what is lipoabdominoplasty?
“Tummy tuck,” or abdominoplasty, is a surgical solution for loose skin and weakened muscles that may have developed in the abdominal area as a result of weight loss, pregnancy or aging. The stomach benefits from a smooth, “tucked-in” profile after the removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening of the abdominal muscles.
Lipoabdominoplasty combines the benefits of a tummy tuck with liposuction, the procedure that involves targeted removal of fat deposits. Dr. Erwin Bulan has extensive experience in each of these body-shaping procedures, and will help you choose the one that is right for you.
WHEN TUMMY TUCK SUFFICES
For many patients, abdominoplasty alone turns back the clock, restoring a fit and healthy appearance to the midsection.
A tummy tuck is often a good choice for patients whose skin elasticity declined due to weight fluctuations or pregnancy, and who are left with folds of loose, wrinkled abdominal skin and unwanted fat deposits. For patients whose fat is located mostly below the belly button, a partial abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” may be advisable.
Women may choose abdominoplasty as a way to restore tone to stomach muscles that weakened or separated during pregnancy. The procedure can also be effective at improving the appearance of stretch marks in the area that is tightened.
Studies have shown that the best candidates for abdominoplasty have loose skin but not much belly fat. Obese individuals, in fact, are advised to lose as much weight as possible before considering a tummy tuck.
INCLUDING LIPOSUCTION IN THE ABDOMINOPLASTY
For other patients, accumulation of fat in the abdominal area is significant, and this is where Dr. Bulan may recommend lipoabdominoplasty. For certain patients, this procedure allows both the removal of substantial volumes of fat and the reconstruction of the abdominal wall and “tucking” of the skin. In this sense it allows the surgeon more flexibility in shaping the abdomen and surrounding areas. Although some fat is normally removed during a tummy tuck procedure, lipoabdominoplasty is more effective at targeting larger fat deposits as well as fat deposits on the sides of the waist and the flanks.
Like liposuction performed on other areas of the body, lipoabdominoplasty involves the insertion of a narrow tube under the skin. Fat cells are loosened and removed from the body through this tube. But the addition of abdominoplasty makes it a more extensive procedure, as a large incision is made, allowing the surgeon to reconstruct the abdominal wall, remove folds of skin, and tighten the remaining muscles and skin.
MAKING THE RIGHT BODY CONTOURING CHOICE
With extensive experience performing abdominoplasty, liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty, Dr. Bulan will help guide you in selecting the procedure that is right for your body type and your aesthetic goals. If you find that diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle have not restored a smooth, fit appearance to your midsection, you may be a candidate for Dr. Bulan’s proven techniques.
Explore the possibilities today with a personal consultation with Dr. Bulan. Call (973) 467-9744 or email his office today.