Unfortunately, diet and exercise don’t always allow us to reach our desired goal weight. More times than not, stubborn pockets of fat emerge on our bodies, and refuse to go away – no matter how hard we may fight. Luckily, we have tools readily available to help us with this fact: specifically, cosmetic surgery.

While cosmetic surgery is resourceful, it is important to note that any type of weight loss surgery should not be pursued in place of diet and exercise. Specifically, both mini and full tummy tucks should be considered in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

However, if you do decide on weight loss surgery, which route is best for you and your needs: a mini or full tummy tuck?

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a variation of abdominoplasty, or a full tummy tuck. This procedure is known to use a shorter incision, generally at or above the pubic region. Also known as a “modified tummy tuck,” a mini tummy tuck tightens muscles and removes the lower, excess abdominal skin.

Following the mini tummy tuck procedure, patients will have a scar noticeably present. Though the scar can be covered up with clothes, it’s important to understand that this mark will not be hidden in the folds of the skin. The scar will most likely be a few inches long, similar to a C-section scar. With proper healing, the scar may fade over time, but will not completely vanish. This procedure does not require the repositioning of the belly button.

This option is less intricate than a full tummy tuck, meaning the time needed to recover is less, too. However, this is still considered to be a major surgery, and should be treated as such. You will need to take proper precautions post-surgery, and avoid any strenuous activity, such as exercise or heavy lifting.

An ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is an individual, male or female, who has localized excess skin or fat – generally between the belly button and pubic bone. Again, these patients are, for the most part, in good health, but are having trouble getting rid of pesky pockets of fat, despite diet and regular exercise.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, successfully removes excess fat and skin, creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. Unfortunately, with age, the abdomen can become loose or saggy. Other factors that may cause this include:

  • Genes
  • Pregnancy
  • Fluctuations in Weights

During a full tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button. The overall shape and length of the incision is generally determined by the amount of excess skin that is to be removed. In some cases, a second incision around the belly button is needed to remove excess skin found in the upper abdomen. Then, the upper abdominal skin is pulled down, the excess skin is trimmed, and the skin that remains is sutured together. Finally, a new opening for the belly button is created and sutured into position.

After the procedure, both dressings and bandagers will be applied to your incisions, and you will also be wrapped in an elastic bandage or compression garment to help with swelling. In order to drain excess blood and other fluids, thin tubes will temporarily be placed under the skin.

To recover timely and properly, it’s imperative to listen to your doctor’s instructions. For example, you will learn how to care for the surgical site and drains, which medications to take for pain and discomfort, and how to avoid potential infections. These orders are necessary to follow. If you have questions or concerns, or are unclear about what to do, don’t hesitate to talk to your surgeon.

Just like with a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck will leave you with a scar. Again, while the scar may fade or become less prominent over time, the scar will always exist.

Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck

Now that you understand a little bit about each type of tummy tuck, you’re most likely wondering which option is best for you and your needs, right? To answer these questions, you must decide what your ultimate goal is post-surgery.

Particularly, a mini tummy tuck does not remove as much skin as a full tummy tuck, and does not have as much impact on stretch marks. Further, the mini tummy tuck, while less expensive, only tightens below the belly button; the full tummy tuck tightens above and below, but requires the replacement of your belly button.

Still unsure? Take a look at your body, its size and shape. What do you see? What do you want to see post-surgery? Remember, you can also meet with your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of each surgery, and which would be most accommodating for your body and your goals.

To learn more, schedule a consultation today at Dreyfuss Plastic Surgery by calling 815-806-9400.

 

Fall is a great time to have plastic surgery. The kids are back in school, the holiday rush hasn’t quite started yet, and the cool weather makes covering up easy. Likewise, most people are at an ideal weight this time of year after engaging in numerous outdoor summer activities. So, what should be on your plastic surgery shopping list this fall? While only a consultation can tell you exactly which procedures are right for you, the following operations are cool weather favorites:

The Top Three Fall Procedures

1. Breast Augmentation

As more than a few celebrities can attest to, nothing is more embarrassing than putting your breast augmentation scars on full display by accident. This surgery is therefore better booked during the colder months when bikinis and light dresses are safely packed away for next year. If you have breast augmentation during the fall, by the time you’ll be ready to dig out your summer clothes again, your scars will have faded away.

2. Rhinoplasty

If there are two inevitable things about Christmas, they are fruitcake and being photographed excessively. If you’re struggling with a less-than-photogenic face, we therefore recommend getting a rhinoplasty during the fall. Because camera lenses heavily accentuate the nose, having a rhinoplasty can make you look significantly better in pictures. If you want to make sure all the swelling, bruising, and irritation is completely gone by the time you’re posing with Santa, book today.

3. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Surgery)

If sagging skin and a loose, “flabby” looking abdomen have you dreading donning a cocktail dress on New Year’s Eve, why not try an abdominoplasty? As long as you’re willing to dedicate two to three months to healing completely (with at least two weeks of bed rest immediately after surgery), this procedure can be life-changing. Better still, in the absence of significant weight gain, it will produce permanent results… Meaning that you’ll have a killer beach bod by the time summer rolls around again.

Autumn is a reflective, introspective time—So why not spend it investing in things that will make you look and feel like a whole new you? For many people, fall plastic surgery is the perfect way to ensure greater confidence and poise year-round. Don’t wait, contact Dreyfuss Plastic Surgery now to book your procedure in time for the fall.

