BEST PROCEDURES FOR 40’S: ABDOMINOPLASTY
Typically, by the time women are in their forties, they have finished bearing children and are balancing the investment of their time and energy between family, job and community.
While gaining a sense of accomplishment in their 40’s, women may long for the days of their trim waistline. Extra skin peeking out over a belt buckle makes it hard to dress well and feel confident. Efforts to “bounce back” to a pre-pregnancy shape through regular exercise and diet may be ineffective and frustrating. Abdominal exercises are limited to strengthening muscles, and are unable to address loose muscles, connective tissue and stretched skin. In these cases, abdominoplasty at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Pittsburgh may be a solution.
WHAT IS ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat and excess skin resulting from pregnancy or massive weight loss from the abdomen. The surgeon may also tighten underlying connective tissue using sutures, if necessary (Mayo Clinic). After removing excess skin, remaining skin is repositioned to create a flatter and more toned appearance. Abdominoplasty is more invasive than liposuction, another method to surgically remove fat. However, abdominoplasty can be used in combination with liposuction. Abdominoplasty is a safe and effective method that can help you achieve improved central contouring of your abdomen (Medline, U.S. National Library of Medicine).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Abdominoplasty can improve your quality of life and give you a new sense of confidence because your protruding midsection will no longer exist. By removing fat and excess skin, you will gain a smooth and toned appearance. (Examples of results can be seen in “before” and “after” photos on our website Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology.)The abdominal muscles and abdominal fascia (the inner girdle of connective tissue) hold the organs in place, and are responsible for the appearance of this area. Overstretching the tissues and muscles is common during pregnancy and causes the abdomen to protrude. During an abdominoplasty, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian V. Heil will remove unwanted fat, use sutures to tighten overstretched fascia, and eliminate loose skin under and around the bellybutton. Typically, the results of abdominoplasty are long lasting. However, maintaining a healthy diet and stable weight post-surgery is critical to retaining your slimming results. (Mayo Clinic, Medline, U.S. National Library of Medicine)
WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES FOR ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Candidates for a tummy tuck have an abundance of unwanted abdominal fat that exercise or a liposuction procedure does not remedy. Other reasons candidates elect to undergo an abdominoplasty at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Pittsburgh are that they may have poor pliancy of their skin or excessive skin around the abdomen and desire smoother contouring of their waist. Sometimes the area from the pubic bone to the ribs is overstretched as in a pregnancy or significant weight gain. (Mayo Clinic, U.S. National Library of Medicine)
HOW IS ABDOMINOPLASTY PERFORMED?
Our experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Brian V. Heil takes pride in the quality of the surgeries he performs. Patient comfort and providing a satisfying outcome are high priority. The abdominoplasty procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia, either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s situation. Next, an incision is made from one hip to the other near the pubic hairline. This insures that the scar will be well below the belly button. The length of the incision varies patient to patient depending on the amount of excess skin in that area. The skin is lifted, and then the weakened abdominal muscles and connective tissues are repaired. In some cases, a second incision may be required around the navel to repair the muscles or remove excess skin from the upper abdomen. Once the underlying muscles are repaired, the skin is positioned so that excess skin and fat can be removed and the remaining skin reconnected low on the abdomen. Sometimes, a new belly button opening is created and sutured into position. Lastly, the incisions are closed to begin the healing process. The results are a firmer and flatter mid-section that is more proportional to your body frame. (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
WHY CHOOSE PREMIER PLASTIC SURGERY & DERMATOLOGY FOR ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Our staff at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology seeks to provide the highest level of professionalism and satisfaction to our patients. Board-certified Pittsburgh plastic surgeon and founder of Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Dr. Brian V. Heil brings experienced knowledge that he shares with our patients in their consultation. It is highest priority at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology that our patients are educated about the benefits and risks of any cosmetic surgery they may elect to undergo. Dr. Heil ensures that our patients make an educated decision based on their individual situation whether or not to undergo an abdominoplasty procedure.
Dr. Brian V. Heil’s extensive education and experience sets him above average plastic surgeons. Dr. Heil earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh. After which, he completed a five year integrated residency training program in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, along with a fellowship in Micro Surgery and Thrombosis Research from the University Medical Center of Pittsburgh, which is one of the country’s top plastic surgery training programs. He and his team have been treating patients since 2001 at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, which has grown to be one of the largest and most respected plastic surgery practices in Western Pennsylvania.
BOTTOM LINE
Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, can smooth the contours of your abdomen by tightening the structure and removing unwanted bulk and extra skin. You can regain self-confidence and the slim waist of your youth. To see a variety of real life results, look at the photo gallery on our website (Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology). Contact our experienced and professional staff at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology to discuss your personal situation in relation to the benefits and risks to determine if abdominoplasty, or abdominoplasty in combination with liposuction, is the right option for you. To discuss your individual situation and weigh your options with our board-certified Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Dr. Brian V. Heil, contact us at 724-264-3608 or send us an email.
