3D Animations of Body Procedures

Fat Transfer

Introduction

For those who would like to decrease unwanted fat in specific body areas while restoring or adding volume to other areas of the body, a fat transfer can improve body contours and revitalize overall appearance. This animation will highlight the fat transfer procedure including how fat is removed from certain areas of the body using liposuction, the process of transferring fat into a targeted location, and what to expect after surgery.

How a Fat Transfer Works

Over time, the contours of the body change due to the effects of aging, gravity, and weight and hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, unwanted fat may accumulate in areas such as the abdomen, back, buttocks, and thighs.

A fat transfer procedure works by removing unwanted, excess fat through liposuction and injecting it into areas of the body where rejuvenation is desired. The face, breasts, and buttocks are three common areas that can be revitalized using fat injections.

Signs of aging in the face and neck occur for many reasons, such as heredity, skin type, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices. Several areas of the face can be treated with a fat transfer including the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, under-eye area, jawline, temples, and lips. A fat transfer, sometimes performed in combination with a face lift, can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, frown lines, or depressions while revitalizing the contours of the face.

Women who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts or have experienced changes in breast appearance can achieve fuller, shapelier breasts with a fat transfer breast augmentation. A fat transfer breast augmentation results in only a small increase in breast size, but offers natural-looking results.

Weight loss, aging, and heredity may cause you to be unhappy with the size and shape of your buttocks. A buttock augmentation using fat transfer can help add volume and create a more youthful, shapelier appearance.

This animation will highlight a fat transfer procedure used for buttock augmentation, also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift.

Preparation

A buttock augmentation by fat transfer may last approximately one to four hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether an additional procedure is performed at the same time.

Your surgeon will carefully mark the areas where fat will be removed, and the areas where fat will be injected. These markings will be used as guidelines during the procedure. Fat transfer may be performed under local anesthesia where only the surrounding area is numb. Alternatively, for procedures involving large or multiple areas of the body, you may be asleep under general anesthesia. A special medicated fluid called tumescent fluid is injected into the areas that will be treated with liposuction. This fluid expands the tissues, to make it easier to remove fat cells, numbs the treatment area, and minimizes bleeding. Once a large volume of tumescent fluid is injected into the treatment area, you will rest for several minutes while the area becomes completely numb.

Procedure

Your surgeon will begin the procedure by using liposuction to harvest your fat. Excess fat is removed from areas of the body including the jowls, back, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Most body fat is located on top of muscle tissue, just beneath the skin. Liposuction works by surgically removing excess fat with a suction device, resulting in improved contours in the desired area.

Depending on the location of the procedure, your surgeon will make short incisions along natural creases of your body in order to easily conceal scars. Your surgeon will insert a small tube-like device, called a cannula. Using a forward and backward motion, small tunnels are created in the fat layer, removing the fat with a gentle suction. The tunnels will collapse over the next few weeks, resulting in new contours in the specific treatment areas. For more information on the liposuction procedure, please view our liposuction animation.

Next, the undamaged fat cells that were removed are isolated, cleansed, and prepared to be injected into the buttocks. Some surgeons may prepare the fat with stem cells before injection. Then, your surgeon will use a cannula to inject the fat cells into your buttocks. Using a forward and backward motion, fat is slowly added in multiple areas until the desired volume is achieved. The incisions may be closed with sutures or may be left open. Surgical drains may be inserted in order to help prevent fluid buildup. Lastly, absorbent pads are applied to protect the incision sites as you heal.

Recovery

Most fat transfer procedures are completed in outpatient surgery facilities; you should be ready to go home the same day, usually within two to four hours.

You will likely need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to provide support, minimize swelling, and help the skin conform to the new contours of the body. You may also be prescribed medication to manage your pain for the first few days and as needed as you heal. It is a good idea to allow yourself several days to recover before resuming your daily activities. Pain and bruising after the procedure are normal, and typically will fade within a couple weeks. Swelling also may occur and should subside within several months. If surgical drains are present, they along with any bandages will likely be removed within the first week following surgery, while any non-dissolvable stitches may stay in place for seven to ten days.

