Abdominoplasty
Meet Andrew Nelson Kornstein, MD, FACS
Dr. Andrew Kornstein a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon, boasts a career spanning 25 years. He is dedicated to enhancing lives through aesthetic surgery by achieving patient goals with a visionary approach so that they can feel young and youthful. His attention to detail and superior training sets him apart from others, allowing him to achieve long-lasting natural results for years to come.
Various situations like weight loss or pregnancy can cause the skin to stretch significantly over the abdomen. When reaching the final phase, the skin may no longer be able to return to its original tucked-in shape, causing it to sag significantly. Should this happen, an abdominoplasty can be an excellent option for reducing the excess skin, giving you a tighter body contour. If you have excess skin sagging around your abdomen, Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa offers abdominoplasty performed by Dr. Andrew Kornstein, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.
Candidates
If you have excess skin that has lost elasticity in the abdominal area, you may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty. The procedure is often recommended for those who cannot undergo laser treatments, as there is too much skin to remove from the midsection area. If you have separated or severely weakened muscles (e.g., from pregnancy), abdominoplasty might be a good choice to bring everything together.
Ideal candidates should be in good health and at a weight that has not changed much over the past six months. Those at the end of their weight loss journey are usually the best candidates for this procedure. You should have no plans for pregnancy for the foreseeable future or other plans to lose or gain weight.
Ideal candidates are non-smokers, as smoking can potentially slow down the healing process. If you are a smoker, it is recommended to stop in the weeks before your surgery. Patients need to have realistic expectations of the procedure, as the results may differ from one individual to the other.
How Abdominoplasty Works
Abdominoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from your midsection area while restoring weakened muscles. Also referred to as a “tummy tuck,” the surgery aims to create a smoother, firmer abdominal area, creating a more “tucked in” appearance. The abdominal area is flattened, making it a suitable procedure when you can’t obtain the results from diet and exercise alone.
Tummy tucks can be mini or extended, focusing on the lower and upper belly. The surgery is performed under anesthesia, and Dr. Kornstein will create an incision just between your belly button and the pubic area. The upper abdominal skin will be pulled down, and the excess skin will be removed.
Due to the location of the incision, its visibility should be very low, as undergarments often conceal it. That said, should a scar remain, and you want it gone, a scar revision procedure can be performed six months after the treatment.
Depending on how much skin there is to remove, a tummy tuck can take between one to five hours. Due to the anesthesia, you may still be under its influence after the procedure is finished. For this reason, we recommend that you have someone who can drive you home after the surgery.
Recovery
As abdominoplasties are extensive surgical procedures, you can expect recovery effects and downtime. Your mobility may be limited in the first few days, and having someone care for you in the first two is recommended. You may have drainage tubes placed, which will help remove the excess fluid and keep swelling down.
The first day or two should focus on laying low and closing your incisions. Your sutures are the only thing holding your skin together, so try not to perform any extensive activities. While there’s no problem with strolls during the first few days, please avoid heavy lifting and other types of intensive exercise.
Most patients are able to return to work after about four weeks, provided they aren’t engaging in strenuous activities. You can start light exercises but still avoid the type that engages your ab muscles. Most patients take around three to six months to see the final results and fully recover, depending on their body’s healing speed.
Results
Once the swelling has gone down and the recovery has been completed, you will notice that the abdomen looks much flatter and firmer. The body contour should also be smoother, as abdominoplasties include a bit of liposuction. It can take about two to three months for the results to settle, which makes patience essential.
Once you recover from the abdominoplasty, the effects are permanent. Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle ensures they are not compromised. As natural aging can affect the collagen that keeps your skin tight, a complete body collagen-induction treatment every year or two can help you keep the results longer.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re interested in learning more about abdominoplasty and whether this procedure is right for you, contact our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Andrew Kornstein.
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