Abdominoplasty in Oxford, MS
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a sought-after treatment designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal region, and in some cases, repair the underlying abdominal muscles. Many candidates for abdominoplasty are women who have accumulated excess skin and fat due to the effects of pregnancy, obesity, or age. A tummy tuck can also be performed for women who wish to gain a contoured and sculpted appearance or men who wish to attain a more athletic midsection.
No matter the circumstances that affect your abdominal appearance, Dr. Dan Shell believes in encouraging his patients with open dialogues, patient-oriented care, and thorough evaluations.
Am I a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Most women who have undergone abdominoplasty seek to correct excess skin and fat that has developed after childbirth or other fluctuations in shapeliness caused by significant weight gain or loss. Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty must be in good health and close to their ideal weight. It is also essential for women to consider waiting to have their abdominoplasty until after they have had all their children as childbirth can alter the ultimate outcome.
Having a clear understanding of the procedure’s capabilities is always helpful for prospective patients. Dr. Shell will happily offer further education and transparent communication on the full nature of the procedure and what to expect. For many women and men, abdominoplasty can help to increase self-esteem, and this surgery is an ideal treatment for patients looking to develop a healthier outlook on their self-image.
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Shell believes that it is his responsibility to ensure that the right aesthetic treatment is matched with his patient’s aesthetic goals. If abdominoplasty does not end up being the ideal treatment, he may offer alternatives, such as CoolSculpting® or liposuction. Patients who have experienced success with massive weight loss may find other methods designed for body contouring after significant weight loss more favorable.
Will Insurance Cover Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. However, there are multiple ways for you to finance. During your consultation, Dr. Shell will examine your medical background and take measurements to assess the amount of tissue to be adjusted. This will provide an estimate for your treatment, which can be considered when you speak with a financing company regarding your qualification and payment options. Once a choice is made with the company you finance with, we will work with you to schedule a convenient date.
How Is Abdominoplasty Performed?
Abdominoplasty can be performed in one of three ways:
- Mini abdominoplasty
- Standard abdominoplasty
- Extended abdominoplasty
The appropriate technique will depend on the patient’s goals, the recovery process, anatomical limitations, and the therapy required to treat a given abdominal concern.
Comfort is one of our primary focuses when beginning an abdominoplasty. Anesthesia is administered based on recommendations from Dr. Shell and our anesthesiologist. Once this initial step is completed, one of the following abdominoplasty techniques will be performed.
Mini Abdominoplasty
A horizontal incision is created along the public line (bikini line) through which excess skin is removed, and lower abdominal muscles are tightened. This technique is employed to address the lower abdomen exclusively. This technique is ideal for:
- Patients who experience muscle laxity in the lower region of their abdomen but experience little to no excess skin or fat.
- Women who have recently experienced minor abdominal looseness caused by pregnancy. This area is also known colloquially as a “stomach pooch.”
- Men and women who have recently experienced a mild to moderate development of excess skin from significant weight loss in the lower abdomen.
- Men and women who would like a conservative approach to body contouring. This is ideal for eliminating the appearance of an abdominal pooch without leaving extensive scarring.
Standard Abdominoplasty
A standard abdominoplasty includes an incision along the lower pubic area (bikini line) and a second incision encircling the navel. The standard abdominoplasty covers a more general area of the abdomen than the mini abdominoplasty, treating the upper and lower abdomen. The standard abdominoplasty technique is ideal for:
- Women who have recently experienced moderate to severe abdominal looseness caused by pregnancy. This area includes the “stomach pooch” and all other regions of the stomach.
- Men and women who have recently experienced a moderate to severe development of excess skin from significant weight loss.
- Repairing muscle separation and skin laxity by reconstructing the full abdominal area for more defined contours.
- Repositioning the navel to a more appealing and natural-looking location.
Extended Abdominoplasty
Extended abdominoplasty requires a longer incision created along the lower pubic area. This incision extends around the sides. An extended abdominoplasty is typically selected to address the abdominal area and the hips. An extended abdominoplasty technique is ideal for:
- Patients with folds of excess skin around the abdomen and hips.
