The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen. As we age, the abdominal area begins to sag with loss of muscle control. Sometimes extra skin and stubborn fat remain after weight loss or pregnancy. The tummy tuck improves the tone and appearance of the abdomen; often Dr. Khalifeh combines this procedure with others to produce a shapelier body contour. A consultation with Dr. Marwan Khalifeh, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, will help you to decide on the type of tummy tuck that you need. Some patients just need excess skin and fat removed below the navel, while others need work over the entire abdomen. Some patients have lost a large amount of weight resulting in a lot of excess skin that needs removal. Your tummy tuck will be tailored to your specific needs. Whether the incision is large as in the extended tummy tuck, or quite small as in the mini tummy tuck, the end result will be a tighter, firmer, better toned abdomen.

The tummy tuck is often performed in conjunction with other procedures. Most patient really want improvements in multiple areas of their bodies and recovery time and cost are less when procedures are combined. For example, there are greater benefits if liposuction is performed at the same time as the tummy tuck. Removing fat from the flanks and hips along with the tummy tuck results in a more contoured and slender body shape.

Dr. Khalifeh frequently combines breast lift surgery (mastopexy) with abdominoplasty. The abdominal issues that are a result of pregnancy are often accompanied by sagging breasts as the mammary glands are replaced with less firm, fatty tissue. The breasts can be lifted for a perkier profile. If breast size is an issue, then breasts can be augmented at the same time. Breast augmentation can be done with fat transfer, saline implants or silicone implants.

Another procedure that men and women in Washington, D.C. or Bethesda, Maryland often want to combine with abdominoplasty is extremity contouring. Leg contouring covers a range of procedures, from liposuction to the removal of excess skin. In some cases, the skin will retract considerably after weight loss and liposuction is beneficial. In other cases, the excess skin must be excised with a thigh lift. The thigh lift, usually involving just the upper thigh, removes both skin and fat from the legs. The underlying muscle and fascia are untouched during this surgery. The arm lift can contour the upper arm area, removing excess skin and fat for a smoother, more toned appearance.

The lower body lift or belt lipectomy is an extensive surgical procedure that dramatically transforms the lower and middle body by combining the tummy tuck with a thigh lift and buttock lift. This surgery usually requires general anesthesia and possibly an overnight stay. Excess skin and fat are removed from the entire midsection of the body.

The combination procedures takes place in Dr. Khalifeh’s accredited surgical center under general or twilight sedation. If an overnight stay is required, Dr. Khalifeh holds privileges at the Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Khalifeh: (301) 244-0148.