If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you may be wondering what to expect and whether or not it’s the right choice for you. we do everything we can to make sure our patients feel comfortable about their decisions and are able to make an informed decision about their treatment options.
The results are often quite dramatic: patients experience better posture, better muscle tone and definition, and improved confidence in their appearance. The procedure isn’t without risks, however—there is always some risk of complications or side effects with any surgery.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, it’s important that you discuss your options with a qualified surgeon who can answer any questions you may have about this procedure.
Read on to learn more ABOUT Best Tummy Tuck In Maryland, Miami Tummy Tuck Specials and Tummy Tuck Miami Candidates
Best Tummy Tuck In Maryland
Board-certified Baltimore plastic surgeon, Dr. Michele Shermak, specializes in surgeries including arguably the best tummy tuck Baltimore has to offer for both women and men who are seeking to slim, tone and recontour the belly for a more attractive silhouette. She will customize your procedure to your aesthetic goals and needs, performing a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, or a reverse tummy tuck.
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What is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Quite simply stated, an abdominoplasty contours the abdomen. The treatment includes muscle tightening and removal of excess skin. There is a large range of techniques that constitute our abdominoplasty to meet the needs of a diverse population, including women who have recently given birth, men and women who have sustained significant weight loss, and those who suffer from abdominal scarring and weakness from prior surgeries.
The tummy tuck incision is thin and may be hidden under bathing suits and underwear. The objective of any abdominoplasty in Baltimore is a smoother, fitter torso and the increased self-confidence that goes along with it.
What is a full abdominoplasty?
The term “Abdominoplasty” refers to plastic surgery of the abdomen. A full abdominoplasty is the most comprehensive abdominoplasty. With this surgery, the following occurs:
- Removal of significant amount of loose, redundant, overhanging skin
- Tightening of abdominal muscles (repair “diastasis”) that loosen and separate from prior abdominal surgery, weight loss and pregnancies
- Elevation, reduction and defatting of the pubic region
- Addressing the belly button which may be stretched or deformed by hernias or scars
- Often Liposuction of the waist to enhance shape
- Secondary improvement of the upper and outer thigh which pull up in continuity with the abdomen
Abdominoplasty surgery typically takes 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia, going home after a short recovery the same day. Intraoperatively, pain management is proactively addressed with injection of numbing agents to reduce discomfort after surgery for 3 or 4 days. Initial recovery after a Full Abdominoplasty may take about 2 weeks, allowing for 1 month to get back to a full non-strenuous schedule.
A full abdominoplasty is one of the most impactful, satisfying procedures plastic surgeons perform!
Who is a good candidate for an abdominoplasty?
Good candidates for our Baltimore abdominoplasty surgery are men and women in good health who have excess, overhanging skin, significant stretch marks, muscle laxity, localized fat, or discomfort from scarring.
A tummy tuck is most often performed due to abdominal muscle laxity that might result from pregnancy, intrinsically lax tissues or postoperative scars. Some women post-pregnancy appear to still look pregnant due to residual long-standing muscle laxity.
A tummy tuck is also the most often performed procedure for individuals who have sustained massive weight loss. A tummy tuck may focus primarily on excess skin and improving skin contour, or on tightening abdominal muscles, but most of the time on both.
A tummy tuck may be combined with liposuction, a back lift, a thigh lift, or breast augmentation to rejuvenate the entire torso. A tummy tuck may also be combined with abdominal hernia repairs, sometimes utilizing materials to reinforce the muscle repair.
During the initial consultation, you will discuss with Dr. Shermak what you would like to improve so she can understand your expectations and determine how to best achieve the desired result.
Published inClinics in Plastic Surgery
Dr Shermak wrote a chapter on Abdominoplasty Combined with Other Procedures, which was published in the most recent Clinics in Plastic Surgery.
TUMMY TUCK BEFORE & AFTERS
If my tummy tuck is being done to repair abdominal muscles, can it be covered by insurance?
Typically this condition, often seen after pregnancy or abdominal surgical procedures, is not covered by insurance unless there is a hernia diagnosed. Just a space between the abdominal muscles is not covered under insurance.
How do I know if I am a better candidate for tummy tuck or liposuction?
