Reading Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty in Reading PA
In Berks County and anywhere else, a flat stomach is important to a physically fit appearance. However, a healthy diet and regular abdominal workouts sometimes can do little to eliminate accumulations of excess fat and loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area. If you would like a flatter, firmer stomach and have not been able to achieve your goals through lifestyle changes, abdominoplasty may be a good choice for you.
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is designed to firm and smooth the abdomen. This cosmetic procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and may also tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The result is a flatter, tighter abdominal profile.
You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin
- An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
- Abdominal muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy or aging
- Excess fat that is concentrated beneath the abdominal skin
Before you decide to go ahead, and before Dr. Reedy or Dr. Fernandez can agree that you should, however, you need to understand (1) what will be done, (2) what you can expect during post-surgery recovery, and (3) the risks that come with this or any similar elective surgery.
Please contact us at Berks Plastic Surgery, to see if you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty.
The Procedure
An abdominoplasty is an individualized procedure. Your surgeon will thoroughly and realistically discuss your goals during your complimentary consultation. Together you will determine what specific procedures will be performed.
You may choose to have a full abdominoplasty, which address the entire abdomen, or a partial abdominoplasty (or “mini tummy tuck”), which only flattens and tightens the lower belly. Generally, the partial procedure does not require the navel to be separated from tissue below it, while the full procedure does. An abdominoplasty is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as liposuction, so that the hips can be shaped to match the smaller tummy.
You should plan on your surgery taking several hours or more, depending on whether you are undergoing a full abdominoplasty or partial abdominoplasty, or are receiving other plastic surgery procedures at the same time. Your surgeon will create an incision that runs along the lower waist line and then will remove excess fat and skin. The abdominal muscles will then be tightened and set into place. The recovery period for the partial procedure is normally shorter and results in a smaller scar. It is important to note that Dr. Reedy and Dr. Fernandez work with a board-certified MD anesthesiologist.
Recovery
Some pain and swelling may occur during the first few days after the procedure. Recovery typically takes several weeks. You will be fully advised about a safe exercise program, which can help speed the recovery process.
Risks and Complications
There are risks and possible complications associated with any surgery. Your surgeon will discuss with you thoroughly the risks of an abdominoplasty, so you can make an informed decision about whether a tummy tuck is right for you. While very unusual, abdominoplasty complications can include a bleeding episode, infection, loss of skin sensation, skin contour irregularities, wrinkling of the skin, excessive scarring, and other undesirable results.
For these reasons especially, our surgeons take great care to evaluate each patient individually. They will advise you of your own unique risk profile, and enable you to compare it with that of abdominoplasty candidates in general, before determining whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Plastic surgeons Dr. Reedy and Dr. Fernandez can help you achieve your goals. They specialize in cosmetic surgery, including facelift, breast implants, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, and tummy tuck procedures. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about abdominoplasty, please contact us today.
If you live near Allentown, Pottsville, Reading or Lancaster, the tummy tuck specialists at Berks Plastic Surgery can help you get the results you are looking for!