Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck surgery) removes excess lower abdomen fat and skin. Many surgeons will also perform a diastasis repair at the same time; this brings the abdominal wall muscles closer together, eliminating the central bulging area of the abdomen. This key part of the surgery restores separated abdominal wall muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. This also brings the lateral abdominal skin closure to the center, helping to restore the hourglass figures. A flat abdomen is something we strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes this is not possible without an abdominoplasty to return the abdomen to a more youthful shape.
This patient chose a High Tension Lateral Abdominoplasty. This abdominoplasty differs from the traditional surgery is several areas. This places more tension on the hips and thighs (not the central lower abdomen), lifting the thigh skin and placing more tension on the central upper abdomen, helping to flatten the upper abdomen while flaring the hips. The upper lateral skin is not fully released, so the blood flow and thus wound healing and sensation on the lower abdomen are better after surgery. The central skin is released; this creates shape to the abdominal wall, creating the illusion of a six pack. The lateral skin (from the muffin top region or hourglass region) is brought towards the midline, helping to restore the hourglass figure (normal tummy tuck does not do this).
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