Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, often called a "tummy tuck," is a popular procedure used to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles.

Our doctors have been performing tummy tucks with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under our doctors' exceptional care. At Geisinger, our board certified plastic surgeons offer a wide variety of abdominoplasty procedures.

Customized Treatment for Optimal Cosmetic Results

We take the time during every pre-operative consultation to learn what patients want to achieve from a tummy tuck for their bodies, their lifestyle, and for their self-confidence. By listening to what patients have to say and closely examining them rather than performing a one-size-fits-all procedure on every person, we provide patients with a completely customized treatment that takes into account their specific goals.

Once you meet with your surgeon and discuss the results you hope to achieve, your surgeon will explain your abdominoplasty options. The type of abdominoplasty recommended for you largely depends on the amount of excess fat and skin and the area where this excess fat and skin are located. Other factors to consider when selecting your abdominoplasty procedure may include cost, recovery time, scarring, anesthesia, and where the procedure will be performed. Minimal abdominoplasties are performed on an outpatient basis and patients can go home the same day. More extensive abdominoplasty procedures, such as the corset abdominoplasty or the circumferential abdominoplasty, may require an overnight stay in the hospital.

Tummy Tuck Procedures

Standard Tummy Tuck: A standard tummy tuck may take two to five hours and is performed under general anesthesia. This procedure may be performed on an in-patient or outpatient basis, depending on the complexity of your surgery and your doctor's recommendation.

Partial Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck): Partial abdominoplasty, or "mini tummy tuck", is similar to the standard tummy tuck procedure, except it involves a shorter incision. This procedure is ideal for patients who need just a little improvement in order to reach their desired results.

Panniculectomy: A panniculectomy is typically performed after major weight loss and is usually performed for medical reasons. This surgery removes the large overhang of skin in the lower abdomen, which is oftentimes referred to as an apron, panniculus or pannus. A panniculectomy will not provide cosmetic results, but this surgery may be beneficial for patients who suffer from chronic and frequent skin conditions like cellulitis, skin ulceration, intertrigo, intertriginous dermatitis, skin necrosis, or inflammation of subcutaneous fatty tissue.

Corset Abdominoplasty

Corset abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the size of the waist and creates an hourglass figure through the placement of permanent sutures that draw the waist inward. The muscles of the abdomen are naturally very close together. But with age, weight gain and pregnancy, they gradually separate, leaving the abdominal wall thin and weak in between the muscles. By suturing these muscles back together side to side from the pubic area up to the breastbone, the tightness and strength of the abdominal wall are restored.

After undergoing this procedure, patients can enjoy a flatter, slimmer stomach that produces the hourglass appearance many women desire. Corset abdominoplasty is not recommended for patients who plan on becoming pregnant at any time after surgery, as it can significantly affect the results of procedure and leave women with deformed abdominal contour.

To learn more about corset abdominoplasty, please call us today to schedule a consultation and find out if this procedure is right for you.

With the Corset Abdominoplasty, the patient enjoys:

Single-stage procedure (done in one surgical setting) with no overnight hospital stay, providing the patient is in good health. Traditionally, multiple surgical procedures would be required to provide the contouring results seen with this technique.

Significantly pleasing body contouring with enhanced trunk sculpturing.

Completely flattened abdomen.
Full-length contoured waistline (corset effect)
Increased waist-to-hip definition

Safe and reliable results.

Decreased incidence of tissue breakdown due to the skin being pulled together for closure (no undermining as in traditional techniques). The excess surrounding skin (flank/back) is being stretched to replace the resected skin.
Very high patient satisfaction with contouring results

Recovery after Tummy Tuck

After surgery, compression garments are worn and a temporary tube may be inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months. You should limit strenuous activities for at least six weeks, and may need to take off from work for up to a month. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for your individual recovery. Following these instructions can help speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of any post-surgery complications.

Tummy Tuck Results

A tummy tuck leaves patients with a flatter, more toned abdominal area that fits the natural contours of your body. It can improve a patient's appearance and confidence by helping them look and feel younger and slimmer. The results of this procedure are visible right away and will continue to improve. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting. Scars should fade with time, leaving your stomach sleeker and more defined than ever before.