Considering Abdominoplasty in 2012?
Did you know that abdominoplasty (commonly called a tummy tuck) is one of the most common and fastest growing cosmetic surgery procedures? With the start of the New Year, thoughts of getting into shape and looking our best definitely take center stage. Just look at the packed parking lot at your local gym! But, what if you don’t get the results you’re hoping to achieve?
Exercising to tone and shape the abdominal muscles and lose fat around the mid-section is a common goal for many. Yet, we don’t all get the same results from the same workout. Factors such as pregnancy, age, gender, diet, and genetics can also play a big part in whether you have those coveted washboard abs or a less than taut tummy.
For some, the solution is abdominoplasty. This surgical procedure, which can be performed on either men or women, removes excess skin and fat from the lower and middle portion of the abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. The result is a dramatically tighter, less protruding mid-region.
Like any plastic surgery procedure, abdominoplasty is not for everyone. The best candidates are those who are in relatively good shape but have loose abdominal skin and/or excessive fat in the middle to lower abdominal region. It’s not for those who are significantly overweight, and it shouldn’t be performed on women who plan future pregnancies.
The surgery itself takes typically between two and five hours. An incision is made just above the pubic bone with a second incision made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall to reveal the abdominal muscles which are tightened by pulling them closer together and stitching them into position. Next, the skin is stretched down, and extra skin is removed. A new hole is made for your navel and stitched into place. The incision is stitched, and dressings are applied. In some cases, a temporary tube is inserted to help drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Most patients are able to return to work after two weeks, with the look of the incision scar minimizing over the next 12 months.
Abdominoplasty produces amazing, long-lasting results for those who maintain their weight with a balanced diet and exercise. Check out these amazing before and after shots of patients of Dr. Shapiro. If you’re considering a tummy tuck and want to discuss this possibility with Dr. Shapiro, contact the office today to schedule a consultation.
