News

Breast Augmentation Dubai | 22 January 2020

Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or breast implant surgery, is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures

Am I suitable for a breast augmentation procedure?

Breast enhancement is very popular with young women who have always been dissatisfied with the size and/or shape of their breasts. Older women who have seen changes to their body over time, whether due to fluctuations in their weight or the effects of pregnancy and breast feeding, often wish to restore volume where it has been lost. Also women who have noticeably asymmetrical breasts can have this corrected with breast augmentation surgery.

Breast implant surgery is a fantastic way to boost your confidence and Dr. Vigo’s breast augmentation patients are very satisfied with the changes to their breast size and shape. There is a wide range of different sizes to choose from and, depending on the effect you are wishing to achieve, Dr. Vigo is able to advise you which breast implants are suitable for your height and frame.

What can I expect during my breast augmentation procedure?

Performed under general anaesthesia, there are two main technical approaches for where the incision can be made; submammary and axillary. Via the areolar is probably the preferred incision by most cosmetic surgeons – an incision is made in the lower half of the nipple and for those women who have darker nipples than the surrounding skin, the scar can be well-hidden. This incision does mean that the mammary gland and breast tissue is adversely affected when the implant is inserted and the muscle is cut which can be more painful. Over time, this incision also results in more chance of sagging as the implant is not as supported.

The submammary approach is to make an incision along the inframmary fold. Many women seeking breast augmentation do so because their breasts are very small and therefore scar would be very noticeable. For those women who do have a degree of ptosis in the breast, the scar will be hidden in the fold but can still be noticeable even when lying down.

The axillary or underarm or armpit approach; this is the most technically challenging approach, which is why few cosmetic surgeons offer it, but in the hands of a skilled practitioner, it offers a pleasing aesthetic result with the least downside for the patient. There will be no scarring around the breast and the implant is placed below the muscle without the muscle or breast gland being damaged. It produces a more natural result, hides the outline of the implant and there is much less chance of sagging or shape change, even after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In these two approaches, the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle for two reasons: first, there is no contact between the implant and breast gland which can affect the pathology and radiology of the breast. Second, the implant can not be detected by palpation and no chance of capsular contracture deformity.

Are there any possible complications associated with breast augmentation surgery?

The most common complication associated with breast augmentation is capsular contracture, which can develop a few months post-procedure. Scar tissue forms around the implant which can tighten and constrict, causing the implant to feel hard or change shape. There are a number of options to deal with capsular contracture, but sometimes the implant and scar tissue may need to be removed before another implant is inserted.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 18 January 2020

Are dermal fillers safe?

Every client seeking injectable treatments with dermal fillers should be offered an in-depth consultation to examine motivation and expectations.

Do dermal fillers hurt?

Unlike procedures such as surgical face lifts or implants, dermal fillers require no cuts, incisions or stitches to be made, although the procedure may involve some light pain or discomfort. Depending on the area being treated, the treatment usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes, and clients describe it as a tiny scratch as the needle goes in, with a slight stinging sensation as the filler is applied. For those feeling anxious, we can use a local anaesthetic to numb the area completely.

Do you offer permanent dermal fillers?

Dr. Vigo does not offer permanent fillers, due to the unknown long-term risks involved.

How long do dermal fillers last?

Each treatment is delivered by Dr. Vigo to achieve the optimum, natural looking results. Results begin to show immediately after treatment and can last up to 12 months, depending on the product used and the area treated. Lip fillers tend to last for six months.

What Happens At The Consultation?

It’s important to us that you achieve the results you want, and we believe this starts with a thorough consultation. You will never be rushed and Dr. Vigo will take the time to discuss aspects of your skin you may be unhappy with, your desired results, costs and timings. His aim is for you to leave your consultation feeling confident, fully informed and looking forward to your treatment.

What if I don’t like the results?

