In the News

Your injectable filler treatment: What to Expect

Fillers in Dubai | 27 September 2020

Dermal filler injections are non-surgical and typically completed during an office visit. Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation, during which you will meet with your cosmetic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals.

Pre-treatment consultation

During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you need to fully disclose your medical history prior to treatment, as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications can jeopardize your safety or results. For instance, you need to tell your cosmetic surgeon if you have been taking NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners, as these increase the likelihood of bruising.

Your injectable filler treatment

Just before the actual treatment, the area will be cleaned, and you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area prior to injection. Many filler products also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment. Your provider will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically beneath the skin. Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections. Some patients experience mild bruising and swelling, but these are temporary and should subside over the days following treatment. You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but your cosmetic surgeon may ask you to take the day off from exercise or other strenuous activity.

If you are having fat injections

Facial fat grafting is a surgical procedure and follows a different treatment protocol. Typically, fat grafting is performed as an outpatient procedure, using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Up to 2 weeks of downtime may be required, depending on the extent of liposuction performed. Your cosmetic surgeon will go over what to expect with surgery and recovery during your consultation.

Tummy Tuck: Know you options…

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 24 September 2020

What are the alternatives to tummy tuck?

Although it’s not strictly an alternative, you might be able to have liposuction to reshape your abdomen. This is where your surgeon uses a special machine to suck out excess fat from under your skin. You can have it on its own instead of a tummy tuck, but it only removes fat, whereas a tummy tuck removes fat and skin. After liposuction, your skin will shrink back a little, if you’re younger and your skin is still quite elastic. But if you have loose skin or muscles before the operation, then liposuction alone won’t be effective. Liposuction might be helpful if you’re not generally overweight, but have localised areas of fat that you want to get rid of. If you have excess skin, liposuction alone won’t be effective. Liposuction may occasionally be an added part of a tummy tuck procedure. As with any medical procedure, liposuction can have side-effects and longer-term complications. Your surgeon will tell you about the potential risks and benefits of tummy tuck and any other treatment options available to you.

What happens during a tummy tuck?

Depending on how much fat and skin you’re having removed and the technique your surgeon is using, the operation can take between two and four hours. There are several types of tummy tuck. The one you have will depend on how much skin and fat you have removed. Your surgeon will discuss this with you and explain which type is most suitable for you and why. Occasionally, liposuction may also be done at the same time as your tummy tuck, but your surgeon will explain whether this is needed.

Standard tummy tuck

Your surgeon will make a cut in your abdomen from hip to hip along your pubic area (in women this is also called your bikini line). They’ll make another cut around your belly button to free it from the surrounding skin. Then the repair will tighten your abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin. The remaining skin is pulled down and a new hole is made for your belly button so that it is in the correct position. You’ll have a scar around your belly button and a long curved scar on your abdomen above your pubic area. Because of the normal pattern of pubic hair, the scar is generally higher in men than in women. You can usually hide these scars with your underwear or with swimwear such as a bikini or shorts, but this may not always be possible. This will differ from person to person and on the type of tummy tuck you have. Your surgeon will explain the scars you’re likely to have.

Mini tummy tuck

You can have a mini tummy tuck if you only need to have a small amount of skin or fat removed. Your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat from below your belly button and you usually have liposuction at the same time. Afterwards, you’ll have a curved scar on your abdomen above your pubic area. This may be slightly shorter than with a standard tummy tuck. Your belly button stays in the same place, but it may be a slightly different shape.

BREAST AUGMENTATION: UNDERSTANDING THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Breast Augmentation Dubai | 21 September 2020

Having fuller more voluptuous breasts is a very important part of feeling feminine and more confident for women. The breasts give the female body more proportion, curves and shape, which makes many women feel more sexy. There are a variety of factors that make women unhappy with their breasts. Such factors include the effects of aging, gravity which leads to sagging, post pregnancy changes and natural asymmetry. A breast augmentation helps women improve the overall appearance of the breasts and cleavage. This results in an improved self esteem, confidence and feeling sexier about your body.

Reasons why women seek breast augmentation include:

Improved body proportion

Correct loss of fullness or sagging due to aging, gravy, or pregnancy

Improve cleavage appearance

Increase breast shape and size

Correct asymmetry of the breasts (one breast is larger than another)

WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE INVOLVED?

