To learn more about what’s involved in a tummy tuck in the Philadelphia area, contact Chapin Aesthetics in Doylestown today. Call 267.880.0810 or send a message online.
Tummy Tuck
SCULPT A MORE DEFINED, FIRMER MIDSECTION WITH ABDOMINOPLASTY FOR THE PHILADELPHIA AREA
If you are frustrated with stubborn fat or loose, excess skin in your abdominal area, abdominoplasty—also known as tummy tuck surgery at the Philadelphia-area Chapin Aesthetics—may be able to help.
Factors such as major weight loss, pregnancy, or heredity can cause abdominal skin to lose its elasticity and abdominal muscles to weaken or separate. Stress—such as the kind that has impacted just about everyone throughout the pandemic years and turmoil of 2020 to 2022—can also contribute to the problem. If all of this sounds familiar, choosing a body-contouring strategy that includes a tummy tuck with Dr.
Scott Chapin can help you achieve a flatter, firmer, and tighter midsection that brings balance back to your body.
BEFORE
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AFTER
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* Individual patient results may vary
SEE BEFORE & AFTER
A full abdominoplasty is an innovative procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin in the abdominal region, as well as tighten an abdominal wall that has separated over time. Abdominoplasty can yield beautiful results, especially for women and men who eat healthy diets and exercise regularly, but who are unable to lose their stubborn belly fat or saggy abdominal skin. With that in mind, please note that if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or plan to lose or gain a substantial amount of weight in the future, you should postpone undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. This is because the physical changes caused by a growing baby or belly, followed by a rapid loss of volume once the baby is born or weight is lost, can “undo” the effects of a tummy tuck by stretching out skin and other tissues anew.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK?
Pregnancy, aging, major weight loss, illness, and sun exposure are the most common causes of damaged, stretched-out skin on the stomach.
Due to genetics or hormones, you may also have some resistant fat around the stomach area. This is fat you can’t reduce with exercise and diet on their own.
Another problem, known as diastasis recti—which is the separation of the abdominal muscles—can sometimes occur due to pregnancy or significant weight gain.
What does a tummy tuck correct? All of the above!
Tummy tucks are designed to address excess and sagging skin, stubborn fat, and weakened connective tissue, muscles, or fascia in the abdominal area.
Due to the increased weight gain because of lack of physical activity many people have seen during the pandemic, there is still a strong demand for body contouring procedures in 2022—including tummy tucks.
A tummy tuck can:
- Reduce stubborn abdominal fat that is resistant to diet and exercise
- Remove excess skin in the abdominal region
- Tighten and restore abdominal muscles and abdominal wall
- Firm and flatten the abdominal region
- Remove stretch marks below the navel
- Incorporate an existing C-section scar into the tummy tuck scar
In Philadelphia, abdominoplasty cost is best discussed during a consultation, when Dr. Scott Chapin can assess the scope of the individualized procedure and determine surgery details. Tummy tuck cost can vary from patient to patient, especially given the fact that there a full and “partial” options available.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?
If you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly but still can’t get rid of stubborn belly fat or saggy, hanging skin on the abdomen, and/or you have separated “sit-up muscles,” you may be a suitable candidate for tummy tuck surgery. This procedure is an ideal option for those who have extra abdominal skin and fat due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, heredity or other factors.
Generally speaking, the most suitable candidates are in good overall health, are at a stable and ideal weight range for their height, have realistic expectations for what can be achieved, and do not smoke. It’s also best to wait until you are finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck.
It is very important that tummy tuck surgery not be viewed as a weight loss procedure. The results are strictly cosmetic and not intended to convey the health benefits possible after losing weight through lifestyle changes.
Patients who plan to lose a significant amount of weight, are pregnant or may consider pregnancy in the future, have a severe or chronic medical condition, have significant scar tissue from a previous abdominal surgery, or have a body mass index higher than 30 may need to consider options besides tummy tuck surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chapin can help you determine whether a tummy tuck would be a good choice for you.