During your consultation a great amount of time will be spent discussing your expectations, so there shouldn’t be any surprise or shock results following treatment. However, if you are not happy with the results, Dr. Vigo can administer a solution that dissolves the filler almost instantly, leaving no lasting damage or effect.

Blepharoplasty Dubai | 16 January 2020

Age takes away much of the fullness in our upper eyelids, causing the looser skin to fall toward the eyelashes and / or fold backward to create prominent creases. Other conditions created by advancing maturity include fine lines, wrinkles, and under-eye shadows or puffiness.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, corrects this appearance of drooping skin and removes any excess fat on the upper eyelid. It does not, however, erase the fine lines at the outer aspects of your eyes: this condition may be treated by placing fat beneath the skin to plump up any creases.

The surgery can take different approaches depending on the patient’s situation: sometimes the eyelid skin is augmented using fat from a different area of your body, or a small amount of skin is removed to improve both the eyelid fold and the contours. Some patients elect to have both the upper and lower eyelids improved simultaneously, while others choose to correct one or the other, especially if problems are more apparent in a single area.

Upper Eye Lift

When blepharoplasty is performed on the upper eyelid, Dr. Vigo makes a small incision in the crease and remove drooping, excess skin or fat. Extremely fine sutures are used to close the incision, ensuring that the surgery site heals with minimal discomfort. Because the incisions are made along the eye’s natural lines, they are barely visible afterward, and when your eyes are open, they are completely hidden. Over time they will gradually fade away.

Lower Eye Lift

With the lower eyelids, problems usually consist of fat creating ‘bags’ or wrinkles, or age-related hollowing producing dark shadows.

Your eyes are one of your face’s most expressive features, so when wrinkles, fine lines, and puffiness appear, you may look both older and more tired. A surgical eye lift procedure may be the best solution.

Am I a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty?

If you have no pre-existing eye conditions of a serious nature, are psychologically healthy, and have realistic goals for your surgery, you are a good candidate.

Are there any possible complications associated with blepharoplasty?

The potential complications depend on your anatomy and extent of eyelid surgery performed. In general there is very little risk or downtime associated with eyelid surgery, but Dr. Vigo will have a candid discussion with you prior to scheduling the procedure.

Plastic Surgery Dubai | 12 January 2020

This week, Dr. Matteo Vigo will be a speaker at the 5th Emirates Plastic Surgery Congress 2020 – the world’s best gathering of plastic surgeons.

Dr. Vigo will be presenting ‘Secondary Mammoplasties : How to Approach and What to Expect.’

The three-day congress will host the world’s top plastic surgeons in Dubai to showcase work done from all over the world across all disciplines of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic.

Every year the brightest minds in the field of plastic, reconstruction and aesthetic surgery come together to share, discuss and debate the developments, possibilities and new inventions in the field. The three- day congress will host the world’s top plastic surgeons in Dubai. We will deliberate and showcase work done from all over the world across all disciplines of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic. We promise the discussions will be open, honest and full of experiences. The congress will bring together the largest display of keynotes, talks, e-Poster presentations, exhibitions and experiences.

KEY SESSIONS ADVANCES IN AESTHETIC SURGERY

Liposuction and body contouring

Breast surgery

Facial Plastic surgery

Rhinoplasty

Genital rejuvenation

Hair transplantation

Special Session on Injectables

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Breast reconstruction

Craniofacial surgery

Cleft surgery

Burns and wound reconstruction

Hand and Microvascular reconstruction

Facial Reconstruction

WHO WILL ATTEND

The EPSC 2020 will mark the first biggest medical event in 2020 and is a must attend to one and every plastic surgeon in the world.

In addition to them, we will be hosting the delegates and organizations from the following categories

Medical Professionals

Anesthesiologists

Medical Students

Medical Assistants

Surgical Technicians

Research Scientists

Nurses

The Emirates Plastic Surgery Society was formed in 1993, as a non-profit medical society working under the umbrella of Emirates Medical Association.

