Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Blog | Dr. Linderman
Carmel and Indianapolis, Indiana
Monday, February 2, 2009
Tummy Tuck and Proper Incision Placement
Current tummy tuck surgery techniques with the addition of liposuction can produce a dramatic improvement in your figure. However I occasionally see patients with acceptable results that could be so much better with proper incision placement. It is my approach to mark patients so the final skin will fall within the lines of a two-piece bathing suit. Once in a while a small vertical incision is required which may show just above this line, but this is a small trade off for an incision that is placed too high and shows completely. Placing tension on the anterior thigh instead of the pubic area prevents pubic hairline distortion with the additional benefit of some lift on the anterior thigh skin. I ask my patients to bring their bathing suit bottom on the day of surgery for proper incision placement.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Dr. Linderman at 12:40 PM
Monday, October 13, 2008
Can liposuction be performed with tummy tuck surgery?
In the majority of tummy tuck cases, I perform liposuction on selected areas of the abdomen, waist and anterior hips to help sculpt and shaped the abdomen. Frequently patients will present with localized fat of the upper abdomen. By minimizing the amount of surgical dissection in the upper central abdomen, liposuction can be safely done to thin the remaining skin and fat of the abdomen. Additional fat removal in the waist region can also be done. By combining these techniques in my standard tummy tuck operation; I am able to offer my patients maximal improvement while minimizing wound healing problems.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Dr. Linderman at 3:14 PM
Monday, October 6, 2008
What happens to the umbilicus in a tummy tuck?
I am frequently asked if a new umbilicus is made in a tummy tuck or if it is moved. In a mini tummy tuck, the umbilicus is unaffected and not altered by this surgical procedure. In a full or standard tummy tuck, a surgical incision is made around the umbilicus. The upper abdominal skin is released from its underlying attachments to the muscles and then pulled down like a window shade. A small incision is made in this flap and the umbilicus brought out and sutured in its new location. The umbilicus is not detached or recreated. It is simply placed in a new position relative to the skin that has been removed.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Mandy W. at 4:39 PM
Friday, September 5, 2008
What is a seroma?
A seroma or collection of fluid occasionally occurs after a procedure such as an abdominoplasty. In this procedure a large cavity is created from removal of excess skin and fat. Liposuction is often performed. Fluid may collect from small lymphatics that are cut and this fluid may persist even after drain removal. This collection will usually resolve with repeated aspirations done as an office procedure. Occasionally a drain must be replaced. The overall incidence can vary from 5-10%. Treatment should not affect the cosmetic improvement of the tummy tuck.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Mandy W. at 1:12 PM
Thursday, August 21, 2008
What is the recovery period after mini tummy tuck surgery?
Following a mini tummy tuck, I advised my patients to take one week off from work and to limit physical activities. Within two weeks patients can get in a swimming pool and can resume aerobic workout in two to three weeks. Heavy lifting and abdominal exercises are limited until four weeks. The sutures are dissolvable and drains are removed in 3-5 days in most cases. Liposuction is usually performed of the abdomen and may cause some minor bruising. View photos and find out more about tummy tuck surgery.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Mandy W. at 1:31 PM
Friday, July 11, 2008
What happens during tummy tuck surgery?
Patients often ask what is done in a tummy tuck operation. In a full tummy tuck several things are performed after anesthesia is given and the area is prepped for surgery. Frequently liposuction is performed after placing a tumescent solution in the areas to be treated. Often other areas such as the hips, back and thighs as well as the abdomen undergo liposuction before performing the tummy tuck. This has the added advantage of loosening up the skin and fat from their underlying muscular attachments. Next the skin and fat are separated from the muscles to allow excess skin to be pulled down and resected. Often the abdominal muscles have separated in the midline from pregnancy and these are sutured back together. The lower incision above the pubic area is closed and the umbilicus is brought out through a small incision to reposition it. To find out more please review the video on the tummy tuck page of my website.
