Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck at PSIW
When it comes to a person’s appearance, the midsection is one of the most common areas of concern. While many turn to exercise and a healthy diet to ward off these issues, stubborn belly fat can prove difficult to lose. Fortunately, there is a surgical option available that can help us attain the changes we want in a precise way.
A tummy tuck, otherwise referred to as an “abdominoplasty”, is a surgical procedure that involves sculpting and flattening out the midsection, leaving the patient with a more refined silhouette. Whether a patient has gone through a pregnancy, experienced large weight changes, or simply hasn't found relief through diet and exercise, a tummy tuck in Washington DC can be of great help.
What is a tummy tuck?
When a woman goes through the process of childbirth or experiences large fluctuations in weight, they can negatively impact their midsection with issues such as separation and weakening of the stomach muscles. Once these issues have set in, it can be difficult to reverse them using diet and exercise alone. A tummy tuck procedure is known for being one of the few surgical treatments that can restore a flat, youthful, and sculpted aesthetic to the stomach.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?
Candidates for a tummy tuck procedure are in good health, at or near their target weight, and have pragmatic expectations for the outcomes of the treatment. Patients who are planning to have a child or lose/gain weight may not be good candidates for the procedure. Additionally, patients who are only dealing with excess fat in the midsection but do not have excess skin may be better suited for liposuction than a tummy tuck.
Other general criteria include:
- Being of sound body and mind
- Being a nonsmoker
- You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen
What are common reasons for undergoing a tummy tuck procedure in Bethesda?
The core issues that drive a person to seek out this treatment are excess fat, a lack of skin elasticity, or weakened connective tissue in the stomach. These can be caused by:
- Large weight fluctuations
- Pregnancy
- Abdominal surgeries, such as a C-section
- The natural aging process
- The patient’s natural body type
A tummy tuck is designed to remove loose, excess skin and fat while tightening weak fascia. It can also address stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen, removing them from below the belly button. However, a tummy tuck is unable to correct stretch marks that lie outside of this region.
What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
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Strengthens the body’s core
A tummy tuck in Washington DC is able to revitalize a patient’s weakened core, strengthen their stomach muscles, and provide them with increased flexibility in the abdomen. Some added bonuses of this process are the alleviation of back pain and improved posture.
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Decreases the risk of certain medical issues
Once excess skin and fat have been extracted from the abdomen, there is a much lower chance of the patient developing diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, and gallstones.
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Patients are less likely to develop hernias
Once the stomach muscles have been strengthened by a tummy tuck procedure, there is less stress put on them. As a result, there is a lower risk of developing a ventral hernia.
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Improved control over bodily functions
The aging process, childbirth, and weight gains are all natural parts of life that can lead to a reduced level of bladder and bowel control. These conditions can be improved by removing excess skin and fat from the midsection.
What to expect from the tummy tuck consultation
During the tummy tuck consultation patients should be prepared to go over:
- Their surgical goals
- Any medical conditions, drug allergies, or medical treatments they may have
- Any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements they may be taking. Additionally, all forms of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use must be disclosed at this time.
- All previous surgeries
Additionally, the practitioner will:
- Evaluate the patient’s general health status as well as any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors that are pertinent to the procedure
- Take photographs of the treatment area
- Go over all options that are available to the patient
- Recommend a treatment plan
- Talk about the potential outcomes of the tummy tuck procedure and any risks or complications that are associated with it
The success and safety of a tummy tuck depend highly on the patient’s willingness to be completely candid during this meeting. Various questions will be asked pertaining to the patient’s health, desires, and lifestyle.
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How to prepare for a tummy tuck procedure
Patients are usually required to complete the following steps prior to the procedure:
- Get lab work done or receive a medical evaluation from a doctor
- Start or stop the use of certain medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, and any other substances that cause an increase in bleeding
What is the procedure like?
The steps for a tummy tuck in Washington DC include:
- A small incision is made on the umbilical that gives patients an “innie” belly button
- A short, low incision across the waistline that is obscured by the patient’s underwear or swimsuit
- Excess skin is extracted from the area
- The abdominal muscles are tightened using sutures
What is the recovery process like?
Following a tummy tuck in Bethesda, patients are typically able to get back to work after just 10 to 14 days (provided that the work is non-physical in nature). After the procedure, patients are usually required to keep a surgical drain in place, particularly if they received liposuction in addition to a tummy tuck. Compression garments, which are pre-fitted to the patients, are worn after the procedure and must stay on for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Lymphatic massage and other secondary protocols may also be recommended to patients so that the healing process moves along in a timely manner.
Why choose Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington?
A native of the District of Columbia, Dr. Friedman has been one of the leading cosmetic practitioners in the Washington Metro area for decades. After completing his undergraduate education in St. Louis, Missouri, he went on to receive his medical school degree from George Washington University School of Medicine, graduating as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society.
Dr. Friedman is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Beyond his extensive education and training, he is well known for his commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction. He builds strong relationships with his clients from day one to ensure that they are comfortable every step of the way and pleased with their remarkable results.
Take your first step on a journey to a new you.
