Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedures are more popular today than ever before. With the emphasis on health and fitness and the simplified view of how appearance demonstrates whether or not we are in good health, a common belief is a firm abdomen is a fit abdomen and, by extension, a fit individual.

Abdominoplasty is a procedure that reshapes the abdominal wall. The procedure is designed to remove excess fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen. It tightens the abdominal muscles and can dramatically reduce the appearance of an extended abdomen.

Reasons an abdominoplasty may be right for a patient is to:

• Correct loose upper and lower abdominal skin
• Correct separated abdominal muscles (diastasis)
• Correct damaged lower abdominal skin, i.e. stretch marks
• Remove excess skin and fat from the lower portion of the abdomen
• Remove bulging caused by abdominal muscle inactivity

Patients, who are candidates for an abdominoplasty, have excess skin, possibly because of post pregnancy or large weight fluctuations. They may have had previous abdominal surgery resulting in large incisions that alter the appearance of the abdominal wall or they may be genetically predisposed to disproportionate weight gain in the lower abdominal area. As we age, the skin loses some of its elasticity and fails to retract as it does when we are younger. Abdominoplasty is ideal for the patient whose body has not returned to form after experiencing any one or a combination of the causes above.

Abdominoplasty is a very effective means of removing excess skin and tissue for patients who have had gastric bypass surgery.

During an abdominoplasty, the vertical muscles of the abdomen are pulled together and sutured in place, creating a firmer abdominal wall and narrowing the waistline.

Patients with a smaller amount of excess fat and loose skin may be candidates for a mini-abdominoplasty. The added benefit of this procedure is that the incision can be smaller and the healing time is slightly shorter. On occasion, abdominal liposuction is performed simultaneously.

Although effectively performed on men, most abdominoplasty patients are women due to normal genetic fat distribution, muscle diastasis and skin consistency. Men have a different skin integrity and, of course, are not exposed to anatomical changes brought on by pregnancy.

The surgery time may range between two and a half and five hours. Recovery may take from three to four weeks. Unless the job is sedentary, that amount of time off work may be needed.

As with any cosmetic surgery procedure or treatment, you should thoroughly discuss your expectations and the result you are looking for with the doctor. During a consultation, Dr. Sumpter will discuss every detail of the process with you including downtime and recovery, as well as mention optional treatments, so that you may decide what is the best course of action for yourself.

If you are interested in learning more about abdominoplasty and finding out if it is for you, or if you have interest in any other cosmetic surgery procedures or treatments in the Houston metro area, please call us at 281-894-9990 or email us with your name, phone number and area of interest, so that we may contact you and schedule a free, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Sumpter. A consultation is the best way to have all of your questions and concerns answered and get all the information you need to make your decision.

At Winds of Change, you will receive special, individualized care that you deserve. Dr. Sumpter strives to exceed expectations beyond patient satisfaction. Please let us know how we may help you achieve your goals.

Winds of Change Cosmetic Surgery Specialists
12850 Jones Road, Suite 105
Houston, Texas 77070
Email: info@drsumpter.com
Phone: 281-894-9990
Fax: 281-894-9993