Patients who undergo the procedure known as a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty are overwhelmingly satisfied with their results, says Dr. Eric Chang of Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He sees numerous patients for this procedure and says it can help improve people’s self-image as well as their body contours.
“I’ve had multiple follow-ups with patients who are ecstatic about how much better they look and feel after a tummy tuck,” Dr. Chang says. “Both male and female patients have told me that their new looks boost their confidence and even help them feel healthier.
“This seems to be a trend among patients across the country, judging by the overwhelmingly favorable reviews of abdominoplasty that I’ve been seeing on the RealSelf.com website.”
Dr. Chang describes abdominoplasty as the surgical removal of excess fat and skin from the midsection of the body, along with the tightening of abdominal muscles, which sometimes become stretched as a result of pregnancy or a large weight change.
“The results people see after a tummy tuck can be dramatic, especially for patients who are diligent with their diet and exercise regimens,” Dr. Chang says. “Abdominoplasty can help tighten and flatten the entire abdominal area, creating a narrower, healthier-looking waist.”
Dr. Chang cautions his patients that a tummy tuck is not weight-loss surgery. However, it is often performed in conjunction with liposuction after a person has already lost a large amount of weight in order to improve the look of stretched skin and tissue in the abdominal area that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise.
“Liposuction can frequently be used to enhance the results of abdominoplasty when applicable,” Dr. Chang says. “The best way to determine whether one or both of these procedures is appropriate is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.”
