A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure in Baltimore, MD that helps to flatten and tighten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin. People who have lost a significant amount of weight or women who have had multiple pregnancies and have loose, sagging skin around their midsection frequently seek out this procedure.
In Baltimore, there are many skilled plastic surgeons who specialize in tummy tucks and can help patients achieve a more toned and sculpted appearance. With advancements in surgical techniques and technology, patients can expect a smoother recovery process and natural-looking results. If you are considering a tummy tuck in Baltimore, MD, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Tummy Tuck In Baltimore MD
The results of a liposuction procedure are long-lasting due to the fats cells’ permanent removal. Unlike weight loss methods, which only shrink fat cells’ size, liposuction removes these fat cell deposits from the body, and they do not grow back. However, please avoid any significant weight gain after your liposuction procedure since this will negatively impact your final aesthetic results.
After your 360 Liposuction, you can expect to experience bruising, swelling, and numbness in the treatment area(s). However, once the swelling disappears, you can recover quickly and return to work within five days to two weeks, depending on your body. This surgical procedure offers dramatic results allowing you to live more comfortably within your own body. When this form of lipo is performed correctly by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Tajkarimi, HDL gives your body natural but noticeable improvements. At Better Body MD, we offer the best 360 Lipo or High-Def Lipo procedure in the Northern Virginia area. As always, specific results and experiences will vary per person.
Non Surgical Tummy Tuck
An EMSCULPT is a non-surgical tummy tuck alternative that helps tighten and tone the abdominal muscles without the scarring and downtime associated with surgery. A special EMSCULPT device is used to induce muscle contractions that resemble natural muscle contractions but are stronger.
5 Common Tummy Tuck Alternatives
A tummy tuck is a great way to get rid of stubborn fat and excess abdominal skin while also tightening weakened belly muscles. However, not everyone is willing to deal with the downtime, scarring, and recovery process associated with this plastic surgery. Researching what alternatives are available is one of the most important considerations you should make before choosing to move forward with your abdominoplasty. In this post, we explore some of the best minimally invasive abdominoplasty alternatives.
1. Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. Compared to a traditional tummy tuck, liposuction is a less invasive treatment that might be a good alternative for qualified patients. During liposuction treatment, plastic surgeons use a special device known as a cannula to suction fat out from the problem areas (including the abdomen). Tiny incisions are created through which the cannula is inserted. The resulting scarring is hardly visible and much less extensive compared to a typical abdominoplasty procedure. Keep in mind though that liposuction is only a good fit for patients who have excess abdominal fat but good skin elasticity.
2. ThermiTight
ThermiTight is a reasonable tummy tuck alternative that utilizes a special Thermi device to apply heat energy to the abdominal region. Basically, tissues are heated to an optimal setting before the area is wrapped using compression bandaging. Following this treatment, patients enjoy tighter skin without any scarring or prolonged downtime. Because a specialized probe is used to monitor tissue temperatures during treatment, ThermiTight is considered to be a safe procedure. Plastic surgeons typically also use infrared cameras to monitor your skin during treatment and ensure that the right level of heat is applied to achieve the desired skin tightening objectives. This treatment might be an ideal tummy tuck alternative for patients who have loose abdominal skin but minimal fat.
3. CoolSculpting
This is another tummy tuck alternative that may help get rid of excess abdominal fat but without the need for surgery. A special CoolSculpting device applies intense cold to freeze fat cells and destroy them before they are removed from the body. This is a highly effective treatment with up to 20% of excess fat reduced in a single treatment session. Follow-up treatment may be arranged if more fat needs to be removed (based on the patient’s unique goals). CoolSculpting is not just a safe but also a highly effective non-surgical contouring treatment that can be used as a replacement to a tummy tuck (especially in patients with stubborn belly fat and good skin elasticity).