- Women who have moderate to severe development of excess skin and separation of the abdominal wall caused by pregnancy. This area includes the “stomach pooch” and the “love handles” or hips.
- Men and women who have recently experienced the development of moderate to severe excess skin and muscle laxity from dramatic weight loss and require attention to be directed to the outer hips.
What Will My Abdominoplasty Recovery Be Like?
First Several Days
Abdominoplasty patients receive thorough and clear instructions regarding their healing and recovery process. These instructions will include how to tend to dressings, compression garments, or bandages. Minimizing swelling is an essential part of the recovery process, with any discomfort managed with medication prescribed by Dr. Shell. Patients are required to rest in the days after their abdominoplasty and refrain from physical activity.
Following Weeks After Surgery
Dr. Shell sees patients three weeks after their initial surgery. At this time, patients will be evaluated to see the progression of their healing and results. Many patients should return to work about one to two weeks after surgery; however, physical activities that require heavy lifting or strain on the body should be avoided until further notice. Dr. Shell may make recommendations on how to speed your recovery process and which activities can be done to promote healthy blood circulation and healing.
Following Months After Surgery
Depending on the patient, intermittent swelling can last anywhere from three to six months. Nonetheless, patients should be able to see more significant progress in their body’s healing process, and most discomfort should have subsided. Patients may be allowed to begin a broader range of physical activities and resume normal activities but should keep in mind that proper consultation with Dr. Shell is required to see if rigorous or athletic activity is safe.
Will I Need to Combine Abdominoplasty With Other Cosmetic Enhancements?
Men and women who choose to undergo abdominoplasty may benefit from additional liposuction to enhance the removal of fat deposits further. The primary objective of an abdominoplasty is to remove excess skin and reposition and lift the muscle tissue. For patients to experience further fat reduction, liposuction is a necessary and ideal accessory treatment. Liposuction uses a suction method to break down and remove fat for a slimmer and leaner appearance, which can be especially useful for bringing out tone and definition. Dr. Shell will determine your candidacy for liposuction and additional treatments during your consultation.
What Will My Abdominoplasty Results Be Like?
After your abdominoplasty, your body will begin to slowly reveal a restored stomach area for a flatter, leaner, and tighter midsection. As your abdominal section adapts and gradually reveals your results, you will begin to feel as good as you look. Besides a firmer and flatter stomach, abdominoplasty offers emotional satisfaction and newfound confidence.
Your abdominoplasty results are not impervious to the natural aging process; however, they can be considered near-permanent and are expected to last for a long time. This is especially true if a healthy diet and exercise are adopted to maintain and support your results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominoplasty
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Are there any risks associated with abdominoplasty?
Dr. Shell works closely with each of his patients to ensure that their abdominoplasty is safe. Even so, all surgeries carry some degree of uncertainty and risk due. Though they are rare, there is the chance that complications will occur during or after abdominoplasty surgery. Dr. Shell will sit down with you to discuss the risks before your surgery. Some potential complications include numbness, tingling, or a pulling sensation in their midsection. This is known to fade with time.
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Can abdominoplasty results come back after another pregnancy?
Pregnancy is likely to reverse the positive effects of abdominoplasty as the stomach is once again expanded, and the skin tissue is stretched. It is important that women consider having all their children before abdominoplasty to maximize their results.
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Why should I choose Dr. Shell for abdominoplasty?
At Dr. Shell’s practice, patient-oriented and personalized care is paramount. During your consultation, Dr. Shell will listen carefully to all of your aesthetic needs and concerns. Dr. Shell is certified by the American Board of Surgery and uses cutting-edge technology and time-tested techniques to provide life-changing and transformative results. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Interested in Abdominoplasty in Oxford, Mississippi?
Dr. Dan Shell is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing abdominoplasty. Helping to serve patients in a warm and professional setting is one of the main reasons that Dr. Shell chose to start his practice in Oxford, Mississippi.
If you are considering abdominoplasty, Dr. Shell would be privileged to sit down with you and carefully explain each abdominoplasty option. Dr. Shell is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Please fill out our contact form or call (662) 236-6465 to set up a consultation today.