What is a Tummy Tuck?

, , , , , ,

As we get older, and the effects of time and gravity increasingly take their toll, muscle and skin begins to sag.  Our metabolisms slow and the fat that was once able to be burned off, is now seemingly impossible to get rid of.  As a result, the once-trim midsection of youth begins to grow and stretch.  Weight gain or pregnancy can cause the muscles in the abdomen to stretch and separate and, as a result, even losing weight can’t tighten that midsection despite our best efforts.  Fortunately, I perform cosmetic procedures like abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, to address specific abdominal concerns for my patients.

Abdominoplasty can help improve the appearance of the midsection, especially after significant weight gain or loss. It helps flatten the lower abdomen and tighten stretched skin and may also help relieve skin rashes or infections that happen under large flaps of skin.  Generally, I perform tummy tucks by creating an incision in the lower abdominal region that is easily hidden by underwear and bathing suits. Unwanted skin and fat are removed and the skin is tightened downward.  The shape and length of the incision are primarily determined by the amount of excess skin.  Once the abdominal skin is lifted, underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.  Liposuction is performed on the flanks to further enhance the hourglass appearance and excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together while maintaining a natural navel appearance.

Tummy tuck results present a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.  During your recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to the surgical sites, and you may be wrapped in a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals.  I always give my patients specific, post-operative instructions and always encourage them to ask any specific questions about what to expect during the recovery period.  Individual recovery times can vary significantly, but maintaining a good line of communication with me is the best way to reduce the risk of any complications arising from elective procedures.

If you’re interested in body contouring, cosmetic, or reconstructive procedures that I offer, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Connect with me, Dr. Hunter Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.

The Latest Options in Body Contouring

, , , , , , , , , ,

Many patients exercise regularly but still can’t seem to get rid of excess fat, whether from weight gain or pregnancy.  With the advances in medical science and technology, body contouring procedures can sculpt and refine the body to help maintain a youthful and vital appearance.  Board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hunter Moyer performs body contouring procedures that have become increasingly popular among patients.  According to the latest American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2013 statistics, liposuction ranked one of the top five most performed cosmetic surgical procedures, and the number of tummy tucks and buttocks lifts have both increased by roughly 80% since 2000.

Patients who experience localized amounts of fat that may be resistant to diet and exercise are ideal candidates for liposuction.  Dr. Moyer uses three fat removal methods to suit each patient’s specific needs.  Thru very small incisions (less than ¼”), Dr. Moyer uses a small hollow tube (or cannula) to suction out fat cells.  In tumescent liposuction a special anesthetic fluid is injected, which numbs the area and causes the fat cells to swell, making the fat easier to remove.  Ultrasound assisted liposuction uses high frequency sound to liquefy the fat, leaving the skin and other tissue unharmed.  Not only does this allow the fat to be suctioned more easily, but the stimulating vibration can tighten and revitalize the overlying skin as well.  Finally, Body Jet (or water-assisted) liposuction uses sterile water to loosen undesired fat for removal.  However it uses a closed system design, withdrawing the fat so it can be later used for other fat transfer or augmentation procedures like the Brazilian Butt Lift.

Over the years, weight gain or pregnancy can cause the muscles in the abdomen to stretch and separate.  As a result, even losing weight can’t tighten the midsection as much as some patients would like.  A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is designed not only to remove unwanted fat and eliminate excess skin from the mid-section but also to retighten muscles along the abdominal wall that may have separated, restoring the smooth, lean contours of a more youthful physique.  Dr. Moyer makes an incision in the lower abdominal area, easily hidden by underwear or bathing suits, and tightens the skin downward to make sure the naval maintains a natural appearance.

Utilizing excess fat removed through liposuction, Dr. Moyer can perform buttock augmentation (or Brazilian Butt Lift) through fat transfer.  The fat that has been removed is carefully purified and then re-injected into the buttocks to re-contour the area.  Using the patient’s own fat instead of an implant creates a more natural contour.  During consultation, Dr. Moyer works with patients to determine the precise target areas for both removal and re-injection to make sure that the patient can get the expected results they desire.

If you are interested in body contouring procedures Dr. Moyer performs or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today.  Also, connect with Dr. Moyer on FacebookTwitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery updates and the latest news articles.