Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty or “Tummy Tuck,” is a surgical procedure carried out to reduce 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.
The typical patient who presents for tummy tuck is the patient who has lost considerable weight with diet and exercise and is unable to gain the definition in their abdomen that they desire. Obese patients (those with a calculated body mass index greater than 30) may be advised to lose weight prior to surgery.
What Technique does Dr. Chugay Utilize & How does it Differ from Standard Tummy Tuck Procedures?
After performing thousands of Tummy Tucks, Dr. Chugay has created a procedure that incorporates the exceptional technique of Ivo Pitanguy along with his own unique methods and modifications.
Incisions
Dr. Chugay makes incisions deep within the bikini line, according to the style of bikini that the patient normally uses, to minimize scarring. The incision is made in the hairline, not above it, as it is commonly done by most surgeons. The technique utilized by other surgeons can often leave 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 Lifting
Skin is lifted utilizing an electrocautery (“hot knife”). Many surgeons do it with a blade or scissors.
Electrocautery (hot knife) produces very atraumatic dissection, thus achieving:
- Less risk of bleeding and hematomas
- Less risk of injury to nerves and other tissues
- Reduced surgical trauma to the patient
- Faster healing
- Faster recovery
Surgery
The excess skin is marked off with Pitanguy marking clamps, which allow precise reduction of excess skin.
Abdominal muscles are sutured together to reconstruct the integrity of the abdominal wall and bring in the waist. These sutures are placed in the midline with knots buried deep to prevent artificial-looking bumps.
ABDOMINOPLASTY / TUMMY TUCK