A spare tire is essential for a car, but not for the body. Fat on the abdomen looks like a tire, making a person’s stomach look round and giving them an out-of-shape appearance.

Fat on the stomach not only makes one look overweight but can also cause serious health problems. Excess fat on the abdomen can lead to heart problems and even contribute to cancer.

Exercise and a strict diet can help in reducing fat. But when it has accumulated over a longer period or due to genetic reasons, getting rid of it is not easy. This is when a surgical treatment called abdominoplasty may be implemented.

Abdominoplasty is a surgery that can remove fat and excess skin from the abdomen, leading to a flat tummy. It is popularly called a tummy tuck.

Who Can Undergo an Abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty should not be used as a method to lose weight; instead, it is a way to contour your body to accentuate your physique. When exercise and dieting have been tried and have not led to satisfactory results, only then would this procedure prove helpful.

An abdominoplasty is meant for those who have excess fat on the stomach. It is suitable for people who have lost weight and suffer from excess quantities of flabby skin. Women who have had multiple pregnancies that have led to loose muscles and flabby skin would also find this procedure helpful.

Only those in a good health condition should opt for this surgery. Women who plan to get pregnant in the future should avoid this treatment. Also, those planning to reduce their weight further should not opt for this procedure.

How Is This Procedure Carried Out?

The surgery is done under general anesthesia and takes a few hours. It is an outpatient procedure. Abdominoplasty involves making an incision on the abdomen from one hipbone to another. The fat is removed, the muscles are tightened, excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is redraped, leading to a contoured appearance.

Drainage tubes may need to be used for a few days after the surgery. These plastic tubes are essential in ensuring proper removal of excess fluids in order to avoid post-surgical complications. Painkillers and other medications will also need to be taken. Follow-up visits are mandatory until the swelling subsides and the bandages are removed.

During your recovery and healing process, you will likely need to stay home from work for a time. You will need to avoid strenuous physical activities like heavy exercise and lifting until cleared by Dr. Lopes.

The procedure offers permanent results if you make sure to watch your weight by eating right and exercising consistently.

Visit Our Office

This is a major surgery, so a consultation with Dr. JoAnne Lopes will need to be carried out before undergoing it. Dr. Lopes is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience and will be happy to help you with your abdominoplasty surgery.

Abdominoplasties are highly effective in contouring your abdomen. If you’re interested in learning more about the procedure, contact the office of Dr. Lopes to schedule your consultation today!