Liposuction is the preferred treatment to reduce focal fat deposits, not to tighten or reduce excessive skin. Our Baltimore tummy tuck is the best option in men and women who require abdominal skin reduction and muscle tightening. Liposuction may also be performed on the back or waist to improve overall contour. You can discuss this with Dr. Shermak.
Can a tummy tuck be safely performed with breast surgery?
In many cases, a tummy tuck may be performed with breast surgery to improve the overall look of the torso. Our Baltimore breast augmentation, breast lift or a combination of the two often accompanies abdominal surgery.
What is the candidacy for a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck in Maryland has a shorter abdominal incision and no incision around the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is typically performed for individuals with minimal excess skin or for those who desire small skin resection including possible surgical scars, in addition to abdominal muscle repair and tightening.
The procedure is not applicable to most individuals seeking a tummy tuck who often require more significant skin removal. Dr. Shermak has lectured on mini tummy tucks and national cosmetic surgery meetings, and understands the applicability and performance of this surgery.
What is the cost of a tummy tuck in Baltimore?
The cost of a tummy tuck in Baltimore depends on the type of tummy tuck you receive and how extensive the procedure is. During your consultation, Dr. Shermak will determine which type of tummy tuck will be best to achieve your aesthetic needs. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the cost is between $8,150 and $10,000.
How can I ensure I get the best possible scars?
After surgery, Dr. Shermak will instruct her patients on surgical incision management, which typically includes moisture, gauze and binder early on. After about a month, she discusses massage and moisturizers with her patients, with possible focal compression to reduce swelling and optimize contour.
Miami Tummy Tuck Specials
The tummy tuck procedure has become one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries in the last decade. Medically known as an abdominoplasty, this procedure ranks in the top five most requested cosmetic procedures. Approximately 209,571 tummy tucks were performed in 2017, 2% higher than 2016, and the numbers are projected to continue to climb.
A tummy tuck can improve an individual’s overall appearance by removing the unwanted skin from the abdominal area. Although tummy tucks are usually performed for cosmetic purposes, some patients seek this procedure to improve other medical issues, including back pain, which can be caused by weakened or loosened abdominal muscles. At times, a tummy tuck can serve as reconstructive surgery.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
During this procedure, doctors tighten abdominal muscles that have been weakened, separated or loosened as a result of the fluctuation of weight or pregnancy. The abdomen is also reshaped and flattened by removing fat and skin that causes the belly to protrude. In some cases, a tummy tuck can even remove or improve the appearance of stretch marks located below the belly button.
The tummy tuck procedure is entirely different than liposuction. Liposuction is the removal of fat deposits through suctioning. However, combining these two cosmetic procedures can often provide more satisfying results.
Abdominoplasty is an invasive cosmetic surgery that cannot be substituted for exercise and regular dieting. Many patients choose this procedure after all other methods have failed and weight is relatively stable.https://www.youtube.com/embed/I1RF3BFzEBc?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0
Typically, tummy tucks are more costly than liposuction and require a slightly longer period of recovery. To achieve long-lasting results, patients should maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routines. This is a procedure that is available to both men and women in need.
Tummy Tuck Miami Candidates
The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure would be a physically and emotionally healthy individual within 25 pounds of his/her recommended weight. It is also crucial that the individual is a non-smoker with realistic expectations. Women and men with excess loose skin and fat in the abdomen area can benefit and be great candidates for this procedure. Patients that still plan to get pregnant in the future should wait until they are done having kids. If you plan on losing extra weight in the future, you may want to hold off until having reached your desired weight. Abdominoplasty has been successfully performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and whose skin has lost elasticity.
TUMMY TUCK BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
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Who should avoid getting a tummy tuck?
Patients that are regular smokers or are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke should quit smoking or avoid smoke exposure at least one month before surgery and one month after. Smoking causes decreased blood flow which can cause many complications including; extended wound healing, infection, skin loss, increased scarring, among others.
