What Abdominoplasty Can Improve

Albany, Schenectady & Saratoga Springs Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, can provide dramatic results, helping you regain a more firm, taut appearance in the abdominal region. However, a tummy tuck is not the ideal option to address all issues. At your initial consultation, Schenectady cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Barach will advise you as to whether this procedure is right for you.

Dr. Barach works hard to make sure that you only undergo necessary procedures to achieve your aesthetic goals. He will listen carefully as you explain your desired outcome and recommend the appropriate procedure to meet your needs.

Hanging Skin

When you gain and then lose a large amount of weight, you may develop problems similar to those that result from pregnancy or aging. If this is your situation, a basic abdominoplasty may be all that you need. However, if your weight gain was extreme, you may be left with an additional problem that requires a special procedure to correct.

If your skin gets extremely overextended, it may hang from your stomach like a floppy apron, interfering with personal hygiene and making it difficult for you to wear certain clothing.

Albany plastic surgeon Dr. Bruce Barach begins surgery for hanging skin by making a long incision across the lower portion of your abdomen. He then gathers the loose skin and pulls it tight, cuts it off, and sutures your remaining skin together. You will have a visible scar where the incision was made, but this is preferable to the overhanging panniculus.

If you have additional problems such as damaged muscles, stretch marks, or a lower bulge, your tummy tuck can be performed at the same time as these repairs.

Obesity

As a general rule, if you are obese, you should not undergo plastic surgery to make you thinner. A more reasonable and acceptable solution is to follow a program of diet and exercise. It is important to understand that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for diet, exercise, and weight loss. It is designed to help you look your best once you have taken the steps to get into the best shape you possibly can.

Exaggerated Pot Belly

Long-term obesity causes fat to accumulate in an internal structure called the omentum. Your omentum is attached to your stomach and lies over the intestines like an internal apron. It has the ability to store large amounts of fat. As it spreads out, it enlarges your abdomen, resulting in a "pot belly" or "beer belly." Both men and women can be affected by this condition. Abdominoplasty cannot remedy this problem.

Please contact our Albany plastic surgeon today to schedule your initial tummy tuck consultation. Upstate Plastic Surgery serves patients in Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga Springs, New York.