Traditionally, an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck was primarily a surgical procedure where excess skin and fat was removed from the lower abdomen. While this prinicple still applies, modern techniques utilize liposuction or liposculpture to shape the entire waist and torso.
Lipoabdominoplasty by Dr. John Burns. All patients are unique and results may vary.
A traditional tummy tuck follows the following basic tenants:
- Removal of skin and fat from the belly button to the pubic area
- Tightening of the abdominal muscles
- Careful positioning and insetting of the belly button
Without liposuction to complement a tummy tuck there can be significant fat left behind which results in the follow aesthetic concerns:
- Size thickness mismatch between the upper flap and the lower incision resulting in an overhang at the incision and/or an unfavorable scar
- Too much fat on the upper flap which limits its stretch and forcing the incision to be raised higher on the abdomen and become more visible
- Excess fat in the upper abdomen and flanks areas results in lack of muscle definition to the abdomen and and lateral fullness; "muffin top"
- Posterior fullness where an hourglass shape is not accomplished and the buttock curve not accentuated
Lipoabdominoplasty by Dr. John Burns. All patients are unique and results may vary.
Lipoabdominoplasty begins with precise liposuction to remove fat from the entire abdomen and flank or love handle areas prior to skin and fat being removed. Recently, advanced liposuction techniques use ultrasound or VASER to break up or liquify fat fat prior to removal and create internal heat that tightens the skin and tissue. VASER is an anachronism which stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance which is descriptive for ultrasound. Vaser allows for less traumatic removal of fat and an overall smoother result. Advanced techniques such as "etching" of the abdominal wall to enhance muscle definition are also possible using Vaser technology. Vaser is also associated with less pain, bruising, and swelling which makes the recovery process much easier.
The lipoabdominoplasty result is enhanced by proper recovery protocols. Compression garments provide support and allow the skin to smoothly adhere to the underlying muscles and help to prevent contour irregularities. Post surgery lymphatic massage or Endermologie helps the body to remove and eliminate inflammation, fluid, and swelling and also help with skin tone and smoothness. With proper care, the recovery process is much easier as bruising, swelling, and pain can be treated and alliviated.
Lipoabdominoplasty by Dr. John Burns. All patients are unique and results may vary.
In summary, the results with lipoabdominoplasty are far superior to what can be obtained with simple excision surgery. Paying careful attention to the liposuction part of the procedure, using state-of-the-art VASER technology, allows sculpting of the abdomen and waist giving a beautiful, natural, and enhanced result.
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Dr. John L. Burns, Jr., MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and President of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute is a world renowned cosmetic breast and body surgeon. A national authority on lipoabdominoplasty, high definition ultrasound assisted liposuction, and a bikini incision tummy tuck.