Stomach Fat Reductions and Scars

Stomach fat reductions, also known as tucks or abdominoplaty, are performed on patients who have done everything that they can to shape their abdominal areas with diet and exercise, but still feel unhappy with the way they look. Two major causes of need for the procedure are pregnancy and aging, both of which cause loss of elasticity in the abdomen. A new development in this area of plastic surgery is an effort to do it without leaving large, prominent scars.

The new reduction procedure is performed for the same reasons and in a similar way to the traditional abdominoplasty. Excess skin and fat are removed from the stomach area, and the muscles in the area are also tightened up. This leaves the stomach with a thinner, more toned appearance.

This particular procedure differs from the usual fat reduction in that the procedure is aimed at leaving no visible scars on the stomach area. In truth, no procedure is completely scarless. This procedure, however, leaves a much smaller, less noticeable scar than traditional ones. A small incision is made vertically across the lower abdomen. Once the procedure is done, the scar is typically covered by underwear or bikini bottoms. The navel (belly button) does not need to be repositioned, and the procedure takes less time than a traditional open procedure. The surgery works best when the area needing correction is limited to the lower abdomen area. Because the scar is intentionally put below the bikini line, the procedure is inadequate at dealing with problems areas high on the abdomen.

There is one other alternative you should consider. The endoscopic fat reduction surgery involves the placement of small surgical instruments into the area through very tiny punctures in the skin. The procedure is an effective way to remove fatty cells throughout the abdomen. It is not, however, an option if the surgery requires the removal of excess skin in the area. In such a situation, you will be required to undergo a more invasive surgery.

Obviously, everyone would like to choose a procedure that leaves no scars if they have the choice. The choice, however, is one that must be made in consultation with your plastic surgeon. There may be medical reasons that limit you to a particular type of procedure and your physician can advise you on those situations.