Remove excess fat and skin from your stomach with abdominoplasty surgery
Body changes caused by pregnancy or extreme weight changes often result in troublesome excess fatty tissue and skin folds in the lower abdominal region. For many men and women no amount of diet and exercise addresses loose hanging skin, so many people turn to a surgical technique known as abdominoplasty.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure to tighten the abdominal support mechanisms and remove excess skin folds. Repair of the muscular structures is usually carried out at the same time.
Tummy Tuck
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Who Is A Candidate For A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?
- Weight loss
- Pregnancy
- Loose skin that has been overstretched
- Weak abdominal muscles
For those who have experienced massive weight loss, their alternative to loose overhanging skin is surgery. A tummy tuck first tightens the muscles in the abdominal wall and then removes excess fatty tissue and skin. Patients that have stabilized their weight loss program and feel that they are at an ideal weight are the best candidates for a tummy tuck.
During your private consultation, you will be asked your goals and expectations of the surgery. The surgeons at Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery will assess the nature of your abdomen, your expectations, and explain the probable outcome of your procedure. You will be shown before and after photographs with similar abdomens, and your surgeon will explain the treatment and the results you can expect to achieve. Before and after photographs will be taken of your abdomen to document your improvement.
Many patients combine their tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures including, as liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction surgery.
How Is A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Performed?
There are three basic techniques used to flatten a protuberant abdomen. The best technique for you will largely depend on your goals and anatomy. Dr. Chernoff will discuss these details with your during your consultation and he will advise what surgical procedure will best address your body shaping goals.
Liposuction alone can produce a thin abdominal wall for some. If your laxity and excess skin are below your navel, a mini tummy tuck may be right for you. For those with severe laxity of their abdominal muscle or excessive skin, a full tummy tuck may be their only solution.
Equally suitable for both men and women, abdominoplasty takes about 2 hours and is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Patients normally stay overnight in our surgical center.
- Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck involves an incision around the bellybutton and another incision that runs from hip to hip over the pubic bone. Your entire abdominal wall is tightened with permanent stitches, and the excess skin and fat is removed. A circumferential tummy tuck involves an incision around the entire body with fat and excess tissue being removed in 360 degrees. Discrete scars, which are hidden beneath the bikini line, heal in about 6 weeks, leaving the abdomen taut. - Mini-Tummy Tuck
A mini-tummy tuck is usually performed in conjunction with liposuction of the upper abdomen and the flank areas. With a mini-tummy tuck, a smaller incision is made in your bikini area, and no incision is made around your bellybutton. Dr. Chernoff removes excess skin and fat through this incision. Permanent stitches will also be placed through this incision to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to any surgical procedure, Dr. Chernoff recommends that all our patients read our “Patient Guide for Plastic Surgery”. The guide explains important points that all patients should think about as they are considering a surgical procedure.
What Will My Tummy Tuck Recovery Be Like?
Bed rest is recommended for the first day. Most patients experience some numbness in the area of the abdomen, which may last as long as a year. Any pain or discomfort that follows surgery can be controlled with oral medication. If surgical drains are used, they may remain in place for 3-7 days until discharge fluids decrease. Stitches will be removed in 1-2 weeks. However, bandages may remain in place somewhat longer.
A special abdominal support garment is often necessary for several weeks. There will be some scarring that will fade significantly over time. During your recovery, you must refrain from strenuous activity or lifting. Most patients are able to go back to work within 1-3 weeks, depending upon the degree of surgery. Dr. Chernoff will advise you when you can resume normal activities.
What Results Can You Expect After Your Surgery?
Patients typically see the results of their tummy tuck procedure within 6 months. By this time the swelling will have gone down and scar tissue will be less noticeable. The results of this surgery can be quite dramatic, and patients love their slimmer, trimmer figures, and flatter abdomens.
Why Select Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery Center of Excellence?
Dr. Greg Chernoff is a triple board certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon.
If you are considering body enhancement cosmetic surgery, then you want to find the best breast and body plastic surgeon. Finding the right surgeon can mean the difference between great natural-looking results that you are happy with or less than optimal results.
At Dr. Chernoff’s Cosmetic Surgery Breast and Body Contouring Center of Excellence, you can be reassured that Dr. Greg Chernoff has the appropriate surgical certifications, extensive knowledge, experience, surgical skill and aesthetic vision. He is certified by The American Board of Facial, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Chernoff is a renowned aesthetic surgeon and educator.
You can trust your breast and body surgical enhancement procedures to Dr. Chernoff. He has performed thousands of cosmetic surgeries and procedures for men and women in Indianapolis, IN and the surrounding communities and states for over 30 years.
You only have one body. Be sure to select the most experienced plastic surgeon for your breast and body enhancement procedure so you can look “Your Natural Best!”