Fillers in Dubai | 10 January 2020

Dermal fillers treatment involves injecting a medically developed solution under the skin with a fine needle to enhance facial features and plump and fill lines, grooves or sunken areas. Dr. Matteo Vigo only uses high quality products and use Juvederm.

Administered correctly by a medical professional, dermal fillers can subtly smooth, soften, contour and tone the skin; restore youthful plumpness and enhance and define your features.

Where can dermal fillers be used?

Dermal fillers are used to treat a range of skin concerns, including lack of volume and shallow to deep wrinkles and folds. Popular areas to add volume and fullness to include the lips, cheeks and bridge of the nose. For smoothing, adding volume, plumping lines and wrinkles, popular treatment areas include around the forehead, tear troughs, mouth (smile, marionette and lipstick lines), jawline and chin.

Your dermal fillers consultation: what to expect

Your dermal fillers consultation will be with Dr. Vigo who will assess your needs, suitability and determine the most appropriate form of treatment. During your consultation he will be able to answer any questions you may have about your skin concerns and give you personalised advice. If the decision is taken to proceed with filler treatment, he will be able to carry out the treatment in-clinic.

Types of dermal fillers

Cheek fillers – add volume and lift to your cheeks.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty – reshape your nose with a non-surgical nose job.

Tear trough fillers – instantly revive and refresh your under eyes, reducing dark circles.

Lip fillers – add extra volume and plumpness to lips.

Jawline and chin – add volume to the jaw and chin area.

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 9 January 2020

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal fat and skin. Depending on the individual, a tummy tuck also may rebuild muscles that have become weakened or separated due to pregnancy or trauma. The result is firmer, flatter and more contoured abdomen. After pregnancy or weight loss, excess skin and fat can distort the appearance of the abdomen. In particular, many women find that after their second child or after bearing twins, their muscles and skin do not return to their original appearance secondary to repeated stretch of the abdomen. The abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” procedure, creates a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles. You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are at a stable weight and are physically healthy, you have realistic expectations, and you do not smoke.

ANATOMY OF THE ABDOMEN

The abdominal wall consists of skin, fat, and muscle. The rectus abdominis muscles, which form the “six pack” of muscles on the abdomen, are covered by a firm sheath called the rectus fascia. This fascial layer frequently weakens and stretches out with pregnancy and weight gain. As a result, once a patient loses weight or has her children, she may be left with laxity of the abdominal wall. During surgery, the fascial layer over the rectus abdominis muscles is tightened, and the excess skin and fat are removed.

SURGERY STEPS

The abdominoplasty procedure is performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen within the bikini line. In patients who have undergone a prior C-section, the incision can be made in the same location and extended to the sides. The rectus abdominis muscles of the abdomen are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are trimmed and redraped. Most abdominoplasty surgeries require repositioning of the umbilicus, or navel through a second incision. In the “mini” abdominoplasty procedure, lower abdominal muscle tightening with fat and skin removal are performed through a limited horizontal bikini incision only, without repositioning of the navel. The resulting scar is usually low on the abdomen, and therefore can be concealed within most bathing suits and clothing. Small drain tubes are placed with both techniques.

ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES

Liposuction is sometimes performed in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery to contour the flanks. Some patients wish to undergo simultaneous breast surgery to lift, add volume, or both. The combination of tummy tuck surgery and breast augmentation or lift surgery is commonly referred to as a “mommy makeover” procedure.

Additional procedures incur additional operating time, anesthesia, and surgical risks.

SURGERY AND ANESTHESIA

The surgery lasts 2 – 2.5 hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. Many patients worry about the risk of general anesthesia, but it is very safe and it assures that you will be completely comfortable during surgery. Prior to surgery you will be required to obtain medical photographs, routine bloodwork, and in some cases preoperative clearance. The evening prior to surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This ensures that you will have an empty stomach prior to surgery, which is very important for your anesthesiologist to care for you safely. You will need to have a responsible adult available to escort you home after surgery.

