Quite simply stated, an abdominoplasty contours the abdomen. The treatment includes muscle tightening and removal of excess skin. There is a large range of techniques that constitute our abdominoplasty to meet the needs of a diverse population, including women who have recently given birth, men and women who have sustained significant weight loss, and those who suffer from abdominal scarring and weakness from prior surgeries.
The tummy tuck incision is thin and may be hidden under bathing suits and underwear. The objective of any abdominoplasty in Baltimore is a smoother, fitter torso and the increased self-confidence that goes along with it.
The term “Abdominoplasty” refers to plastic surgery of the abdomen. A full abdominoplasty is the most comprehensive abdominoplasty. With this surgery, the following occurs:
Abdominoplasty surgery typically takes 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia, going home after a short recovery the same day. Intraoperatively, pain management is proactively addressed with injection of numbing agents to reduce discomfort after surgery for 3 or 4 days. Initial recovery after a Full Abdominoplasty may take about 2 weeks, allowing for 1 month to get back to a full non-strenuous schedule.
A full abdominoplasty is one of the most impactful, satisfying procedures plastic surgeons perform!
Good candidates for our Baltimore abdominoplasty surgery are men and women in good health who have excess, overhanging skin, significant stretch marks, muscle laxity, localized fat, or discomfort from scarring.
A tummy tuck is most often performed due to abdominal muscle laxity that might result from pregnancy, intrinsically lax tissues or postoperative scars. Some women post-pregnancy appear to still look pregnant due to residual long-standing muscle laxity.
A tummy tuck is also the most often performed procedure for individuals who have sustained massive weight loss. A tummy tuck may focus primarily on excess skin and improving skin contour, or on tightening abdominal muscles, but most of the time on both.
A tummy tuck may be combined with liposuction, a back lift, a thigh lift, or breast augmentation to rejuvenate the entire torso. A tummy tuck may also be combined with abdominal hernia repairs, sometimes utilizing materials to reinforce the muscle repair.
During the initial consultation, you will discuss with Dr. Shermak what you would like to improve so she can understand your expectations and determine how to best achieve the desired result.
Dr Shermak wrote a chapter on Abdominoplasty Combined with Other Procedures, which was published in the most recent Clinics in Plastic Surgery.
Liposuction is the preferred treatment to reduce focal fat deposits, not to tighten or reduce excessive skin. Our Baltimore tummy tuck is the best option in men and women who require abdominal skin reduction and muscle tightening. Liposuction may also be performed on the back or waist to improve overall contour. You can discuss this with Dr. Shermak.
In many cases, a tummy tuck may be performed with breast surgery to improve the overall look of the torso. Our Baltimore breast augmentation, breast lift or a combination of the two often accompanies abdominal surgery.
A mini tummy tuck in Maryland has a shorter abdominal incision and no incision around the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is typically performed for individuals with minimal excess skin or for those who desire small skin resection including possible surgical scars, in addition to abdominal muscle repair and tightening.
The procedure is not applicable to most individuals seeking a tummy tuck who often require more significant skin removal. Dr. Shermak has lectured on mini tummy tucks and national cosmetic surgery meetings, and understands the applicability and performance of this surgery.
The cost of a tummy tuck in Baltimore depends on the type of tummy tuck you receive and how extensive the procedure is. During your consultation, Dr. Shermak will determine which type of tummy tuck will be best to achieve your aesthetic needs. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the cost is between $8,700 and $10,900.
After surgery, Dr. Shermak will instruct her patients on surgical incision management, which typically includes moisture, gauze and binder early on. After about a month, she discusses massage and moisturizers with her patients, with possible focal compression to reduce swelling and optimize contour.
Our Baltimore abdominoplasty surgery is an outpatient procedure. In some cases, it may require overnight observation in the hospital. You may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, numbness, and bruising. Patients are up and walking within hours of surgery.
Most resume regular activities and return to work after 2 weeks, with remaining swelling taking up to a month or two to resolve. Stitches are removed approximately 1 week after surgery. Drainage tubes are often removed within 2 weeks.
A tummy tuck takes 2-4 hours.
There is some pain and discomfort after a tummy tuck, but most patients describe the pain as mild to moderate.
Yes, but keep in mind that pregnancy can diminish the results.
Liposuction for more dramatic results is often combined with a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck can also be combined with a breast augmentation and lift or other procedures.
Any stretch marks that were in the lower abdominal area will be completely gone.
Take two weeks off from work, as you will need to be bent at the waist and have plenty of time to rest.
Your scar will be at the lower part of the abdomen where it can be easily concealed in underwear or a bikini bottom.
Your results will be extremely long lasting, but if you experience weight fluctuations or become pregnant, your results may change.
Wait for six weeks until you exercise strenuously.
Wear a compression garment for six to eight weeks after your tummy tuck surgery.
Dr. Michele Shermak is a board-certified, highly-experienced plastic surgeon who takes an individualized approach with every patient, making your self-confidence and positive body image her first priority. Her reputation for patient care, attention to detail, and beautiful results are why she is in such high demand as a top-ranked plastic surgeon in Baltimore.
Dr. Michele Shermak offers some of the top cosmetic procedures Baltimore, MD has to offer
including Baltimore breast augmentation & liposuction
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$100 in office consultation fee. If patient decides to go ahead with the treatment, that $100 will be credited towards the procedure
Introducing Emsculpt NEO for stubborn fat $4,000 for 4 treatments, $1000 for each additional treatment area
This is a new day, with new safety protocols. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and respect the continued concerns COVID-19 may present.
The state of Maryland is now fortunately downgraded to Yellow Status. COVID stress on the medical system has lessened and most areas in the state no longer mandate masks.
Currently in our office we are maintaining sterile surfaces and compulsive cleaning protocols – as always. We are requesting information about vaccination status, to particularly better help us prepare for patients interested in surgical procedures.
We are not mandating masks. We do respect our patients’ wishes and will wear a mask when requested to do so. We want our patients to be absolutely comfortable. All of our staff are vaccinated.
This is certainly an evolving issue and we will continue to pivot as COVID statistics change – hopefully for the better! Thank you!
