As we head into spring, it’s a good time to discuss abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck) and other body contouring surgeries, as well as non-invasive procedures for the body.
Warmer weather usually leads people to start changing their hair, makeup, and more specifically the types of clothes they wear. To some that may mean putting sweaters and scarves away, pulling out some of their favorite sleeveless pieces, or adding new clothing to their wardrobe. In some instances, the look or the fit might not make them feel as confident as they once felt. Typically, this is when I get an email inquiry or a phone call asking about tummy tuck options.
Reviewing Your Tummy Tuck Options
When I see a patient for an initial consultation, they usually have a list of what is bothering them. They’ve had a chance to see what celebrities are doing or have heard advertisements about some “magical lunch-time treatment” and now they want to know what they should do. After a thorough discussion about what is bothering them, we conduct an exam to help determine what procedure would be best to take care of their concerns and whether they should consider surgery or a non-invasive treatment.
Mommy Makeover
Some patients come into my office asking for a Mommy Makeover. This is a catchy, clever term that I didn’t invent, but with use of hashtags on social media and Google searches, this term does attract a lot of attention. There is no specific Mommy Makeover procedure, but often times it alludes to a total torso “tune-up” after a baby, weight loss, or a lifestyle change. Generally, Mommy Makeovers are a combination of surgical procedures that address the abdomen and breasts, like:
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck
- Breast augmentation
Some patients are looking for a “Total Mommy Makeover,” which would then include additional treatment areas such as the arms, hips or thighs and even vaginal rejuvenation. This is why a thorough discussion during their consultation is important. It allows me to build a plan with the patient’s best interests, keeping in mind that anything related to the body, (abdomen, hips, breasts, or arms) deserves to be reviewed. You can read more about my global approach to Mommy Makeover surgery in my related blog post.
Three-Dimensional Torso Contouring
When the abdomen is the main area of concern, I talk about the entire three-dimensional torso. Acknowledging the torso allows for a circumferential, total approach to the body and will give the most rewarding results.
Patients may have sagging skin in one area, loose abdominal muscles, and/or a thick fatty layer (subcutaneous thickness) in another area that requires more than one treatment modality. Methods of treatment might include abdominoplasty for skin resection or muscle wall flattening, liposuction* for reduction of subcutaneous thickness, CoolSculpting for non-invasive fat reduction, or ThermiTight for non-invasive skin tightening. I discuss these options more extensively in my related blog post on abdominal contouring.
How Long Does a Body Contouring Procedure Take?
While non-invasive treatments can typically be done during a lunch hour, the length of surgery depends on how many areas of the body are being addressed and can vary from as little as 2 hours to as long as 7 hours. Some treatment plans involve two surgeries done at separate times to maximize results and minimize risks. This part of the treatment plan is thoroughly discussed during the consultation.
Taking the First Step to a Trimmer Torso
Whether you are looking to feel comfortable in your spring wardrobe, help enhance your appearance, or give your confidence level a boost, we may have the right treatment option for you. When you are ready, I invite you to contact my Toledo, Ohio office and request a consultation using our online form or calling our office at (419) 534-6551. We will discuss your concerns and come up with your personal plan that will help you achieve your best results!
* When addressing the three-dimensional core, the bra-line, flanks and hip roll areas may also be addressed with liposuction. Depending on the health of your skin and the amount of subcutaneous tissue being removed, these areas may need to be excised or removed to yield an even more dramatic result.