RECOVERY

Following surgery, you will awaken in the recovery area. Once you are fully alert, you will be transported to the stepdown area where you will be given something to drink and the to eat. You will have two drains and a surgical garment placed at the conclusion of the procedure. The nurses in the recovery area will demonstrate how to empty and record the output from your drains. A responsible adult will need to be available to escort you home.

Patients are seen in the office 3 or 4 days following surgery. At that time your drains will be removed and you will be replaced into your surgical garment. Most sutures placed will dissolve on their own. The surgical garment should be worn for the following 4 weeks

Walking is permitted the day after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting are limited until four weeks following surgery. Most patients do not complain of severe pain following this surgery, but note that the abdomen feels “tight”, as if they have performed many sit-ups. Pain medication is prescribed for any discomfort. Swelling will be present for the initial 2-3 months after surgery, and the final results are typically seen 3-6 months after surgery. The scar will continue to fade and soften for up to one year following surgery, although it will never completely disappear.

WHAT A TUMMY TUCK CANNOT DO

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. If you have ongoing weight loss, or are planning to become pregnant, you should delay your surgery. A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, but it will remove the skin beneath the umbilicus. Stretch marks above this level some- times appear lighter after surgery, but they will not disappear.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 8 January 2020

Dermal fillers are injectable gels that are usually made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that attracts and binds water in the skin. A treatment will fill in wrinkles and provide volume to the soft tissues, helping to give your skin a more full and youthful appearance well after your body stops producing collagen. Dermal fillers have grown in popularity over the last few years due to their ability as both volume enhancers and wrinkle fillers. They’re usually used on the lips, cheeks and under the eyes, often with amazing, age-defying results. At around the age of 25, the body stops producing collagen and elastin. These two proteins work together to keep tissue firm and skin elastic. Without them, the body isn’t able to keep tissue strong and skin supple. It’s this that causes the typical signs of aging to start appearing, including lines and wrinkles, sunken cheeks and a loss of elasticity in the skin.

How do Dermal Fillers work?

Generally, injecting dermal fillers into the skin causes plumping of that area which helps smooth wrinkles, enhance definition and volumise the face. However, different types of filler can be used for different results and in different areas.

When it comes to treating facial volume loss (like sagging cheeks), a professional will typically use a thicker dermal filler that can provide effective support for the cheeks. Plumping or removing lines from lips, on the other hand, requires a much thinner dermal filler as the skin around that area is thinner.

While dermal fillers are often used alongside treatments like Botox, they actually work quite differently. Botox prevents movement of the small muscles that contribute to wrinkles. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, create additional plumping beneath the wrinkle, smoothing it out and restoring its youthful appearance. The combination of using Botox alongside Dermal fillers can result in amazing looking results which is why they are frequently used together.

Where are Dermal Fillers usually used?

Dermal fillers can be used to achieve a variety of results in different areas of the face. They are usually used in three main areas to achieve the following:

AROUND THE EYES:

Reduce under eye bags and dark circles

Soften fine lines and crow’s feet

MID FACE AREA:

Smooth accordion lines (the fine lines that creep up the sides of the face towards the cheekbones) and folds

Add volume to the cheek area affected by gravity and age

LOWER FACE AREA:

Smooth a “gummy smile” above the lips

Reduce the appearance of vertical lines above the lip

Add volume to the nasolabial folds around the mouth

Correct the downturned corners of the mouth

Stop the jawline from sagging

Plump and reduce chin creases

How long do Dermal Fillers last?

Depending on the type of hyaluronic acid used, Dermal fillers can last anywhere between 6 to 18 months. This may also vary from person to person depending on how well it’s suited to the purpose and individual. There are many different brands of hyaluronic acid on the market, some of which you might recognise, including Juvederm®, Belotero® and Restylane®. It can be difficult to know which dermal filler is right for you so be sure to ask your practitioner for advice on the right choice for you.

