Tummy Tuck Options: What are some considerations?
There are benefits of having both liposuction and tummy tuck. Pittsburgh residents- like most of us- seek a smaller belly, less fat around the mid section and better definition. Sounds great, it gets even better….. The tummy tuck will removal stretch-marks, tighten and flatten the belly and your muscles. These are the benefits of having both procedures at once. If you skin is not too loose, then liposuction alone may be just enough to get you into the body you dream about. Doctor Heil at Premier Plastic Surgery will use his surgical experience and expertise to help you choose the right option. Skin has a limit of how much it will stretch and return to normal particularly after pregnancy or weight loss. When it stretches beyond a certain degree it is very difficult to get back your original shape and firmness.
If your goals are to have some fat removed around your belly, than ultrasonic liposuction or laser liposuctions is the best option for you. However, if stretch marks, loose skin, or the so-called “little pouch” is your concern, then a better option would be a tummy tuck. Pittsburgh residents should know that liposuction removes fat but the tummy tuck removes skin, tightens muscles, and shapes the belly. Doctor Heil will work from the belly button down to the groin hairline.
Doctor Heil performs Tummy tuck surgery in his AAAASF surgery center. He begins with an incision made from hipbone to hipbone, creating a skin flap. Next, the skin is separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then tightened, providing a firmer abdomen and a narrower waistline. Once the muscles are stitched into place, the skin flap is folded down and the extra skin is removed. Lastly, the incision is stitched closed and a dressing is applied. Your procedure will take between two to five hours, depending on how much work is needed and if multiple procedures will be done at the same time.
The tummy tuck procedure will result in a scar, but it is located below the bikini line so it is as inconspicuous as possible. The results of Dr. Heil’s tummy tuck, Pittsburgh patients found, are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly, so you can keep your toned abs for years to come!
The costs of a full tummy tuck surgery include the surgical fee, facility fee (O.R. & Recovery) and anesthesiology fee. Although Doctor Heil, and most other fully trained board certified plastic surgeons, do not quote prices before a proper consultation, I can provide you with a general idea of the costs. The surgical fee ranges from $5,500 to 7,000 and the total package cost ranges from $7,000 to $10,000 in this region. Doctor Heil’s surgical fee is usually $6,000 depending on the case details and total package cost runs about $8,200.
What are the risks and side effects of either of the procedures? Just like any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with tummy tuck and/or liposuction. These generally include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, and undergoing anesthesia. Tummy tuck and liposuction are a very safe procedure and, when performed by properly trained individuals, it is an excellent way to look the way you desire. A personal consultation with Doctor Heil about tummy tuck and liposuction at his Upper St. Clair, Cranberry or Butler offices in Pittsburgh is the best way to get the information that is exactly right for you.
Remember that you get what you pay for, even in cosmetic surgery. There are many so-called “cosmetic surgeons” who (1) have not been trained in general and plastic surgery by ACGME accredited plastic surgery residencies, (2) are not Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (the only Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties), (3) are not credentialed to do plastic surgery in hospitals because of their lack of proper credentials and training, (4) operate in their offices or so-called “surgicenters”, and (5) further risk their patients safety by using nurse anesthetists without anesthesiologists. It’s scary and yet true.
When it comes to your body, please insist on the highest safety and training qualifications insured by the board certification that I listed (regardless of whether it is Doctor Heil or another surgeon with whom you ultimately pursue your care). The three most import aspects of my patient care are: (1) uncompromised patient safety, (2) individualized and customized treatment plans specific to both the patients needs and desires, and (3) always treating each patient in as caring and understanding a manner as I would my own family member.
We hope this information has been helpful in answering your questions. If you do have further questions about tummy tuck or liposuction, contact the Premier Plastic Surgery today at 724-264-3608.
To learn more info on the tummy tuck, Pittsburgh residents can look to two of my colleagues, Doctors Richards & Jabs, who have a very informative blog. See link: http://cosmeticplasticsblog.com/.