Patients who plan on losing weight in the future should also avoid surgery since more weight loss can result in more loose skin. A tummy tuck surgery can be postponed until the individual has reached the recommended or desired weight for the procedure. Women who plan on having more children in the future should also wait. Getting pregnant after having an abdominoplasty can alter the results of the procedure.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
There are various forms and techniques for the abdominoplasty procedure. The time of surgery depends on which type of tummy tuck you choose to give you the best results. A tummy tuck can take between 45 minutes and 3 hours. The time depends on the patient’s size and body constitution. The process involves several steps:
- General anesthesia is administered to the patients when they are taken into the operating room.
- The complete abdominoplasty uses a technique that requires two incisions. The first incision runs horizontally, from hip to hip, right on top of the pubic region. The length and size of the incision depend on the amount of skin removed and the anatomy of the patient. If the patient has excess loose skin around the navel, an additional incision will be made around the belly button so that extra skin can be removed, and the remaining skin is pulled up to create a flatter and tighter look.
- The muscles are then sewed together and tightened. That will make the waistline smaller and the abdominal wall much firmer.
- Once the excess skin is removed and the skin is tightened, the surgeon will create a location for the belly button similar to the one before surgery.
- Some stretch marks may be removed while remaining stretch marks will be improved and flattened. It is essential to be aware that some stretch marks can stay and scarring will also be present. Although you may want your scar to be gone after a few years, this isn’t always possible.
- Once the procedure has been completed, drainage tubes will be inserted under the skin to remove the buildup of fluid. Compression garments will most likely be placed around the operated area as well.
It is important to note that all types of tummy tucks may address issues patients have differently. Every procedure differs in recovery time and complexity. Therefore, your plastic surgeon will recommend the best surgical approach for your body.
Top rated tummy tuck surgeons
As a popular body-shaping surgery at our San Francisco practice, a tummy tuck is designed to repair weakened abdominal muscles and get rid of saggy skin. Yet not all tummy tucks are created equal.
To get the best outcomes possible from a tummy tuck, finding a skilled, highly qualified plastic surgeon is a requirement rather than a luxury.
In a nutshell, find a surgeon who can help you make well-informed decisions, and recommend the appropriate tummy tuck variation based on your current needs and existing physique.
A Cautionary Tale Worth Retelling
Jane is a 28-year-old student and mother of one who was unhappy with her flabby belly following childbirth. After hearing a radio ad promising a safe, quick, and minimally invasive procedure that would remove her belly fat and tighten her sagging skin — two major issues that Jane has been struggling with — Jane decided to check it out. It turned out to be an ad about Smartlipo laser liposuction by a national liposuction chain.
Frustrated with the way her tummy looked even after eating clean and a consistent exercise routine, she eventually signed up for their consultation.
On her first visit, she was seen by a ‘patient counselor’ who performed a quick assessment, and assured her that she was a good candidate for the procedure. The counselor offered her a “special,” including $1000-off if she signed up that day.
Of course, the offer was “too good to pass up,” so she signed up for the procedure on the spot.
Jane didn’t meet her surgeon until the morning of the surgery, but he seemed like a nice guy. During the procedure, despite local anesthesia, she felt like she was being stabbed, even though the patient counselor had assured her that the procedure wouldn’t hurt.
In spite of the pain, Jane managed to get through the procedure. Unfortunately, the SmartLipo results turned out poor. After waiting almost six months to heal, Jane’s abdominal skin ended up uneven with horrible-looking dimples.
She went back to the clinic that performed the procedure, but was told that she was not an ideal candidate in the first place because of loose skin. Jane was upset that there was no mention of this when she initially talked to the patient counselor.
Sadly, this happens more frequently than you would think.
Jane eventually found out about Dr. Fan and came in for a consultation at our San Francisco practice.
Dr. Fan listened to her concerns, reviewed her history, performed a thorough examination, and personally spent over an hour talking with her about her options. She decided to undergo the recommended tummy tuck and was ultimately thrilled with the results!
What Makes A Great Tummy Tuck Surgeon?
If there’s one key lesson to glean from Jane’s story, it would have to be the importance of finding a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon who can give you an honest appraisal of your condition and the necessary treatment rather than trusting in heavily marketed, unproven technology and non-expert doctors.
So how do you spot a well-versed, expert plastic surgeon from the inexperienced?
Four Things to Look For:
1. Board-Certification in Plastic Surgery
Find a surgeon who is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Board certified plastic surgeons are the only doctors who have been rigorously educated, trained, and certified to perform cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. Evaluate your surgeon for outstanding credentials and track record in producing stellar results specific to the type of surgery that you’re interested in.
Be wary of anybody who calls themselves a “cosmetic surgeon” or any doctor who is not specifically board certified in plastic surgeon.
2. A Plastic Surgeon Who Performs A Full Range of Tummy Contouring Procedures
Most patients with sagging tummies need a tummy tuck, but others may be candidates for alternative treatments such as liposuction and/or CoolSculpting.
The only doctor who is qualified to give you a full and honest opinion as to what YOU need is a plastic surgeon who performs the full spectrum of tummy contouring treatments (ie. nonsurgical treatments like CoolSculpting, minimally invasive treatments like liposuction, and surgical treatments like tummy tucks).
Doctors who do not perform tummy tucks (eg. doctors who only perform liposuction, or doctors or medical spas that only perform non-invasive fat reduction treatments) do not have the expertise to give you a qualified assessment. Additionally, they have a vested incentive to steer you away from a tummy tuck because they don’t offer that service.
3. A Genuine Concern For Your Health, Needs, and Goals
Go for the surgeon who takes the time to understand your needs and preferences. A great tummy tuck surgeon will help you get the results you want rather than what they want.
To accomplish the best results possible without compromising safety, the surgeon of your choice should be thoughtful, detail-oriented, and have a keen sense of aesthetic artistry.
Unlike Jane’s unfortunate experience with the liposuction chain post-surgery, a surgeon who genuinely cares for your safety will stick with you even after the procedure.
4. Technical Finesse and Artistry Rolled Into One
As a prospective tummy tuck patient, take the time to find a surgeon who is a true artist and much more than just a technician. Renowned plastic surgeons have an innate eye for beauty and technical finesse in body sculpting procedures. Attention to the smallest of details and a commitment to excellence can make all the difference between an OK result and a GREAT result.
The Best Tummy Tuck Surgeons in the United States
Now that you’re aware of the qualities to look for in a great tummy tuck surgeon, your next step is to find the best tummy tuck surgeon in your area.
For starters, it can be overwhelming as just about every plastic surgeon’s website (including ours) claims they are the right choice for you.
To refrain from ending up like Jane, here’s a roundup of the best tummy tuck surgeons in the country’s major cities:
Dr. Alan Matarasso (New York City)
Dr. Alan Matarasso’s dedication to medical training, education, and scientific research are manifested in his membership and active participation in more than twenty regional and national medical organizations. In terms of tummy tuck expertise, Dr. Matarasso has edited a three-volume series on liposuction and body contouring techniques.
Dr. Todd Pollock, MD (Dallas, Texas)
Dr. Todd A. Pollock is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member in good standing of the American Society of Plastic Surgery. He has hospital privileges at several Dallas and Allen area hospitals to perform all of the procedures that are also offered in our accredited office surgical suite.
Dr. Eric Swanson (Kansas City, Kansas)
An advocate for evidence-based medicine, Dr. Eric Swanson is the founder of the Swanson center in Kansas. He is dedicated to staying at the leading edge of technological progress, so patients benefit from the most advanced treatments and techniques available.
Dr. Susan Downey (Los Angeles, California)
Dr. Susan Downey is a board certified plastic surgeon who has had a practice in the Los Angeles area for 22 years. She also has a particular interest in post massive weight loss patients especially after bariatric procedures and has over 20 years experience in the field.
Dr. Larry Fan (San Francisco, California)
Dr. Larry Fan is the founding director of 77 Plastic Surgery in San Francisco. He is known for his expertise in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and Asian cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Fan has been named one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons for the past seven years. He has been an invited speaker at numerous national and international meetings including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Fan is also a recognized plastic surgery expert who is highly sought after by both industry and the media and has been featured on CNN, NBC, ABC, Bloomberg, and Refinery 29.
Patients often remark about Dr. Fan’s finesse in providing aesthetically beautiful and natural results. He is also known for incorporating non-surgical cosmetic treatments into his practice, as well as being open and honest with patients.