What Abdominoplasty Do I Need?

There are two major life changes that can have a big impact on a person’s body: pregnancy and massive weight loss following bariatric surgery or diet and exercise. While giving birth and dropping a significant amount of weight are both proud milestones, the impacts of having done both can sometimes take a toll on the body.

For women who’ve given birth, they often suffer from loose, separated muscles on the tummy (diastasis recti) as well as extra skin. While individuals who’ve experienced dramatic weight loss may not suffer muscle separation, they often suffer from excess, drooping skin as well.

If you’re fed up with the appearance of your midsection, a tummy tuck may offer the solution you’re looking for. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can significantly improve the shape and tone of the abdominal region when dieting and exercise simply isn’t enough. The procedure is ideal for individuals who suffer from extra fat, loose skin and weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

Am I A Candidate?

Because it’s a highly individualised procedure, a tummy tuck may not be suited for everyone. Prior to surgery, Dr Beldholm meets one-on-one to examine, discuss general health as well as surgery expectations.

Good candidates for abdominoplasty generally are those who:

• are physically healthy
• have maintained a stable weight
• have realistic expectations
• are non-smokers
• are genuinely bothered by the appearance of your abdomen

What Type Do I Need?

Believe it or not, not all tummy tucks are created equal. Because every patient is different, the type of tummy tuck technique performed may also vary. During your consultation, Dr Beldholm will recommend the type of tummy tuck to help you achieve your desired outcome and create natural-appearing results with the least amount of scarring possible. Below, we’ve included the three types of tummy tucks Dr Beldholm most often performs.

1. Mini VASER Liposuction abdominoplasty

Dr Beldholm refers to this operation as the mini Lipo-abdominoplasty. This technique solely addresses the abdomen below the navel. It targets the small “pooch” that many women get—especially those who’ve had a C-section and suffer from skin hanging over the scar. During the procedure, extensive VASER liposuction is performed on the full abdomen and sides in order to tighten the lower abdomen. The scar is usually found in the underwear line extending from hip to hip. The navel is not repositioned during this technique. The good news is that the recovery is usually very quick and can be performed as a day stay operation. Full recovery generally takes about two to four weeks post-surgery.

*Results vary

2. Full VASER Liposuction abdominoplasty

Dr Beldholm refers to this operation as the full Lipo-abdominoplasty. This is the most common abdominoplasty that Dr Beldholm perform. It treats loose skin on the entire stomach as well as muscle separation and excess fat. The operation involves, repositioning the navel, tightening the rectus abdominis muscles, extensive VASER lipo of the abdomen and sides, and the tightening and removal of excess skin. The incision extends just past the hip bones. This procedure is typically performed as an overnight stay operation. Most patients are able to go home the following day. Full recovery takes about six to eight weeks.

3. Extended VASER Liposuction abdominoplasty

Dr Beldholm refers to this operation as the extended Lipo-abdominoplasty. The main difference between the extended and the full Lipo-abdominoplasty, is the extent of the lower abdominal skin resection, extending around the hips. This is an extended VASER liposuction tummy tuck that involves: repositioning the navel, tightening the rectus abdominis muscles, extensive VASER liposuction of the tummy and sides, tightening and removal of excess skin. The incision extends around the sides of the abdomen. The recovery is similar to the standard Lipo-abdominoplasty.

*Results vary

4. Body Lift

This procedure is ideal for patients who’ve lost a significant amount of  weight through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery. This operation eliminates loose, hanging skin that many patients suffer from after reaching their weight loss goals. A body lift may include the abdominal area, buttocks and thighs.

5. VASER Liposuction

This procedure is ideal for patients who have good skin quality, very little loose skin and no stretch marks. Unlike traditional lipo, this procedure results in less bruising, faster recovery and smoother results. The procedure is tissue-selective, targeting fat while protecting other tissues from damage. It’s powerful enough to eliminate substantial areas of fat but gentle enough to treat delicate areas such as the face, neck and arms.

Improvement in Abdominoplasty

Without a doubt, today’s tummy tuck procedure is much different than the first procedures performed more than a century ago by French surgeons. The lipo-abdominoplasty that Dr Beldholm performs is a radically different concept to the traditional abdominoplasty.  The technique he uses leads to fewer complications, decreased revision rate and a reduction in the dissatisfaction rate among patients. Replacing the standard liposuction used in lipo-abdominoplasty with VASER liposuction takes this operation to the next level.