Be sure to follow your surgeon’s recovery plan, including sitting and sleeping position restrictions, in order to avoid complications and allow your body time to heal.

Risks and Results

Consult your surgeon regarding risks such as cysts, infection, small mineral deposits called microcalcifications, and death of fat cells. You also may need to discuss options for future fat transfers as it may take more than one procedure to achieve your desired look.

While you will most likely notice an improvement immediately after the procedure, final results will not be apparent until one year after surgery. You should have initial satisfaction with the size and shape of the buttocks after surgery, however much of this is due to swelling and the results may diminish over time. Although fat cells are removed permanently during the procedure, it is important to realize that fat transfer does not prevent growth of remaining fatty tissue. Additionally, fat cells injected into the buttocks may disperse from the injected area. Your results may also change if you gain or lose weight.

With realistic expectations and proper maintenance, you may enjoy the results of your fat transfer procedure for several years.

Liposuction

Introduction

Do you have pockets of unwanted fatty tissue that just won’t go away? You eat well and exercise regularly, but those bulges are persistent. Are you considering liposuction? Almost any area of your body can be contoured with liposuction – thighs, hips, buttocks, lower legs, back, abdomen, chest, upper arms, neck, jawline and cheeks – creating a slimmer, shapelier appearance. The procedures may vary for specific body areas, but the general processes are similar. So, watch and learn how liposuction is performed on the outer thighs.

How Liposuction Works

Most body fat is located on top of muscle tissue, just beneath the skin. Blood vessels supply the area with blood, and nerve endings provide sensation to the skin. The amount of fat that accumulates under the skin varies depending on inherited traits, body type and lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet. Liposuction works by surgically removing excess fat with a suction device, resulting in improved contours in the desired area. There is a variety of liposuction techniques available today, including the use of ultrasonic waves or laser light to aid fat removal. However, most liposuction techniques are variations of the widely-used procedure demonstrated in this animation. This procedure, known as tumescent liposuction, uses a special fluid to aid fat removal with suction.

Preparation

Your physician will carefully mark the areas that will be sculpted and use these markings as guidelines during the procedure. Liposuction may be done under local anesthesia where only the surrounding area is numb. Or, you may be asleep, under general anesthesia, for procedures involving large areas or multiple areas of the body. Tumescent fluid expands the tissues, making it easier to remove fat cells, numbs the treatment area, and minimizes bleeding. Once a large volume of tumescent fluid is injected into the treatment area, you will rest for several minutes while the area becomes completely numb.

Procedure

Short incisions are made in inconspicuous areas or along natural creases of your body, depending on the location of the procedure. Your physician will insert a small tube-like device, called a cannula. Using a forward and backward motion, small tunnels are created in the fat layer, removing the fat with suction. The tunnels will collapse over the next few weeks, resulting in new contours in the specific treatment areas. The incisions may be closed with sutures or may be left open, and absorbent pads are applied to the site.

Recovery and Results

Pain, bruising, and swelling after the procedure are normal, and will typically subside within several weeks. You will likely need to wear a special compression garment for a few weeks to provide support, minimize swelling, and help the skin conform to the new contours of the body. While you will generally notice an improvement in your appearance very soon after the procedure, your new contours will progressively improve for three to six months. Although fat cells are permanently removed during the procedure, it is important to realize that liposuction does not prevent growth of remaining fatty tissue. With realistic expectations and proper maintenance, you can be satisfied with the results of your liposuction procedure for many years.

Mommy Makeover

Introduction

Many women experience significant physical changes following pregnancy and breastfeeding, many of which can be persistent and difficult to correct with diet and exercise alone. Changes to the volume and shape of the breasts, stretch marks and sagging of the abdominal skin, as well as fat accumulation on the hips, thighs, and love handles are all common results of pregnancy and nursing. A mommy makeover offers women who are dissatisfied with these changes, the opportunity to restore their pre-pregnancy appearances.

A mommy makeover refers to a combination of plastic surgery procedures that are chosen by you and your surgeon in order to address the changes to your post-pregnancy body. The most commonly performed procedures during a mommy makeover include breast augmentation, breast lift with or without implants, breast reduction, full or mini tummy tuck, and liposuction. However, there are many additional treatments such as thigh lift or cosmetic injections that can be performed during a mommy makeover, depending upon your specific concerns. This animation will focus on breast augmentation, full tummy tuck, and liposuction of the outer thighs.

Surgery Preparation

During an initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss your post-pregnancy body goals and procedure options. When discussing the areas of your body that you would like to improve, it is important for you to be as specific as possible so that your surgeon can advise you on the most suitable procedures for your needs. The number and variety of treatments you choose as well as your general health will determine whether your mommy makeover will be completed as one combined procedure, or as a series of surgeries performed over a greater period of time. If combined into one stage, the mommy makeover typically lasts from three to five hours, but the actual length of the surgery depends upon the number and type of procedures being performed.

Prior to surgery, your surgeon will draw incision guidelines on your breasts, abdomen, and outer thighs. You will be placed under anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will most likely administer general anesthesia which causes you to sleep during the procedure.

Breast Enhancement

Following pregnancy, breast appearance can be dissatisfying for many women as the physical demands of childbirth and nursing can change breast shape and volume dramatically. Some women find that their breasts sag and lose significant volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Depending upon the amount of remaining breast tissue, breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a breast lift with implants is necessary in order to return breasts to their pre-pregnancy state. Alternatively, some women find that their breasts are excessively large and disproportionate to their body size post-pregnancy. In these cases, a breast reduction is required in order to alleviate discomfort and achieve more balanced and shapely breasts.

This animation will focus on breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, which helps to restore breast volume and shape through the use of breast implants. To learn more about the additional breast enhancing procedures available, please see our Breast Lift, Breast Lift with Implants and Breast Reduction animations.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

An important decision involved in breast augmentation is whether to use silicone or saline implants both silicone and saline implants are available in similar shapes, sizes, and textures but they differ in the composition filling the implant. For more information about silicone and saline implants, please see our Breast Augmentation animation. Your surgeon will help you choose the proper style and size of implants based on your lifestyle, body contours, and existing amount of breast tissue in order to achieve the cup size and appearance you desire.

Breast implants can be inserted either behind the glandular tissue, known as subglandular placement or behind the muscle, known as submuscular placement. This animation depicts subglandular placement, in which the breast implant is placed in a pocket formed beneath the breast tissue, but above the muscle. You should discuss the benefits of the different implant placement options in more detail with your surgeon. There are a variety of incision techniques used during a breast augmentation, depending upon the patient’s specific conditions. This animation will demonstrate the inframammary incision, in which an incision is placed along the crease of the lower portion of each breast, concealing the resulting scars. If you are interested in learning about the different breast augmentation techniques, please view our Breast Augmentation animation.

Your surgeon will make an incision along the pre-marked lines. Next, the breast tissue is separated in order to create the pocket for the implant. Your surgeon will insert the implant into the pocket using fingers or a touchless device and will inspect your breasts to ensure that they are symmetric. Adjustments may be made to the pocket and the position of the breast implant in order to achieve the desired look.

Often, dissolvable internal sutures are placed in the breast tissue to help close the incision, and some surgeons choose to close the skin using external sutures or skin adhesive as well. Before closing the incision completely, a surgical drain may be placed inside each breast to allow fluid to drain as you heal. Lastly, surgical tape or bandages are applied to protect the incision sites as you heal.

Tummy Tucks

Pregnancy can affect the abdominal area dramatically. Abdominal muscles often pull apart and can be separated permanently, requiring surgical closure and tightening to restore the abdomen to its pre-pregnancy state. Additionally, abdominal skin undergoes significant stretching during pregnancy, often resulting in stretch marks and loose, sagging skin. These conditions may persist despite proper diet and exercise, and can make the abdomen appear disproportionate to the rest of the body. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can restore the appearance of a firmer, flatter abdomen.

A full tummy tuck removes excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks, as well as tightens the muscles in the abdominal wall. Alternatively, a mini tummy tuck concentrates on removing excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks below the navel. This animation will explain the full tummy tuck procedure; please see our Mini Tummy Tuck animation to learn more about this alternative surgery.

Full Tummy Tuck Procedure

Following the pre-marked guidelines, your surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic area. Typically, this incision is placed low enough so that the resulting scar can be hidden easily by undergarments or a bathing suit. A second incision is made around the navel to free it from the surrounding tissue.

Next, the skin and fat layers above the abdominal wall are lifted upward to expose the abdominal muscles. Your surgeon will suture these muscles, pulling them closer together, and creating a flatter, firmer abdominal wall, and a slimmer waistline.

Once the muscles are tightened, the layer of skin and fat will be stretched back over the abdominal wall and the excess skin and fat that hangs below the original incision is removed. A new hole will be created for your navel. Before closing the incision, your surgeon may choose to place surgical drains below the incision to allow fluids to escape as you heal. Finally, the incisions will be sutured and bandages will be applied.

Liposuction

Often the weight gain that accompanies pregnancy can be difficult to lose afterward. Post-pregnancy, it is common for women to have excess fat accumulation on the hips, thighs, and love handles, but almost any part of the body can be affected. Most body fat is located on top of muscle tissue, just beneath the skin. Blood vessels supply the area with blood, and nerve endings provide sensation to the skin. The amount of fat that accumulates under the skin varies depending upon inherited traits, body type and lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet. Liposuction works by removing the excess fat surgically, resulting in improved contours in the desired areas.

There are a variety of liposuction techniques available, including the use of ultrasonic waves or laser light to aid fat removal. The focus of this animation is tumescent liposuction, which utilizes a special medicated fluid in order to aid fat removal with suction.

Tumescent Liposuction Procedure

Tumescent fluid is injected into the treatment area, expanding the tissues. This numbs the treatment area, minimizes bleeding, and eases the removal of fat cells.

Your surgeon will place short incisions along natural creases of your body in order to conceal the resulting scars. Next, a small tube-like device called a cannula is inserted. Using a forward and backward motion, small tunnels are created in the fat layer as the fat is removed with suction. The tunnels will collapse over the next few weeks, resulting in new contours in the specific treatment areas. Your surgeon may close your incisions with sutures, or may choose to leave them open. Absorbent pads are applied to the incision sites.

Recovery

The mommy makeover is often performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home the same day. Depending upon number and type of procedures you undergo, your surgeon’s preference, and your general health, it is possible that you will spend the night in the hospital or aftercare facility, returning home the day after your surgery.

You will likely need to wear compression garments on your breasts, abdomen, and thighs, which help to reduce swelling by preventing fluid build-up, while providing comfort and support during your recovery. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal, and you may be prescribed medication to manage your pain as you heal.

Bandages will likely be removed within the first week following surgery, while any non-dissolvable sutures are removed after one to two weeks. If present, surgical drains can remain for up to three weeks before removal. You may be instructed to wear the compression garments and to avoid excessive exertion or heavy lifting for a month or more, but is important to discuss your recovery plan with your surgeon as your healing process will depend upon your specific procedures.

Risks and Results

The risks associated with the mommy makeover are similar to those of most major operations, which include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and fluid formation. However, as each mommy makeover is different be sure to consult with your surgeon about potential complications. It important to understand that future pregnancies and significant weight changes may affect the results of your surgery.

Immediately following your surgery you will notice a dramatic difference in the size and shape of your breasts and abdomen, as well as in contours of your body. You will continue to see changes as your swelling decreases and it may take up to one year before the final results from your procedure are apparent. Although you will have scarring from your surgery, your scars should fade considerably over time. Patients typically experience high satisfaction with the results of a mommy makeover and with proper diet and exercise, you can enjoy those results for many years.

Post-Pregnancy Contouring

Introduction

Many women experience significant physical changes following pregnancy and breastfeeding, many of which can be persistent and difficult to correct with diet and exercise alone. Changes to the volume and shape of the breasts, stretch marks and sagging of the abdominal skin, as well as fat accumulation on the hips, thighs, and love handles are all common results of pregnancy and nursing. A mommy makeover offers women who are dissatisfied with these changes, the opportunity to restore their pre-pregnancy appearances.