Breast augmentation involves the placement of an implant under the patient’s breast tissue to enhance the size and shape of the breast. The breast implants are usually inserted using an incision placed under the breast at the crease, but can also be put in via an incision in the armpit or around the nipple. Breast augmentation surgery takes about one and a half hours, and is usually done under general anaesthetic. The operation itself involves accessing and creating the pocket into which the implant will be placed, using one of the insertion routes mentioned above: breast-crease, armpit or nipple.

Incision Options

There are three different types of incisions that can be performed when getting a breast augmentation surgery. These incisions are Inframammary (incision below the breast), Transaxillary (through the armpit), and Peri-Areolar (along the lower edge of the Areola). Dr Vigo will go over the different options available to you during your consultation, showing you the benefits of each option and explaining exactly how they are performed including the associated recovery time for each.

Inframammary

An inframammary incision is the most common incision when getting a breast augmentation. This incision is made in the fold below the breast and carries a very low risk of complications. Inframammary incisions are highly recommended for large pre-filled implants such as silicone. These incisions are usually discreet as it goes along the natural crease below the breast, however, on occasion the scar may be visible due to the size or shape of the implant. All patients heal at different rates. Your incisions will be monitored after surgery and tailor your scar managment to optimize healing and appearence. Proper care and maintenance of your incisions will be closely followed with you as you heal.

Peri-Areolar

A Peri-Areolar incision is done around the bottom edge of the areola and is typically four to five centimeters in length. This incision is very discreet after it is healed. Often times it is impossible to notice as it goes along the natural edge of the areola. The trade off risks and benefits of their incision approach will be disscused at the time of your consultation. Some women may experience difficulty with breast feeding after this incision approach. Nipple sensitivity is also jeopardized with this approach compared to other incision sites.

Transaxillary

A Transaxillary incision is the least visible of the different incision options as it is made in the armpit. This ensures there are no scars anywhere near the breasts. The breast augmentation procedure is performed using an endoscope during the surgery, which allows the surgeon to see the implant inside the pocket. Having the ability to see the implant inside the pocket allows for the best surgical decisions and precise placement of the implant. Implant type is limited by the incision, as only round smooth implants can be placed through this incision.

Once the pocket has been created, the surgeon may insert a trial implant to check that the size chosen is appropriate. The trial implant is removed, the definitive implant inserted and the incision wounds are stitched. You will be able to go home the same day. Postoperative pain in these procedures is easily controlled. Your chest will feel tight. Your breasts and ribs below your breasts will be tender. Patients will be mobile from day one and should be back to full exercise within six weeks. Patients are recommended to take around one to two weeks off work immediately after the operation in order to ensure you recuperate fully.

Implant Placement Options

There are two choices when it comes to the placement of the breast implants you select. They are subglandular (above the muscle) or submuscular (below the muscle). The benefits of each of the different placement options will be discussed with you at your consultation with a recommendation of a specific placement option depending on the natural shape of your breasts or your overall goals for getting a breast augmentation.

Subglandular

Subglandular placement is when the implant is placed above the muscle. During this placement, the implants are placed below the natural breast tissue and the surgery is usually quicker but the recovery time is about the same as below the muscle. One of the benefits of subglandular placement is that if future surgery may be required due to rupture or leakage, it allows for easier access to the implant. However, subglandular placement does also have its downsides, such as an increased risk of capsular contracture, concerns about breast views on mammography, and the implant may be able to be felt through the skin.

Submuscular

Submuscular placement is when the breast implant is put under the pectoral muscle. The benefit with submuscular placement is that the final result of the breast augmentation will look and feel more natural. Any breast imaging will be easier including mammographies, because it is easier to differentiate the implant from real breast tissue. Most patients are able to drive in a few days and you may shower the next day. Most surgeons agree that implants under the muscle are in the best position for the long term health of the patient.

Dual plane augmentation

When slender women with slightly drooping breasts seek breast augmentation surgery, surgeons often combine these two routes, placing the implants partly behind the breast and partly behind the muscle. Through this combined approach surgeons try to give patients the benefits of both techniques. This is called a dual plane augmentation.