Labels: cosmetic surgery, tummy tuck
posted by Mandy W. at 9:57 AM
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
What is Tumescent Liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction is a technique of preparing the fatty tissues for removal prior to performing various types of liposuction. It is by far the most common technique in use today. Using a small pump to provide pressure a large quantity of a saline solution mixed with epinephrine and a local anesthetic is infused into the tissues until they are firm. This firmness and the presence of epinephrine make the removal of fat easier to accomplish with minimal bleeding. Generally a one to one ratio is done to try to remove the same amount of fat as the volume of tumescent fluid infused. Tumescent liposuction is very similar to the so-called superwet technique. The dry technique involving no prior tissue infusion before proceeding with liposuction is of historical interest only and is no longer performed. Advantages of tumescent liposuction include less bleeding and bruising, decreased postoperative pain and the ability to remove more fat safely in one procedure.
Contact Dr. Linderman for more information or to schedule your consultation.
Contact Dr. Linderman for more information or to schedule your consultation.
Labels: liposuction, tummy tuck
posted by Peter at 10:34 AM
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tummy Tucks Remove Excess Fat
A full tummy tuck begins with an incision above the pubic area that extends between the hipbones. Dr. Linderman then makes a second incision to separate the navel from the underlying tissue. He then separates the skin pulls it up to the level of the ribs. He then pulls the abdominal muscles together and stitches them into position. The navel is then relocated and stitched into place. Dr. Linderman replaces the skin (excess skin is trimmed) and sutures the original incisions. This procedure takes between two and five hours.
Immediately following surgery, the incisions are dressed with bandages to keep the skin in place. A tube is usually inserted to drain any excess fluids that will collect for about a day or so after. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, however your doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms. Stitches are usually removed five to ten days following surgery, although deeper sutures may take up to three weeks. The specifics of each procedure, anesthesia used, and recovery time will vary with each patient.
Abdominoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia and often on an out-patient basis. Sometimes, patients choose to spend one night in hospital. Most patients are back to normal daily activities within two weeks but are asked to avoid heavy physical activity and heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks.
To learn more about tummy tucks, please contact Dr. Linderman at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana today to schedule your initial consultation.
Immediately following surgery, the incisions are dressed with bandages to keep the skin in place. A tube is usually inserted to drain any excess fluids that will collect for about a day or so after. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, however your doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms. Stitches are usually removed five to ten days following surgery, although deeper sutures may take up to three weeks. The specifics of each procedure, anesthesia used, and recovery time will vary with each patient.
Abdominoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia and often on an out-patient basis. Sometimes, patients choose to spend one night in hospital. Most patients are back to normal daily activities within two weeks but are asked to avoid heavy physical activity and heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks.
To learn more about tummy tucks, please contact Dr. Linderman at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana today to schedule your initial consultation.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Patti at 5:22 PM
Friday, May 23, 2008
Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
While many of us have body imperfections that we'd like to improve, there is probably no greater trouble area than our stomachs when it comes to excess fat and lack of tone and definition. After years of healthy eating and exercise, we are often still left to suffer with those stubborn tummy bulges and loose skin.
But thanks to the skillful hands of Dr. Linderman, there are options for both men and women who are battling the bulge in their stomachs. There are two surgeries that are quite popular to tone the stomach and minimize the amount of excess skin: liposuction and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty). Though both are aimed at improving the look of your abdomen, the two treatment procedures are quite different.
If you have excess fat in the lower abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper arms or under the chin that simply won't get smaller no matter how much you exercise, you may consider liposuction. If you're suffering from stretch marks, skin laxity, or a jelly-like appearance of your abdominal skin, you may need to have a tummy tuck.
Liposuction may be for you if:
A tummy tuck may be for you if:
To learn more about both of these procedures, please contact Dr. Linderman at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana today to schedule your initial consultation.