A mommy makeover refers to a combination of plastic surgery procedures that are chosen by you and your surgeon in order to address the changes to your post-pregnancy body. The most commonly performed procedures during a mommy makeover include breast augmentation, breast lift with or without implants, breast reduction, full or mini tummy tuck, and liposuction. However, there are many additional treatments such as thigh lift or cosmetic injections that can be performed during a mommy makeover, depending upon your specific concerns. This animation will focus on breast augmentation, full tummy tuck, and liposuction of the outer thighs.

Surgery Preparation

During an initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss your post-pregnancy body goals and procedure options. When discussing the areas of your body that you would like to improve, it is important for you to be as specific as possible so that your surgeon can advise you on the most suitable procedures for your needs. The number and variety of treatments you choose as well as your general health will determine whether your mommy makeover will be completed as one combined procedure, or as a series of surgeries performed over a greater period of time. If combined into one stage, the mommy makeover typically lasts from three to five hours, but the actual length of the surgery depends upon the number and type of procedures being performed.

Prior to surgery, your surgeon will draw incision guidelines on your breasts, abdomen, and outer thighs. You will be placed under anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will most likely administer general anesthesia which causes you to sleep during the procedure.

Breast Enhancement

Following pregnancy, breast appearance can be dissatisfying for many women as the physical demands of childbirth and nursing can change breast shape and volume dramatically. Some women find that their breasts sag and lose significant volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Depending upon the amount of remaining breast tissue, breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a breast lift with implants is necessary in order to return breasts to their pre-pregnancy state. Alternatively, some women find that their breasts are excessively large and disproportionate to their body size post-pregnancy. In these cases, a breast reduction is required in order to alleviate discomfort and achieve more balanced and shapely breasts.

This animation will focus on breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, which helps to restore breast volume and shape through the use of breast implants. To learn more about the additional breast enhancing procedures available, please see our Breast Lift, Breast Lift with Implants and Breast Reduction animations.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

An important decision involved in breast augmentation is whether to use silicone or saline implants both silicone and saline implants are available in similar shapes, sizes, and textures but they differ in the composition filling the implant. For more information about silicone and saline implants, please see our Breast Augmentation animation. Your surgeon will help you choose the proper style and size of implants based on your lifestyle, body contours, and existing amount of breast tissue in order to achieve the cup size and appearance you desire.

Breast implants can be inserted either behind the glandular tissue, known as subglandular placement or behind the muscle, known as submuscular placement. This animation depicts subglandular placement, in which the breast implant is placed in a pocket formed beneath the breast tissue, but above the muscle. You should discuss the benefits of the different implant placement options in more detail with your surgeon. There are a variety of incision techniques used during a breast augmentation, depending upon the patient’s specific conditions. This animation will demonstrate the inframammary incision, in which an incision is placed along the crease of the lower portion of each breast, concealing the resulting scars. If you are interested in learning about the different breast augmentation techniques, please view our Breast Augmentation animation.

Your surgeon will make an incision along the pre-marked lines. Next, the breast tissue is separated in order to create the pocket for the implant. Your surgeon will insert the implant into the pocket using fingers or a touchless device and will inspect your breasts to ensure that they are symmetric. Adjustments may be made to the pocket and the position of the breast implant in order to achieve the desired look.

Often, dissolvable internal sutures are placed in the breast tissue to help close the incision, and some surgeons choose to close the skin using external sutures or skin adhesive as well. Before closing the incision completely, a surgical drain may be placed inside each breast to allow fluid to drain as you heal. Lastly, surgical tape or bandages are applied to protect the incision sites as you heal.

Tummy Tucks

Pregnancy can affect the abdominal area dramatically. Abdominal muscles often pull apart and can be separated permanently, requiring surgical closure and tightening to restore the abdomen to its pre-pregnancy state. Additionally, abdominal skin undergoes significant stretching during pregnancy, often resulting in stretch marks and loose, sagging skin. These conditions may persist despite proper diet and exercise, and can make the abdomen appear disproportionate to the rest of the body. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can restore the appearance of a firmer, flatter abdomen.