Things to know before your Dermal Fillers treatment

Dermal fillers are incredibly safe, and allergic reactions are extremely rare, so long as your treatment is carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional. Before getting dermal filler treatment there are a few simple steps you can carry out to ensure your treatment is as successful as possible.

Try and avoid any product containing aspirin, vitamin E, St John’s Wort and any dietary supplements that include ginko, garlic, primrose oil and ginseng for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.

Avoid ibuprofen, Aleve, fish oil, alcohol and any product that can thin your blood for 2 days prior to your treatment.

Remove all makeup and wash your face before the treatment to avoid skin irritation.

Are there any side effects of dermal fillers?

After having dermal filler treatment, you may notice some common side effects in and around the treated area. These can include:

Redness

Swelling

Bruising

Pain and discomfort

Using a trained and experienced practitioner can help to minimise these side effects. Taking the right kind of supplements may also help but you should check with your practitioner before taking anything. Here are a list of suggested do’s and don’ts to help minimise any negative after effects of your treatment.

Using a calming agent like chamomile or taking Bromelain and Turmeric together can help to reduce the skin redness, swelling, tenderness, and/or itchiness that are common after dermal filler treatment. If your symptoms last longer than 3 days be sure to speak to your practitioner.

Bruising is also fairly common, although this should go away within a few days. To help speed up the process you can use Arnica to help reduce bruising and swelling.

Do not massage the treated areas as this can cause the filler to move, resulting in an uneven look and feel.

Avoid applying heat to the treated area until any bruising or swelling has gone away. You should also try and avoid any activities that might cause you to blush or get red faced. Exercising, consuming alcohol, going in the sauna or using a sun bed should all be avoided. No skiing or mountain climbing in very cold temperatures either.

Regular washing and showering is fine as long as you’re using gentle cleansers and moisturisers. Makeup and sunscreen should also be fine to use as long as they are applied gently.

Are dermal fillers right for you?

The most important thing to do before going ahead with a dermal filler treatment is to do your research. Firstly, think about what you want to achieve from the treatment. This will help you and your practitioner to narrow down the type of filler you’ll want to use and ensure your treatment resolves your primary concerns.

Secondly, set a strict budget for your treatment. Many treatments are only fully effective with multiple treatments or a combination of dermal fillers and botox. It’s important to be aware of this so that you aren’t left disappointed by a half effective course of treatment. You should also be wary of practitioners offering a cheap service. These treatments, when carried out by an experienced, qualified practitioner, should not be cheap. If someone is offering you a treatment for a lot less than other practitioners it may reflect the quality of the practitioner, product or clinic. With Dermal fillers, you get what you pay for. So if you’re looking for a high quality treatment with minimal side effects, you’ll need to pay for it.

Finally, once you think you’ve found the treatment and practitioner to suit you, make sure you meet them, ask questions and feel comfortable having them treat you. There should be no pressure put on you to get a treatment done right away or use any products that you haven’t specifically requested. Dermal fillers are safe and effective as long as you select a provider who will make every effort to minimise risk, work with you to address your concerns and follow up to ensure that you are well and satisfied, so make sure you know who you’re dealing with.

Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 7 January 2020

J-Plasma body contouring and skin tightening is a revolutionary new minimally invasive procedure that both tightens and contours lax skin anywhere on the body. This is accomplished this by means of special device that delivers “helium plasma’’ energy through tiny incisions to the undersurface of the skin in those areas to be tightened. J-Plasma can be done as a stand-alone procedure or as is more often the case, in conjunction with liposuction. The combination of fat removal with liposuction followed by skin tightening by J-Plasma yields dramatic improvements to body contours that were previously unobtainable.

This body lift procedure may involve the use of local anesthesia and oral sedation to ensure that the patient remains comfortable. People seeking a more contoured and firmer body may find the J-Plasma Renuvion treatment to be highly beneficial. The procedure involves minimal downtime and discomfort to lift and tighten lax tissue.

