Abdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tuck, is a procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to improve abdominal contours and restore a more attractive body profile. Loose skin and fat from the abdominal area will be removed in this procedure. Sometimes the underlying abdominal muscles may also be tightened.

A number of tummy tuck surgery techniques can be used, depending on the patient’s specific anatomical and aesthetic needs. Dr. Landon McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon providing tummy tuck to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Candidacy

Any adult who is bothered by the uneven abdominal contours due to excess fat tissue, loose skin or sagging muscles may be a candidate for tummy tuck. The cosmetic surgeon will carefully evaluate the anatomy of the abdomen in relation to the rest of the body to determine the candidacy. The candidate should have a good general health, stable and moderate body weight, and realistic expectations to achieve satisfactory outcomes from tummy tuck.

 

Surgical Techniques

Traditional Tummy Tuck

This is a commonly performed tummy tuck surgery technique that will require a major incision from hip to hip. Additional minor incisions will be required around the navel. The entire abdominal area will be addressed, including repositioning the navel at a more youthful level. Most significant results can be achieved with this procedure.

 

Partial Tummy Tuck

For patients who want only marginal enhancement of the abdomen, a partial tummy tuck can be performed involving just a single, small incision. Subtle changes will be made to the lower abdominal area, while the upper abdomen will not be changed. Double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for tummy tuck.

 

Endoscopic Tummy Tuck

This advanced technique can be performed using small incisions. The surgeon will insert a tiny camera attached to an endoscope, which will enable the surgeon to view the underlying muscular structure of the abdomen on a screen. The surgeon can perform more accurate surgery in a less invasive way with targeted results.

 

Extended Tummy Tuck

Excess skin and fat from the abdominal area will be removed in this technique along with surgical reduction of the appearance of flanks on either side of the waist. Larger surface area can be addressed with this procedure than what can be achieved with a traditional abdominoplasty.

 

Circumferential Tummy Tuck

Patients with a large amount of loose skin after a massive weight loss procedure can benefit from circumferential abdominoplasty. Fat removal is not a key part of this procedure, and the main goal of the surgeon is to enhance body contours through surgical excision of loose abdominal skin.

 

Recovery

Most patients will be able to return to their normal routine in about 10 to 14 days. Strenuous activities and lifting of heavy weights should be avoided for about one month. Results of tummy tuck will be established over several weeks and months as the swelling resolves completely.

 

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here. Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.