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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 overextended, it may stretch too far and never be able to shrink back again on its own. As a result, your skin may hang from your stomach like a floppy apron, interfering with personal hygiene and making it difficult for you to wear certain clothing. This condition is not only humiliating; it is also unhealthy and irritating and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Dr. Bellin begins surgery for hanging skin by making the same long incision as explained on our abdominoplasty page. He then gathers the loose skin and pulls it tight, cuts if off, and sutures your remaining skin together. You will have a visible scar where the incision was made, but this is much better and healthier than living with a flabby apron-like stomach.
If you have additional problems such as torn skin, damaged muscles, stretch marks, or a lower bulge, your abdominoplasty can be performed at the same time as these repairs.
Obesity
As a general rule, if you are obese you should not undergo cosmetic surgery to make you thinner. A more reasonable and acceptable solution is to follow a program of diet and exercise. Nevertheless, it is possible to slenderize your stomach area. And it may be the case that your general health may require a surgical solution.
Your surgery begins the same way as a typical abdominoplasty. A long incision is made from one hip to the other, as well as a circular cut around your navel. This time, when the skin is lifted up off your stomach muscle, a large layer of exposed fat is cut away. This is done from the pubic area up to the bottom of your ribs, and around each of your sides as far as possible.
Unfortunately, the results of this procedure are not always satisfactory, since it is very difficult to taper your fat removal to blend in naturally with the rest of your body. You also have a greater risk of skin loss, which may cause your scar to be thick and unsightly. This surgery is usually discouraged for these reasons.
Localized fat deposits
If you have huge rolls of fat that fill your midsection, localized fat deposit treatment may be for you. Again, the preferred solution is through diet and exercise. However, in this case tummy tuck surgery is a more realistic option since you can avoid having a major operation. A small incision is made into your biggest fat roll area, and your rolls are cut out. You will still need to check into a hospital to have this procedure done, and you will have a long and visible scar where your incision was made, but you will be rid of your localized fat deposits without undergoing major surgery.
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.
This problem is fixed by taking away the omentum during your conventional abdominoplasty procedure. This means, however, that your abdomen itself must be cut open, and this is not usually advisable. The omentum operates as a guardian against infection within your abdomen if your appendix or intestines rupture. This procedure is hardly ever recommended for these reasons, even though you may have startling change in your appearance as a result of having it done.
If you are considering tummy tuck surgery in New York City, need a Manhattan plastic surgeon, or if you have further questions about the procedure, please contact us today to arrange a free abdominoplasty consultation.