But thanks to the skillful hands of Dr. Linderman, there are options for both men and women who are battling the bulge in their stomachs. There are two surgeries that are quite popular to tone the stomach and minimize the amount of excess skin: liposuction and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty). Though both are aimed at improving the look of your abdomen, the two treatment procedures are quite different.
If you have excess fat in the lower abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper arms or under the chin that simply won't get smaller no matter how much you exercise, you may consider liposuction. If you're suffering from stretch marks, skin laxity, or a jelly-like appearance of your abdominal skin, you may need to have a tummy tuck.
Liposuction may be for you if:
- Your actual body weight is close to your ideal weight, at least within 30%.
- You have excess subcutaneous fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.
- You want to remove fat pockets in the abdomen, arms, knees, thighs, chin, neck, hips, calves, and ankles.
- You have good skin tone and elasticity without the existence of loose, saggy skin or stretch marks.
A tummy tuck may be for you if:
- You have been pregnant and have stretched and weakened abdominal muscles and stretch marks in the lower abdomen.
- You have a loose and sagging abdominal wall.
To learn more about both of these procedures, please contact Dr. Linderman at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana today to schedule your initial consultation.
Labels: liposuction, tummy tuck
posted by Patti at 11:14 AM
Monday, May 19, 2008
Mini Tuck Anyone?
While most of us have heard of a tummy tuck (medically referred to as abdominoplasty), you may not have heard of a variation on this surgery known as a "mini-tummy tuck." To restore a flat stomach with a mini tuck, one incision is made in the pubic area, ranging from a few inches to across the abdomen. Through this incision, Dr. Linderman will remove excess skin, tighten slack muscle, and maybe use liposuction to further contour the area.
Surgery can involve more extensive sculpture of the abdominal muscle wall. To get to the upper muscle wall from below, the belly button connection to the muscle wall needs to be elevated. It can be replaced to the same position or moved down as shown below. When the bellybutton is lowered, upper abdominal skin can be tightened.
The ideal candidate for a mini-tummy tuck has most of his/her issues below the belly button and is usually recommended for patients who have always been in pretty good shape but their results from diet and exercise alone have plateaued.
To learn more about abdominal surgery to remove excess skin, please contact Dr. Linderman at the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center of Indiana today to schedule your initial consultation.
Surgery can involve more extensive sculpture of the abdominal muscle wall. To get to the upper muscle wall from below, the belly button connection to the muscle wall needs to be elevated. It can be replaced to the same position or moved down as shown below. When the bellybutton is lowered, upper abdominal skin can be tightened.
The ideal candidate for a mini-tummy tuck has most of his/her issues below the belly button and is usually recommended for patients who have always been in pretty good shape but their results from diet and exercise alone have plateaued.
To learn more about abdominal surgery to remove excess skin, please contact Dr. Linderman at the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center of Indiana today to schedule your initial consultation.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Patti at 12:28 PM
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sun Exposure and Tanning After Tummy Tuck
After a tummy tuck, I request that my patients not expose their abdomen to the sun or go to a tanning booth for six weeks after surgery. Frequently patients will have areas of decreased sensation increasing the possibility of bad sunburn. Patients may go swimming as early as two weeks after surgery if wound healing is good and the abdomen is not exposed. However long periods of sun exposure in a bathing suit in the immediate post operative period is to be avoided.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Patti at 5:52 PM
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Are there multiple surgeries required for a tummy tuck?
This is one of the recurring questions about tummy tucks. In the past, a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty was done as a multi-stage procedure. Nowadays, this is, in general, no longer the case. Using the most advanced techniques available, Dr. Linderman can in most cases get great cosmetic results with only one surgery. In fact, far more often than multiple surgeries being required to conduct a tummy tuck, it is possible to conduct multiple procedures during the same operation, if you are in good health and the tummy tuck required is not too extreme.
Of course, if you have a very large amount of tissue to be removed, and your abdominal muscles are very slack, Dr. Linderman may recommend conducting the abdominoplasty in multiple stages for safety's sake. Contact us today for an initial consultation during which Dr. Linderman will consider your health and body type to make an individualized recommendation.
