![[List of Procedures]](images/hpmenu2a.jpg)
Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty
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An abdominoplasty in combination with liposuction of the waist and hips yields a flatter abdomen and improved body contour.
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| Removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen with an adominoplasty results in a decrease of two dress sizes. |
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Excess wrinkled skin and fat on the abdomen and/or weakened abdominal muscles caused by pregnancy, aging or significant weight loss. |
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Procedure |
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A bikini incision across the lower abdomen is used. Excess skin and fat are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened. |
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Liposuction is often used with a tummy tuck. |
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Some patients are candidates for the minimal-incision technique. |
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Occasionally this procedure is combined with a thigh lift. |
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Patient goes home wearing a firm elastic garment. A light support garment is recommended for two to three weeks. It may be removed for brief periods to shower. |
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There will be some post-operative discomfort for a few days but it is easily controlled by medication. |
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A firmer abdominal wall, a narrower waistline and a flatter lower abdomen. |
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A more attractive physical shape in and out of clothing. |
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Q.
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I'm 36 years old and have worked hard to lose weight. I'm finally at my goal weight but I'm not at all happy with the way my body looks -- my stomach kind of hangs down and my legs are still too big. | |||||||||||||
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A.
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It sounds as if a combination of procedures would work best for you: a tummy tuck to take care of your stomach stretched by weight gain and loss and liposuction to treat spot areas of fat on the legs and thighs. Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasties, remove the excess skin causing that "hanging tummy" look often caused by pregnancy or weight loss. The procedure also tightens muscles in the middle and lower abdomen. Liposuction can be performed at the same time to remove unwanted fat from the waist, hips, stomach, and thighs. | |||||||||||||
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Q.
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After having three children I can't get a flat stomach back no matter how much I exercise. Should I have a tummy tuck? I don't want the scar to cut across my midriff. Is there any other choice for an incision? | |||||||||||||
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A.
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Many women, such as yourself, have excess fat, loose skin and stretched muscles as a result of childbirth. These problems make you a good candidate for an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. Less extensive abdominoplasties, where less skin and fat need to be excised, can be done with a modified incision which does not cut across the midriff. The use of endoscopic instruments, leaves smaller scars and incisions. | |||||||||||||
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Q.
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I've had two children and I can't recover that taut stomach no matter how much I exercise -- my tummy is loose and flaccid with some extra skin. Should I have a tummy tuck or liposuction? And should I have it done during the summer? I'm a teacher and I have the summer off from classes. | |||||||||||||
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I frequently advise female patients who have had several children to consider a tummy tuck rather than liposuction of the abdomen to bring back that "taut look" to the stomach. With liposuction I can effectively remove fat from the abdomen; only with an abdominoplasty can I tighten those separated muscles resulting from childbirth and excise the loose skin. During the abdominoplasty procedure, I frequently use liposuction as well to remove any unwanted fat. Summer would be an excellent time for you to have either liposuction or an abdominoplasty because you have time off from a very active job. Recovery time for liposuction can be as little as one week, depending upon how much you have done. Many abdominoplasty patients don't return to work for two weeks and don't return to their normal exercise regimen for two months. Teaching a class is physically demanding, as you are on your feet much of the day. You should try to have either of these surgeries in June or July, so that you have the maximum recovery time possible. To determine which procedure is most appropriate in your situation and to allow time for summer scheduling, you should begin the evaluation process as soon as it is convenient. | |||||||||||||
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Q.
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How do you minimize scarring from an abdominoplasty? Does an endoscopic approach limit it? | |||||||||||||
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A.
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An endoscopic abdominoplasty is accomplished with the use of a mini-camera, called an endoscope, attached to the surgical instrument. This type of abdominoplasty is ideal for the patient with good skin tone and moderate abdominal muscle weakness. Incisions are very small compared to a full abdominoplasty where the incision can run from hip bone to hip bone. Not all women are candidates for an endoscopic abdominoplasty. An excess of loose skin requires a larger incision, while skin that is tighter permits the smaller incisions of an endoscopic abdominoplasty. | |||||||||||||
©
1999-2007 Joel Singer - All rights reserved.
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