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Abdominoplasty or "Tummy Tuck," is a surgical procedure carried out to remove the excess wrinkled skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen and to tighten abdominal muscles. The overall effect is to produce a smoother, flatter tummy.
The best candidate for this surgery has normal or excessive body weight, weak muscles and excess skin. Obese patients may be advised to lose weight prior to surgery.
After performing thousands of Tummy Tucks, Dr. Chugay has created a procedure that incorporates the exceptional Ivo Pitanguy technique along with Dr. Chugay's own unique methods and modifications.
Dr. Chugay makes incisions deep within the bikini line, according to the style of bikini that the patient normally uses. The incision is made in the hairline, not above, as it is commonly done. Most surgeons make a straight incision across the abdomen, thus leaving noticeable scars in the lower abdomen area.
On patients who do not have much excessive skin a short horizontal cut can be made and a procedure frequently referred to as a MINI TUCK can be performed.
Skin is lifted utilizing a hot knife. Many surgeons do it with a blade or scissors.
Hot knife produces very atraumatic dissection, thus achieving:
The excess skin is marked off with Pitanguy marking clamps, which allow precise removal of excess skin.
Abdominal muscles are sutured together in the midline with knots buried deep to prevent artificial-looking bumps.
A new belly button is made, and the skin is closed in layers with absorbable sutures. This method leaves a smaller scar and eliminates hash marks common in the removable-suture procedures.
Frequently after a Traditional Tummy Tuck, small pockets of skin form at each end of the long horizontal incision used in the standard procedure. Such skin pockets, due to their appearance, are often referred to as "dog ears". These "ears" have to be surgically removed several months after Tummy Tuck when the healing is complete.
To avoid this complication and a secondary procedure, Dr. Chugay has developed a method of eliminating "dog ears" before they are formed. Sparing the unnecessary detail, this technique involves, after fully suturing the abdominal wall, going back to the incision site and re-excising additional amount of skin at each end of the original incision. Such additional excision is elliptical in shape. The ends of the excisions are then sutured meticulously.
The following advantages are realized with this technique:
This rather confusing term simply means that your surgery will not have to be as extensive as the regular Tummy Tuck. This will be achieved by making the initial horizontal incision very small and completely hidden in the hairline, by not bringing the muscles together with permanent stitches or by combining both of these features. The candidates for this procedure will have less hanging skin and little or no protrusion of the abdomen.
Dr. Chugay has also developed a unique procedure of Periumbilical Tummy Tuck. READ MORE ABOUT Periumbilical Tummy Tuck.
Tummy Tuck is one of only several procedures that Dr. Chugay performs with general anesthesia. Although the IV sedation is best for most surgeries, Tummy Tuck requires that the patient remain completely still during the surgery, which is only possible with general anesthesia. General anesthesia is more risky than IV sedation; however, Dr. Chugay's Chief Anesthesiologist, Dr. Bennett with his remarkable skill and over 20 years of experience will ensure the best available care. READ MORE ABOUT DR. BENNETT.
Although there will be some soreness and discomfort, Dr. Chugay can prescribe medications to make you more comfortable. You should avoid strenuous activity for three to four weeks. Dr. Chugay will discuss resumption of activities with you on an individual basis. You will have to wear an appropriate abdominal support for several weeks.
Abdominoplasty, though a major operation, is generally very satisfying. The scar across the lower abdomen will be hidden beneath the bikini line and, as much as possible, in the natural hairline. The abdominal muscles will be flat, and your skin will have a young-looking taut appearance.
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