Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty improves the contour of the abdomen. Time, gravity, pregnancy and weight gain or loss can all lead to unwanted sagging skin, loss of contour, stretch marks that gives your whole body an out- of-shape appearance. Abdominal muscles can also weaken or separate and create a bulge. The tummy tuck can improve theses unwanted features by:
- Firm and flatten the body after pregnancy or weight loss
- Restore the position of torn or sagging abdominal muscles
- Tighten an smooth loose abdominal skin
- Remove lower abdominal fatty deposits
Who are the Ideal Candidates?
First it is essential to set the right expectations. Potential patients should understand that the tummy tuck procedure is not a weight loss alternative. Ideal candidates should be at or near a healthy (sustainable) weight. Strict diets that quickly get you to your "ideal weight" are not recommended before tummy tuck surgery because the weight can be easily be gained back once you return to your regular lifestyle after surgery, thus affecting your results. Typically, those who consider tummy tuck surgery are patients who do not plan on pregnancies within the following year and are physically healthy.
About the Procedure
Your aesthetic goals and medical history will be discussed thoroughly. Dr. Stamatiou will create a customized surgical plan that meets your personal needs. This will involve a complete examination, review of before and after photographs of previous patients of Dr. Stamatiou's that have undergone the similar procedure, and further discussion of your individual concerns. Dr. Stamatiou is passionate about providing a natural, aesthetically pleasing result. When you meet with Dr. Stamatiou you can be confident that his extensive experience of over 25 years offers you a safe and high quality option and results.
The abdominoplasty procedure can provide you with a flatter more attractive abdominal contour, including a slimmer waistline, and even elevated and tightening of the pubic area. Generally in a tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made in the area below the swimsuit line to just above the belly button. The excess skin and fat are moved through this incision, and weakened abdominal muscles are tightened thereby further enhancing the flattening effect of the tummy tuck. In some patients this step can be minimized to speed the recovery process. In certain patients we choose to combine liposuction for smoother results. Scars are discreetly hidden within the bikini line and within the hollow of the belly button. Since 2011, Dr. Stamatiou utilizes a specialized technique that eliminates the need for unsightly, uncomfortably, surgical drainage tubes. With careful and thorough surgical care , Dr. Stamatiou is able to provide abdominoplasty as an outpatient procedure, letting you go home after surgery.