BEFORE BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY

Before going into breast augmentation surgery, it is very important to get a good nights rest. You must follow the instructions given such as limitations to food or medications the day before surgery. All of this is important to get the best results and have the quickest recovery possible when getting surgery.

On the day of surgery make sure you have a friend or family member drive you to the surgical facility. You may be very sleepy from anesthesia after the surgery. Before surgery, your surgeon will review the choices you selected and answer any final questions or concerns you may have.

Your body will then be marked and you will be guided through exactly what will happen during the surgery.

Tummy Tuck – consider the reasons that you want to have the surgery

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 15 September 2020

If you have spent endless hours in the gym and followed a healthy and well-balanced diet but still struggle to achieve a flat tummy, you may be thinking about a tummy tuck. There may be times that excess fat and skin simply don’t respond to diet and exercise, especially in the abdominal area. The reason for that lingering fat and skin may be weight loss, pregnancy, or the simple result of aging. Some new moms even get tummy tucks as part of a “Mommy Makeover” that allows for a whole body overhaul. A new mom can get a breast lift, a tummy tuck, and a breast augmentation to become virtually a whole new woman. No matter what the reason that you are thinking about a tummy tuck, I can help. A tummy tuck can help restore your self-confidence and allow you to feel good about yourself again.

To decide whether tummy tuck surgery is right for you, you should first consider the reasons that you want to have the surgery.

The best reason to get a tummy tuck: You want one! This is something that you should do for yourself, not because someone else tells you that you need it or should have it. Although you can always consider the thoughts of your partner, your own thoughts on the tummy tuck are the most important thing by far. In short, tummy tucks are only right for people who truly want them or truly feel they need them.

While every person may have different reasons for wanting a tummy tuck, here are some of the most common.

• Have you struggled to get your flat tummy back following the birth of your children? Do the stretch marks in your abdominal area make you feel miserable when you look at them?

• Have you found that the older you get, the harder it is to keep the stomach area toned?

• Have you experienced a significant weight loss after weight loss surgery and now find that you’ve got excess skin that makes your abdominal area look awful?

• Do you exercise and put considerable effort into toning your tummy, but never get the results you’re looking for?

• Do you diet and eat right, but find that your abdominal area just doesn’t respond like the rest of your body does?

Any of these reasons can be excellent reasons for choosing a tummy tuck. However, it is important to know that a tummy tuck can’t replace weight loss. It is not a magic bullet that will instantly take a person from being very overweight to being super svelte. However, people who are of healthy weight – or who are as close as possible to their ideal weight range – can often benefit enormously from a tummy tuck.

Dynamic wrinkles: Injectable facial fillers

Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 12 September 2020

The use of injectable facial fillers is one of the fastest growing areas in the field of cosmetic surgery. Many advances in have been made in the last 5 years that have led to safer, more predictable and longer lasting fillers.

As one ages, the face loses volume. This creates more prominent wrinkles and skin folds while features become less distinct. Dynamic wrinkles caused by facial movement such as smiling and frowning appear. Injectables were designed to subtly reduce these signs of aging.

Most fillers work by restoring the volume of a part of the face or filling the lip or wrinkle and are gradually digested by the body. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: These were the first of the new fillers to be FDA approved. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring carbohydrate which occurs in skin. It is a clear gel with a thick consistency. Since skin testing is not required, injections may be done on the same day as the initial consultation. Manufacturers have manipulated particle size (thickness) and crosslinked molecules to offer both normal and longer duration products.

Juviderm and Teosyal are examples of normal duration products that are injected in more superficial lines and have easier flow characteristics. Juvederm Voluma and Teosyal Redensity II are examples of longer duration products are usually injected into deeper lines and folds.

The newest advance has been the addition of local anesthetic, Lidocaine, to the filler to reduce discomfort upon injection.

Abdominoplasty Dubai – A Quick Guide

Abdominoplasty Dubai | 8 September 2020

There are a variety of abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, procedures available, and operations can be tailored to suit a patient’s wishes and needs. Generally speaking, however, tummy tucks are most commonly carried out to remove excess skin, unwanted scars, stretch marks and fat, and to tighten the stomach muscles. The ideal patient is someone whose weight is normal, particularly those who have been overweight and have lost the excess weight. Abdominoplasty is not an operation for people who are overweight, or as an attempt at losing weight. In appropriate patients abdominoplasty can have a very marked effect and is associated with high patient satisfaction.

