• RICHARD THEILE
    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, sometimes known as a ‘tummy tuck’, is designed to help improve the shape and tone of the abdominal region. The procedure involves the removal of excess sagging fat and skin to improve the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports the fat and skin. This procedure can be cosmetic or reconstructive in nature.

The aim of an abdominoplasty is to remove sagging skin and excess fat from the middle and lower abdomen and repair any separated muscles. The surgery can be very effective in reducing the bulge caused by excess skin, fat and loose abdominal muscles. The result is a flatter, firmer and more shapely abdomen.

While abdominoplasty can be a cosmetic procedure, it may also be partly a reconstructive procedure that is necessary to:

  • Correct abdominal abnormalities caused by pregnancy, obesity, extensive weight loss, trauma, tumours or other disease
  • Correct or relieve structural defects of the abdomen
  • Improve function of abdominal muscles
  • Create a more normal appearance of the abdomen
  • Repair an abdominal hernia that has followed previous abdominal surgery
  • Remove a large and distressing apron of fat, also called a “pannus”, that can cause chronic dermatitis, skin infection, difficulty in walking and difficulties with hygiene. The surgical removal of a pannus is called an “apronectomy”

Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Keep in mind that while the results of the procedure are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For that reason, you may be asked to consider delaying the procedure if you are in the process of losing weight, or are going to lose a lot of weight, or if you are planning to get pregnant, as the result of the surgery may be lost.