TUMMY TUCK or ABDOMINOPLASTY
The tummy tuck or ABDOMINOPLASTY in the right hands is a very beneficial and exciting procedure. The main people who benefit from a tummy tuck have made a commitment to a lifestyle change. Lifestyle change includes a commitment to diet and exercise. Usually, these individuals have spent the majority of their adult life overweight.
Constantly looking in the mirror, manipulating that lower abdominal skin and fat becomes very frustrating after a while. Finally, the commitment is made to alter the lifestyle in such a way that the fat begins to melt off. But once that fat melts away the skin is left behind. The left-behind skin usually is loose and flabby and unsightly. When I do a consultation for a tummy tuck patient there’s a specific plan in mind.
BEING OVERWEIGHT IS NO FUN
The patient first fills out a series of papers that allow me to evaluate and get to know them personally. The past medical history, the current medications they are taking, and the patient’s overall health. I always ask the maximum weight as an adult, and in the woman’s case, make sure she is not pregnant. And whenever there is a significant weight loss this is a celebratory activity.
Congratulations are in order. Oftentimes the tummy tuck patient has had weight loss surgery. Then we discuss the type of procedure, the post-op course, whether or not it went well in all aspects related to that particular episode in the patient’s life. Then we get down to facts. How long have you been able to keep the weight off? Then we discuss clearly that the tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure.
A BODY CONTOURING OPERATION
Once we get through the basics, and I develop a sense of commitment then we can get into measurements and specifics. The average distance from one side of the incision to the other may approach three feet. Also, the bellybutton may need a little improvement in its appearance. Furthermore, if the rectus muscle has been stressed then it may need tightening. Overall incision sites potential complications and the intended results are discussed very thoroughly.
LIVE LONGER-LIVE BETTER-LOOK YOUR BEST
Overwhelmingly the tummy tuck is and has one of the highest rates of satisfaction of any of the operations we perform. Often times when a patient comes in for liposuction they are usually well informed – and often to their surprise, the liposuction may not solve the problem. Liposuction for obesity is not an appropriate waste of time or a waste of money. Liposuction is for people who don’t need a tummy tuck and need spot fat removal.
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A THOROUGH PHYSICAL EXAM
WHEN CONSIDERING BODY CONTOURING.
THOMAS TREVISANI MD
BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGERY.
