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What is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?

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.

Topics

What is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)? What is a full abdominoplasty? Tummy Tuck Before & Afters Who is a good candidate for an abdominoplasty? Published in Clinics in Plastic Surgery If my tummy tuck is being done to repair abdominal muscles, can it be covered by insurance? How do I know if I am a better candidate for tummy tuck or liposuction? Can a tummy tuck be safely performed with breast surgery? What is the candidacy for a mini tummy tuck? What is the cost of a tummy tuck in Baltimore? How can I ensure minimal scarring? Is there an optimal weight for a tummy tuck? What is the recovery like for a tummy tuck? Tummy Tuck — Frequently Asked Questions Why choose Dr. Shermak for a tummy tuck? Taking the first step towards your Maryland tummy tuck
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PS Snippets: Body Contouring

Pregnancy after Tummy Tuck

What is a full abdominoplasty?

The term “Abdominoplasty” refers to plastic surgery of the abdomen. A full abdominoplasty is the most comprehensive abdominoplasty. With this surgery, the following occurs:

  • Removal of significant amount of loose, redundant, overhanging skin
  • Tightening of abdominal muscles (repair “diastasis”) that loosen and separate from prior abdominal surgery, weight loss and pregnancies
  • Elevation, reduction and defatting of the pubic region
  • Addressing the belly button which may be stretched or deformed by hernias or scars
  • Often Liposuction of the waist to enhance shape
  • Secondary improvement of the upper and outer thigh which pull up in continuity with the abdomen

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!

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Tummy Tuck Before & After

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Who is a good candidate for an abdominoplasty?

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.

Published in Clinics in Plastic Surgery

Dr Shermak wrote a chapter on Abdominoplasty Combined with Other Procedures, which was published in the most recent Clinics in Plastic Surgery.

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If my tummy tuck is being done to repair abdominal muscles, can it be covered by insurance?

Typically this condition, often seen after pregnancy or abdominal surgical procedures, is not covered by insurance unless there is a hernia diagnosed. Just a space between the abdominal muscles is not covered under insurance.

How do I know if I am a better candidate for tummy tuck or liposuction?

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.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck

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Can a tummy tuck be safely performed with breast surgery?

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.

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What is the candidacy for a mini tummy tuck?

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.

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What is the cost of a tummy tuck in Baltimore?

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.

How can I ensure minimal scarring?

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.

Is there an optimal weight for a tummy tuck?

Ideally clients should be at an ideal weight for their body height, namely a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 30.

Having said that, many patients are at a higher than recommended weight, and those who are otherwise healthy may be fine candidates for a tummy tuck.

The best way to know is to arrange an appointment with Dr. Shermak to find the safest way to meet your contour goals.

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What is the recovery like for a tummy tuck?

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.

Tummy Tuck FAQ

How long is the tummy tuck procedure?

Will the recovery after a tummy tuck be painful?

Can I have a tummy tuck before having kids?

What other procedures can be combined with a tummy tuck?

Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

How many weeks should I take off from work to recover from my tummy tuck?

Where will the scar be?

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

When can I exercise again after my tummy tuck?

When can I stop wearing a compression garment after a tummy tuck?

How long is the tummy tuck procedure?

A tummy tuck takes 2-4 hours.

Will the recovery after a tummy tuck be painful?

There is some pain and discomfort after a tummy tuck, but most patients describe the pain as mild to moderate.

Can I have a tummy tuck before having kids?

Yes, but keep in mind that pregnancy can diminish the results.

What other procedures can be combined with a tummy tuck?

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.

Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

Any stretch marks that were in the lower abdominal area will be completely gone.

How many weeks should I take off from work to recover from my tummy tuck?

Take two weeks off from work, as you will need to be bent at the waist and have plenty of time to rest.

Where will the scar be?

Your scar will be at the lower part of the abdomen where it can be easily concealed in underwear or a bikini bottom.

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

Your results will be extremely long lasting, but if you experience weight fluctuations or become pregnant, your results may change.

When can I exercise again after my tummy tuck?

Wait for six weeks until you exercise strenuously.

When can I stop wearing a compression garment after a tummy tuck?

Wear a compression garment for six to eight weeks after your tummy tuck surgery.

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Why choose Dr. Shermak for a tummy tuck?

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.

Taking the first step towards your Maryland Tummy Tuck

For more information about undergoing one of the best tummy tuck procedures Baltimore has to offer by Dr Michele Shermak, call the office at 410-324-6592 to schedule your personal, comprehensive consultation today. During this initial session, Dr. Shermak will be able to answer all your questions in detail, while also providing you with access to our library of before and after photography.

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This is your life . . .
Make it Beautiful Confident Amazing Empowered

Schedule a Consultation
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