When it comes to making a decision about having abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck) at my Champaign practice, we like to stress the idea that before-and-after pictures are quite important because they are representative of good results. When considering this procedure, make sure you ask to see before-and-after photographs of patients who had the same kind of issue that you have and whose surgery was done by the surgeon that you are considering.

In consultations in Bloomington and Champaign for tummy tuck surgery, we find the common reasons for seeking the procedure to be a large, flaccid stomach; loose skin and/or stretch marks throughout the lower abdominal area; the formation of an apron after weight loss or pregnancies; and contour deformities of the stomach, including the navel and surrounding tissue.

While the best candidate for tummy tuck surgery is a patient who is at or near his or her normal weight, we find that patients who are somewhat overweight tend to achieve very good results. In consultation with our patients in our offices in the central Illinois area, we stress that realistic expectations are quite important in the sense that abdominoplasty is not going to drastically reduce the weight of a person. In general, an active lifestyle, the correct diet and exercise are excellent companions for an expected good result.

A common request in my practice of cosmetic plastic surgery in Champaign and central Illinois is for a “Mommy Makeover” procedure. This involves doing an abdominoplasty and a breast augmentation or breast lift at the same time. This procedure is popular after pregnancy and breastfeeding, since pregnancy tends to significantly alter the tissues within the abdomen and breasts. The Mommy Makeover’s ability to solve abdominal and breast problems at the same time has been very valuable to our patients seeking breast surgery in Bloomington and Champaign.

As patients visit my practice with questions about how they can contour their bodies, I’ve noticed there is some confusion regarding which procedures are most likely to achieve the desired results. I recommend that tummy tuck patients in San Jose take time before choosing their surgery to consider exactly what they want to achieve.

Tummy tuck surgery differs from liposuction in that it targets only the abdomen and is typically more extensive. I recommend tummy tucks for patients who want to restore their bodies after pregnancy or who have lost significant amounts of weight and want to get rid of excess abdominal skin. While liposuction can remove small pockets of fat, it is not designed to tighten skin or remove stretch marks.

One of the main concerns of tummy tuck patients is what the recovery process will be like. Although the amount of time needed to recover depends on the extent of the surgery, it’s important that patients get an estimate from their doctor before the surgery and set aside a realistic recovery period. Failing to do so could lead to complications or unsatisfactory results.

Even though it is a major procedure, Tummy Tuck surgery is a great option for patients who are mentally and physically ready. If you think this may be the solution you’re looking for, I recommend talking with a qualified surgeon to learn more about what’s involved.

For men and women considering a tummy tuck in Seattle, I offer two types: mini and traditional. How do you know which is right for you?

Here are the differences between the two types:

• Most of us gain a few pounds – or lose a few pounds – during the course of our lives, and our bodies usually adjust to those weight fluctuations. For some, though, no amount of exercise or diet can correct the sagging, bulges and tummy pooch that may result. In such cases, if the excess skin and fat are only in the lower portion of the abdomen, I can perform a mini tummy tuck. Because this procedure requires a shorter incision and leaves the belly button intact, the recovery time is shorter.
• Transitions such as significant weight loss or pregnancy can result in lax abdominal muscles, excess fat deposits and loose skin throughout the midsection. In such cases, a traditional tummy tuck is most appropriate. Although this procedure is more extensive, involving an incision from hip to hip and sometimes repositioning the belly button, it’s the best way to achieve that firm, flat stomach we all want.

In the days leading up to their procedures, we get many questions from our cosmetic surgery patients in Virginia. Liposuction, tummy tuck and breast augmentation all bring up a number of concerns, and we welcome patients’ inquiries about every detail. The procedure that generates the most questions is breast revision, since patients are attempting to correct a previous procedure that was either unsuccessful or unsatisfactory.

Here are some common concerns we hear from breast revision patients:

Concern: What if I’m still unsatisfied with my results after surgery or they look worse than before?

Choosing a qualified surgeon can greatly increase your chances of having a successful surgery. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon is a good way to ensure that your doctor has undergone extensive, high-quality training.

Concern: I’m worried that my results will look too plastic or unnatural. How can I avoid this?

Surgeons can address specific areas of the breasts to minimize scarring and create a natural looking appearance. Also, choosing an implant size that creates a beautiful yet subtle enhancement can help you avoid a “plastic” look.

