NJ PLASTIC AND COSMETIC SURGERY - Dr. ANTHONY LOMBARDI » Tummy Tuck

What are the Risks Involved With Tummy Tuck Surgery?

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:40:54 +0000

Any surgery carries an element of risk, and the same applies for tummy tuck surgery. Although serious complications from tummy tuck surgery are not common, any plastic surgeon would be remiss to say that there were NO risks.

There are different types of tummy tucks surgery procedures, most commonly are full and mini tummy tucks.

Full tummy tuck surgery is major surgery. A large incision is made from hip-to-hip and a considerable amount of skin is removed. Mini tummy tuck surgery is less invasive with little to no skin being removed. The main focus of a mini tummy tuck procedure is to tighten the abdominal walls.

Risks of any surgical procedures can include:

Anesthesia reactions
Aspiration pneumonia
Bleeding
Blood clots
Delayed wound healing
Infection
Unfavorable drug reactions

During your initial consultation with your Doctor, you will be asked to provide a full medical history and other information that will help your surgeon determine whether you face an increased threat for some of these risks.

Reducing the risks of tummy tuck surgery:

It is much easier for a healthy individual to recover form surgery and avoid many of the associated risks. Smokers have a more difficult time with recovery. At the Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center, we always advise our NJ tummy tuck patients to refrain from smoking for up to 2 weeks prior to surgery and for as long as 2-3 weeks following surgery. Eating a well balanced diet can also help your body recover quicker. Be sure that your body is getting proper nourishment and plenty of sleep in the weeks before and after your surgery. Exposure to the sun before or after surgery should be avoided as sunburn could negatively affect your body’s ability to heal at the incision-site.

It is important for patients to be fully informed about both the risks and the benefits before undergoing abdominoplasty. To learn more about tummy tuck surgery in NJ, visit www.DoctorsofCosmeticSurgery.com or call the Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center at 732-460-9555.

About Dr. Lombardi:

Dr. Lombardi is a Plastic Surgeon in NJ and the founding surgeon of The Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Eatontown, New Jersey. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Lombardi has received highly specialized training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery including Breast Augmentation, Facial Rejuvenation, and Body Contouring procedures. He is trained in the latest cutting edge techniques of cosmetic surgery including laser surgery, Botox, Restylane, and all of the newest facial fillers. In addition, Dr. Lombardi is the first plastic surgeon in Monmouth County to perform Thermage, or the non-surgical Facelift.
To learn more about Dr. Lombardi, visit http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/

Is it Safe to Get Pregnant After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:58:10 +0000

Following tummy tuck surgery, it is completely safe to become pregnant. Many women have pregnancies after an abdominoplasty, however, some of work on tightening the muscles and flattening of the abdomen area may be undone by the pregnancy. The procedure could be repeated post-pregnancy, but most women do not want to go through the entire experience all over again.

If your results are slightly undone after pregnancy, you could consider a mini tummy tuck (or partial tummy tuck). During a mini tummy tuck, only a small incision is made to help tighten the abdomen muscles. Very little skin is removed, whereas in a full tummy tuck a hip-to-hip incision is made and a lot of excess skin is removed. The procedure is a little gentler and recovery is slightly easier.

A mini tummy tuck is frequently performed on an outpatient basis with a local form of anesthetic. Performing liposuction in conjunction with the tummy tuck can help remove extra fat deposits from the hips resulting in a more dramatic body contour.

To learn more about tummy tuck surgery, visit http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/tummy_tuck_abdominoplasty_nj.shtml

About Dr. Lombardi:

Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Right For You?

admin — Sun, 16 May 2010 03:12:24 +0000

Tummy tuck surgery is a popular option for both men and women who have excess skin around the abdomen that can’t be affected by diet and exercise. Most likely, this type of excess skin results from large-scale weight loss, or for women, after multiple pregnancies. Results can often be life changing and most patients are thrilled with their leaner, tighter abdomen. However, tummy tuck surgery is major surgery and should not be considered a quick fix by any means. If you’re considering tummy tuck surgery in NJ, consider the pros and cons.

Pros: Tighter and firmer abdomen:

Tummy tuck surgery can dramatically change the appearance of your abdomen and waistline. Many patients enjoy a firmer, flatter abdomen and leaner waistline. Stubborn pockets of fat can be removed as well as sagging skin.

Reduction in appearance of stretch marks: Many patients are surprised that tummy tuck surgery can also help get rid of stretch marks. Most patients do not realize that stretch marks do not have to be a permanent fixture on their body and are pleasantly surprised to get rid of them through surgery.

