Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

One of the most significant changes of self-image that occurs as a result of child bearing is the loss of a smooth abdominal contour. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles stretch and become separated. The skin and underlying connective tissue also stretches. The overall result is the characteristic “pooch” or pannus of skin, connective tissue and fat. Some patients have more fat in the abdominal pannus, and other patients have more skin laxity (stretch marks). Whatever the combination, there is a set of procedures designed to restore a youthful and attractive abdominal contour.

The abdominoplasty comes in many varieties, and each is designed to address a certain problem. We will work with you, examining you and your pre-operative photographs, and together we'll come up with a customized surgical plan to restore your youthful shape.

It must be emphasized that, like liposuction, an abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. In fact, surgical results are ideal in women that have maintained some abdominal wall muscular strength and are close to their ideal body weight. Also, if you plan to become pregnant in the future, hold off on this procedure until you have completed bearing children.

The procedure is always done under a general anesthetic. In most cases, you will be admitted to an overnight care facility where you can be monitored. You will be asked to resume a light, non-weight bearing activity schedule (such as walking) the day after surgery. This reduces your risk for deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and speeds your recovery. You also will be asked to wear a light compressive garment (such as a garment made of Spandex) post operatively for two weeks.
Dr. Sattler has experience with a variety of abdominoplasty procedures, and it is a special topic of interest to him.