Concern: I don’t want to think about future complications. Should I have my implants removed?

Luckily, advances in technology and techniques have paved the way to safe and long-lasting implants. Your surgeon can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each type of implant and help you to make the best choice for you.

During your consultation, you can discuss other possibilities, such as combining your breast revision in Virginia with a tummy tuck.

One key to any successful surgery is the patient’s willingness to openly discuss concerns regarding the procedure. Before performing liposuction in Irvine, I take time to answer any and all questions.

Here are some common concerns I’ve heard from liposuction patients:

Concern: What will happen if I gain weight before or after my liposuction procedure?

Answer: If a patient gains a significant amount of weight between the consultation and the procedure, results might not match the goals set during the consultation. Although liposuction permanently removes fat cells, a healthy and active lifestyle must be maintained following the procedure to experience long-lasting results.

Concern: How long will recovery take, and what kind of results can I expect?

Answer: Recovery time depends on the extent of a patient’s procedure, but most people are able to return to work within a few days or a week. Liposuction should not be used as a tool for major weight loss, but patients with realistic expectations can expect to see a more contoured appearance.

Concern: Can I combine liposuction with other treatments?

Answer: Liposuction is an excellent procedure to combine with other treatments. I commonly perform liposuction for Orange County tummy tuck patients and for people interested in removing fat from around the neck during a face lift or neck lift.

Liposuction is an excellent way for people to remove excess pockets of fat from the body. Advances in technology have created a range of techniques and options to choose from, reducing the need for concern.

There are many options for men and women who want to improve their abdominal contour. A tummy tuck in Baltimore is one of the most effective ways to both tighten the abdominal wall and remove excess skin and fat. This procedure is ideal for individuals who have lost firmness in their midsection due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, and can be customized to the level of correction needed. I often perform two variations on this very popular procedure: a full and a mini tummy tuck.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck procedure targets the lower portion of the abdomen only, and is not as extensive as a full tummy tuck. This technique is best suited for men and women who only have a small amount of lax abdominal skin and minimal abdominal protrusion. Benefits of a mini tummy tuck include:

• Better abdominal tone
• Reduced scarring
• Shorter recovery time

Traditional Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is not necessarily the right solution for everyone. A full tummy tuck may be necessary for individuals with a significant amount of lax skin in their stomach area, or whose abdominal muscles have been severely stretched. This procedure, which tightens the entire abdominal wall, usually requires repositioning of the belly button. Advantages of a full tummy tuck include:

• More dramatic improvements
• Tightening of the entire abdomen
• A flatter, firmer torso

Important Considerations

Although liposuction can be used to remove excess fat during a tummy tuck, it’s important to be at a stable, healthy weight before undergoing surgery. Additionally, women who plan to become pregnant should wait until they are finished having children before choosing this procedure. Those who have already had tummy tuck surgery are advised to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to ensure the longevity of their results.

Excess abdominal fat around the midsection, often referred to as a “spare tire”, can be very difficult to reduce through diet and exercise alone. In some cases, plastic surgery near Naperville may be the only way to achieve a slimmer, flatter stomach.

Why Exercise Won’t Always Work

After pregnancy, weight loss, or even aging, the abdominal skin loses elasticity and goes lax. Once the skin is stretched and becomes loose, even a healthy exercise routine including sit-ups and cardiovascular activity cannot restore the abdomen to its original state. Only surgical procedures such as tummy tuck are able to firm the torso and remove extra skin.

Liposuction

Liposuction is very effective for someone who wants to remove stubborn fat deposits such as “love handles.” At my practice, I usually perform the “tumescent technique” for liposuction procedures– which involves the use of a sterile solution containing a local anesthetic (to enhance comfort) and adrenalin (to shrink capillaries). This approach helps minimize blood loss and bruising, and allows for more effective fat removal.

Liposuction is a great option for men and women who have good skin elasticity and who do not suffer from excess abdominal skin. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, liposuction can offer long-lasting results.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is popular among those who want to not only remove fat, but also improve the abdominal contour or remove scars below the belly button. For the appropriate candidate, liposuction can sometimes be used to suction out extra fat cells and the abdominal muscles are tightened. Tummy tuck surgery can be customized for the level of correction needed in each individual.

