On this Page
Many patients see sagging skin and stubborn excess fat on the abdomen, even when they are otherwise at a healthy weight. This can be due to a variety of factors, ranging from the effects of pregnancy to significant weight loss. Whatever the case may be, an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is an effective solution. In Detroit, patients can put their trust in Dr. Rifai for the tummy tuck results they are looking for. Dr. Rouchdi Rifai is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience creating smoother, flatter abdominal areas for tummy tuck patients.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to reduce excess skin and fat in the abdominal area as well as tighten the abdominal muscles. This creates a smoother, more toned, and more athletic look. The surgery is also known as an abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck is a procedure with several benefits. These include:
- Reduced sagging skin
- Reclaimed pre-pregnancy body
- Reduced or eliminated back pain from excess skin
- Youthful appearance
- Eliminated stretch marks
How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between three and four hours to complete. First, Dr. Rifai will make a horizontal incision between the hip bones across the lower abdomen. Through this incision, excess skin is removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened and repaired. Excess fat can also be removed using liposuction. With these steps complete, the incisions are then closed using sutures. Dr. Rifai utilizes advanced techniques and with close attention to detail, scarring should be minimal.
Meet Dr. Rifai
Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon
A talented, board-certified cosmetic surgeon with more than forty years of experience, Dr. Rifai uses only the finest equipment in our clean, state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Rifai knows that taking time to listen and learn about your expectations is essential to giving you the results you want. He will answer your questions and explain the treatment options in detail. Dr. Rifai is devoted to improving the way you look, the way you perceive yourself, and the way others see you.
Meet Dr. RifaiWho is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Most patients who see excess loose skin or fat in the abdominal area are good candidates for a tummy tuck. Tummy tuck patients often also have damaged or weakened abdominal muscles, contributing to the appearance of poor tone and definition in the area. Often, tummy tuck candidates see these issues as a result of pregnancy. Patients may also have excess skin or damaged, weakened abdominal muscles after losing a significant amount of weight or experiencing significant weight fluctuations over time. Finally, the effects of aging can contribute to the skin laxity and stubborn fat deposits common in tummy tuck patients.
Some patients who are initially interested in abdominoplasty may be better suited to other surgical procedures to reach their intended results. One option is liposuction, which is less invasive and suitable for patients dealing with excess fat alone. Another is a mini tummy tuck, which involves less extensive changes and smaller incisions. During your consultation, Dr. Rifai will carefully consider your goals for the procedure and recommend the best options for you.
What Our Patients Say
Recovery After a Tummy Tuck
After a tummy tuck, patients will experience soreness, swelling, redness, and bruising. Compression garments should be worn as directed to minimize swelling, and pain medications may be prescribed to maintain comfort through the healing process. Dr. Rifai will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing following your tummy tuck. Most patients require about a week of downtime after abdominoplasty before returning to work or other normal routines. Additional downtime is required before patients can safely return to strenuous activities such as exercise routines.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about abdominoplasty, schedule a consultation at Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery. Call (248) 723-9370 or contact us online.