You should be upfront and honest about your full medical history, current state of health, any allergies you may have, and other related concerns during your consultation.
OUR CUSTOMIZED APPROACH TO TUMMY TUCK
Dr. Scott Chapin will perform the procedure in a Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County or Doylestown AAAASF-certified cosmetic surgery facility. Before starting a full abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, you will first be administered either intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia, as discussed in your pre-operative consultation.
For optimal results, Dr. Chapin often suggests liposuction in conjunction with the tummy tuck procedure. If he is removing unwanted fat with this technique, he will do that at this point.
Next, Dr. Chapin makes a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, hidden within the underwear or bikini line. Through this incision, he accesses and repairs weakened and separated abdominal muscles. He may also suture the restored muscles into place to create the appearance of an abdominal “six pack.” Lastly, he removes any excess skin, re-drapes the remaining skin, and repositions the navel before he closes the abdominoplasty incision with sutures or surgical adhesive.
With this approach he aims to position any tummy tuck scar in such a way that it will be hidden by everyday clothes—and even swimwear and undergarments for times when patients wear less.
Dr. Chapin and his team provide comprehensive care following your procedure to ensure your comfort.
Meet Dr. Scott Chapin
Dr. Scott D. Chapin blends medical science, artistry, and humanity in every procedure he performs. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he specializes in aesthetic surgery, with a particular focus on breast surgery. His national reputation and commitment to excellence make him a top choice for Doylestown and beyond.
For more advice about tummy tuck surgery in the Philadelphia area, contact Chapin Aesthetics in Doylestown today. Call 267.880.0810 or send a message online to request a consultation.
WHAT IS A MINI TUMMY TUCK?
Among the full range of body contouring procedures offered by Dr. Scott D. Chapin is a mini tummy tuck. Many patients opt for the full corrective result that a traditional abdominoplasty provides, but those who do not require comprehensive surgical correction are better candidates for a mini tummy tuck.
At your consultation, Dr. Chapin will explain the traditional and mini tummy tuck procedures in detail, perform a physical examination of your abdomen, and learn about your concerns and goals. He will recommend the best-suited approach to meet your individual aesthetic goals, whether that is a mini tummy tuck, a different surgery, or even a non-invasive body-sculpting strategy. This is also the ideal time to discuss tummy tuck cost and other details.
A mini tummy tuck, also referred to as partial abdominoplasty, is similar to the more involved traditional tummy tuck procedure. However, mini abdominoplasty only treats the lower portion of the abdomen, which is the area beneath the belly button.
The “mini” approach is an ideal option for those who have smaller deposits of fat and excess skin around the abdomen area and do not require as extensive of a procedure as a traditional tuck. The advantages of the mini tummy tuck are that the procedure requires fewer incisions, leaves a smaller tummy tuck scar, and involves a shorter recovery time than its traditional counterpart.
Generally, a mini tummy tuck procedure also takes less time to perform than a traditional abdominoplasty, because it addresses a more limited area of the abdomen through a smaller incision.
During a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Chapin makes a C-section-like incision right above the pubic area and removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen (below the belly button). He will re-drape the remaining skin more tightly over the contours of the abdomen and close the incisions with sutures. The results will produce a flatter, tighter, and enhanced lower abdomen contour.
Keep in mind that, unlike the full abdominoplasty, mini tummy tucks do not address weakened or separated abdominal muscles, so these muscles would not be altered in any way.
A mini tummy tuck can yield beautiful results in those who eat healthy and exercise regularly but are unable to get rid of excess skin and stubborn belly fat below the belly button. However—as with all body- contouring procedures—if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or plan to lose or gain a substantial amount of weight, you should wait on a mini tummy tuck procedure.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A TUMMY TUCK?
When patients are considering abdominoplasty surgery, they frequently ask, “How long does it take to prepare for a tummy tuck?” There is no single answer to this, since every person’s journey is unique. That said, there are several common steps that every patient should go through.
Your first step should be to schedule a consultation. Do not just search “tummy tuck near me” and go with the closest surgeon. Take the time to find an experienced, board-certified, and well-regarded plastic surgeon known for beautiful results. Ask to see abdominoplasty before-and-after photos so you can get an idea of the results your surgeon can provide.
Dr. Chapin may advise you to start by getting lab testing or a medical evaluation to assess your overall state of health. Patients may also be instructed to take certain medications or adjust how they’re taking their current medications.
You should quit smoking if you currently smoke and refrain from taking blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements that could increase the chance of bleeding during and after the procedure. Don’t try to change your diet significantly before surgery, but do eat healthy and balanced meals prior to your tummy tuck, since proper nutrition helps to support healing.
Also, get your home ready for recovery in advance by preparing all the supplies you’ll need ahead of time. Consider prepping meals for easy cooking after the surgery, and be sure to have a clean and comfortable space to rest as you heal. You should also make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you home after tummy tuck surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
THE DAY OF YOUR TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
Patients go under general anesthesia for their tummy tuck surgery at a Bucks County or Montgomery County AAA-certified facility. Dr. Chapin and his team will go over the surgery details again with you prior to starting the procedure itself. This is the time to get answers to any lingering questions.
WHAT ARE RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE LIKE AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?
“What can I expect after a tummy tuck?”
Dr. Chapin hears this from just about all of his patients who are considering abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure that will require you to have a driver to and from the surgical facility. In many cases, Dr. Chapin may recommend that you stay the first night following the procedure at a hospital to monitor your progress.
Right after any type of tummy tuck, Dr. Chapin or his staff will dress the incision sites and place a compression garment around your midsection to minimize swelling and offer added support as you heal. You will need to wear a compression garment for three weeks or as directed.
You may also notice that Dr. Chapin has placed a tiny tube or tubes under the skin to drain excess fluid from the area. Drainage tubes are temporary and will be removed approximately seven to 10 days after your surgery. You will be given instructions on how to care for the incision sites and treated area and will get a prescription for pain medication to take if you experience any discomfort during your abdominoplasty recovery. He or his staff will also schedule follow-up appointments for you.
Your abdominal area may feel tender, uncomfortable, or numb for several days while your body heals. The treated area may also be red, swollen, or bruised. Although most abdominoplasty patients notice dramatic results right after surgery, the full aesthetic results typically take three to six months to become visible, after the swelling subsides. For a mini tummy tuck, the complete results are noticeable after one to three months.
A mini tummy tuck requires a shorter recovery than a traditional abdominoplasty, but you will still need to wear a compression garment for two to three weeks or as directed. Plan to take about two weeks off from work after your abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck surgery. You should get plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous activity during that time. Try to remember that it’s important that you listen to your body as it heals.
Dr. Chapin will provide complete preoperative and postoperative care instructions for your tummy tuck. He will monitor you and advise you on your gradual resumption of daily activities, including exercise.
Regardless of whether you’ve had a mini tummy tuck or complete tummy tuck, it will be critical to follow Dr. Chapin’s advice about caring for the bandage. This helps with overall healing, as well as helps the tummy tuck scar to be as minimal as possible.
You should avoid strenuous exercise for four weeks at minimum after a tummy tuck but going for short, light walks in regular intervals will help to promote blood circulation and healing.
BEYOND TUMMY TUCK SURGERY:
OTHER COSMETIC PROCEDURES
There are other cosmetic surgery procedures for the body that can complement or be done as an alternative to a tummy tuck. Other body contouring procedures and treatments Dr. Chapin offers include SMARTLipo®, arm lifts, butt lifts, lower body lifts, facelifts, brow lifts, eyelid lifts, and more. A tummy tuck may be part of a larger collection of procedures known as a Mommy Makeover, intended to address post-baby contours by enhancing areas such as the abdomen and breasts.
Dr. Scott Chapin serves patients in Bucks and Montgomery counties and beyond. For more information about what to expect from a tummy tuck in the Philadelphia area, or to schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation, contact Chapin Aesthetics today by calling 267.880.0810 or sending a message online.
