoplasty by an Otolaryngologist with
inadequate removal of abdominal skin and high placement of the abdominal
incision.
In the third case (lowest set of photos) previous surgery
in this male patient using the classical elliptical shaped skin incision
by an unknown surgeon failed to removed sufficient excess skin or adequately
tighten the abdominal muscles. 55 years old, 5'10" tall, 180 lb.
Read Dr. Stone's blog about abdominoplasty and belt lipectomy surgery
Abdominoplasty
surgery can enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Realistic
expectations are important to be happy with any surgery. As each patient
is an individual, different results can be expected in each patient.
