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tummy tuck

Having a flat stomach and a cinched waist can elude many women. Excess skin and weak abdominal muscles, as well as a straight or “muffin top” waist line can be the product of aging, genetics, childbirth, or weight loss.

For many women, no matter how well you eat or maintain a well-balanced diet, you still have excess skin and weak abdominal muscles. This can be frustrating, as well as make a woman feel less attractive. Abdominoplasty is a great option for many woman.

When our stomachs are not flat, we can feel ashamed if our shirt accidentally lifts up, not want to wear a bathing suit, or fitted clothing. For some women, a tummy tuck can help them build back up their confidence and feel comfortable wearing just about anything.

What is Tummy Tuck Surgery(Abdominoplasty)?

A tummy tuck, technically known as Abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that tightens and removes excess skin, trims fat, and tightens weakened abdominal muscles. This procedure is meant for those that maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, but are unable to gain results from exercise and proper diet.


A tummy tuck will create a flatter, shapelier stomach, with a slimmer waist line. Many women choose to have a tummy tuck in a combination with Liposuction. While a tummy tuck will remove fat, sometimes additional help is needed from Liposuction to remove additional fat deposits in the abdomen. Some women also choose to get Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeover, and Facial Surgery at the same time as a tummy tuck.

Candidates for a Tummy Tuck Procedure

  • Have excess skin around the abdomen
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Given birth
  • Don’t feel comfortable with the appearance of your stomach
  • Understand the realistic results and limitations of a tummy tuck
  • Not planning on becoming pregnant

Types

High-Tension Tummy Tuck

High Tension Tummy Tuck, also known as a high lateral tension tuck, is the most dramatic of the tummy tuck procedures. It creates a “corset” type of look. This is accomplished by tightening the stomach both vertically and horizontally. As well as this tummy tuck will trim excess skin and remove fat. The High Tension Tummy tuck creates “high tension” on both the center of the abdomen, as well as the side of the waist –hence the name.

Male Tummy Tuck

Men also get tummy tucks, however, when a man gets a tummy tuck his procedure differs. Men are not given the cinched waist or “corset” look, even though the High Tension Tummy Tuck is performed. For men, the side of the abdomen is tightened but not pulled in.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Some women don’t need or require a full tummy tuck, in that case a Mini Tummy Tuck might be the right choice. This type of tummy tuck has a very specific target area: loose skin and muscles under the belly button area. The doctor will remove mild excess skin and fat. If this is the only area that is needed, it can produce the results desired.

Traditional Tummy Tuck

The Traditional Tummy Tuck is designed to work on the central abdomen. It will remove excess fat, tighten the central abdominal muscles, and removes fat. This works well for women who have tighter outer abdominal muscles and firm skin on the waist line, as it does not address the horizontal area.

Fleur Des Lys Tummy Tuck

If you have dropped a significant amount of weight on your own or through gastric bypass or Lap Band surgery, a Fleur Des Lys Tummy Tuck may be right for you. It is meant to trim significant excess skin from the abdominal area, while tightening the abdominal muscles and removing fat.

Alternatives to Tummy Tucks

Having a tummy tuck will offer the most dramatic and long lasting results for a contoured stomach. With that said, some patients may not be a good candidate. If that is the case, here are some alternatives to tummy tucks:

Laser Liposuction Tummy Tuck

While a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, the combo of Laser therapy and Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure. Small incisions are made to strategically remove fat, while the laser therapy will help to tighten the stomach muscles. This will create noticeable, but mild results.

Injections

Injections can help dissolve fat and flatten the abdomen. There are different types of injections used that generally contain enzymes and other medications based on your specific needs. This can help those that have a minimally bloated appearance around the stomach.

Thermage

Thermage is a radio frequency that works to tighten up the skin around the muscle. As with Laser therapy, Thermage can be used in combination with Liposuction.

Ultrasound Cavitation

Ultrasound Cavitation uses the time-tested ultrasound therapy to loosen the fat cells, which are then released by your body’s natural lymphatic system. It is completely non-invasive, however results can take time to show.

Body Lift

If you have had a significant amount of weight loss, a body lift can help not only lift, firm, and trim excess skin and fat from the stomach, but also from the buttocks and thighs.

What To Expect During the Consultation

The doctor will show you before and after pictures of different procedures to give you an idea of what can be accomplished. Although, all results are based on the individual, Dr. Silvia Rotemberg will show pictures of men or women with your body type, to give you a better idea of what can be accomplished.

Dr. Silvia Rotemberg will explain the tummy tuck procedure, and the results that can be expected by the procedure. She will thoroughly go over what to do in the days leading up to, the day of, and for the weeks after surgery. The doctor encourages her patients to ask any questions and to bring up any concerns they might have. Her warm and welcoming staff, as well as her open door policy for questions, ensure that all of your questions and concerns are answered.

The doctor will perform a full examination, to determine if you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery. She will also examine the abdomen to determine skin elasticity, excess skin, and muscle strength. At this time, Dr. Silvia Rotemberg will examine the rest of your body to discuss with you any other areas of concern you might have. The doctor will also go over alternatives to tummy tuck surgery.

Procedure

The tummy tuck procedure itself will depend on whether your abdominoplasty is high tension, mini, traditional, or Fleur Des Lys. However, all the procedures take about three to four hours, unless you add additional procedures.

You will be given a local or general anesthesia, and then the incision will generally run from hip to hip. First, the belly button is removed, then Dr. Silvia Rotemberg will remove the excess skin, tighten the abdominal muscles, remove fat, and then replace the belly button. Drainage tubes will be inserted to let excess fluid drain. Depending on how you scar, you may receive extra deep sutures that dissolve in the body. Dressing will be placed on the area of incision to protect you from infection.

Most patients are sent home the same day after surgery.

Before & After Photos

Recovery

Giving yourself appropriate rest after abdominoplasty surgery is necessary. Dr. Silvia Rotemberg will create a personalized recovery schedule for you, with what to expect, and how to help ensure a quick healing period.

Recovery time is based on each person. The varying time it takes to heal can be due to age, body type, and how you handle surgery. With that said, most people will be able to return to most normal activities within two weeks. However, there are still limitations up to six weeks, and for some patients even longer.

After an abdominoplasty cosmetic procedure you will want to stay in a seated position, either in bed, on chair, or on the sofa, when you are not sleeping. This will help relax the tightened muscles. You will want to use ice pack to bring down the swelling and reduce bruising. It is important to note that bruising and swelling and a tingling feeling in the abdomen are normal, that you should still consult with Dr. Silvia Rotemberg or her knowledgeable staff with any concerns.

As with all medical procedures, you will want to avoid Aspirin and alcohol, as they can prolong and increase bruising. You will also want to limit physical activity, avoid lifting heavy objects, and sleep on your back.

Just as with her consultation, Dr. Silvia Rotemberg wants all of her patients to address any concerns they may come across during the recovery process. Within one week of surgery, you will have a follow-up visit with the doctor. She will examine the area, consult on your overall health, and ask you if you have any questions. She may also, based on your individualized assessment, give further instructions.

Cost

The costs of an abdominoplasty procedure can vary due to which tummy tuck is appropriate for you, if you require Liposuction, and or other procedures at the same time. Dr. Silvia Rotemberg will go over all costs at your consultation.