Treatment Area

J-Plasma powered Renuvion body lift can firm and contour the below mentioned areas very effectively:

Upper arms

Abdomen

Flanks

Upper and lower back

Chest

Plasma Energy

The Renuvion body lift and skin tightening involve the use of a specialized device to target cold plasma energy to the treatment site. This cold plasma is produced by ionizing helium gas with RF energy. Helium is a highly stable gas which can be energized at very low levels of energy enabling this treatment to be targeted, safe, and effective. As cold plasma is not heat-based like lasers, the procedure involves minimal risk of injury to the treated tissues. These cold plasma characteristics make it an ideal treatment for patients who desire body contouring with minimal discomfort, downtime, and risks.

Suitable Candidates

Renuvion body lift and skin tightening procedure is a suitable treatment for individuals with mild to moderate sagging skin. A person can develop loose skin and uneven contours due to major weight loss or aging. In addition, it is ideal for people who have undergone liposuction or another non-surgical body sculpting procedure in the past and are seeking further contouring, toning, and tightening.

Procedure

The time taken to complete this procedure is between one to two hours. The patient will be administered local anaesthesia to numb the treatment areas. Subsequently, the Renuvion provider will place tiny incisions on the affected sites. They will use these incisions to apply the Renuvion device on the skin’s under surface to deliver cold plasma energy to the tissue layers being treated. This will immediately constrict, tighten, and firm the tissue from inside out. Patients will instantly notice the treatment benefits, and the effects will continually enhance over time. The cold plasma energy will prompt the production of new collagen fibers for fuller, smoother skin and longer lasting outcomes.

A majority of patients can resume their routine activities in around two to three days following the procedure. In around three weeks, they can restart exercising as well. The treatment provider may prescribe some pain medicines to help the patient remain comfortable during the initial recovery phase.

Breast Augmentation Dubai| 5 January 2020

With an experienced plastic surgeon by your side, you can expect your breast augmentation recovery to go smoothly and quickly. In fact, many women are back to work and routine activities in three to five days. However, an easy recovery will depend on several factors, including how prepared you are to pamper yourself during those first vital days. Keep in mind these four tips for a healthy recovery following your breast augmentation.

Plan for assistance – While breast augmentation recovery is not extremely difficult, you will have just undergone major surgery. Therefore, for the first few days, you will be sore and tired. For six weeks, you should not do any heavy lifting, and this includes picking up children under 20 pounds. Plus, no driving until you are finished with all narcotic pain medications. It is recommended that you schedule assistance with household chores and with the children for the first 24 to 72 hours. Even just having a friend stop by each day to check in on you will be helpful.

Proper pain management – It is common to experience mild to moderate discomfort immediately after a breast augmentation procedure. Some women will feel pressure and tightness across their chest. Your doctor will prescribe a few days of pain medication to help you make it comfortably through the early recovery. However, many women find that after the first post-op day, they need nothing more than over-the-counter pain medications. Fill your prescriptions prior to the day of your breast augmentation, so that if you get home to find that you need pain or anti-nauseous medications, they are close at hand.

Get plenty of rest and sleep – Getting enough rest during your breast augmentation recovery sounds simple, but for some people, this is easier said than done. Make sure you have a quiet room set aside, as well as a comfortable bed to rest in, for the first few days. Have plenty of pillows, so you can prop yourself up at a comfortable angle. Some movies, books and magazines will help pass the time. You will be walking immediately after surgery, slowly regaining your strength. Just remember to listen to your body, getting plenty of sleep and relaxation, as you heal.

Have plenty of light, healthy foods and water at home – Before heading to the clinic for your breast augmentation, stock your kitchen with easy to prepare food and plenty of water. For the first post-op day, you may be nauseous from the anesthesia or not have much of an appetite, so soft, light foods are best. Make sure you have a healthy variety of foods on hand, to give your body energy and strength to heal over the following week. It is easy to become dehydrated during this time period, so drink water, water and more water.

