A Guide to Plastic Surgery for the Abdomen

The abdomen is unquestionably one of the most noticeable parts of the body. Having a sleek, toned abdomen is often a product of diligent exercise and healthy eating, but sometimes people can benefit from a procedure to regain their youthful appearance. Pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and aging are the three key factors that can influence someone’s decision about electing to get plastic surgery for the abdomen. Albany plastic surgeon Dr. Kayastha has performed numerous procedures on the abdomen. In this blog post he will explain further what they entail.
Most Popular Procedures for the Abdomen
Tummy tuck and liposuction are the two most popular types of plastic surgery procedures for the abdomen. When combined, tummy tuck and liposuction can accomplish the following:
- Removal of unwanted pockets of fat
- Tightening and removal of unwanted skin
- Repair loose or weakened muscles
How the Procedures Are Performed
Liposuction focuses on the removal of excess body fat. It is commonly used to remove surplus fat on the abdomen to create a flatter appearance or on the sides of the stomach for a narrower waist. For the first part of a liposuction procedure, a surgeon uses a hollow tube called a cannula that is moved back and forth to break up fat. This is followed by gentle suctioning to remove the unwanted fat. After the procedure, there will be a significant improvement in the overall appearance and contour of the abdominal area.
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck procedure can be performed to address excess skin and separated muscles that often create a protruding belly. For tummy tuck, an incision is made between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The surgeon will then remove excess skin and tighten the muscles. After healing, a scar for a full tummy tuck will run from hip bone to hip bone, but can usually be covered by a bathing suit.
Another related procedure is mini-tummy tuck, which focuses on the region below the belly button. A mini-tummy tuck leaves a smaller scar and is ideal for people who have excess skin and fat on the lower abdomen only.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kayastha and learn more about your cosmetic options for a flatter and leaner abdomen, please contact our Albany office today.