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Tighten and Flatten Your Abdomen With Abdominoplasty

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is designed to tighten and flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and abdominal skin and by tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Tummy tuck surgery is best suited for women and men in relatively good shape but who have loose abdominal skin and/or a significant amount of abdominal fat that won’t respond to dieting or exercise. The procedure is especially useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy.

Abdominoplasty Postoperative Instructions

It is important to follow all of your doctor’s postoperative instructions for the abdominoplasty (lower body lift) procedure to achieve the best possible surgery results. Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery abdominoplasty patients are provided with detailed instructions to ensure the best outcome to the procedure.

woman lifting shirt

Panniculectomy

Panniculectomy

Drastic weight loss, particularly when associated with bariatric surgery, can leave behind large amounts of excess skin. The excess skin and fat in the lower stomach area that hangs below the belt line is called the pannus, or abdominal “apron,” and can have several negative effects on one’s quality of life. These extra folds of skin can hinder hygiene, put stress on the back and make everyday activities difficult. Often, the areas in the pubic region under the pannus can become moist, as perspiration is trapped. This can cause rashes, skin ulcers and odor. Clothing may not fit comfortably, and if severe, even simple activities, such as standing and walking, can become difficult. In such cases, a surgical procedure called a panniculectomy, a type of abdominoplasty procedure, may be appropriate.

A panniculectomy is an invasive procedure that can take from 3 to 5 hours and always requires at least 1 overnight stay in the hospital. Unlike abdominoplasty, panniculectomy does not tighten muscle or reposition the belly button. It only removes the excess skin and fat of the pannus from the lower abdomen, using a horizontal incision that runs from hip to hip with a downward curve, and a vertical incision running from below the sternum to the pubic area. After overhanging skin and fat are removed, the remaining skin is pulled tight and sutured together.

Panniculectomy Postoperative Instructions

It is important to follow all of your doctor’s postoperative instructions for the panniculectomy to achieve the best possible surgery results. Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery patients are provided with detailed instructions to ensure the best outcome to the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?

    The results of a tummy tuck surgery are generally permanent and will last as long as you maintain a healthy weight and do not have a future pregnancy.

  • How much does a tummy tuck cost?

    The exact cost of a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the severity of your condition and several other factors. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate you and your desires to help determine the cost of your procedure.

  • Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?

    Health insurance companies usually do not cover the cost of a tummy tuck surgery if it is undergone solely for cosmetic purposes. However, your surgeon will physically examine you to determine if there is any medical reason, such as a hernia, that may qualify you for insurance coverage. You may wish to contact your health insurance provider to learn the details of your coverage

  • Will scarring exist?

    The incision for tummy tuck surgery is strategically placed along the lower abdomen so that the resulting scar can easily be hidden beneath undergarments and bathing suits. Your scar will continue to improve and fade over time, and protecting it from the sun will help prevent it from darkening.

Why Choose Dr. Vijay

Dr. Vijay is very unique in his sense of his great customer care, service, and experience. He approaches each client as an individual and takes the time to thoroughly understand each client’s needs and desired results.

Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele, Corpus Christi Plastic Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery