Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as tummy tuck surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to reshape and rejuvenate the abdominal area through the removal of fat and skin, as well as tightening loose and stretched muscles. This can have both medical and cosmetic benefits and is commonly combined with liposuction techniques for additional lower body contouring.

Abdominoplasty Case

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The best tummy tuck candidates in the Scottsdale, Mesa, and Glendale, AZ area have loose, drooping skin in the midsection. While some fat tissue can be removed, the tummy tuck procedure is not itself a substitute for weight loss. A tummy tuck/abdominoplasty can address issues such as:

• Loose skin
• Sagging skin
• Excess fat
• Unattractive protrusions
• Poorly defined stomach muscles
• Stretch marks

The major focus for the tummy tuck is stretched skin in the abdomen. Pregnancy, aging, and major weight loss can all stretch the skin of the abdomen beyond its ability to re-contract. This is where a tummy tuck can make a dramatic difference for people whose appearance can’t be improved with weight loss efforts.

The best tummy tuck candidates know what they want from the procedure and have realistic expectations. While board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Angelchik evaluates each case on its own merits, some common considerations include the following.

• Are you in good overall health?
• Can your body recover from the procedure without elevated risks of complications?
• Are your expectations concrete and realistic? A tummy tuck can deliver outstanding results, but you need to understand what is and is not possible with this surgical procedure.
• Are you close to your ideal weight? The best candidates for a tummy tuck have achieved a healthy weight through diet and exercise. If you expect to gain or lose weight after your procedure, your results are likely to change.

There are several forms of abdominoplasty procedures. The type of tummy tuck that is right for you will depend on your health and desired results. After your initial consultation, Dr. Angelchik will recommend one of these variations in your personalized tummy tuck treatment plan.

Standard Tummy Tuck

The standard tummy tuck, also called a full tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from your abdomen. This original variation tightens lax abdominal muscles within the abdominal wall. During surgery, Dr. Angelchik will also remove extra fat tissue. Tummy tucks are best for men and women who have tried diet and exercise but have difficulty reaching their ideal goal.

A standard abdominoplasty addresses a larger area than the mini-tummy tuck, but it usually requires a longer recovery period and may feature more scarring than the miniature version. This procedure uses a hipbone-to-hipbone abdominal incision that can contour the skin, muscle, and tissue as needed. This procedure can involve moving your belly button, which may lengthen the recovery process.

Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck is sometimes referred to as the Brazilian tummy tuck. It focuses on fat tissue and surplus skin located under your navel. This procedure does not require moving your belly button and can be completed in one or two hours, depending on your individual health.

The mini abdominoplasty can be used to eliminate small rolls of displaced muscle, fat, and skin. It tightens your abdominal wall and muscles, but on a smaller scale than the traditional abdominoplasty. This procedure is the least invasive tummy tuck option and often produces a less noticeable scar. This scar is located around your bikini line and can easily be concealed. The mini tummy tuck is good for those who have stubborn fatty areas along their lower abdomen.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended abdominoplasty, or corset tummy tuck, still surgically firms underlying abdominal muscles, but is more invasive. Your sides and flanks will also be strengthened. The flanks are often referred to as “love handles.” Love handles are one of the hardest areas of the body to correct with just diet and exercise. The extended tummy tuck covers the entire abdomen and surrounding areas.

Saldanha Lipoabdominoplasty

Dr. Angelchik is the only tummy tuck surgeon who performs the Saldanha Lipoabdominoplasty in the Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale, AZ area. This extensive plastic surgery procedure was first developed by Dr. Osvaldo Saldanha. Lipoabdominoplasty involves both liposuction and abdominoplasty. This combination gives you the maximum amount of body sculpting.

The Saldanha method has shown to be more successful because it maintains more than triple the percentage of blood flow in the skin than the traditional combination. Post-surgery complications are less common and there is a lower probability of severe pain, bruising, and swelling in patients. The Saldanha Lipoabdominoplasty is popular among men and women because of the aggressive body sculpting and muscle contouring involved.

A typical tummy tuck can be performed on an outpatient basis. For any type of outpatient procedure, you should arrange for someone who can drive you to and from surgery and be available to stay with you on the first night after your procedure. A tummy tuck generally requires general anesthesia, and a predetermined incision is then made. Dr. Angelchik can then access the underlying tissues of the stomach, allowing for the removal of fatty deposits and excess skin. The abdominal wall muscles can be tightened using absorbable sutures, and liposuction can be performed on the surrounding areas before closing the incisions.

Your hospital stay will depend on the extent of your surgery. If you’ve undergone a mini tummy tuck, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day. Major forms of abdominoplasty will require a hospital stay of 1-2 nights to ensure you begin healing correctly. You will most likely feel groggy from the general anesthesia.

Tummy tuck recovery time varies from patient to patient based on factors like age, health, and the extent of the procedure. Dr. Angelchik will advise you on exactly what to expect following your procedure, but common next steps include:

• Prescription medication to alleviate discomfort, muscle relaxants, and possibly an antibiotic to prevent infection
• The insertion of a small tube beneath the skin to drain excess fluid
• Dressing the treatment area with bandages. Wearing a tight post-operative garment will help the skin adjust to its new, leaner shape.
• Sutures could be used to close the incisions. These will be removed one to two weeks after the procedure.

You’ll be sent home with drains in place to reduce the buildup of fluid within the treated area. There will be significant bruising and swelling for at least ten days. Residual bruising could last for several months. Tummy tucks come with risks like all forms of surgery, but many of these complications can be avoided by following your aftercare instructions. You’ll also wear a tight-fitting garment for about two weeks, which holds your skin, muscle, and other tissues in place while they heal.

About two weeks total is needed for recovery from a standard tummy tuck procedure. You can plan to return to work within about 7-10 days if you have a sedentary desk job, or about 14 days if your job requires physical activity. Dr. Angelchik will create a specific recovery plan for you to ensure that you get back on your feet as quickly as possible while also allowing sufficient time for your body to heal. Strenuous activities like exercise and heavy lifting will require a longer recovery time of up to six weeks. Dr. Angelchik will clear you for these more strenuous activities during your follow-up appointments.

A tummy tuck in the Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale, AZ area can be one of the best ways to repair and rejuvenate your abdominal area after pregnancy or weight loss. To discuss your tummy tuck options, including tummy tuck cost, with Dr. Angelchik, contact our Glendale office by calling or filling out our online form.