Full abdominoplasty
For patients who have significant skin laxity, excess fat and separation of the muscles, a classic tummy tuck is the most common procedure. Performed under general anaesthetic, this operation can require patients to be in hospital for two or three days.

During the operation, an incision is made from hip to hip and around the umbilicus. The excess skin and fat is excised from the umbilicus to just above the pubic hair. The muscles above and below the umbilicus are tightened. The skin is then sewn up to give a circular scar around the umbilicus and a long scar across the lower abdomen. Although this operation leaves a large scar, it does provide the greatest improvement in abdominal shape. Patients who are thinking about becoming pregnant should not undergo this procedure, and should wait until they are sure they are not having any more children.

Mini abdominoplasty
For patients with only a small amount of excess skin a lesser abdominoplasty might be appropriate. A general anaesthetic is still needed.

During the operating, a wedge of skin and fat is excised from the lower tummy leaving a horizontal scar above the pubic hair. Sometimes the muscles will also be tightened. No scar is left around the umbilicus, which may be stretched slightly to become a different shape. A mini abdominoplasty will give a smaller effect than a full abdominoplasty.

Liposuction
Liposuction can sometimes be done at the same time as the abdominoplasty. However, liposuction can be recommended instead of an abdominoplasty for younger patients who have good quality, elastic skin and whose main problem is a localised excess of fat.

A general anaesthetic is most commonly used, but treatment can often be as a day case. During the procedure, small incisions are made, excess fat is removed and the wounds are then closed. Some degree of skin tightening or shrinkage can be expected as well, but the results of liposuction can sometimes be unpredictable. Liposuction alone will have less effect than abdominoplasty.

Breast Augmentation Dubai – Frequently Asked Questions

Breast Augmentation Dubai | 1 September 2020

What sizes can I choose?

There is an extensive range of breast implant sizes that will be offered to you. Following an assessment, I will advise the most appropriate size for your desired look. Implants sizes are measured in “cc” which is a unit of volume.

What are high, or extra high profiles?

“Profiles” refers to the amount of forward projection off the chest wall. You may choose a round or contoured implant depending on the profile you wish to achieve. Mentor round implants are offered in 5 projections: low, moderate, moderate plus, high and ultra high. Similarly, Mentor Contour Profile Gel breast implants (CPG) are offered in 4 projections: moderate, moderate plus, high or extra high.

Does breast augmentation leave a scar?

A breast enlargement incision is made in the crease under the breast (inframammary fold), usually measuring 3-5cm in length. I will discuss the size and placement of the incision with you before surgery. At first, the incision line will be red but after healing, it will fade to a thin white line – it can take up to a year to fully fade.

Do breast implants need to be replaced?

The length of time a breast implant lasts varies from individual to individual. The Medical Devices Agency has recommended that implants are replaced every 10-15 years or that you at least have an assessment during this time.

Why would you need your implants replacing?

Typically, patients will have their implants in for around 10 years and then opt for an implant removal and reaugmentation procedure. This will normally be due to the natural changes that the female body undergoes during this time. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss and the natural ageing of skin can mean that breasts could change in shape and size, meaning that implants no longer sit on the chest wall as they once did. There are instances of patients having their implants in for 30 years so it really does depend on your own body.

Does breast enlargement affect breastfeeding?

Breast implants will not normally prevent breastfeeding but may adversely affect the shape of the breast as may pregnancy itself. Women should expect physical changes to their bodies that could affect the aesthetic results of surgery and in some cases, it is advised that patients wait until after completion of their family or have achieved their optimum weight before surgery.

Dermal Fillers, Enhancements & Treatments

Fillers in Dubai | 28 August 2020

Although no one likes the thought of aging, we can be thankful that we are living in this modern age when there are more facial cosmetic procedures than ever before to aid in the battle against time. Injectable fillers are not only effective, they are a completely safe method of rejuvenating the face.

