Abdominoplasty in San Mateo, CA | James L. Pertsch, MD

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened. This procedure can drastically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. The procedure is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies have stretched their abdomen so far that it does not return to it’s normal shape. A tummy tuck is also helpful for those who have lost a significant amount of weight but still possess loose, sagging skin. Tummy tucks are often performed in conjunction with liposuction. The best candidates for an abdominoplasty are men or women in good health and relatively good shape, but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise. Those who are considering losing a significant amount of weight, or are planning future pregnancies, may want to consider waiting before undergoing the tummy tuck procedure.

During the tummy tuck procedure a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic area and excess skin and fat is removed from the abdomen. Skin is separated from the abdominal wall. The underlying muscles of the abdominal wall are then tightened. The abdominal skin is then drawn downward and the excess is removed. Some of these risks of tummy tucks include infection and blood clots. These can be treated easily and are rare. Tummy tucks can improve abdominal appearance; however, the procedure has been known to leave scarring. Some scarring can be severe and may require a second operation.

There are other alternatives to the tummy tuck procedure. A mini tummy tuck can be performed, in which only improves the appearance of the abdomen below the navel. During a mini tummy tuck, only a short horizontal incision is made and the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. Another alternative is undergoing liposuction in order to remove the abdominal fat. Liposuction can also be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck. Please consult with your plastic surgeon as to which procedure will best meet your needs.

Before	After	Before	After

Before	After

Abdominoplasty Description: 42 y.o. 5’5 ½” 135 lb. with daughters age 3 and 10 yr. The covering over her stomach (abdominal) muscles (the fascia) was stretched by her two pregnancies. Despite sit-ups she always had to “hold her stomach in”. Abdomen bulged above the top of her jeans. Skin laxity about her abdomen prevented performing just liposuction.Tummy tuck surgery (full abdominoplasty) removed all skin and fat from just above her pubic area to just above the belly button (navel). The covering over the muscle was tightened (fascial plication) to give a firmer flatter abdomen. Abdominal skin and fat removed weighed 1 lb. 12 oz (788 gm.). She also underwent liposuction to her hips, inner & outer thigh, knee, and upper arm at the same time.After pictures taken 5 yr. 5 mo. after surgery now 140 lb.Although she had undergone breast augmentation with Dr. Pertsch 8 years before her abdominoplasty and liposuction she felt the abdominoplasty was the best thing she ever did for herself. Jeans fit and looked much better.