Tummy Tuck FAQ (Abdominoplasty)
Other Atlanta Procedures
Five Basic Benchmarks for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tucks have developed a strong increase in popularity over the last five years; in 2008 U.S. cosmetic surgeons performed almost 125,000 procedures. This procedure is sought out by women who suffer from a bulging abdomen that time and pregnancies have created and that no amount of crunches or sit-ups will ever eliminate. An Atlanta tummy tuck can lead to a remarkable physical change, creating a suddenly slimmer and more youthful profile. If it is a cosmetic surgical option that appeals to you, there are five relevant facts that you should be armed with as you get into the details of your prospective surgical rejuvenation.
1. Dr. Howard’s technique for a tummy tuck – also known as abdominoplasty – usually involves an incision made from hipbone to hipbone. Some women have gone into the tummy tuck procedure and not been aware of the incisions that are required for the procedure. There may be an additional incision made around the naval for fat removal and even for repositioning the naval. You should discuss the surgical details of this body sculpting surgery in order to understand its effects and its limitations.
2. During the course of the surgery excess fat is removed along with excess skin, and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The tightened skin and musculature is sutured into place to complete the procedure. After the surgical incisions are dressed you will be fitted with a compression garment that helps to hold the newly rearranged portions of your abdomen in place. You will be wearing support garments for a while, and immediately following the tummy tuck the movement of your upper body should be limited.
Reaching and stretching can cause harm to the newly sutured areas. Standing erect is going to be difficult for a few days as the swelling slowly subsides. Pivoting, turning and lifting should also be avoided during early recovery. There may be some swelling in the legs and fluid accumulation as well; if it does not clear up quickly call your doctor. Be sure that you have negotiated enough down time from work, school or at home so that you won’t be returning to chores that require a lot of physical effort prematurely.
3. Women who are considering a tummy tuck should be in relatively good health and should not be planning a pregnancy. If you are a smoker, Dr. Howard may ask you to refrain from smoking for a couple of weeks before and after the procedure. Smoking complicates healing and especially bleeding, both during surgery and during the recovery period.
While a tummy tuck may be outpatient surgery, that does not mean that all of the surgical precautions used in a hospital environment are not applicable. Maintaining your new, low profile figure may take some maintenance efforts on your part. Exercise is important in keeping the gains in place that you’ve made by opting for cosmetic plastic surgery.
4. Tummy tucks are a surgical option in the central part of the body, where there may be a number of physical rejuvenation issues that ideally should be addressed. Having work done on the adjacent thighs and buttocks may be out of reach due to cost and time constraints – working women especially cannot usually afford extended down time. However if you are serious about maintaining your improved abdominal profile and want to consider doing the same for the hips and thighs, discuss an overall plan with Dr. Howard that includes your long range goals as well as the immediate desire for a tummy tuck.
5. Some cosmetic plastic surgeons use liposuction as a tool for fat removal during a tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Howard uses Smartlipo equipment, which is the latest technology in the field. A laser beam is used to heat and liquefy fat cells in order to expedite their removal. Smartlipo also makes it easier to target fat cells and leave adjacent tissue unharmed. For some patients, liposuction used during a tummy tuck procedure can be applied to adjacent areas as well. Ask Dr. Howard if liposuction will extend your recovery period to any degree, or increase the likelihood of bleeding.
For many women, tummy tucks signify a reentry into a more attractive appearance following years of bearing and raising children. It can be a significant choice for the right patient, especially if there is a renewed commitment to exercise and a relatively healthy lifestyle. Dr. Howard recognizes this self-image issue; if it is a major part of your decision making process it should be an important component of your interview with him.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation
Dr. Brian Howard is a remarkably skilled Atlanta plastic surgeon who is part of a select group of medical professionals who has certification in plastic surgery. His Roswell office is the preferred choice for Atlanta GA tummy tuck procedures in the region. If you live in the Atlanta area and are interested in such procedures, contact the office of Dr. Brian Howard today.
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