You may think that every plastic surgery is performed the same way. But that’s just not correct. Since every surgeon approaches patients differently, and every patient is built slightly different, how do you know whether your abdominoplasty will give you the results you want? The answer is simply experience, a careful physical examination and taking the time to listen.
Experience matters.
There are major differences between why most people come in for tummy tucks. The reasons can be broken down into major categories including changes in the abdominal area post-pregnancy, weight-gain or loss, and revisions from unsatisfactory results from another surgeon. A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon knows how to treat these differences.
Post-pregnancy changes in the abdominal area involves the appearance and location of stretch marks, looseness or laxity of the skin and underlying muscles, and scarring (gall bladder, C section or other abdominal surgeries)
Average changes in the abdominal wall after pregnancy can usually be repaired with a mini tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck addresses the lower half of the abdominal wall (below the belly button) by suturing the muscles back to their pre-pregnancy state and removing excess skin. When a C section scar is present, the plastic surgeon must use extra care as the C section scar is full thickness and extends through the skin and fat and is often adherent to the muscle layer. The scar may hide hernias and lead to additional complications if not carefully addressed at the time of the tummy tuck. The transverse bikini line C section scar is always removed and a new lower scar is placed.
Weight gain or loss issues typically require a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck removes all of the tissue from the belly button down to the pubic area and tightens the muscles of the entire abdominal wall from the breast bone to the pubic bone. This leads to a flat tight abdominal contour when completed. Any stretch marks or prior scarring such as a vertical C section scar from the belly button down would be removed with a full tummy tuck procedure.
Tummy tuck revisions can be addressed from the uncomplicated simple scar revision to a more involved re-suturing of the muscles or re-positioning of a scar that is too high.
These are just a couple of reasons why you should choose an experienced surgeon for your tummy tuck. Don’t take chances with your body and don’t’ have your procedure performed in a medspa or by a doctor who is not a plastic surgeon or does not have privileges in a hospital to do your procedure.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kole and find the honest answers for what is bothering you about your abdomen that fits your needs best. Experience matters. Dr. Kole can be reach at 215-315-7655 to schedule your complimentary private consultation.