Even in the past 10 years, there have been advancements in the science of fillers, and my clinic offers several different approved brands. The most popular are Juvéderm, Profhilo, Restylane, Radiesse, Teosyal and Neauvia. The area of the face that requires filling determines the type of filler that he chooses. Some fillers have a thicker consistency than others and are more suited to areas where more substance is needed to achieve the desired lift. It is possible to fill nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth), cheekbones, noses, chins, tear troughs, jowls, and lips.

CONTOURING AND REFINING FEATURES

When injected by an experienced professional, fillers also have the ability to contour and refine features. Lips can be augmented to reduce the lines that appear with aging, and small noses can be enlarged so that they balance nicely with other facial features. A flat chin can be injected with filler to provide a symmetrical profile. Fillers can provide a straighter nose for people who have a hump in the middle. Cheek bones can be injected to provide a natural-looking lift to the face. Although amazing results can be achieved with injectable fillers, it is the artist in control of the needle who determines the final outcome. It takes artistry, not just a licence, to sculpt the face in perfect harmony and proportions.

Not only can fillers be injected in a short period of time, but there is also little discomfort for the patient. Local anaesthetic is administered prior to the injections, and some brands even have the anaesthetic combined with the filler. Slight swelling or redness at the injection site may be experienced, but this is minimal, eliminating the need to take a few days off of work to heal. Another major benefit of injectable fillers is that they are affordable. Great results can be accomplished without breaking your pocket book.

THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING DERMAL FILLERS

Whether you are considering getting dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles or enhance facial contours, a quick look at some criteria and facts will help you know you have come to the right place for your treatment.

Dermal fillers should be injected only by an experienced and qualified medical doctor. This procedure requires qualifications, experience, and an artistic edge, because 90% of the success of cosmetic procedures depends on who is doing them. For example, a bad haircut would indicate the level of experience of the stylist, not the scissors that were used. This is why it is extremely important to inquire about the credentials of your practitioner and ask to see before and after pictures. Getting a consultation first is advisable, as you would get a chance to see my facility and raise your questions or concerns with me.

YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Bringing a picture of your younger self to your appointment is helpful. However, bringing a picture of your favorite celebrity is not conducive. While you may see one aspect or feature of your face, it is important to know that a face has to be analysed in whole and not in part. The aim of the injectable procedure is to look naturally enhanced. It is also important to understand that each face has its own asymmetry. A good doctor can help bring more symmetry while keeping the overall aesthetics of the face visually pleasing. So make the most of your consultation by being open to recommendations. Your doctor sees in three dimensions, and you would benefit from exploring all your options.

THE ACTUAL PRODUCT

There are many types of dermal fillers on the market. But the most common of them are hyaluronic acid (HA) products. They have proven to produce natural and lasting results while maintaining fluidity to move with facial expressions. This line of dermal fillers also incorporates antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to deliver further treatment benefits while filling and contouring the face.

HOW LONG THE RESULTS WILL LAST

Hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers also naturally occurs in the body and therefore gets metabolized eventually. Depending on the dermal filler chosen and whether or not this is the first time you are having a filler injected, you can expect results to last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the results, which is very rare, HA fillers are also dissolvable at your request by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER THE INJECTION

It is always best to schedule your injectable appointments a couple of days to a week prior to any major event. With dermal filler injections, you will also need to take bruising and swelling into account. You can reduce this likelihood by stopping any supplements that can act like blood thinners such as fish oil and also some pain killers such as Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, etc., 2 weeks prior to your appointment.

After your dermal fillers treatment, follow the post-care instructions given, which include applying cold compresses, avoiding extremely cold or hot drinks, sun exposure, extreme temperatures, excess facial mimicry, and vigorous exercises. Being gentle is key.

Common Breast Augmentation Questions Answered

Breast Augmentation Dubai | 22 August 2020

Below are some of the most common questions patients ask about breast augmentation, along with answers from Dr. Matteo Vigo.

Your overall shape, build, and skin available for breast augmentation will be important in determining the size of your breasts. Your expectations are also important in this decision. If you have little or no breast tissue, very tight skin or are young, you typically can expect to increase your size from an A cup to approximately a C cup; however, stretching the muscle and skin too tightly can be detrimental. Patients that want to be very large can do so if there is available skin for coverage; otherwise, this may require more than one procedure.

Breast augmentation patients who have lost breast volume as a result of childbearing, breast feeding or weight loss typically have sufficient skin to restore their breasts to their original size or larger; and patients with moderate breast size usually can increase the size of their breasts easily.

