The abdomen is a trouble spot for so many people. Sometimes, the issue is simply excess weight around the middle which may be alleviated with lifestyle changes such as a healthful diet and consistent exercise routine. More often than not for women, however, pooching in the abdomen is due to a number of factors that may best be addressed surgically with an abdominoplasty. So, how do you know if you need a tummy tuck? For starters, schedule an appointment with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon such as myself who has extensive experience in body contouring. It is critical that the skin and tissues of your abdomen be assessed in-person as it’s the best way to determine the right treatment plan for your unique anatomy, lifestyle and desired outcome.
Excess Skin + Excess Fat = Tummy Tuck
In general, an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is going to be the best solution when you have both excess skin and excess fat. It is a procedure that can also address loose muscles.
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Weight gain/loss
- Menopause
These can all contribute to a less than ideal abdominal contour. For example, the skin and tissues of your belly have to stretch to accommodate a baby, and, depending on your age and how much weight you gained, they may not fully retract back into place, leaving you with sagging skin. Furthermore, many of my Long Island patients tend to hold age related extra pounds around their middle. It is simply one of those annoying facts of life. This 1-2 punch can create the perfect storm for that belly pooch that doesn’t seem to budge no matter how many salads you eat or crunches you perform.
Abdominoplasty Procedure
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that allows me to lift and tighten the skin, tissues, and, if necessary, muscles of your abdomen. I place the incision low on your abdomen, where any resultant scar can ideally be hidden by your underwear or bathing suit. The surgery can be performed as either an out-patient or in-patient procedure. The right choice for you will depend on your comfort level — some patients are just more comfortable in a hospital setting, as well as how much work we need to do. My number one goal is to deliver a safe, exemplary result. In general, an abdominoplasty takes anywhere from 2-3 hours under general anesthesia. While a tummy tuck can be a stand-alone procedure, I usually combine it with 4D VASER/PAL Liposuction for a truly spectacular result.
Benefits of 4D VASER/PAL Lipo-Abdominoplasty
One of the many reasons why my tummy tuck patients are so happy with their results is that I always take a 360° approach to all of my body contouring procedures. While some women’s pooch is only due to sagging skin, which can be pulled down with an abdominoplasty and excised, most also have extra fat. Removing this fat with 4D VASER/PAL liposuction first allows me to create the kind of natural looking contour through your trunk that we both want. I typically address the flanks at the same time as the two really work in tandem. The end result is a lifted, flatter abdomen that still retains its natural curves and tone. The surgery does require some downtime for recovery, but any of my patients will tell you that the results are well worth the wait.
To find out more about a tummy tuck, lipo-abdominoplasty, or any surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Mark Epstein in Hauppauge, Long Island, contact us today or call 631-689-1100 to schedule a consultation.
