If you are in generally good physical condition but are concerned about abdominal fat deposits and loose skin that do not respond to diet and exercise, an abdominoplasty by Dr. Brown in San Francisco can potentially reduce or even eliminate your protruding abdomen. You will look slimmer, fitter, and be altogether healthier.

Commonly referred to as a "tummy tuck," abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen. The procedure also helps to flatten the abdomen by tightening the abdominal muscles. It can be particularly beneficial to women who have stretched abdominal areas due to previous pregnancies, though Dr. Brown usually recommends that female patients complete their childbearing before considering abdominoplasty surgery. Older individuals whose skin has lost some of its elasticity and are overweight can also benefit.

Abdominoplasty surgery begins with an incision in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic region. Extra skin and fat are then removed from the lower and middle abdomen up to the level of the belly button. The belly button is left attached to the abdominal wall. The surgeon then lifts the skin and fat from the abdominal muscles up to the level of the lower ribs. The two muscles (rectus abdominus) of the abdominal wall are stitched together underneath the skin, narrowing the waist and making the abdominal muscles much, much firmer. The surgeon pulls down the abdominal skin and then makes a small incision though the wall and pulls the bully button out. The patient has a slimmer, trimmer midsection after abdominoplasty. Although the scar from the incision is permanent, it will fade considerably over time and is located so low on the abdominal wall that it is easily hidden by underwear.

Although all abdominoplasty surgeries differ, there are two common types: a complete abdominoplasty and a partial abdominoplasty (often called a "mini tummy tuck"). Complete abdominoplasty surgery usually benefits patients with an excess of loose skin and weak abdominal muscles. Mini tummy tuck surgery is designed to help those patients who have weak muscles (muscle diastasis) of the lower abdominal wall and little extra abdominal skin.

Patients with muscle laxity extending beyond that, however, would be candidates for a full abdominoplasty. In your consultation Dr. Brown will help you decide which option is right for you.

Dr. Brown is a double-board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco specializing in both mini and complete tummy tuck surgeries. To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss abdominoplasty with Dr. Brown, please contact our San Francisco office today.

View photos of Dr. Brown's Bay Area and San Francisco abdominoplasty patients.