Cosmetic Surgery: Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck is also known as an abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty is performed in order to remove fat and excess skin from the abdominal region. This procedure will not only eliminate excess fat from this general region, it will also restore weakened or separated muscles through the process of creating a smoother and firmer mid-section.

Some of the most common causes for excess fat in the abdominal region are pregnancies, aging, fluctuations in weight, as well as heredity. Cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a tummy tuck can help you obtain the flat, toned midsection that you have always wanted.

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss and a proper exercise regimen. Even though the results generated from a tummy tuck are permanent, the positive outcome from the procedure can diminish greatly due to weight fluctuations by the individual. For an individual that is planning on losing weight or becoming pregnant, a tummy tuck may need to be postponed until after.

Tummy tucks cannot correct stretch marks that are already apparent in your abdominal area. Even though there will be a portion of skin removed, if your stretch marks are not present on the removed portion, then they will still be apparent on your abdominals even after the procedure has been performed.

A tummy tuck is considered to be a good option for candidates that are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight, that encompass realistic expectations, that are non-smokers and are bothered with their abdominal region appearing to be large. There are some surgeons that will require that you remain in their facilities for one night after the surgery has been performed. Some surgeons engage in outpatient tummy tuck surgeries. If your surgeon agrees to allow you to travel home after your surgery has been completed, they will give you instructions to assist you with the aftercare process.

A few possible safety risks for the procedure include: skin loss, infection, blood clots, bleeding, as well as unfavorable scarring. However, your plastic surgeon will monitor your status throughout the entire recovery process in order to ensure that you are not suffering from any of these possible side effects. It is imperative that you use a board-certified plastic surgeon to minimize your risk. All three of our plastic surgeons are board-certified.

The cost for the procedure varies depending on the surgeon that is performing the procedure. Plastic surgeons are allowed to set their prices for their procedures rendered, so do not be alarmed if one surgeon quotes you one price and another surgeon quotes you a completely different price for the same procedure. At Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery, we offer free cosmetic consultations and the price for an abdominoplasty is between $5,050 and $5,800 depending on whether or not you have to stay overnight. This price includes the facility, anesthesia, and physician fees. Fees not included would be for medications such as antibiotics and pain medications and if any complications were to arise.

If you have any questions feel free to email us at surgeryvp@unmc.edu or call us at 402-596-4000.

What is Sculptra Aesthetic?

Sculptra Aesthetic is an injectable filler used to help plump up the skin by replacing lost collagen, a protein that provides the skin with strength, flexibility and resilience. It is made from Poly-L-lactic acid and is used to correct shallow to deep wrinkles and folds. Sculptra works over time to eliminate lines and give you a more youthful appearance. Sculptra Aesthetic is generally used to address the deep folds between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds) also called smile lines, the lines framing your mouth (marionette lines) and chin wrinkles. When used effectively, Sculptra is an effective non surgical method to help reverse the signs of aging.

Who performs the injections?
The board-certified Plastic Surgeons at Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery will perform the injections. They have been professionally trained by Sculptra Aesthetic to use the most effective techniques. They have several years of experience with Sculptra and are one of the few physicians in Omaha to provide this service.

What can I expect during a treatment?
Sculptra Aesthetic will be administered through a series of treatments approximately three weeks apart. On average, three treatments are needed. Ultimately, your treatment plan will be determined by your physician and tailored to your needs. There will be a several injections during each treatment. The number of injections will depend on the degree of correction desired. Topical anesthetic may be used if desired, but many choose not to. There will be discomfort during the treatment, which will vary from person to person. Following the injections, there may be swelling and/or bruising that will subside over the next few days.

Will I see results right away?
No. Sculptra Aesthetic provides subtle results over time. You will have post treatment swelling over the next few days which may give you an idea of what it may look like, but once the swelling goes down, wrinkles will temporarily reappear. Sculptra Aesthetic will continue to work as the process of collagen replacement continues.

How long will it last?
The Sculptra Aesthetic will continue to gradually work as time passes. It is estimated to last up to two years, but each individual’s result will vary.

Is it right for me?
If you’re looking for a more youthful appearance with long-lasting results and without looking like you’ve just stepped out of the plastic surgeons office, Sculptra Aesthetic may be right for you! If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients or any active skin infections, you should not use Sculptra Aesthetic. Most importantly speak with a surgeon to determine if Sculptra Aesthetic is right for you!