Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty (panniculectomy, abdominal lipectomy, tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure on the abdomen for removing excessive skin and fat, tightening muscles and eliminating or improving scars of the lower abdomen. Abdominoplasty is a frequent procedure in Dr. Parson's practice.

Following pregnancy in women and after weight loss in both men and women, the skin of the abdominal wall can become loose and stretched leaving permanent marks. In addition, fat collects in the tissues below the skin and the abdominal wall muscles become relaxed causing the lower abdomen to become more prominent. When large amounts of excessive skin are present, it may cause rashes between the skin folds and may make certain activities such as exercise uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the combination of loose skin, excessive fat and relaxed muscles is usually unresponsive to dieting and exercise. The abdominoplasty is designed to correct these problems.

A procedure called liposuction may satisfactorily treat individuals who have a firm abdominal wall but excessive fat below the skin. These patients tend to be younger and may not have had children. Unlike liposuction, which involves very small incisions to remove fatty tissue only, the abdominoplasty requires a lengthy scar to remove excess skin. The scar is placed very low on the abdomen, generally in the pubic region, and is hidden by most contemporary underwear and bathing suits.

The First Office Visit
At the first office visit, Dr. Parson will take a medical history and perform a focused physical examination. Medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, hernias, or a history of smoking will be of particular concern to Dr. Parson. Information regarding medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past, including all kinds of pain medications, will be requested by the doctor. Your height and weight will be recorded. One should know that this is not an operation for obesity. Thus, any patients more than 50% over their ideal body weight should consult with their primary physician. Patients who have scars from previous surgery in some cases may not be candidates for this operation because of the risk of surgical complications due to alterations in the blood supply to the skin. Dr. Parson will determine this at the time of the consultation. He will also estimate the length of scar that will be required to remove your excessive skin. For individuals who have relaxation of the abdominal muscles but minimal excessive skin, a procedure with a smaller scar a "mini-tummy tuck" may be all that is needed.

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