 

If you’ve been considering having a tummy tuck, then you probably already know that this procedure produces incredible aesthetic results. You know that it can tighten loose skin, smooth out stretch marks, and remove unsightly subcutaneous abdominal fat… But did you know that these are far from being the only benefits of having a tummy tuck? This surgery can help you lounge poolside with confidence for many summers to come thanks to the various long-term advantages it confers:

  1. Having a tummy tuck makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Research published in the journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery revealed that people who had a tummy tuck following bariatric weight loss surgery were much more likely to maintain a healthy weight than patients who had no cosmetic procedures performed. Additionally, even if these patients did gain weight, it tended to be at a much slower rate: About 1 pound per year rather than the 4 pounds per year typical of those who opted not to have a tummy tuck. The takeaway message here appears to be that people who obtain a flat, taught tummy following significant weight loss are more motivated to maintain a healthy weight (and keep that awesome bod!) than people who struggle with aesthetic issues like loose skin and stretch marks.

  1. You’ll pose better post-surgery.

Tummy tucks do more than just make you look great—they also improve your posture. People who leave loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles “as is” often develop a condition called lordosis, AKA “sway back.” Having a tummy tuck prevents this embarrassing (and often painful) condition because it strengthens and tightens the abdominal muscles.

  1. You’ll be able to exercise more easily after having a tummy tuck.

Maintaining the perfect beach body takes work; if you want to stretch out confidently on the sand or by the pool, you’ll need to do some cardio at least a few days per week. Fortunately, your tummy tuck will make it a lot easier to exercise by tightening your abdominal muscles so you can engage in intense workouts more comfortably.

Naturally, as you can tell from the above points, having a tummy tuck does more than just change your look—it can change your life. Patients who go through with tummy tuck surgery not only feel better about themselves, they also enjoy the many health benefits that come with maintaining a healthy weight and exercising frequently. Clearly, this is one cosmetic procedure that can legitimately be called an investment in your future! Call Dr. Dreyfuss for a tummy tuck consultation today.

 

Summer is the season of baring it all. If you’re dreading wearing a bathing suit that will expose your tummy this summer, don’t worry, you still have time to reshape your figure and in turn, regain your confidence.

Aging, pregnancy, excess skin, and weight gain can prevent you from having a flat, athletic tummy. If you’re one of the countless people who are unhappy with their protruding belly, a tummy tuck can help you achieve a summer-ready body.

What Can a Tummy Tuck Do for You

The tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that tightens the abdomen, reduces stubborn pockets of fat, and removes excess skin. A tummy tuck can do wonders for your figure. A tummy tuck:

  • Restores a tight and flat stomach
  • Reduces your waist line and inches
  • Acts like an internal girdle, permanently tightening abdominal muscles
  • Reduces the visibility of stretch marks
  • Gets rid of excess fat and skin

Why Undergo a Tummy Tuck Together with Exercise and Diet

We’re frequently asked if patients can achieve results similar to a tummy tuck with diet and exercise. The truth is loose skin and loose abdominal muscles don’t respond to crunches or dieting. Once the skin has stretched, it cannot be reversed without undergoing a surgical procedure. Thankfully, the tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles while also removing excess fat and skin.

Why Get a Tummy Tuck This Summer?

Want to show your newly sculpted body off this summer? Then you should consider starting your tummy tuck journey now. It takes a few weeks before patients can return to work after the tummy tuck, and it takes a few months for the swelling to completely dissipate. Once that’s passed, you’ll be able to show off your sleek new figure at the beaches.

What Can You Expect with Dr. Dreyfuss’s Tummy Tuck?

Dr. Dreyfuss has been an expert in the world of aesthetics for many years. He has performed countless tummy tuck procedures and with every case, he uses his artistic eye and skillful hands to provide stunning results. Dr. Dreyfuss tailors every tummy tuck procedure to the patient’s body and unique aesthetic needs. During your consultation, our board-certified surgeon will talk to you about your needs and expectations. Then, he will develop a unique treatment plan that targets your concerns and offers the best results for you.

Schedule a Consultation

Want to learn everything you need to know about tummy tuck and how it will address your concerns? Get summer body ready by contacting Dreyfuss Plastic Surgery for a consultation.

You’ve heard the phrase “tummy tuck” from gossip mags and pop culture, but what does it do exactly? A tummy tuck is a powerful body contouring procedure that improves the appearance of the abdomen. Stubborn fat and excess skin on the belly can be almost impossible to fix without invasive surgery, which is why the tummy tuck is considered one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the industry. Of course, you don’t have to be a celebrity to get a tummy tuck, but if you’re wondering if it’s the right procedure for you, take a look at what it takes to be a good candidate for the tummy tuck.

What Can a Tummy Tuck Do?

In a world that values flat and toned stomachs, a tummy tuck is one of the best solutions for narrowing the waist and contouring the abdomen. Using an incision above your pubic area, your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat and tighten the abdominal muscles to create a more athletically contoured abdomen.

Should I Get a Tummy Tuck?

Do you have a round, protruding belly due to loose abdominal muscles? Do you have excess skin and stubborn deposits of fat that make it impossible for you to have a flat abdomen and a narrow waist? What about unsightly stretch marks or scars on the belly? Then the tummy tuck just might be the right procedure for you. Keep in mind, the tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, and the ideal candidate for the tummy tuck should be close to their ideal weight.

Am I A Good Candidate for the Mini Tummy Tuck?

A small deposit of fat below the bellybutton might not seem like enough of a reason to get a full tummy tuck, but that small pocket of fat can still prevent you from having a more toned and athletic figure. Thankfully, a variant of the tummy tuck called the mini tummy tuck is perfect for people who have localized pockets of fat on the lower abdomen. The mini tummy tuck also has the added benefit of creating a shorter scar than traditional tummy tuck techniques.

Are you a candidate for the tummy tuck? If you’re excited about the thought of finally having a toned belly, contact Dreyfuss Plastic Surgery now, for a consultation.