Reading Tummy Tuck
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Women and men who live in Reading, Allentown, or Lancaster seeking tummy tuck options are troubled by excess weight in the abdominal region-a protruding belly that you just can't budge with diet and exercise.
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall for a more flattering midsection.
Dr. Schlechter also performs the mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, which is an excellent option for people whose abdominal area is just beginning to sag, and have a smaller amount of skin to be removed. The mini tummy tuck is a good choice for about one in ten of our patients who are interested in abdominoplasty. To find out whether a tummy tuck makes sense for you, click here to request a complimentary consultation. Or you can call our Wyomissing office at (610) 678-9200 to schedule your appointment.
Who's Having Tummy Tucks?
Excess fat or loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area is most often caused by weight fluctuation, pregnancy, aging, or prior surgery. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women in good health and good physical condition, who don't smoke, and are at a stable weight, but who are bothered by a stomach bulge or loose skin that won't respond to diet or exercise.
While men also enjoy the results of abdominoplasty, women who live in Lancaster, Reading, or Allentown find the tummy tuck especially helpful when multiple pregnancies have stretched their abdomens so far that they will not return to the shape they were in prior to childbirth.
What to Expect
It's important to have realistic expectations when considering any elective surgery. While a tummy tuck can greatly enhance your appearance and self-confidence, it won't cause other people to treat you differently, nor will it give you the "perfect" body. Also, while a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, these marks may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be removed. We'll be glad to discuss your expectations and reasons for considering surgery with you, so that your decision is a well-informed one.
A tummy tuck takes from 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending upon the specifics of the procedure. Recovery times vary as well, and range from 1 to 4 weeks. At the Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery, we use IV sedation, and for your added peace of mind, we've been working with the same talented anesthetist for 14 years.
The vast majority of patients who choose a tummy tuck at our Reading area practice are happy with their results, despite the permanent scar that is created. Sometimes extending from hip to hip, this scar will vary depending on the extent of the procedure and other factors. Our spa staff works pre and post-surgery on scar management to help provide the best possible result. As with any surgery, abdominoplasty carries certain risks. These are rare and can be treated.
Many of our patients have found that liposuction can enhance the results of their abdominoplasty.