A full tummy tuck removes excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks, as well as tightens the muscles in the abdominal wall. Alternatively, a mini tummy tuck concentrates on removing excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks below the navel. This animation will explain the full tummy tuck procedure; please see our Mini Tummy Tuck animation to learn more about this alternative surgery.

Full Tummy Tuck Procedure

Following the pre-marked guidelines, your surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic area. Typically, this incision is placed low enough so that the resulting scar can be hidden easily by undergarments or a bathing suit. A second incision is made around the navel to free it from the surrounding tissue.

Next, the skin and fat layers above the abdominal wall are lifted upward to expose the abdominal muscles. Your surgeon will suture these muscles, pulling them closer together, and creating a flatter, firmer abdominal wall, and a slimmer waistline.

Once the muscles are tightened, the layer of skin and fat will be stretched back over the abdominal wall and the excess skin and fat that hangs below the original incision is removed. A new hole will be created for your navel. Before closing the incision, your surgeon may choose to place surgical drains below the incision to allow fluids to escape as you heal. Finally, the incisions will be sutured and bandages will be applied.

Liposuction

Often the weight gain that accompanies pregnancy can be difficult to lose afterward. Post-pregnancy, it is common for women to have excess fat accumulation on the hips, thighs, and love handles, but almost any part of the body can be affected. Most body fat is located on top of muscle tissue, just beneath the skin. Blood vessels supply the area with blood, and nerve endings provide sensation to the skin. The amount of fat that accumulates under the skin varies depending upon inherited traits, body type and lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet. Liposuction works by removing the excess fat surgically, resulting in improved contours in the desired areas.

There are a variety of liposuction techniques available, including the use of ultrasonic waves or laser light to aid fat removal. The focus of this animation is tumescent liposuction, which utilizes a special medicated fluid in order to aid fat removal with suction.

Tumescent Liposuction Procedure

Tumescent fluid is injected into the treatment area, expanding the tissues. This numbs the treatment area, minimizes bleeding, and eases the removal of fat cells.

Your surgeon will place short incisions along natural creases of your body in order to conceal the resulting scars. Next, a small tube-like device called a cannula is inserted. Using a forward and backward motion, small tunnels are created in the fat layer as the fat is removed with suction. The tunnels will collapse over the next few weeks, resulting in new contours in the specific treatment areas. Your surgeon may close your incisions with sutures, or may choose to leave them open. Absorbent pads are applied to the incision sites.

Recovery

The mommy makeover is often performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home the same day. Depending upon number and type of procedures you undergo, your surgeon’s preference, and your general health, it is possible that you will spend the night in the hospital or aftercare facility, returning home the day after your surgery.

You will likely need to wear compression garments on your breasts, abdomen, and thighs, which help to reduce swelling by preventing fluid build-up, while providing comfort and support during your recovery. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal, and you may be prescribed medication to manage your pain as you heal.

Bandages will likely be removed within the first week following surgery, while any non-dissolvable sutures are removed after one to two weeks. If present, surgical drains can remain for up to three weeks before removal. You may be instructed to wear the compression garments and to avoid excessive exertion or heavy lifting for a month or more, but is important to discuss your recovery plan with your surgeon as your healing process will depend upon your specific procedures.

Risks and Results

The risks associated with the mommy makeover are similar to those of most major operations, which include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and fluid formation. However, as each mommy makeover is different be sure to consult with your surgeon about potential complications. It important to understand that future pregnancies and significant weight changes may affect the results of your surgery.

Immediately following your surgery you will notice a dramatic difference in the size and shape of your breasts and abdomen, as well as in contours of your body. You will continue to see changes as your swelling decreases and it may take up to one year before the final results from your procedure are apparent. Although you will have scarring from your surgery, your scars should fade considerably over time. Patients typically experience high satisfaction with the results of a mommy makeover and with proper diet and exercise, you can enjoy those results for many years.

Tummy Tuck – Full

Introduction

Often, factors such as multiple pregnancies, substantial weight gain or loss and inherited traits can contribute to loose, sagging skin, fat deposits, and stretch marks in the abdominal region. These conditions may persist despite proper diet and exercise, and can make the abdomen appear disproportionate to the rest of the body. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can restore the appearance of a firmer, flatter abdomen.

