Tummy Tuck

In Las Vegas

Extra skin and/or looseness of the lower abdomen definitely requires at least a mini tummy tuck, which only includes tightening of the skin of the lower abdomen and does not require reposition of the belly button or tightening of the upper abdomen. A modified tummy tuck “floats” the navel downwards, tightening the lower abdominal skin, but usually does not include tightening the abdominal wall. In both these cases, very little abdominal “pooch” can be present pre-operatively.

However, if you have skin looseness in the upper abdomen, visible stretch marks, a “ridge” or crease along the upper abdomen above the naval or looseness of the abdominal wall that tightens when you “suck it in,” a full abdominoplasty will provide the best results. Most women and men require this procedure, which uses “pleating” of the abdominal wall to lift a larger area of skin. An incision is made around the navel and the skin is pulled downward from the upper abdomen toward the pubic region. Most, if not all, of the skin between the navel and pubic area is removed. The extended tummy tuck is necessary for patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight and have a lot of excess skin in the abdomen and sides of the waist. This procedure requires carrying the incision farther than the hip area in order to provide a smooth contour of the excess skin around the sides.

Tightening the abdominal wall requires bringing the loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures. Abdominal skin is pulled downward and the excess is removed. If a large amount of skin is removed, the navel may have to be repositioned. A small new opening is made to bring the navel through and contouring around the new navel creates a natural depression, satisfying our goal for maintaining normal abdominal contours. Generally, liposuction is required to assist in contouring the waistline and hip area at the time of the tummy tuck. Because a tummy tuck alone only removes fat of the lower abdomen, if you have significant excess upper abdominal fat as well as lax fascia and loose skin, you probably need a tummy tuck combined with liposuction.

Our doctors prefer to individualize the tummy tuck technique based on the patient’s anatomy and individual desires. He will review the advantages and disadvantages of each approach with you so that you are involved in making the final decision. Typically, the incision begins just above the pubic hair, in the same area that C-section and hysterectomy scars are located. In some cases, the incision can be limited, however, with proper care, most scars will fade over time and in many cases the scar is not very noticeable.