Cosmetic Surgery

• Abdominal Etching
• Abdominoplasty
• Blepharoplasty
• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Earlobe Repair
• Facelift
• Fat Grafting
• Labioplasty
• Laser Liposuction
• Liposuction
• Neck Rejuvenation
• Rhinoplasty
• Zeltiq

Laser Treatments

Aesthetics

Abdominoplasty in Maryland

The “tummy tuck” or abdominoplasty is a procedure that corrects the contour and shape of the abdomen and waist. Women who have extensive stretch marks and droopy abdominal skin enjoy the benefits of this surgery. Abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, while tightening weakened abdominal muscles. 

What are the risks?     

Any surgery carries the risk of bleeding or infection. Occasionally patients develop skin sloughing at the incision site. Problems are more frequent with smokers and non-compliant patients. Minor adjustments to the incision may be needed after a few months to correct any problems.

What can I expect after surgery?

Most patients are sent home with two drains. The drains are usually removed within 5 days. We keep you comfortable with oral pain medications and muscle relaxants. Patients wear a garment or binder for the first 2 weeks after surgery, and most return to work within 7 days. Patients are usually able to perform the activities of daily living the first day after surgery. Return to exercise and more strenuous activity is determined by your surgeon on a case by case basis.

Will my skin stretch again?

Post-operative weight gain or pregnancy can cause a re-collection of fat and excess skin, and  weaken abdominal musculature.

Will a tummy tuck correct my love handles?

A tummy tuck will certainly narrow the waist and flank areas. Liposuction is often additionally performed on the waist and flank areas to achieve an optimal result.

How long does abdominoplasty take?

As with most surgeries procedure length varies on the patient and the extent of the procedure. Typically, abdominoplasty takes about 3-4 hours to perform.

What if I have a hernia? Do I have a hernia?

Many times patients have and umbilical or ventral hernias. These conditions can be fixed while doing the abdominoplasty. Hernias, especially large ones, can be easily felt on physical exam. There are instances, however, when they are recognized during the procedure and are fixed at the same time.

What will my scars look like?

In a traditional tummy tuck an incision is made from hip to hip, leaving a sizable scar. Fortunately, most scars are placed below the underwear line. A second scar is placed around the belly-button. By adding post-operative LASER treatments to the incision sites, our doctors do everything possible to minimize the amount and size of the scar.

What is a “mini-tuck”?

The term “mini tuck” refers to a short scar abdominoplasty. The scar used is placed below the bikini line and is only slightly larger than a C-section scar. Suitable candidates have a “pouch” of skin and fat located in the lower abdomen.  This pouch is most frequently the result of pregnancy, and despite diet and exercise the patient cannot get rid of the skin and fatty tissue.