To remove a “spare tire,” I often perform a circumferential tummy tuck procedure that includes an incision around the waistline. This will help to narrow the waist and sculpt a more flattering silhouette while also improving the abdominal contour.

The plastic surgeons who are developing advanced techniques for procedures like tummy tuck aren’t just concerned about improving the results or the efficiency of current techniques—they’re looking to enhance your comfort and convenience after surgery as well. One of the more recent advancements to tummy tuck surgery has been the incorporation of a new stitching technique that allows plastic surgeons to securely close the incisions and eliminate space for fluid accumulation after surgery. With this technique, some of my patients require no drains after abdominoplasty in Chicago, which makes their recovery simpler and faster.

The “Quilting” Stitch

A drain-free abdominoplasty is made possible by the quilting sutures (also called “progressive tension sutures,” is a newer suturing technique that eliminates the “dead space” created by the surgery. This suture helps close the space between the skin and the abdominal muscle framework, where, historically, fluid can accumulate after surgery and cause swelling and discomfort (and even potential infection) in addition to slowing down recovery. To get rid of this uncomfortable fluid, plastic surgeons traditionally use drains, which need to be removed several days – and sometimes up to a week – after surgery. Many surgeons place these through the pubic area (which we generally avoid), which can be a source of a majority of the patient’s post-op discomfort, and also leave extra scars (which can be more obvious with today’s grooming trends). However, with the quilting stitch – which is preventative in nature – there is less space for fluid to accumulate, so no drains are required, which simplifies your post-operative recovery period greatly. An additional benefit of quilting sutures is that it can enhance abdominal contour definition (especially in thinner patients), and there is even a suggestion among the experts that this technique increases blood flow to the edges of the skin (which theoretically improves healing and therefore scarring), diminishes the risk of venous clots in the legs, and allows patients to stand upright earlier.

Your No-Drain Recovery

Even with the no-drain technique, it’s important to remember that, although you won’t require drains, it’s essential that you wear a compression garment (such as an abdominal binder) to further diminish swelling. Compression garments help minimize swelling (and speed its resolution) by discouraging fluids from accumulating, and when worn for the recommended time, can help with healing.

If you’re interested in learning more about a no-drain abdominoplasty, I recommend that you speak with a plastic surgeon who offers the technique. While this technique may not be ideal for every tummy tuck candidate, it’s important to at least ask your surgeon about it; he or she can help you decide if this approach is right for you.

If you’re considering body contouring for your midsection, you are probably thinking about two different options: tummy tuck and liposuction. In Omaha NE, patients consulting me about these procedures often are not clear about how to decide which is more appropriate. Here is some helpful information in determining the right procedure for you.

If you have areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, liposuction may be the way to reshape those trouble spots. I usually recommend liposuction for my patients who are already near or at their target weight and who follow a healthy diet and exercise program. Although this body contouring procedure can remove excess fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, and upper arms, liposuction does not remove excess skin or tighten lax abdominal muscles.

In contrast, if you are concerned about excess skin and lax abdominal muscles in addition to fat in the midsection, a tummy tuck may be more appropriate. At my practice, we offer two options in this category: a mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, and a full tummy tuck. The first body contouring procedure is suited to you if you have a small to moderate amount of excess skin and fat in the lower part of your abdomen. A full tummy tuck, in contrast, can remove excess fat and skin above and below the navel while tightening the underlying muscles in the abdomen.

Make sure to discuss your goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon. By taking the time for that consultation with a specialist, you will acquire the information you need to choose the appropriate procedure for you.

Women and men often consider tummy tuck in Indiana to achieve flat and toned abdomens. Learning more about this procedure can help you decide if it’s right for you.

After performing a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin. In addition, if the patient has lax abdominal muscles, the surgeon repairs weakened abdominal muscles. Depending on your condition, the procedure may involve an additional incision around the navel to reposition your belly button.

During your consultation, your surgeon will explain what to anticipate during your recovery. In general, it is recommended that you rest and limit your movements after the procedure. You may have some swelling and pain, which typically is managed with prescription medication.

You will wear bandages to protect the incisions as well as a compression garment, which will support your abdomen as you heal. After a period of time determined by your surgeon, you will return to have your stitches removed.

Most patients can return to all of their regular activities about 6 weeks after surgery. However, there may be some restrictions required, depending on your surgery and healing process. Be sure to talk with your surgeon to make sure you understand the precautions you should follow.