An Abdominoplasty, also commonly known as a “Tummy Tuck” is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles to improve the overall abdominal contour and create a smoother, firmer, and more shapely abdomen. Whether pregnancy, recent weight loss, heredity or the natural aging process have caused you to accumulate extra skin and fat in the tummy area, Dr. Christopoulos will use the most advanced techniques to sculpt, contour and create a tighter and firmer core.
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Ideal Candidates for an Abdominoplasty are patients who have:
Loose sagging abdominal skin
Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (also known as a diastasis recti)
A protruding abdomen with excess abdominal fat
While an abdominoplasty is a very rewarding procedure for both men and women, it is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate diet and workout regimen. If you are planning on losing a significant amount of weight, or considering future pregnancies, it may be advised to postpone your tummy tuck.
About the Procedure
Dr. Christopoulos performs her surgeries in a fully accredited outpatient surgical facility. The procedure can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on the technique used and each patient’s individual anatomy.
Anesthesia
Dr. Christopoulos, in conjunction with an anesthesiologist, will typically use general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and safe during your procedure.
Incisions
Depending on your anatomy and each individuals goals, Dr. Christopoulos will recommend either a Full Abdominoplasty or a Mini Abdominoplasty, with or without liposuction.
In a Full Tummy Tuck, the incision will be low in the pubic area, from hip bone to hip bone. A second incision will be around the navel in order to properly position the belly button and to address upper abdominal skin. The exact location and design of your lower incision may vary depending on your anatomy as well as bathing suit style preference. Dr. Christopoulos may ask you to bring in a style of bathing suit or undergarment you prefer in order to assist in the proper scar placement.
In a Mini Tummy Tuck, the incision is also low in the pubic area, although not quite as long as in the traditional tummy tuck. This type of procedure is usually reserved for patients with less excess skin and fat. With this type of procedure, there is usually no incision around the umbilicus.
Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Christopoulos may recommend liposuction in conjuction with your Tummy Tuck in order to improve the overall contour of your abdomen and flanks.
It is through these incisions and techniques that Dr. Christopoulos will remove the excess fat, tissue and skin, tighten you inner abdominal muscles and redrape the skin to create the firmer, flatter and smoother contour that you desire.
Recovery and Results
The length of recovery depends on the type of procedure you have performed and the healing process does vary from individual to individual. It is natural to expect some bruising, swelling and numbness after your procedure. Most patients are able to resume daily activities within a few days and most can return to work within two weeks. Dr. Christopoulos will advise you to refrain from strenuous activity for several weeks after your surgery and will also guide you on the proper type of support garment that may be necessary to minimize swelling and improve your results. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Christopoulos to discuss further any questions you may have and to determine which type of Gynecomastia surgery is the correct procedure for you.
Disclaimer: Dr. Niki Christopoulos & Christopoulos Plastic Surgery Chicago, IL Please remember that medical information provided by Dr. Niki Christopoulos & Christopoulos Plastic Surgery in the absence of a visit with a health care professional, must be considered as an educational service only. YOUR RESULTS WILL VARY. The information sent through e-mail should not be relied upon as a medical consultation. This mechanism is not designed to replace a physician’s independent judgement about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient. We will do our best to provide you with information that will help you make your own health care decisions. Many external links have been provided on this site as a service and convenience to our patients and other visitors to our website. These external sites are created and maintained by other public and private organizations. We do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. If you require to find out more please email us on info@christopoulosplasticsurgery.com