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 3 January 2020

A firm, flat abdomen is a hallmark of a beautiful body contour. A tummy tuck, personalized to your needs, can help you improve your abdominal shape for years to come. A tummy tuck tightens and reshapes the abdominal area, helping to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing, slimmer overall appearance. Having a flatter, firmer midsection can dramatically improve the way clothing fits and looks, helping you feel more confident and comfortable in your body.

During the procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess, sagging skin is eliminated, correcting a protruding belly and leaving the midsection flatter and better toned. Tummy tucks are popular procedure for men and women, particularly those whose bodies have undergone dramatic changes from weight loss or pregnancy.

Who Might Benefit from a Tummy Tuck?

The decision to have any cosmetic procedure is personal, and patients choose to have tummy tucks for a variety of reasons. The best candidates are at or near their ideal body weight, are non-smokers in good health, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve for them. If any of the following describe you, a tummy tuck is an option to consider:

– Diet & exercise have helped you lose weight, but your abdomen still protrudes and lacks tone.

– Your abdominal muscles and skin are stretched and sagging following pregnancy.

– After losing significant amounts of weight, you now have loose, excess skin hanging around your belly.

– You have always had a belly that “sticks out,” even though you are in very good shape.

– A tummy tuck can help patients in any of these situations address what they don’t like about their shape and achieve a firmer, flatter abdomen.

Types of Tummy Tucks

No two patients start with identical concerns, nor will any two patients share the exact same goals. I will recommend the type of tummy tuck that will achieve your desired outcome and create natural-appearing results with the least scarring possible.

Mini-Tummy Tuck: Improves the Lower Belly with Less Extensive Surgery

Are you mainly bothered by a “pooch” or loose skin and stretch marks below the belly button? A mini-tummy tuck may be a good option for you. This technique involves a single incision made just above the pubic mound, through which your cosmetic surgeon will tighten loose muscles (flattening the “pooch”) and remove excess skin to restore a smooth, flat abdominal wall.

The resulting scar from a mini-tummy tuck is a thin, horizontal line that is typically just a few inches long. Benefits of a mini-tummy tuck include a shorter, less involved procedure, a quicker recovery, and a flatter, slimmer lower abdomen that looks better in swimsuits and fitted clothing.

Classic or “Full” Tummy Tuck: Improves the Upper & Lower Abdomen

Are you bothered by roundness and/or excess skin folds above and below your belly button? A full tummy tuck, which addresses the full length of the abdominal wall, may yield the best results. Through a horizontal or U-shaped incision, made above the pubic mound, I will remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. In some cases, a second incision is made around the navel to address excess skin above the belly button and achieve the most natural looking results.

The resulting scar from a full tummy tuck looks similar to that for a mini-tummy tuck, but will typically be longer, running from hip bone to hip bone. Even so, a full tummy tuck scar can usually be hidden beneath a swimsuit bottom. Benefits of a full tummy tuck include a much flatter, smoother abdomen, reduced appearance of stretch marks, and enhanced comfort in pants and skirts. You will also find that form-fitting dresses and swimsuits have a more flattering fit.

Extended Tummy Tuck: Improves the Upper & Lower Abdomen and Flanks

Have you lost a lot of weight and now have excess, sagging skin hanging around the front half of your body? Or, have you noticed significant laxity in your abdominal muscles following multiple pregnancies? An extended tummy tuck may be the best option to address your concerns. Although it involves a longer incision, an extended tummy tuck removes excess, hanging skin from the front (upper and lower abdomen) and the flanks, as well as tightens the abdominal wall.

The resulting scar from an extended tummy tuck can often be hidden by clothing, including many swimsuits, but it may not be entirely covered for some patients. Even so, many patients consider some visible scarring a worthwhile price for a much improved body shape.