Boost in Confidence: One cannot deny that having the ability to flaunt a fir, tight abdomen can do wonders for self-confidence. Apart from looking great, post tummy tuck patients often feel great as well.

Cons: Lengthy Recovery Period

Recovering from tummy tuck surgery takes time and patience. Everyone’s recovery period is different, but you can expect to dedicate up to 8 weeks for full recovery. You will not be completely immobilized during those 8 weeks however.

Major Surgery: Tummy tuck surgery, especially full tummy tuck surgery, is serious surgery. By no means is this a ‘quick fix’ to a stubborn problem. The surgery is invasive and as with any surgery, health risks are always a possibility.

Scars: While tummy tuck surgery can greatly reduce existing stretch marks, patients should remember that there will be a scar at the incision site post-surgery. Tummy tuck scars will become lighter and flatter over time.

How Can You Know for Sure if Tummy Tuck Surgery is Right For You?

There are many important factors to consider before deciding whether tummy tuck surgery is right for you or not. To learn more about tummy tuck surgery in NJ at the Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center, visit us online at http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/ or call 732-460-9555.

About Dr. Lombardi:

What is the Difference Between a Full and Mini Tummy Tuck?

admin — Sun, 16 May 2010 02:23:50 +0000

A full abdominoplasty is where there is a hip-to-hip incision and a lot of skin is removed. A mini-abdominoplasty is performed through your c-section scar and only a little or no skin is removed but the abdominal wall muscles are tightened.

There is a difference in price of about $2000 to $4000 with a full abdominoplasty costing from $6000 to $8000.

A mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, may be recommended for patients that are within 10% of their ideal body weight. This procedure is less invasive and can be done on an outpatient basis. A mini tummy tuck leaves the navel intact and requires a smaller incision. Liposuction is sometimes employed and the fat is removed from below the navel, tightening muscles from the navel to the pubis.

If your abdominal muscles require more extensive tightening and your body weight is more than 20% above your ideal weight, your plastic surgeon is more likely to recommend a full abdominoplasty. A full tummy tuck involves an incision around the navel and across the lower abdomen, therefore a larger scar results from a fully tummy tuck.

Read more about tummy tuck surgery on Dr. Lombardi’s blog site.

About Dr. Lombardi:

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Tummy Tuck Surgery?

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 02:03:20 +0000

Recovering from tummy tuck surgery takes time and patience. Tummy tuck surgery, especially full tummy tuck surgery, is serious surgery. The abdominal muscles need time to heal without being used for extended periods of time. It may sound simple, but you’ve probably never realized how often you use your abdominal muscles during every day activities. Everyone’s recovery period is different, but you can expect to dedicate up to 8 weeks for full recovery. You will not be completely immobilized during those 8 weeks however.

Immediately following your tummy tuck surgery, you will be feeling groggy and tired from the anesthesia. Much of the first day or two is usually spent resting or sleeping. Your abdomen may be swollen and painful; it is good to start your pain medication right away, even if the pain is tolerable at first.

The first part of recovery involves a subsiding of swelling and pain. Bruises may appear but these will go away as well and are normal. Over the course of the next few days, you will have post-operative instructions to follow for caring for your incision site. Your surgeon will instruct you on how to change your incision dressings as well as how often. It is critical to keep this area clean. Your movement and activity will be very limited for the first few days. Showering or bathing will also be restricted; your surgeon will instruct you.

During tummy tuck surgery, some of your nerves are cut—therefore the skin on your abdomen may feel numb. Again, this is normal and sensation will return over the next few months during the healing process.

Scaring is also a normal part of surgery and your tummy tuck scars will become lighter and flatter over time.

About Dr. Lombardi:

What is a Tummy Tuck?

admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:13:40 +0000

What is a tummy tuck?

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

A tummy tuck is beneficial for those who have experienced massive weight loss, or for women who have lost the elasticity in their skin and abdominal muscles due to multiple pregnancies. In these cases the abdominals are unable to return to their natural shape after they have been stretched beyond their capacity, regardless of diet and exercise programs.

Who is a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are patients already in relatively good physical health, but have excess skin or fat in the abdominal area that is resistant to diet and exercise.

The normal aging process can also cause skin to sag or lose elasticity, making many older patients excellent tummy tuck candidates. Tummy tuck surgery is not for those who have a little excess fat that they wish to remove. Tummy tuck surgery is best suited to remove larger amounts of loose and sagging skin and to help tighten abdominal muscles that have lost their elasticity.