Options

A full tummy tuck, described in this animation, is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess fat and loose skin, and includes tightening muscles in the abdominal wall. A partial or mini tummy tuck involves removing excess fat and loose skin below the navel, and is described in a separate animation. Tummy tuck procedures can be performed alone, but are often performed with liposuction to further improve body contours. Individuals considering a tummy tuck should be healthy, relatively fit, and not planning future pregnancies, as this may restretch tightened muscles.

Preparation

A full tummy tuck may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, where the abdominal area is numb and you are relaxed and comfortable. Alternatively, you may be completely asleep, under general anesthesia. The length of the procedure can vary, depending on the extent of tissue removal, and whether liposuction is also performed.

Procedure

Your surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic area. The incision is typically made where it is hidden by bathing suits or undergarments, but it is important to realize that you will have a scar. A second incision is made around the navel to free it from surrounding tissue. The skin and fat layers above the abdominal wall are lifted upward to expose the abdominal muscles. Your surgeon will suture these muscles, pulling them closer together, which creates a flatter, firmer abdominal wall, and a slimmer waistline. Once the muscles are tightened, the layer of skin and fat will be stretched back over the abdominal wall and a new hole will be created for your navel. Excess skin and fat that hang beyond the original incision are removed. Drainage tubes are usually placed in the abdomen through tiny holes below the incision, allowing fluids to escape as you heal. The incisions will be sutured and bandages will be applied.

Recovery and Results

You will most likely need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and provide comfort and support as you heal. Drainage tubes and sutures are usually removed within a week or two after the surgery. As with any major surgery, pain, bruising, and swelling are normal, and will typically subside within several weeks. Your scar will fade considerably over time and with proper diet and exercise, you can enjoy a firmer, flatter abdomen for years.

Tummy Tuck – Mini

Introduction

Has your abdomen been stretched by weight gain and weight loss or pregnancy? You may have excess fatty deposits or loose, stretched skin below your navel that will not respond to dieting and exercise. If your lower abdomen appears disproportionate to the rest of your body, a mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, may be your best option for a firmer, flatter abdomen.

Considerations

A mini tummy tuck is less complex than a full tummy tuck because the position of your navel is unaffected and the incisions are typically smaller. Tummy tuck procedures can be performed alone, but are often performed with liposuction to further improve body contours. Individuals considering a tummy tuck should be healthy, relatively fit, and not planning future pregnancies, as this may restretch tightened muscles.

Preparation

Depending on your specific requirements and surgeon’s preference, a mini tummy tuck may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, where the abdominal area is numb, and you are relaxed and comfortable. Alternatively, you may be completely asleep, under general anesthesia. The length of time required for a mini tummy tuck procedure depends on the amount of tissue being removed and whether liposuction is also performed.

Procedure

Your surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic area. The incision is typically made where it is hidden by bathing suits or undergarments, but it is important to realize that you will have a scar. The skin and fat layers that lie above the abdominal wall are separated from the wall using an instrument such as a cautery device. The tissue is then lifted upward toward the navel to expose the abdominal muscles of the lower abdomen. Your surgeon will suture these muscles, pulling them closer together, which creates a flatter, firmer abdominal wall, and a slimmer waistline. Once the muscles are tightened, the layer of skin and fat will be stretched back over the abdominal wall and excess skin and fat that hang beyond the original incision are removed. Drainage tubes will likely be placed in the abdomen through tiny holes below the incision, allowing fluids to escape as you heal. The incisions will be sutured and bandages will be applied.

Recovery and Results

You will likely need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and provide comfort and support while you heal. Drainage tubes and sutures will typically be removed within a week or two after the surgery. As with any surgery, pain, bruising, and swelling after the procedure are normal, and will typically subside within several weeks. Pain can be controlled with medication if recommended by your surgeon. Your scar will fade considerably over time. You will notice an improvement in the appearance of your abdomen soon after your procedure, and your results will gradually continue to progress. With proper diet and exercise, you can have a firmer, flatter abdomen and start enjoying the new you.