Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to create a smoother, firmer abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles. This transformative procedure is ideal for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or simply struggle with loose, sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
During an abdominoplasty procedure, a horizontal incision is typically made low across the abdomen so that the scar is hidden below the waistband of most clothes. The shape and length of the incision are determined by the amount of excess skin to be removed, often ultimately removing skin from the low abdominal incision all the way up to above the belly button. The abdominal skin is then lifted, allowing the surgeon to access and tighten the underlying weakened abdominal muscles using sutures. This muscle repair creates a firmer abdominal wall. The skin is then stretched down over the new contours, excess skin is trimmed, and a new opening is created for the belly button before the incisions are closed.
Surgeons like Dr. Graham Ives, who practices at IvesMD, are skilled in performing these body contouring procedures, offering both aesthetic surgery and gender-affirming options, including abdominoplasty, to help patients achieve their desired physique and boost their confidence.