Of course, if you have a very large amount of tissue to be removed, and your abdominal muscles are very slack, Dr. Linderman may recommend conducting the abdominoplasty in multiple stages for safety's sake. Contact us today for an initial consultation during which Dr. Linderman will consider your health and body type to make an individualized recommendation.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Patti at 3:19 PM
Friday, February 29, 2008
Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck
I am often asked how do I determine what patient is a candidate for Mini Tummy Tuck as opposed to a Full Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty. In examining a patient several factors are assessed to make this choice.
What is the laxity of the abdominal muscles and where is it located? If it occurs primarily in the lower abdomen below the umbilicus, then a Mini Tummy Tuck may be considered. If muscle tone is poor for the entire abdomen then a Full Tummy Tuck is usually indicated.
Where are the areas of fat and loose skin located? If these are just in the lower abdomen, then again the mini tummy tuck might be chosen. A Full Tummy Tuck requires repositioning of the umbilicus but allows tightening of the skin in the upper abdomen. In the typical Full Tummy Tuck most or all of the skin between the pubic area and the umbilicus is removed. Because of this the scar will be longer than in a Mini Tummy Tuck. However with proper planning, I am able to locate the scar within a typical two piece bathing line.
Liposuction is usually done with both procedures where indicated to define the waist and remove upper abdominal and anterior hip roll fat.
What is the laxity of the abdominal muscles and where is it located? If it occurs primarily in the lower abdomen below the umbilicus, then a Mini Tummy Tuck may be considered. If muscle tone is poor for the entire abdomen then a Full Tummy Tuck is usually indicated.
Where are the areas of fat and loose skin located? If these are just in the lower abdomen, then again the mini tummy tuck might be chosen. A Full Tummy Tuck requires repositioning of the umbilicus but allows tightening of the skin in the upper abdomen. In the typical Full Tummy Tuck most or all of the skin between the pubic area and the umbilicus is removed. Because of this the scar will be longer than in a Mini Tummy Tuck. However with proper planning, I am able to locate the scar within a typical two piece bathing line.
Liposuction is usually done with both procedures where indicated to define the waist and remove upper abdominal and anterior hip roll fat.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Patti at 2:20 PM
Friday, February 22, 2008
What is a Mommy Makeover?
Recently a new buzzword has been making the rounds in the plastic surgery news--- A Mommy Makeover. Simply stated this is catch phrase for treatment of a particular group of women who are seeking plastic surgery to address the changes of age and pregnancy. Many women desire figure rejuvenation after multiple pregnancies. These include improvement in breast size and shape, removal of excess skin and stretch marks of the abdomen and fatty deposits of the hips and thighs.
Mothers who desire a return of their more youthful figures are wonderful candidates for combined procedures such as minitummy tuck and breast augmentation with selected liposuction of small areas. Frequently this transformation can be accomplished as an outpatient.
Mothers who desire a return of their more youthful figures are wonderful candidates for combined procedures such as minitummy tuck and breast augmentation with selected liposuction of small areas. Frequently this transformation can be accomplished as an outpatient.
Labels: breast augmentation, tummy tuck
posted by Peter at 11:03 AM
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
I am often asked how do I determine who is a candidate for liposuction as opposed to tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. This is a decision that takes experience and technical expertise. First a potential patient should seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the ability and training to perform both procedures. If a doctor only knows how to perform liposuction, he is not equipped to recognize and select out those patients who would achieve a better result with tummy tuck surgery. Factors to consider in choosing liposuction or tummy tuck include the quality of the skin, the amount of fat to be removed and estimated skin elasticity. If the skin is of poor quality with many stretch marks, there is a significant risk that treatment with liposuction alone will result in excess skin or contour irregularities. The more fat removed, the more the skin must contract in the abdomen with the chance of a poor result. Tummy tucks address skin excess and quality problems with removal and tightening of the remaining skin. Frequently liposuction is combined with tummy tuck surgery to achieve an optimal result. A tummy tuck can be tailored to a patient’s contour problem. Depending on the examination a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck may be recommended. More on this choice at another time.
