(Abdominoplasty & Panniculectomy)
When diet and exercise fail to achieve the waistline you desire, Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center offers the expertise of plastic surgeons who have perfected procedures to help you attain a flat, well-toned abdomen.
There are variations to the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure:
Experts at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center have advanced training in tummy tuck. When considering tummy tuck, always look for a surgeon with significant experience. A good rule of thumb is to see a surgeon recommended by your primary care doctor, family members or friends who have had a positive experience.
You should feel comfortable with the surgeon. You should ask how many such procedures the surgeon has done, and you should review before and after photographs of their past procedures. Make sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon about their credentials, training and how many procedures they performed.
The ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are those who have a combination of loose or excess skin on their abdomen and/or excess abdominal fat. Almost all women who have had children will also have some degree of abdominal muscle laxity. Any of these conditions, or all three, can be corrected by a tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck surgery is a good option for a patient if:
Panniculectomy candidates typically suffer from obesity, have recently experienced significant weight loss or suffer post-pregnancy issues with excessive fat located below the belly button.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for tummy tuck or panniculectomy is through a consultation with a plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center.
Preparing for your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center will include a discussion with your plastic surgeon about your health, desires and lifestyle.
To ensure the best results from your tummy tuck, be prepared to discuss:
Your Cleveland Clinic plastic surgeon will also:
In a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic hairline. The length of this lower abdominal incision is determined by the amount of excess skin.
The skin is then dissected up toward the rib cage, the muscle is tightened, the belly button is repositioned, and excess skin is removed. Your cosmetic surgeon may also recommend combining liposuction with your tummy tuck for best results. In cases where loose skin extends towards the back, the incision can be lengthened into the back area performing a “circumferential abdominoplasty.”
The tummy tuck procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia and can be performed in an outpatient setting or with a one-night stay at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. The procedure itself requires anywhere from two to four hours to perform. Drains are most often used and are removed several days following the procedure.
Panniculectomy may be performed as a single procedure. The procedure may also be performed with another abdominal surgery, such as a hysterectomy, repair of the abdominal wall or hernia repair. When done alone, the panniculectomy is intended to only remove the overhanging skin and fat (it is not a cosmetic procedure).
The procedure involves an incision just above the pubic area extending outward toward the hips. The length of the incision depends upon the amount of skin to be removed. Depending on the size of the pannus, the naval might get pulled down or completely removed with the panniculectomy. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on these details in your pre-operative consult.
Panniculectomy at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center may be done in an outpatient setting or require an overnight stay, depending on the particular circumstances of your procedure.
There are three different types of tummy tuck procedures offered at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. The degree of loose skin, excess fat or laxity of the stomach muscle (in addition to a full consultation with your plastic surgeon) will determine whether a traditional or complete abdominoplasty, a partial mini abdominoplasty or circumferential abdominoplasty is right for you.
Whether you’re having a partial or complete tummy tuck at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center, the overall result will be a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.
Your final results after the abdominal plastic surgery may be initially hidden by swelling and the inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Your new slimmer profile should begin to be apparent within a week or two following surgery. It may take several weeks or even months to see full results.
The panniculectomy is performed to correct problems, such as recurrent infections under the overhanging skin, back pain caused by skin and fat excess. This procedure is not considered cosmetic and does not address fullness above the belly button.
While it will take a few months after surgery to realize final results, your body’s new contour will be permanent, providing that your weight remains stable. An additional benefit for most patients is that changes in their weight do not result in accumulation in the waist as it did before the procedure.
Following up with a plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center is the best way to ensure long-lasting results from your panniculectomy.
Following your tummy tuck procedure, the incision site will be stitched and bandaged. It’s very important that you follow all your surgeon’s instructions on wearing a garment (if you are given one) and caring for the bandage in the days following surgery. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain.
Tummy tuck procedures are often performed in an outpatient setting or with a one-night stay at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center. If your tummy tuck is completed in an outpatient setting, make sure to bring someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
You will have to severely limit strenuous exercise for four to six weeks as you go through the healing process (in addition to possibly needing to take up to one month off work after surgery to ensure the recovery and results). Your cosmetic surgeon will help you determine a recovery based on your personal situation.
Following a panniculectomy, your surgeon will instruct you on how best to shower and bathe. Use a supportive abdominal garment only if your surgeon recommends it.
You will need to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks, but most people can usually return to work within two weeks of the procedure. Any stitches in the skin are generally removed in about a week. You will also have deeper sutures that dissolve on their own.
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Possible risks of tummy tuck and panniculectomy procedures include:
Insurance rarely covers the cost of elective cosmetic surgery and procedures. Please call 216.444.4004 and ask to speak with one of our financial representatives who can explain payment options, including CareCredit financing.