What sizes can I choose?

There is an extensive range of breast implant sizes that will be offered to you. Following an assessment, I will advise the most appropriate size for your desired look. Implants sizes are measured in “cc” which is a unit of volume.

What are high, or extra high profiles?

“Profiles” refers to the amount of forward projection off the chest wall. You may choose a round or contoured implant depending on the profile you wish to achieve. Mentor round implants are offered in 5 projections: low, moderate, moderate plus, high and ultra high. Similarly, Mentor Contour Profile Gel breast implants (CPG) are offered in 4 projections: moderate, moderate plus, high or extra high.

Does breast augmentation leave a scar?

A breast enlargement incision is made in the crease under the breast (inframammary fold), usually measuring 3-5cm in length. I will discuss the size and placement of the incision with you before surgery. At first, the incision line will be red but after healing, it will fade to a thin white line – it can take up to a year to fully fade.

Do breast implants need to be replaced?

The length of time a breast implant lasts varies from individual to individual. The Medical Devices Agency has recommended that implants are replaced every 10-15 years or that you at least have an assessment during this time.

Why would you need your implants replacing?

Typically, patients will have their implants in for around 10 years and then opt for an implant removal and reaugmentation procedure. This will normally be due to the natural changes that the female body undergoes during this time. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss and the natural ageing of skin can mean that breasts could change in shape and size, meaning that implants no longer sit on the chest wall as they once did. There are instances of patients having their implants in for 30 years so it really does depend on your own body.

Does breast enlargement affect breastfeeding?

Breast implants will not normally prevent breastfeeding but may adversely affect the shape of the breast as may pregnancy itself. Women should expect physical changes to their bodies that could affect the aesthetic results of surgery and in some cases, it is advised that patients wait until after completion of their family or have achieved their optimum weight before surgery.

FULL, MINI OR EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK?

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 18 August 2020

Depending on the patient’s aesthetic objective, plastic surgeons will recommend one of the following three types of tummy tucks available:

FULL OR CLASSIC TUMMY TUCKS

Classic tummy tucks (which are also referred to as full tummy tucks) are utilized when individuals want to address the sections above and below their belly button, the full length of the abdominal wall. Patients who opt for a full tummy tuck often want to resolve general roundness and excess skin. With this procedure, one horizontal or u-shape incision, and possibly a second incision, are made above the pubic area and the belly button, respectively, to remove excess skin and tighten muscle. Full tummy tucks present the most natural-looking outcome, and can include a much firmer abdomen.

MINI TUMMY TUCKS

Mini tummy tucks involve less extensive incisions compared to a full tummy tuck and are intended to improve only the lower belly, below the patient’s belly button. This makes the procedure ideal for people who want to rid their bellies of a “pooch”, tiny bulge or stretch marks in the lower abdominal region only. Plastic surgeons can tighten loose muscles through a single low horizontal incision (typically without an incision around the belly button), and remove excess lower abdominal skin, resulting in a firmer, smoother lower belly.

EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK

The extended tummy tuck is considered when the goals of the procedure are to address the abdomen while simultaneously targeting the flanks and hips. To perform this procedure, the surgeon extends the horizontal incision more laterally as well as often incorporating a longer, vertical incision, which enables the surgeon to remove excess skin from the upper and lower abdominal region as well as the flanks while tightening the abdominal wall. This procedure is often ideal for those patients who have had multiple pregnancies or have lost lots of weight, either through diet and exercise or through weight loss surgery.

When it comes to a tummy tuck, I frequently explain to patients that the procedure is not a single surgical step, but rather a series of elements that can be combined to create customized results.

Whereas liposuction focuses solely on removing unwanted fat cells from the body – such as those that create a noticeable bulge at the belly – a tummy tuck is intended to create sleeker contours by addressing any number of conditions that keep the abdomen from looking toned.

Excess fat

Of course, stubborn pockets of fat are an obvious culprit when it comes to a larger waistline. While liposuction is frequently performed as a standalone procedure, it can also be used as part of a tummy tuck to help flatten the area. For this element, just about everything is handled as it would be for a solo lipo procedure: Fat is loosened and suctioned out via a cannula. The difference is that while liposuction requires small incisions that are later sutured closed, the incision made for a tummy tuck allows the surgeon access.