Labels: liposuction, tummy tuck
posted by Peter at 11:36 AM
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Where are tummy tuck incisions placed?
Incisions will vary depending upon the type of tummy tuck being performed i.e. mini tummy or full tummy tuck. These differences will be addressed at another time. My personal philosophy is that the location of the scar should be optimized for all patients. The idea is to hide the scar and keep it as low as possible so it does not show in a small two piece bathing suits. Ideally the final scar should be located no more than a little over two inches above the top of the vagina. The initial incision is marked pre operatively to take into account the tension on the final closure and allow for the final scar to rise higher. Occasionally a small vertical component may be added to the transverse scar in order to maintain the longer scar in the bikini line. Pre operative surgical marking can be done in the desired bathing suit to determine the final location of the scar. Although the scar will extend from hip to hip in a full tummy tuck, this part usually heals quite well and can be covered by the lateral band of most swimsuits. It is a geometric fact that the more skin taken out, the longer the scar. However scar extension can remove additional skin and fat. In some cases a circumferential or belt lipectomy can achieve a dramatic result. More on body lifts at another time.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Peter at 7:10 PM
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tummy Tuck and Exercise for the New You
One old Catch-22 is that to get a job you need experience, but to get experience you need a job. For many people, there's one equally binding: to get a great body, you've got to go to the gym, but to go to the gym, you've got to have a great body. If you find yourself in this bind, you might consider adding a tummy tuck to your plan for a better body in the new year.
Many people are under the impression that tummy tucks, liposuction, and other body contouring procedures are a lazy person's substitute for exercise in achieving the perfect body, but cosmetic surgery alone cannot ensure that you get the look you want, let alone maintain it. If you have had difficulty sticking to an exercise routine because you feel self-conscious at the gym, or find that you get tired too quickly to exercise for a long time, cosmetic surgery may make the difference between your old plans that fizzled out and your new resolution.
Of course, having a tummy tuck means that you won't be able to jump into exercise right away, but this is actually a good thing. One mistake people make in starting a new exercise regime is too much too soon, which often causes people to quit because the routine is such a chore. Dr. Linderman recommends that you begin exercise with leisurely short walks as part of your recovery the week after surgery, which can be gradually lengthened as you heal, then expanded to include running and aerobic exercises after 4-6 weeks. This ensures that you ease into your routine, making it more likely that you will keep it up to achieve and maintain the perfect body you've long desired.
Many people are under the impression that tummy tucks, liposuction, and other body contouring procedures are a lazy person's substitute for exercise in achieving the perfect body, but cosmetic surgery alone cannot ensure that you get the look you want, let alone maintain it. If you have had difficulty sticking to an exercise routine because you feel self-conscious at the gym, or find that you get tired too quickly to exercise for a long time, cosmetic surgery may make the difference between your old plans that fizzled out and your new resolution.
Of course, having a tummy tuck means that you won't be able to jump into exercise right away, but this is actually a good thing. One mistake people make in starting a new exercise regime is too much too soon, which often causes people to quit because the routine is such a chore. Dr. Linderman recommends that you begin exercise with leisurely short walks as part of your recovery the week after surgery, which can be gradually lengthened as you heal, then expanded to include running and aerobic exercises after 4-6 weeks. This ensures that you ease into your routine, making it more likely that you will keep it up to achieve and maintain the perfect body you've long desired.
Labels: tummy tuck
posted by Patti at 10:53 AM
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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
of Indiana
12188-A North Meridian Street
Carmel, IN 46032
toll free: 1-800-678-9909
phone: 317-848-5400
Naab Road Surgery Center
8260 Naab Road
Indianapolis, IN 46260