Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery
Pittsburgh, PA | Columbus, OH
Having children and becoming a mother is one of the most rewarding experiences a woman can have. However, for many women balancing the exciting demands of motherhood with the lasting-effects of pregnancy on the body can cause feelings self-consciousness and insecurity about the way they look.
For many women, the results of pregnancy are permanent and cannot be changed through diet and exercise. However, The Skin Center Medical Spa in Pittsburgh, PA and Columbus, OH offer tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery to correct post-pregnancy abdominal problems such as:
- Sagging, loose skin on the belly
- Stretch marks below the navel
- Distended abdominal wall
- Unwanted fat accumulation
The result of having tummy tuck surgery is a flat and firm mid-section and a tight and toned abdominal wall, helping to restore a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem with a younger, more flattering appearance.
Learn more about Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery:
About Tummy Tucks or Abdominoplasty Surgery
While tummy tuck surgery is most often performed on women who are finished having children, abdominoplasty can be performed on both women and men who would like to have a smooth, flat and more fit abdominal area. Tummy tucks involve:
- Removing excess skin from the abdomen
- Tightening the abdominal wall with sutures
- Contouring the belly by removing excess fat
Abdominoplasty is often combined with other types of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures to achieve the ideal body contouring result. These cosmetic plastic surgery and body contouring treatments may include:
- Liposuction Surgery
- Breast Enhancement Surgery
- SMARTLipo™ Laser Liposuction
- Arm Lift Surgery
- VelaShape Cellulite Reduction
Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery
The type of tummy tuck performed depends upon the amount of loose skin that needs to be removed and if the abdominal wall needs tightened. Abdominoplasty surgery is performed under IV sedation at The Skin Center Medical Spa's outpatient surgical facilities located in Pittsburgh, PA and Columbus, OH. The tummy tuck surgery may take two hours or longer, if combined with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.
The following are types of abdominoplasty surgery performed at The Skin Center Medical Spa:
Mini tummy tuck
The purpose of a mini tummy tuck surgery is to remove excess skin through a small incision, about six inches long, that is concealed just above the bikini line. Mini tummy tuck surgery is often combined with liposuction surgery.
Full tummy tuck (traditional abdominoplasty)
A full tummy tuck requires an incision from hip to hip bone, hidden beneath the bikini line, to remove loose skin. During the full tummy tuck surgery the abdominal wall is tightened with sutures and the abdominal skin is pulled taut and excess skin trimmed, the navel is then repositioned and laser liposuction surgery on the abdominal area and flanks is typically performed.
Extended tummy tuck
An extended abdominoplasty surgery is the same as a full tummy tuck surgery except the incision extends beyond the hip bones. An extended incision may be necessary to remove excessive amounts of sagging skin. As with a full tummy tucks, liposuction surgery or laser liposuction surgery is often combined with the extended tummy tuck surgery to achieve ideal body contouring results.
Abdominoplasty Post-Operative Care
Following abdominoplasty surgery, the abdominal area will be swollen and sore with slight bruising for the first few days and possibly a week or longer. Pain medication and bed rest are prescribed for five to seven days. After which time, patients may feel well enough to resume work and light daily activities.
Tummy tuck patients are asked to wear a compression garment for two or three weeks following the abdominoplasty surgery to keep bruising and swelling to a minimum. In addition, heaving lifting and exercise should be avoided for up to four weeks.
Most tummy tuck patients are thrilled to immediately see the results of the abdominoplasty surgery. However, the healing process will continue for three to six months before the final result of tummy tuck surgery is seen.
FAQs: Tummy Tuck Surgery
Can a person get pregnant after having tummy tuck surgery?
Women considering tummy tuck surgery should be certain they are finished having children. Although it is not ideal, it is fine to have children following abdominoplasty surgery, however the initial results may be the same after giving birth. New stretching of the skin and abdominal muscle laxity may occur. If necessary a second tummy tuck could be performed.
How long do the results from abdominoplasty surgery last?
Once the sagging skin and excess fat is removed from the abdominal area and the muscles are tightened, the results of tummy tuck surgery are permanent. To maintain the results of abdominoplasty surgery, a healthy diet and exercise program should be followed and the reason for the original abdominal stretching (childbirth, excessive weight gain) should be avoided .
Are there less invasive alternatives to tummy tuck surgery?
While less invasive body contouring treatments do exist, no other skin tightening treatment will provide the same level of results as a tummy tuck surgery. Less invasive skin tightening and body contouring treatments include:
- SMARTLipo™ Laser Liposuction
- Body by Thermage ™ Skin Tightening Treatment
- VelaShape™ Cellulite Reduction
- Ionithermie™ Cellulite Reduction
Are there risks associated with Cosmetic Surgery procedures?
Men and women of all ages choose cosmetic surgery for a number of reasons and the process of deciding to have elective cosmetic plastic surgery is highly individualized and very personal. This decision can offer lasting improvement not only to an individual's physical appearance, but also to their self-confidence and self-esteem. However, choosing to have any type of elective surgery, including cosmetic surgery is not without risk and potential complications.
Schedule a Free Consultation:
- The Skin Center Medical Spa Pittsburgh, PA 1-800-429-1151
- The Skin Center Medical Spa Columbus, OH 614-939-1188
- Not all procedures are available in every location. Please call for more information.
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