For smaller areas of stubborn fat, liposuction can provide excellent results.

What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of work required. Most commonly, the surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.

Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and two temporary tubes may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you are likely to feel some discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.

To learn more about tummy tuck surgery, visit http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/tummy_tuck_abdominoplasty_nj.shtml

About Dr. Lombardi:

NJ Top Plastic Surgeon Talks About Tummy Tuck

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:46:14 +0000

The majority of patients considering a tummy tuck procedure are moms who have been through multiple pregnancies. As most will tell you, it’s very difficult for a woman’s body to return to normal after several pregnancies.

Many women experience excess and loose skin that will not tighten up, regardless of diet and exercise. The tummy tuck procedure is meant to nip and tuck loose skin, bulges and pouches to help a mom get back to her pre-pregnancy figure. A tummy tuck can help smooth and tone the entire stomach area.

While the tummy tuck can help a woman resolve the problem of excess and loose skin, the procedure is not recommended to remove excess fat or stretch marks. For patients with those concerns in mind, other procedures such as liposuction or laser stretch mark removal can be discussed.

How is A Tummy Tuck Performed?

A tummy tuck is performed by making an incision just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and two temporary tubes may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

Can I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?

Many women are under the impression that having a tummy tuck may hinder their chances or success of becoming pregnant again, should they so choose. Albeit, the majority or women who desire a tummy tuck no longer plan to have additional children, however, others still may consider the option.

Having a tummy tuck will not cause any harm to a developing fetus if a woman becomes pregnant following the procedure. However, a woman may be disappointed after the pregnancy to see that the results of the tummy tuck are no longer in place. Excess and loose skin may once again be a problem. Therefore, it is recommended to have the procedure when a woman is confident that will no longer become pregnant.

If you are considering a tummy tuck and live in the New Jersey area, we encourage you to call the Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center to learn more about the procedure and other options that might better help you achieve your goals. You can call us at 732-460-9555.

About Dr. Lombardi:
Dr. Lombardi is a Plastic Surgeon in NJ and the founding surgeon of The Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Eatontown, New Jersey. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Lombardi has received highly specialized training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery including Breast Augmentation, Facial Rejuvenation, and Body Contouring procedures. He is trained in the latest cutting edge techniques of cosmetic surgery including laser surgery, Botox, Restylane, and all of the newest facial fillers. In addition, Dr. Lombardi is the first plastic surgeon in Monmouth County to perform Thermage, or the non-surgical Facelift.

To learn more about Dr. Lombardi, visit http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/

DR. Lombardi answers questions about abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tucks).

admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:42:34 +0000

Q: How much does tummy tuck cost?

A: Each case is individually priced based on the length of the procedure and amount of time spent in the operating room. A fair estimate will be approximately $6,000 for a full tummy tuck which includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia and facility fee.

Q: Will I have visible scars from a tummy tuck?

A: Yes, there is always a visible scar. It is usually concealable in a bathing suit or in panties. Some people heal very nicely, others will have a more visible scar. All tummy tuck scars require at least 1-2 years for greatest improvement.

Q: How much weight can I lose from tummy tuck surgery?

A: Weight loss is based on the person’s pre-operative weight and body habitus. It is less than most people actually expect and it usually totals less than 5 lbs, but the improvement of appearance makes it appear that there was a great weight loss.

Q: How long does Tummy tuck surgery swelling last?

A: Swelling usually lasts 3-6 months, it is necessary to wear compression garments for the first 4-8 weeks. This will help to minimize post operatively swelling.

Q: How much can I exercise after a tummy tuck?

A: In my practice, I encourage light exercise at approximately 3 weeks post surgery. Exercise is increased as tolerated and full activity is usually instituted at 10-12 weeks.
Patients should be both medically and physically healthy prior to the procedure. Extreme weight loss prior to any surgical procedure is detrimental to the post operative healing phase. I recommend all patients to exercise as much as possible in the weeks before surgery and to eat a balanced healthy diet.

Know your Doctor:

Anthony S. Lombardi, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.C., who is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as general surgery, performs laser rejuvenation techniques, including botox and other wrinkle reduction therapies, microdermabrasion, hair removal, vein removal, pigmentation reduction, and acne treatments, including laser treatments, topical and oral medications, vitamin therapy, and nutritional counseling.

Dr. Lombardi is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Lombardi received his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed his residency in general surgery at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ.

He also completed a residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Dr. Lombardi frequently lectures on the psycho-social aspects of plastic surgery, as well as on body dismorphic disorders.