The RG Plastic Surgery difference begins by addressing the entire contour of the body, with special attention to the trunk. The decision to undergo an abdominoplasty requires consideration of the incision. Excising the skin is only one component of surgery. Before becoming anxious about scarring, it is important to note that no amount of dieting can remove excess skin.
Am I a good candidate for the RG abdominoplasty
What is the consultation process like?
What is Dr. Ramirez Gavidia's Approach for creating the best surgical outcome?
What kind of long-term results can I expect from this procedure?
What are the limitations of an RG abdominoplasty?
How much does the RG abdominoplasty cost?
What should I expect during recovery?
Are all abdominoplasty procedures the same?
Is an abdominoplasty safe?
What are the risks?
Good Surgical Candidates for the RG Abdominoplasty are:
An abdominoplasty is designed for people who have an excess of lax skin and fat concentrated in the abdomen. Candidates should be mindful of expectations regarding the capabilities of the surgery. The best surgical candidates are non-smokers; with respect to safety, healing, and outcomes. This procedure is not exclusive to women. Men also opt for tummy tuck surgery. If an individual is dissatisfied with the appearance of their midsection, this procedure can be a great way to make the physical change of their dreams.
Recognizing that each patient and their aesthetic goals are unique, a personalized consultation is the critical first step in the process of deciding if an RG Abdominoplasty is the right choice for you. The success of the surgery is dependent on an informed patient who is aware of what can be realistically achieved with an abdominoplasty. During your appointment, photographs will be taken as part of your medical chart to document your starting point baseline. These will serve as visual tools to help you compare to other before and after pictures. We will help you visualize what the possibilities of your outcome could be. You’ll be asked about your general health, surgical goals, and any questions or concerns you may have. Dr. Ramirez Gavidia will do a physical exam and explain all your options. He will recommend what treatment plan would be the best course of action for you. He will present other surgical results, and review potential risks and complications.
The success, safety, and satisfaction of your tummy tuck depends on your complete honesty about your health, desired look, and lifestyle. This is the best time to ask questions because it is vitally important to understand all aspects of this surgical procedure prior to making your decision. Don’t let shyness or anxiety keep you from discussing anything with your surgeon. Open communication is paramount in helping us get you your best outcome.
It is important to consider that the amount of correction needed will determine the length of your incision. It is through this incision that weakened-separated abdominal muscles can be corrected and sutured back to position. Dr. Ramirez Gavidia accomplishes this by creating an internal corset which cinches in the waist. The skin and excess fat excised in the procedure is shaped like an ellipse and generally extends from the top of the belly button to the top of the pubic bone and hip to hip. The incision is strategically placed to be hidden behind undergarments or swimwear. An incision around the belly button may be necessary to remove additional skin on the upper area of the abdomen.
A tummy tuck creates a smoother, flatter abdomen and a more contoured waistline. Patients can expect to feel more proportioned in their body with removal of excess skin and fat. While some results may be visible right away, it takes six months to a year for the final results to be visible.
The lasting power of an abdominoplasty is impossible to predict because it is dependent on an individual’s physical conditioning post-surgery and how their weight, exercise, and lifestyle habits are maintained. The results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, but they can be compromised through significant fluctuations in weight. Therefore, it is important to be conscientious of lifestyle habits to promote a longer-lasting result.
A tummy tuck does not replace a healthy diet and exercise program. While the results are intended to be permanent, they can be compromised with significant fluctuations in weight. Patients planning on losing significant amounts of weight, or women planning future pregnancies, should plan their tummy tucks for a later time. Abdominoplasties cannot erase stretch marks, but the look may be improved if stretch marks are in the area of excess skin that is excised.
It is important to understand the distinction between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat in further understanding the limitations of this procedure. Subcutaneous fat or extra abdominal fat, exists over the muscle layer. This fat is generally pinchable and accessible to your surgeon. This fat can be liposuctioned to enhance your procedure. Visceral or intra-abdominal fat is another matter. Visceral fat exists between and around the organs in the abdominal cavity behind the muscle layer. Visceral fat is not accessible for your surgeon to remove with liposuction. Protruding bellies due to visceral fat may not achieve desired results with tummy tuck surgery because the distended abdominal appearance may not change or blend well after joining the upper and lower portions of the incision. Since it is not surgically accessible, visceral fat is best eliminated through proper diet and exercise.
To conclude your consultation with Dr. Ramirez Gavidia, a patient coordinator will provide you with a detailed written estimate of surgical fees for your procedure. The patient coordinator will assist you in selecting a date for your surgery, and will coordinate with the hospital and anesthesia. The patient coordinator will also answer any questions about the payment options available at our practice.
Be advised that the recovery process is a commitment. The aftercare and post operative procedures recommended by your doctor should be followed precisely. In most cases, tummy tuck patients are recommended to plan on taking a break from regular activities for at least 7-10 days immediately after surgery. Your first follow-up appointment will be within the following 7-10 days. Expect drains to be removed during this appointment. Lymphatic drainage massages are recommended to aid with swelling and fluid retention. Typically, 10 massages within the first 2-4 weeks are the best strategy. Special compression garments should be worn after surgery to aid with swelling and to promote the healing process. Dr. Ramirez Gavidia will clear you for more strenuous activities as your recovery progresses and is assessed via subsequent follow-up appointments.
Depending on the needs of the patients, the RG Abdominoplasty can vary:
The most common type of abdominoplasty discussed above is a complete tummy tuck. In a complete abdominoplasty, the incision is made from hip to hip in order to eliminate the excess skin and fat. The shape and length of your incision is contoured to be hidden in a bikini. Other factors in designing the incision specifications are your preferences and the amount of correction needed. Note that there is an incision made around the belly button to restore its ideal position. To ensure the best outcome and contouring, Dr. Ramirez Gavidia will use liposuction to sculpt the torso for a customized approach.
In a Belt tummy tuck (or extended tummy tuck), the surgery includes the entire abdomen and back. This procedure utilizes an incision surrounding the body; like a belt following the waist. This tummy tuck variant is generally recommended for patients that have lost significant amounts of weight, or who have larger fat deposits with greater amounts of excess skin. This procedure eliminates excess skin from the sides of the abdomen and back, while lifting both the buttocks and some of the thighs.
The Mini tummy tuck variant (also known as a partial abdominoplasty/mini lipectomy) is for patients with smaller accumulations of fat and skin. The incision is smaller and the manipulation of the skin and underlying structures is also proportionately smaller. Incisions are usually as low as possible, and there are generally no incisions made around the belly button.
Abdominoplasties are safe procedures when performed by Dr. Ramirez Gavidia, a board certified and trained plastic surgeon, in accredited surgical facilities with superior medical staff. Dr. Ramirez Gavidia adheres to recommendations and protocols for safety put in place by the national governing boards of plastic surgery to secure your safety and to promote the healthiest outcome. Training, experience, and practicing safety protocols make cosmetic surgeries, including tummy tucks, safe options for healthy candidates. Rest assured, Dr. Ramirez Gavidia maintains patient safety as top priority.
While the risks are low (as with any medical procedure), they do exist. Risks include:
