What is a high lateral tension abdominoplasty?

A high lateral tension abdominoplasty (HLTA) is a tummy tuck technique that repairs loose abdominal muscles and tightens sagging tissues in the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.

What is the difference between an abdominoplasty and an extended tummy tuck?

An extended tummy tuck is very similar to a regular tummy tuck — sometimes called an abdominoplasty — but instead of just reducing excess skin and fat on the stomach, it also targets the flank area, or love handles, between the waist and hips.

How long does fleur de lis abdominoplasty take?

How long does the Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty take to perform? Depending on the patient’s unique anatomy and level of correction desired, the Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty will take between three and six hours to perform. What is the recovery like, after a Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty?

What is the difference between an abdominoplasty and Panniculectomy?

The biggest difference is the goal of the surgical procedure. A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess fat, skin, and tissue, while a panniculectomy is performed to remove a pannus.

Why is my stomach bigger above my belly button after tummy tuck?

Some tummy tuck patients experience weight gain after surgery and notice increased abdominal fat as a result. The fat tends to appear in the upper part of the abdomen while the lower abdomen remains relatively flat.

Why are some tummy tuck scars high?

Abnormal Tummy Tuck Scars Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that are usually no more than 4 millimeters above the skin. These scars are a result of an overproduction of collagen during the incision healing process due to a person’s skin type or body or infections.

What is the difference between a tummy tuck and a fleur de lis?

During a traditional tummy tuck, your surgeon will make a horizontal incision from hip bone to hip bone. A fleur-de-lis procedure also includes a vertical incision from the bottom of the ribs until the pubic area.

Why do people get fleur de lis tummy tuck?

Both men and women who have a significant amount of skin throughout their stomach can be candidates for the Fleur de Lis tummy tuck. This procedure is designed if you have undergone massive weight loss but still have a lot of loose skin in the upper abdomen that hides your true shape.

Why do I have a muffin top after tummy tuck?

Though its primary function is to tighten the belly, some fat will likely be removed during a tummy tuck. But, if you have a full tummy tuck, in which the incision extends from hip bone to hip bone, you may still find you have fat on your sides or “flanks” and even along the lower back—those pesky muffin tops.

How long does the belly button take to heal after abdominoplasty?

Your doctor should give instructions on how to care for your belly button after a tummy tuck. This may include cleaning the area with warm water or a saltwater solution. It’s normal for the area to look swollen and even a bit crusty after surgery, and it may take as long as 6 months for the belly button to heal.

How painful is an abdominoplasty?

In general, pain is mild to moderate after a tummy tuck. Rarely, pain or sensory abnormalities can persist for months or even years after the procedure. If your pain is severe or persistent, you should tell your healthcare provider.