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The Ultimate Guide to Tummy Tucks
The Ultimate Guide to Tummy Tucks
Are you struggling with excess skin, muscle separation and stubborn fat around your midsection? A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, might be the solution you’ve been searching for. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about tummy tucks, from the procedure itself to recovery and results, with insights from Portland’s renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Hetal Fichadia.
Understanding Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy, resulting in loose, sagging skin that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure: What to Expect
Dr. Fichadia’s approach to tummy tuck surgery involves several key steps:
- Consultation: During your initial consultation, Dr. Fichadia will assess your individual anatomy, discuss your goals and recommend a procedure that is tailored to your body and needs.
- Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
- Incision: A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen, typically from hip to hip.
- Muscle Repair: The abdominal muscles are tightened to create a firmer, more toned midsection.
- Skin Removal: Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is redraped over the new contours.
- Liposuction: Liposuction of the waist and hip area is often added for better contouring
- Closure: The incisions are carefully closed to minimize scarring.
Advanced Technologies in Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dr. Fichadia employs state-of-the-art techniques to enhance the tummy tuck procedure and improve patient outcomes. These may include:
- Liposuction for precise fat removal and enhancing contouring
- Use of Renuvion, a helium plasma technology to address loose skin as needed
- Advanced pain management protocols for enhanced recovery, including use of Exparel and TAP blocks in all tummy tuck patients
- Progressive tension sutures as needed for contouring
- Use of mini tummy tuck in the right candidate
Common Questions About Tummy Tucks
Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are individuals at a stable weight with excess abdominal skin and weakened muscles. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy. Tummy tuck is not for patients who have excess visceral or internal fat. This is fat that is stored around your internal organs such as the liver, and is not able to be removed with a tummy tuck.
Do you have a BMI limit for a tummy tuck?
Yes. Dr Fichadia has a BMI limit of 32 for tummy tucks. This limit is set to ensure patient safety and long lasting results of tummy tuck.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to light activities within 2-3 weeks. Full recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks. Dr. Fichadia provides detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Will I have a scar?
While a tummy tuck does result in a scar, Dr. Fichadia takes great care to place the incision low on the abdomen where it can be easily concealed by clothing or swimwear. Over time, the scar will fade and become less noticeable. Additionally, Dr Fichadia will suggest scar products that can be used for minimizing the appearance of a scar.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
Yes, many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with other body contouring procedures, such as breast surgery or liposuction in other areas for more comprehensive results. Dr. Fichadia can discuss these options during your consultation.
The Tummy Tuck Experience with Dr. Hetal Fichadia
When you choose Dr. Fichadia for your tummy tuck near me in Portland, Oregon, you’re selecting a surgeon with extensive experience, stellar credentials and a commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Fichadia’s approach combines surgical expertise with an artistic eye and attention to detail to create natural-looking results that enhance your overall body contour.
Results: A Transformed Midsection
The results of a tummy tuck can be truly transformative. Patients often report:
- A flatter, more toned abdomen
- Improved body confidence and posture
- Better-fitting clothing
- Enhanced overall body proportions
It’s important to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle to preserve your tummy tuck results long-term.
Take the Next Step Towards Your Dream Body
If you’re considering a tummy tuck and want to learn more about how this procedure can benefit you, it’s time to take action. Dr. Hetal Fichadia and her team are ready to guide you through every step of the process, from your initial consultation to your final follow-up appointment.
Ready to transform your midsection and boost your confidence? Contact Dr. Fichadia’s office today to schedule your personalized consultation. Take the first step towards the body you’ve always wanted – your new look is just a phone call away!
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
