THE PROCEDURE: Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
By Dr. Harold Bafitis
Appearance Does Matter! They say that your eyes are the window to your soul, but what about your tummy and torso?
Nothing is as bad, and negative to your overall appearance and ego, than an out-of-proportion torso and lower abdomen. Other people are unfortunately drawn to the defect rather than to the inner beauty of the individual. Compounding this problem is usually an inability to keep your abdomen flat, especially after a full meal; there is a lower abdominal bulge that will not go away, even after a litany of sit-ups. There is usually loose skin with significant stretch marks, especially after pregnancy or previous surgery. Often there is excess fat in the flanks and back, and even a compounding abdominal incisional hernia can all be part of this "tummy" experience so common to women and even showing up in men.
Why circumferential tightening works
Usually removing loose skin alone cannot solve the problems as stated above. To achieve results as seen in these dramatic preop and postop photos, newer and advanced, integrated procedures are employed. Often a "beer belly" as seen above can be completely corrected in a special modified surgery. Often tightening, the abdominal muscles will provide internal support that will last a lifetime. This can be achieved by also correcting any hernias that are present as well as lipoplasty of the anterior and posterior hip rolls and low back. The circumferential contouring can create a dramatic improvement. The last step will also be creating a more natural oval shape to the umbilicus (belly button) which will enhance a natural contour of the abdomen.
CHALLENGES
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) has been noted by many cosmetic plastic surgeons to be among the most difficult surgeries. With the newer techniques, even correction of "beer bellies" can be improved dramatically. The patient must trust the artistry and scientific technique of the surgeon to create a sculpture that will look natural and age well. Dr. Harold Bafitis, a local cosmetic surgeon in Palm Beach, has a national reputation when it comes to plastic surgery. Dr. Bafitis has led teaching conferences at national cosmetic plastic surgery meetings; he shared his technique of abdominoplasty as well as integrated rhinoplasty over the last 12 years. He has performed live surgery on close circuit TV with literally hundreds of cosmetic surgeons and resident plastic surgeons in attendance. Dr. Bafitis has hosted local teaching seminars, including techniques that improved previously operated noses, facial reshaping and improvement in the more difficult abdominoplasty cases.
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