Excess skin

While extra fat causes bulges, extra skin creates a sagging pouch that can hide even well-defined abdominal muscles that sit beneath. The amount of excess tissue can range from a little to a lot (sometimes referred to as an “apron”). For a tummy tuck, the surgeon essentially re-drapes the abdominal skin so that it sits flat and tight, then trims away the excess. The incision and subsequent sutures for this element are typically hidden lower on the torso, where they can be covered by a swimsuit bottom or underwear.

Lax muscles

Over time, belly muscles and their covering fascia can become loose. Whereas firm fascia holds everything in place – something like interlaced fingers keeping a water balloon from bulging outward – lax fascia allow the contents behind to bulge outward. Abdominal muscles can separate, giving the entire midsection a flabby look. During a tummy tuck, a surgeon can, if necessary, stitch these muscles and fascia back together to make everything tight and toned. In some cases, as with a mini-tummy tuck, this may be the primary element of the procedure. It is often chosen by moms who have a small bulge that sits below the belly button.

Belly button placement

Depending on the tummy tuck details, the surgeon may need to “relocate” the belly button, which involves creating a hole in the newly taut abdominal skin so the navel appears where it should to remain proportional with the rest of the body. This is called “umbilical translocation.” Following this, the body can be further contoured to encourage an hourglass shape by creating an “internal corset.” I have performed measurements that show narrowing of the waist and improvement of the waistline due to work at this stage.

When all of the steps are completed, the incision will be closed with either a special glue or absorbable sutures, such that the patient can take a shower the next day and there is no need to remove the sutures. Lasers can be used post-operatively to hasten the healing of scars. Also, use of Exparel injections numb the abdomen for three days, which can minimize pain for patients.

Since every patient has a unique body shape and size, as well as personal goals for an ultimate look, each tummy tuck is its own procedure. While there are commonalities between all such surgeries, no two will be exactly alike.

The most common form of tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision near the pubic hairline, so swimwear or undergarments can hide the resulting scar. If there is excess skin above the navel, an incision around the navel may be required. Sometimes, the surgery involves liposuction to remove pockets of excess fat from specific areas of the body. To reduce scar tissue and increase the speed of healing, I may utilize a harmonic scalpel that uses ultrasonic energy to perform parts of the tummy tuck surgery. Diastasis is a term used to describe the separation of the two-paired abdominal muscles that make up the front of the abdomen, which is often caused by multiple pregnancies. Sutures are used to tighten up the abdominal wall, resulting in a flatter stomach. Stronger, tighter abdomen muscles may also help reduce lower back pain.

A tummy tuck is not a shortcut to weight loss. But, it can be a powerfully transforming surgery and complements the impact that weight loss has on the abdominal profile. Many of our patients say they feel liberated after having a tummy tuck. They can wear a bikini again, or not wear a shirt or a top to cover up their loose stomach. They feel good about being outdoors running, swimming and golfing. It does a lot to boost a person’s confidence in their bodies and for many of my patients, it’s an incentive to maintain a healthy appearance for the rest of their lives. For some patients, tighter abdomen muscles may also help reduce lower back pain.

DETERMINE WHICH PROCEDURE IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Deciding which procedure is right for you will be contingent upon several factors and is best done in consultation with an experienced Plastic Surgeon. Some of them include your desired results, overall skin quality, body type and location of excess skin on the body. The amount of excess skin will also determine which procedure is most appropriate. Finally, any scarring attained from a previous cosmetic procedure or surgery can determine which kind of tuck the patient qualifies for.

RECOVERY

You’ll want to figure out a time frame for your recovery so you have ample time to heal and can take a break from certain aspects of your life. Make sure you make the proper arrangements and are fully prepared for your recovery period.

Your drains will be left in for a few days after the surgery. You’ll be shown how to take care of and empty the drains. You’ll likely need to take an antibiotic and an anticoagulant while your drains are in place.

You’ll wear an abdominal binder for about six weeks. This helps to avoid fluid buildup and helps to support your abdomen.

While the recovery period is usually shorter for a mini-tummy tuck, you’ll still need to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks. This includes any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting.

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