An abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”) is a surgical procedure that uses precisely designed incisions to remove the excess lower abdominal skin and fat between the belly button and the mons (the fleshy triangle above the genitals). The remaining tissues are tightened in two layers. The scar is horizontal and is located beneath the “bikini” line.

The most common type of tummy tuck tightens the musculature, repositions the umbilicus, and reduces fat in the flanks. The result is a tighter, firmer, and smoother abdominal contour that may help one restore an “hourglass” figure. Close-fitting clothing, undergarments, and swimsuits can often become easier to wear.

A tummy tuck DOES NOT remove fat located inside the abdominal cavity (fat surrounding your internal organs). Therefore, this procedure is less effective in very overweight patients with a barrel or protruding abdominal shape.

Dr. Lachica is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has over two decades of practice.

Dr. Lachica:

• is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• has performed aesthetic surgery during the entirety of his career.
• has devoted a significant component of his career to performing complex reconstruction (including microsurgery) of the extremities, breasts, and trunk.
• applies his accumulated skill and experience to every procedure
• strives to deliver excellent outcomes customized to each patient’s unique goals by using his knowledge of anatomy and aesthetic vision.

Dr. Lachica has received multiple peer-selected awards from Memphis Magazine Top Plastic Surgeons and Castle Connolly America’s Best Plastic Surgeons. He has been recognized by Memphis Health and Fitness Readers’ Choice Best Plastic Surgeons.

His peer-reviewed contributions to the literature appear in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Breast, and Craniofacial Surgery.

I highly recommend Dr. Lachica to anyone looking into having plastic surgery. Dr. Lachica and his staff are very patient, resourceful, and have great communication skills. I am extremely happy with my results!

The Langsdon Clinic has treated me great during each visit I've had with them. Dr. Lachica is really good at his job.

Dr. Lachica does amazing work! He sets appointments prior to your surgery and after to make sure everything is coming along properly. I highly recommend Dr. Lachica to anyone looking to get plastic surgery.

Full Abdominoplasty

A full tummy tuck is for the patient with loose skin and fat above AND below the belly button, flaccid musculature, and a drooping belly button. The patient’s abdominal shape is commonly the result of pregnancy.

The full tummy tuck:

• Removes excess skin and fat located below the umbilicus and above the mons.
• Repositions the belly button to a higher level.
• Tightens the underlying musculature with sutures.
• Scar is from hip to hip (located within the bikini line) and around the belly button.

Mini-Abdominoplasty

A mini tummy tuck is for the patient with loose skin predominantly below the belly button, good musculature, and no belly button “droop.” The patient’s shape is typically the result of weight loss and exercise. The procedure is also for the patient with an unattractive “step-off” or skin fold hanging over a Cesarean Section scar.

• Removes a small amount of loose skin above the mons.
• May release the umbilicus so it doesn’t appear pulled or distorted.
• Tightens the musculature below the belly button, if necessary.
• Scar is generally shorter (no belly button scar).

Lipo-abdominoplasty

The lipo tummy tuck combines abdominoplasty and simultaneous liposuction of the flanks, hips, back (“bra rolls”). The result is an improvement in a circumferentially “sculpted” trunk and hourglass figure.

Mommy Makeover

This procedure combines abdominoplasty and simultaneous breast enhancement (breast lift or augmentation).

Suction Lipoplasty (liposuction alone)

Suction lipoplasty is for the patient with smooth, tight, elastic skin who has minimal fat excess located under the skin. Patients with thin, dimpled, or sagging skin who undergo liposuction may end up worsening their appearance. Many patients who seek liposuction of the lower abdomen are often found to be better candidates for tummy tuck (with or without liposuction).

“T” Abdominoplasty

The “T” tummy tuck is for the patient with massive weight loss, either from diet or surgery. In addition to the standard lower horizontal incision, a vertical incision down the middle of the entire abdomen is added to create horizontal (“corset”) tightening. This procedure removes the maximum amount of loose skin when the additional scar is not a cosmetic concern.

Dr. Lachica knows how to safely remove excess tissue AND how to sculpt what he leaves behind! There are several factors critical to achieving the best possible result for each unique patient:

• Proper use of liposuction in the flanks and hips to complete the sculpting effect and create an hourglass shape.
• Precise design of the incisions to produce a more inconspicuous scar that is strategically located within the bikini line.
• Shaping the belly button scar so that it has a natural appearance.
• Tightening the groin.
• Lifting the “droopy” mons (triangular area above the genitals).

Dr. Lachica’s process involves the following:

• A carefully-designed elliptical (oval) incision to remove excess skin and fat between the belly button and the mons.
• The excess tissue is lifted from the underlying musculature.
• The belly button is relocated to a higher position.
• The musculature is tightened with sutures.
• The remaining tissues are closed in two layers.

If any liposuction is involved, it is performed before the surgical incisions are made. The surgical scar is horizontal, located above the mons, and curved upwards to the hips. It is strategically located beneath the bikini line and allows a two-piece swimsuit to be worn. In some cases, there is a small circular belly button scar that, if needed, can be concealed with a one-piece swimsuit. 

At The Langsdon Clinic, we personalize each abdominoplasty procedure to achieve each patient’s unique aesthetic goals. Dr. Lachica’s approach synergizes with ours.

During your consultation, Dr. Lachica will first ensure that you are a good candidate for surgery. He will understand your goals and recommend the specific abdominoplasty procedure that will produce the best overall aesthetic result in your specific case. He will help you visualize these changes using your preoperative photos and long-term postoperative photos of those he has treated.

Dr. Lachica will design your procedure based on your own unique abdominal anatomy with the goal of producing the best possible aesthetic result with an emphasis on safety.

Absolutely, yes! Men (especially thin, older athletes) also experience changes related to age and weight loss. The usual complaint is loose, sagging lower abdomen skin that obscures the groin and genitals, as well as “love handles.”

Men typically undergo mini-tummy tuck with flank liposuction and a concealed (“Speedo”) scar. The result is total trunk rejuvenation with a more youthful, firm appearance. 

You are a good surgical candidate for a tummy tuck if you have loose, hanging skin and fat on your abdomen AND:

• You are not excessively overweight.
• You do not smoke (or are able to give up smoking for several weeks before and after your procedure.
• Previous abdominal surgery does not exclude you from a tummy tuck! A common reason why women seek surgery is to correct the excess tissue fold over a previous Cesarean Section scar.
• Diabetes does not exclude you from a tummy tuck, although the surgery can be modified to lessen the risk of infection/wound healing issues.

7499 Poplar Pike

Germantown, TN 38138

(901) 755-6465

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