Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery is performed to sculpt or repair the three components of the abdomen.

These components are muscle laxity (possibly secondary to weight loss or pregnancy), extra fat and extra skin. Presently, there is no effective treatment for stretch marks or striae; however, there is improvement when the skin is pulled tight. Lipoplasty alone is effective only when the predominant aesthetic problem is extra fat and the skin has enough inherent elasticity to shrink (generally when of young age and before pregnancy). In this situation, lipoplasty can improve abdominal contour. Loosening or waviness of the skin may occur if the skin is unable to shrink or contract properly.

Classic abdominoplasty surgery employs a well-hidden incision (designed for your bikini or underwear style) to tighten lax abdominal muscles and remove extra skin. The combination of abdominoplasty and lipoplasty is a powerful one... one that can deliver dramatic results. Dr Kornstein also offers a “reverse abdominoplasty”, where the scar is hidden in the crease below the breasts negating the need for a scar in the belly button or bikini area. As the abdominal skin ages it descends, like the face, and like the face, the skin should be repositioned up, not down. With this technique the waist is also significantly enhanced.

Not all abdominoplasty surgeries are of the same design or extent. Your surgery is "individualized" for your particular anatomy and the degree of muscle laxity, fatty excess, and skin excess present. These factors will be pointed out to you during the consultation, and the extent of the procedure will be explained. Dr Kornstein believes the torso should be one harmonized region, therefore, aesthetic issues of adjacent areas may enter the discussion of abdominal rejuvenation. These may include lipoplasty of the hips and outer thigh region, as well as body lifting procedures such as a flankplasty. Finally, hernias can be treated “scarlessly” through the abdominoplasty incision.

Abdominoplasty has an undeserved reputation for a prolonged and difficult recovery. It is routinely accomplished in our outpatient Museum Mile Surgery Center. Patients can go home the same evening though sometimes patients prefer to remain overnight with one of our private duty nurses. This decision is made between the doctor and the patient after consideration of the patient's needs and the extent of the procedure.

Abdominal drains are rarely used and, over many years, it has become evident that they are unnecessary to prevent blood or fluid accumulation between the skin and muscle. However, it is imperative that the patient limits activity so that the amount of swelling fluid is reduced, enhancing the opportunity for the skin and muscle to re-adhere. Finally, a garment is worn for approximately 3 weeks to minimize swelling and support the skin until it reattaches to the muscle.