Physical Exam in the Tummy Tuck Patient
If there is skin laxity, the lower abdominal skin should be pinched to determine the amount that can safely be excised. If the umbilicus is neither mobile nor ptotic and is not distorted by pinching the redundant infraumbilical tissue, the umbilicus usually does not need to be transposed. Upper and lower abdominal skin laxity with significant umbilical ptosis should be addressed with full abdominoplasty. The amount of lateral and back skin laxity should also be assessed to determine whether a high lateral tension abdominoplasty, abdominoplasty with thigh lift, or circumferential body lift would be appropriate.
Pinching the subcutaneous tissue between thumb and forefinger in various locations helps assess the differences in thickness of the subcutaneous layer. Note any local deposits or differences between left and right.
Dr. Hughes will distinguish between intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat. The relative contribution of subcutaneous fat and intra-abdominal contents to the abdominal contour defect will be assessed and discussed with the patient. Only subcutaneous fat can be remedied surgically. Intra-abdominal fat is not amenable to removal during the tummy tuck procedure.
Dr. Hughes will assess for midline abdominal protuberance in the standing patient. He will ascertain whether the prominence is epigastric, infraumbilical, or both. Dr. Hughes will assess the strength of the abdominal wall musculature as well as diastasis recti and musculoaponeurotic laxity that may be amenable to plication and correction during the tummy tuck.
The abdomen will be palpated for masses, organomegaly, and hernias. If a ventral or umbilical hernia is discovered, Dr. Hughes can usually repair most of these hernias during the tummy tuck.
Browse Beverly Hills and Los Angeles Tummy Tuck Articles at Hughes Plastic Surgery:
Article 1: Goals, History, and Anatomy of the Tummy Tuck
Article 2: Abdominal Wall Anatomy and Physical Exam in the Tummy Tuck Patient
Article 3: Physical Exam in the Tummy Tuck Patient
Article 4: Risks, Limitations, Good and Bad Candidates for Tummy Tuck
Article 5: Subgroups of Tummy Tuck Patients
Article 6: Operative Details and Safety in the Tummy Tuck
Article 7: Mini Tummy Tuck, Short Scar, and Standard Tummy Tucks
Article 8: Postoperative Management and Complications in Tummy Tuck
About Dr. Kenneth Hughes
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · Hughes Plastic Surgery
- Board certification
- American Board of Plastic Surgery (verify)
- Education and training
- Honors Degree, Harvard University (1999)
- Plastic Surgery Aesthetic Fellowship, Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship, Harvard Medical School
- BA, cum laude in Biology, Harvard University (1995–1999)
- MD, cum laude, University of Alabama School of Medicine (1999–2004)
- Residency, Integrated General Surgery and Plastic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center (2004–2010)
- Fellowship, Plastic Surgery, Harvard Medical School (2010–2011)
- Memberships
- Alpha Omega Alpha (2004)
- Awards
- Harvard College Merit Scholarship (1995-1999)
- Research Scholars Program, National Institutes of Health (2000)
- Top 10% on General Surgery Residency Exam (2006)
- Clinical Trial Research Grant, Harvard Medical School (2010-2011)
- Best Plastic Surgeon in Los Angeles, California Magazine (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- Alpha Omega Alpha, top 10 in medical school
- State Merit Scholarship, top 10 students in state (2000–2004)
- Ann Margaret-Clark Merit Scholarship (2003–2004)
- Clarence-Clapper Merit Scholarship (2002–2003)
- Madison County Scholarship, #1 student (2000–2002)
- Russell Merit Scholarship (2000–2001)
- Chief Resident (2009–2010)
- NPI
- 1801926761