4. EmSculpt
An EMSCULPT is a non-surgical tummy tuck alternative that helps tighten and tone the abdominal muscles without the scarring and downtime associated with surgery. A special EMSCULPT device is used to induce muscle contractions that resemble natural muscle contractions but are stronger. A single treatment can create up to 20,000 muscle contractions (thus working your muscles out in a way that would be impossible to do with exercise). This treatment offers an excellent way for patients who are looking to achieve a firmer and flatter abdominal contour by toning their muscles. The recovery process is much easier although you might feel quite tender over the first couple of days.
5. Renuvion
This is a non-surgical skin tightening procedure that may also be used as a tummy tuck alternative especially in patients who have minimal excess fat and loose belly skin. This treatment is becoming increasingly popular because it tightens and rejuvenates loose skin in the abdomen and other areas without the need for extensive downtime and large surgical scars. Plastic surgeons achieve this treatment by using pro helium gas and radiofrequency to create a plasma (stream of energy). This energy then releases enough heat to contract skin and tighten it. In addition to the abdomen, Renuvion nonsurgical treatment could also be applied to the arm, flanks, breasts, butt, thighs, lower face, and knee.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Time
Recovery. You will need to take about 4 to 6 weeks off work and exercise. You will not be able to drive for a few weeks after the operation (your surgeon and insurance company can advise you about this). It takes about 6 weeks to fully recover and to see the full effect of a tummy tuck.
There are several types of tummy tucks that can be performed. You can get a full or more involved “extended tummy tuck,” or you can get a “mini” tuck, which only focuses on a small area in the lower abdomen.
The more extensive your abdominal contouring is, the longer it may take to recover fully. This is especially true if you opt for an extended tummy tuck because these can involve the flanks, lower back and lower chest.
What to Expect During Tummy Tuck Recovery
The most important thing to remember during this process is that you should follow your surgeon’s instructions closely. Don’t hesitate to contact the doctor’s office if you have questions or concerns.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck is always recommended because he or she has met stringent training and safety requirements that other surgeons have not. Your board-certified plastic surgeon can offer recovery advice and assistance throughout the healing process.
1. Immediately after surgery
Directly following a tummy tuck, your abdomen will be covered with surgical dressing. In many cases, there will be thin, small tubes placed around your incision in order to drain any fluid that builds up around it. This is common and shouldn’t cause you any additional discomfort.
You will need to rest at an angle for the first few days of recovery and will be given instructions to move about to help prevent any blood clots.
2. When you’re home
It’s important to line up help for at least the first day or two that you’re home following surgery. You will be prescribed pain medications and have somewhat limited mobility, so you will not be able to drive yourself home.
Once home, you will likely have difficulty with bending, lifting or standing for prolonged periods of time, so having someone to help around the house during the initial period after tummy tuck surgery can make recovery significantly easier.
3. Daily maintenance
Your doctor will teach you how to properly care for your incision and drainage tubes for the duration of your recovery.
Most patients are given antibiotics and anticoagulants to take for a certain length of time, and some are given topical creams to apply around the incision site.
You will have an abdominal support garment or wrap that will help with swelling and discomfort during recovery, so it’s important to wear it for the recommended amount of time each day.
Smoking and drinking alcohol can seriously inhibit your recovery, so they should be avoided for at least three months post-surgery.
4. Resuming normal life
If you have young children, you will want to enlist help to assist with childcare, as squatting or picking up children (or heavy objects for that matter) for the first few weeks is strongly advised against. However, driving, cooking or shopping is often manageable after a week or two.
Most people opt to take up to a month off work for recovery. If you have a physically demanding job, it’s especially important to take plenty of time off so that you don’t jeopardize your recovery. You will also want to avoid exercise during this time for the same reasons.
5. Long-term effects
Some people experience numbness or a pulling sensation for weeks or months after a tummy tuck, but this is typically normal and often fades with time. It can take up to three months for the swelling and bruising to go down completely, and it may take longer than that for your scar to fade.
