Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery?
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Posted on June 1, 2017 under Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is a proven and effective surgical treatment to achieve a flatter abdomen and an improved overall body contour. Patients looking for tummy cosmetic surgery in Virginia and Maryland may get in touch with the offices of Dr. Richard Franklin and Dr. Dean Jabs in Bethesda, MD, and McLean, VA.
Patients located in Fairfax, Alexandria, VA, Chevy Chase, Rockville, MD, and nearby areas have a convenient opportunity to receive various treatments in plastic surgery in Maryland and Virginia through their offices.
See Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery is designed to reduce excess fat and skin from the abdominal area and tighten the underlying weak muscles in the abdominal wall to achieve a flatter and firmer tummy. In some cases, the patient may need only a minor reduction in the waist area and the surgeon may recommend a partial tummy tuck procedure in such cases.
In some other cases, tummy tuck may be performed in conjunction with liposuction to achieve more effective outcomes. However, patients should know that tummy tuck cosmetic surgery in Maryland, Virginia or other areas is not a weight loss procedure. It is also not suited for the treatment of stretch marks, though the surgery may provide an incidental benefit by reducing these marks.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Patients with moderate weight but excess fat deposits and loose skin in the abdominal area may be suitable candidates for a tummy tuck surgery. This condition may occur due to aging, genetic factors, weight fluctuations, earlier surgeries, or following a pregnancy.
The ideal patient will be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking several weeks before and after the surgery. Candidates should be aware that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for regular exercise and a balanced diet. Patients in Fairfax, Alexandria, VA, Chevy Chase, Rockville, MD, and surrounding areas may consult the surgeon at Cosmetic Surgery Associates to discuss their treatment options.
Surgical Procedure
Tummy tuck plastic surgery in Virginia, Maryland, or other regions may be performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the specifics of a case. The procedure may last for about two to four hours in most cases. The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision in the pre-determined location to keep it as discreet as possible.
The length of the incision will depend on the amount of fat and skin to be removed. A second incision may be required if the patient has excess skin above the navel as well. Weak underlying muscles and tissue are sutured through the incisions to tighten the abdominal wall. Once the procedure is over, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures or skin adhesive.
Recovery
Following the surgery, most patients would be ready to go back to work within 10 to 14 days. Pain and soreness in the treated areas can be addressed with pain-relieving medications for the first few days. The surgeon will advise the patient to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks. Results with a tummy tuck are long-lasting, provided the patient maintains a healthy and active lifestyle and diet.
If you would like to learn more about plastic surgery procedures performed by Plastic Surgeons Franklin D. Richards, M.D. and A. Dean Jabs, M.D. please visit https://cosmeticplastics.com/ or http://breastaugmentationmd.com/
Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers
