Liposuction is a great way to address stubborn fat deposits that you haven’t been able to fix by yourself. This is a very popular procedure, and people all over the world use this technique to enhance their bodies. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, Florida, we can use liposuction to shape and contour your body in a safe, effective manner. This procedure is very gentle, and your liposuction recovery period will be short and easy.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Liposuction?

Liposuction is a straightforward procedure, and your liposuction recovery period is likely to be relatively quick and simple. That said, it’s important to understand that your individual recovery time will vary. We will adapt this fat reduction method to fit your cosmetic goals and preferences. As a result, your liposuction recovery will be unique. For instance, if we removed a large amount of fat from several different locations on your body, you are likely to take a longer time to recover than if you only had a small amount removed from one area.

Liposuction Recovery Instructions

Although your liposuction recovery will be unique, there are some general guidelines that will give you an idea of what to expect after your procedure. For the first couple of days, you should take it easy. During this time, you should also drink lots of liquids. Staying hydrated will help your body recover from your procedure. Once you feel comfortable, you can resume engaging in physical activities.

We will also advise you to wear compression garments over your treatment area. These garments will help your skin contract and heal. You should wear these garments for about four to six weeks. During your initial consultation, we will give you more information about what to expect during your recovery period. We will also tell you when you can return to work.

How Does Liposuction Remove My Unwanted Fat?

Traditional Liposuction

Medical professionals have been using traditional methods to perform liposuction for many years. During a traditional liposuction procedure, we will use a syringe or vacuum to remove unwanted fat from your target area.

Smartlipo

Smartlipo uses lasers to improve the fat removal process. During this type of liposuction, we will use a small tube to send laser energy to your target area. This energy will liquefy your fat cells and allow us to remove them in a quick, gentle matter.

This laser energy will also improve the appearance of your skin. As the energy affects the cells under your skin’s surface, the collagen in your skin will become tighter. Your body will also begin to make more collagen. Collagen is a type of protein that helps your skin remain firm and strong. As your collagen levels improve, your skin will become tighter and more youthful-looking.

Ultrasound-Guided Liposuction

This type of liposuction procedure uses ultrasound energy to make the fat removal process easier. During your procedure, we will administer ultrasonic waves to your target area. These waves will dissolve your unwanted fat cells, making them easier to remove from your body.

Choosing a Technique

These liposuction techniques all have unique benefits. For instance, Smartlipo is great at targeting sensitive areas like your back and bra-line. Traditional liposuction, on the other hand, is a good way to remove fat from larger areas on your body.

During your initial consultation, we will tell you more about all of our liposuction methods. We will also examine your body and talk about the fat deposits that you would like to remove. We will use this information to choose a liposuction method for you. We can use multiple liposuction methods during a single procedure, and we may advise you to use a variety of techniques to address your unwanted fat.

What Will My Appointment Be Like?

This is a very straightforward procedure, and you will be comfortable throughout the fat removal process. We will begin your appointment by making marks on your body while you are standing. Making these marks while you are in a standing position will allow us to remove your fat in a precise manner.

After we have marked your skin, we will provide you with anesthesia. The type of anesthesia that you receive will be tailored to fit the liposuction technique that we are going to use. For instance, if you are getting Smartlipo on a small area of your body, you might receive local anesthesia. If you are treating a larger amount of fat with traditional liposuction, you are likely to receive general anesthesia.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, we will begin your liposuction procedure. The length of this process will depend on the fat reduction method that we are using and the locations that you are targeting. That said, this is usually a quick procedure, and you will be able to return home once we have removed your unwanted fat.

When Will I See Positive Changes in My Appearance?

You will see improvements in your target area immediately after your procedure is complete. Over the next several months, your appearance will continue to improve. You are likely to see the full effect of your procedure after about three months.

How Many Liposuction Sessions Will I Need?

Liposuction is a very effective way to remove unwanted fat from your body, and you are likely to see a significant improvement in your appearance after you receive one liposuction session. That said, if you would like to remove a large amount of fat from many different locations on your body, you might need multiple sessions to achieve your desired look.

How Long Will My Results Last?

Many cosmetic treatments don’t last for very long. Since your results will wear off quickly, you will have to spend your time and energy getting frequent maintenance treatments. Receiving regular treatments can be very burdensome and expensive.

Unlike these treatments, liposuction can permanently remove fat from your body. Accordingly, you will not need frequent touch-up procedures. That said, liposuction does not remove all of the fat cells from your body. As a result, you can still gain unwanted fat in the future. The best way to maintain your new look is to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

Can I Use Liposuction to Treat Unwanted Fat After Pregnancy?

Going through a pregnancy can be very taxing on your body. After you give birth, it’s common to have frustrating deposits of fat that you aren’t able to reduce on your own. Liposuction is an excellent way to target these fat deposits.

We often perform liposuction as part of a mommy makeover procedure that is designed to improve your appearance after pregnancy. During this procedure, you might receive liposuction on your thighs, hips, abdomen, or other areas on your body. In addition to liposuction, you might also receive a tummy tuck, breast lift, or breast augmentation.

These procedures can reverse many of the negative effects of pregnancy. For instance, your abdominal muscles can be damaged during your pregnancy. A tummy tuck can eliminate the excess skin on your stomach and strengthen your abdominal muscles. Similarly, a breast lift or breast augmentation can restore your breasts to their previous appearance.

How Can I Reduce My Unwanted Fat in a Non-Invasive Manner?

Although liposuction is very safe and effective, this procedure isn’t a good solution for everyone. For instance, if you have a very demanding schedule, you might not be able to take time off while you recover from your procedure.

Fortunately, you can reduce your unwanted fat in a non-invasive manner with CoolSculpting. This treatment is very easy, and you will not have any downtime after your appointment. You can go back to your job and other activities immediately. In fact, you can exercise on your treatment day.

CoolSculpting uses revolutionary cooling technology to eliminate unwanted fat from your body. During a CoolSculpting treatment, we will use a specialized machine to freeze your fat cells. This machine can destroy fat cells in your target area without damaging your skin and other tissues. After your fat cells are frozen, your body will gradually remove them from your treatment area. You are likely to see the full effect of this treatment after about four to six months.

Can I Transfer My Unwanted Fat to Other Areas on My Body?

We can improve your appearance by transferring your unwanted fat cells to other locations on your body. For instance, we can use your fat to augment your breasts or face, and many people prefer this to using synthetic implants to get the look they desire.

Breast Augmentation

We will begin your breast augmentation by removing fat cells from your body using liposuction. Next, we will purify your fat cells. Once we have processed your fat cells, we will carefully inject them into your breasts. This breast augmentation technique can be used to increase the size of your breasts. We can also use this procedure to improve the appearance of breast implants or a breast reconstruction procedure.

Facial Fat Transfer

In addition to improving your breasts, we can transfer your unwanted fat to your face. As you age, you will naturally lose fat in your face. This change can make you look tired, sad, or unhappy. During a facial fat transfer, we will transfer your unwanted fat to various locations on your face. For instance, we can add fat to your cheeks, lips, or jawline, depending on your needs. This procedure can improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, wrinkles, frown lines, and other imperfections.

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

If you are a generally healthy adult who wants to reduce stubborn areas of fat on your body, you are likely to be a good candidate for this procedure. That said, liposuction isn’t a suitable solution for everyone.

Liposuction is not a weight-loss technique, and you might not be able to receive this procedure if you are very overweight. Further, you might not be eligible for this procedure if you have very lax skin or if you have significant health issues.

Schedule a Consultation

Liposuction is an excellent way to remove your excess fat and give you a slim, sculpted body. This procedure is quick and effective, and your liposuction recovery period will likely be short and easy. To learn more about this amazing cosmetic procedure, contact us at The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, Florida for an initial consultation today.

Are you thinking about breast augmentation but are unsure which implant is best for you? Deciding to undergo an augmentation and selecting which type of implant to use are both deeply personal decisions. But thanks to cosmetic advances, you now have options that look and feel completely natural. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL, we can work with you to determine which breast implants will give you the best results.

There’s a reason why implants are one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments. Implants can increase the size of your bosom, improve your overall silhouette, and boost your self-confidence. But getting the results you want and deserve means choosing the right implant.

What Implant Options Do I Have?

All implants have an outer silicone shell, but the inside can be filled with either saline or silicone gel. Both types of implants come in various sizes, textures, and shapes, and each offers different advantages to the patient.

Saline Implants

As their name implies, saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater. These implants are unique in that they can be filled to different levels before being placed in the body, which ensures that the patient’s cosmetic goals are met. These implants can also be used to resolve breast asymmetry. Due to the nature of saltwater, these implants may feel firmer than silicone implants. Saline implants are an option for patients 18 years of age or older.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants, which are filled with a silicone gel, have gradually become the most popular choice option for women seeking breast augmentation. These implants retain a stable shape long-term, and they feel more natural. They’re also a nice option for patients with less breast tissue.

Silicone implants are available to patients 22 or older. Once you have a silicone implant in place, your health care provider may recommend that you have a breast MRI every few years as a way of keeping an eye on the structural integrity of the implant.

Which Type of Breast Implant Feels the Most Natural?

Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue than saline implants. They are also less likely to fold or ripple, giving the patient a smooth and even bosom long-term. For patients who are naturally thinner or who have smaller breasts, silicone implants can be a particularly good option because the edges of these implants are less noticeable on a lean body.

How Big of a Factor Is Implant Placement?

The placement of your implants also has a lot to do with how natural they appear. Implants are generally placed either above or partially behind the pectoralis muscle, which is the thick, fan-shaped muscle in the chest. Implants are more commonly placed under the muscle, which can give the patient results that appear more natural.

During your initial consultation, we can talk with you about the placement of your implant and determine which approach is best for you. Your lifestyle, the amount of natural breast tissue you have, and your expectations will all influence the placement of your implants.

Does the Shape of the Implant Play a Role?

In years past, most breast implants were round, but today teardrop implants, also referred to as anatomical implants, are available that resemble the natural shape of the breast. Anatomical implants are generally textured, which helps them adhere to the patient’s natural tissues and prevents them from turning sideways or upside down once in place. Round implants are less likely to be textured because they can rotate without any ill effects.

How Large of an Implant Should I Seek Out?

If you’re considering a breast implant, it may be tempting to seek out the largest possible implant. But several other factors influence how an implant will look once it’s in place. Our team can work with you to select the best size for you, taking into consideration your body type, lifestyle, and proportion.

Your Body Type

Your height, the size of your chest, and other aspects of your body type all play a role in determining what size of the implant will look best on you. That may mean that the largest implant available isn’t the one that is best for you.

Your Lifestyle

Before committing to a specific size of the implant, think about your lifestyle and the activity level that you maintain. If you are highly athletic, very large implants may not be the most realistic option for you.

Your Proportion

When selecting an implant, think about the overall proportions of your body. It’s easy to gravitate to the largest option, but will that make your silhouette appear top-heavy or unbalanced? Consider how implants will influence the overall look of your body.

What Happens During a Breast Augmentation With Implants?

Any augmentation is tailored to the patient’s cosmetic goals, expectations, and anatomy. This treatment is usually performed under a light general anesthesia and lasts one to two hours. We’ll talk with you in advance about the incisions that will be made, but these are often made in the inframammary fold beneath the breast, in the armpit, or along the edge of the areola. After the incisions have been made the implants will be slipped into place, either above or partially behind the muscle, and the incisions will then be closed.

What Is Recovery Like?

This treatment is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you’ll be able to head home within a few hours to begin your recovery. Most patients spend several days resting at home and are back to their regular schedules within 5 days. It’s important to eat healthfully and follow the guidelines of your healthcare provider when it comes to resuming strenuous exercise after treatment.

How Soon Will I See Results?

One of the great things about breast augmentation is that you’ll see some results almost immediately. Your breasts will appear larger and will rest higher on your chest right away, although it may take up to three months for your results to fully develop. This treatment permanently increases the size of the bosom and improves its overall look.

That means you won’t have to worry about follow-up treatments or go to extraordinary measures to maintain your results. Of course, your bosom won’t be immune to gravity, the aging process, or lifestyle habits, so you’ll want to keep up a healthy and consistent weight.

Are Breast Implants Safe?

Both saline and silicone implants have been approved by the FDA and are safely and widely used.

Do I Have Options Other Than Breast Implants?

If you’re not sure implants are for you, you do have other options. A treatment known as a fat transfer can naturally improve the shape and fullness of your breasts without the need for implants. During this treatment, fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen or hips using liposuction and then transferred to the breasts to enhance fullness.

If you are not a candidate for implants, or if you are seeking a more natural approach to breast enhancement, a fat transfer could be an ideal option for you. Another benefit of a fat transfer is that it helps get rid of fat in places where you don’t want it.

What About a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is another great way of improving the look of your bosom without pursuing implants. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the patient’s existing breast tissue is reshaped in a way that results in a perkier and better-positioned bosom. A breast lift can improve the appearance of your breasts, but it won’t necessarily increase your cup size. Some patients, however, find that their breasts appear larger after a lift simply because they’ve been reshaped and repositioned on the chest.

Although a breast lift is often sought out when patients have a bosom that has begun to sag, implants can also be incorporated into this treatment. Patients who undergo a lift combined with implants enjoy breasts that are both larger and more lifted.

Am I a Candidate?

If you’re interested in learning more about breast augmentation, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeff Scott. Dr. Scott received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma and his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed residencies in general surgery and trauma and plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Medical College of Virginia. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

During your consultation, Dr. Scott will review your medical history and talk with you about your cosmetic concerns and goals. He will work with you to select implants and design a treatment plan that will best meet your aesthetic concerns. There are several early signs that you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation.

You’re in Good Overall Health

The best patients are in good physical health. This means you don’t have any significant underlying medical conditions, any infections, or any untreated cancers. It also helps if you don’t smoke or consume excessive amounts of alcohol.

You Have a Healthy Frame of Mind

Breast augmentation with implants can permanently alter the look of your bosom, so patients who embark on this treatment should have a healthy frame of mind. It’s also important that you have realistic expectations about the outcome of this treatment. Breast augmentation won’t take 20 years off your appearance, but it will significantly improve the look of your bosom and give your overall silhouette a more youthful and fit appearance.

You’d Like to Improve and Enlarge the Appearance of Your Breasts

If age, weight fluctuations, or pregnancies have left you with breasts that are elongated, uneven, or not as full as you’d like, breast augmentation with implants could be just what you’re looking for. Breast implants are a particularly good option for patients who want to increase their bosom by at least a cup size. If you’re looking not for an increase in volume but the opportunity to lift your bosom and restore its perkiness, a lift may be the better treatment option for you.

You Could Benefit From Breast Reconstruction

If you have undergone a mastectomy or need breast reconstruction after trauma, breast implants can be an effective way of reconstructing the bosom.
 

Take the First Step Today

Are you ready to take the first step toward a whole new you, but uncertain about which implant will give you the results you want? The good news is that this isn’t something that you have to decide on by yourself. Our team can help you find breast implants that look and feel completely natural. Ready to learn more? Call The Plastic Surgery Center, in Bradenton, FL, and schedule your implant consultation today.

Understanding the difference between breast augmentation and breast implants will help you make the right decision and choose a procedure that solves your specific breast issues. Our professionals at Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL will help you achieve the size and shape of breasts you desire. But, before then, here is a quick rundown of everything you need to know about breast enhancement and breast implants.

What’s the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants?

What’s Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as breast enhancement, refers to a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves the placement of breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. This procedure is mainly aimed at making the breasts fuller and bigger either for cosmetic reasons or for reconstructive purposes, like after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer.

Sometimes, breast enhancement may involve autologous fat transfer from different parts of your body to the breasts to change the shape, size, or texture, depending on your individual goals. Perhaps you are still not sure if you should go ahead with your breast enhancement plan. You can decide to have your breasts enhanced for a variety of reasons, but how do you know if this procedure is the best for you?

Breast enhancement is for anyone who wishes to enlarge their breasts if they are naturally small or restore the shape and size of the breasts after breastfeeding weight loss, or pregnancy. If your reasons fall in any of these categories, you too can achieve your breast aesthetic goals!

What Are Breast Implants?

A breast implant is a medical prosthesis that is placed inside a woman’s breast to reconstruct, create, or augment its physical appearance. The most common categories of breast implants are saline and silicone implants.

The saline implants are made up of a sterile saline solution, such as salt water, that is held in an elastomer silicone shell. The amount of saline solution in the shell influences the breasts’ shape, firmness, and feel.

The silicone breast implants are made up of a silicone shell that is filled with silicone gel. Most women prefer this option because the implant feels almost the same as the natural breast. If you go for this option, you will be required to undergo regular check-ups to make sure that the implants are in perfect condition.

How to Choose the Right Breast Implant

Your choice of the most appropriate type of breast implant is not as easy as deciding between silicone and saline fill. Several factors will inform your decision. For instance, you need to decide on the shape of the implants. Do you want teardrop or round-shaped implants?

The texture of the implants is another factor to consider because some implants are textured while others are smooth. The overall size of the implants is also another aspect to consider. Additional features such as the body posture, proportion, and the elasticity of your skin may influence the size of the breast implant to use.

Regardless of what size you choose, avoid overly large implants because they may lead to breast ptosis or even cause shoulder and back problems.

Things to Know Before Having a Breast Augmentation

While breast augmentation is one of the commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in Florida and the whole of America, you need to know everything about this procedure before deciding to have it done. Here are a few critical issues you should know:

Fat Transfer or Implants

Silicone or saline implants are not the only options for breast enhancement. According to a report by the  American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there has been a 72% increase in the number of people using fat transfer to enhance their breasts since 2016.

Fat transfer involves the extraction of fat from different body parts, which is then injected into the breasts. This type of augmentation is limited to two cup sizes. If you are looking for something more than that, it is advisable you go for the implants.

Augmentation of Breasts Is Not a Quick-Fix to Sagging Breasts

Increasing the volume of your breasts if they are sagging will only exacerbate the appearance. A breast lift is a more suitable procedure if you want to correct sagging breasts.

This procedure involves repositioning of nipples and areolas and tightening and removing excess tissues. If you have been pregnant, or breastfeeding, combining augmentation and breast lift can guarantee you the best results.

Breast Implants Are Not Permanent

Despite the fact that modern breast implants are long-lasting and safe, they will need to be replaced after some time. The implants used today can go for over 10 years before they can be replaced. After getting breast implants, it is advisable you go for yearly check-ups. Specifically, if you have silicone implants, the FDA recommends you undergo MRI scan three years after the procedure.

Incision Location

Considering the incision area is important, as the chosen location may interfere with your ability to breastfeed in the future. If you are planning to breastfeed later, notify your surgeon in advance. In such cases, your incisions will at the axilla or under the breasts as opposed to having them around the areola.

Placement of the Implants

You will need to make careful considerations about where the pocket implants are placed. The available options include a sub-muscular and sub-glandular placement. The sub-muscular method, also known as the sub-pectoral, is done underneath the muscle, while the sub-glandular is done between the pectoral muscle and the mammary gland.

With the sub-glandular option, you will be more comfortable when breastfeeding, and it takes a shorter time to recover after the procedure. Additionally, the implant does not affect the function of the pectoralis muscle. For the sub-muscular placement, the muscle and tissue of the breasts are used to support the implant.

FAQs About Breast Augmentation

1. Am I a Perfect Candidate for Breast Enhancement?

Any woman can augment their breasts, but before you do, ensure that you are healthy and have definite goals. Breast enhancement is best for you if you have always desired to improve the shape of your body, boost the size of your breasts, or even want to match certain clothing styles.

If your breasts have changed in appearance and size after breastfeeding, augmentation is a perfect approach to shape, resize, and reposition them.

2. How Long Will I Take to Recover From the Surgery?

The time it takes to recover after a breast enhancement procedure varies from one person to the other. Most patients resume their normal duties after at least 48 hours. An expert at Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL will explain to you this aspect of the surgery during your consultation.

3. Will Augmentation Lift My Sagging Breasts?

Placing implants underneath your breasts can lift them moderately. The extent to which the lifting occurs varies from person to person and depends on the stretch of your skin, your specific characteristics, and the size of the implant used.

If you have sagging breasts, the best approach to reposition them is through a breast lift. However, in most cases, your surgeon may recommend a combination of augmentation and breast lift.

4. Does Breast Enhancement Cause Cancer?

With cancer associated with almost everything, most women are concerned that breast augmentation can cause or increase cancer susceptibility: but should you? Implants will not increase your chances of getting breast cancer.

5. Will I Need Additional Surgeries After Augmentation

Sometimes you may need additional surgeries to achieve optimal symmetry or the breast size and shape you need. Your surgeon will advise you about the need for other supporting procedures.

You may need to undergo other surgical procedures if the augmentation procedure results in any complications, such as capsular contracture or implant rupture. Breast implants are subject to aging, so with time, you may need to undergo several surgical procedures to address the effects of aging or gravity.

6. What If I Want to Breastfeed After Augmentation?

You can breastfeed after breast enhancement, but the implants should be placed strategically. Sub-muscular placement does not interfere with the functioning of your breasts. Make sure you notify your surgeon about your plans to breastfeed in the future so we can place the implants well to allow you to do so.

7. Can I Resume My Routine After Breast Enhancement?

How soon you can resume your daily activities will depend on the nature of your work and its physical demands. Regardless, you should avoid any upper arm movements within the first two weeks after the procedure. Do not lift anything that weighs over 5 pounds. If your work involves a lot of movements or heavy lifting, it is advisable to not work until it is safe to do so.

8. What Should I Expect?

The breast enhancement procedure is carried out under general anesthetic. Your surgeon will make an incision around the nipple, under the arm, or even under the breast. The choice of the incision location is influenced by several factors, including the degree of enlargement, your body, and the type of implant, among others. After the incision, the implant will be placed in a pocket below or above your chest muscle. We will then use surgical tape or sutures to close the cuts.

10. Am I Too Old for Breast Enhancement?

Age is an important aspect of consideration when planning for any surgery. Breast enhancement is recommendable for women in their 30s. However, this does not rule you out If you are past this age bracket. Many women in their 40s and 50s have had successful breast enhancement in the past. Irrespective of your age, we encourage scheduling for an initial consultation with a surgeon to help you establish the most appropriate direction for your cosmetic goals.

Achieve Your Breast Aesthetic Goals Today With Breast Augmentation

If you are looking for the most reliable solution for sagging, small, or uneven breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding, surgery, or any other condition, look no further. Come visit us at Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL today for your initial consultation, and we will advise you accordingly and explain to you further the difference between breast augmentation and breast implants.

We take pride in our state-of-the-art facility and a dedicated cosmetic enhancement team whose commitment is in giving the best quality of care to our clients. We are excited to help you take the next step in your breast augmentation journey.

Have pregnancies or weight loss left you with sagging and wrinkling skin on your lower abdomen? Would you like to tune up your abdominal area and achieve a sleek, sculpted, youthful silhouette? A mini tummy tuck, one of the cosmetic treatments offered at The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, could be the solution you’ve been searching for. This treatment, which is performed in our office, is relatively short and almost immediately tightens and flattens the abdominal area.

What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck, as its name implies, is essentially a modified version of a full Tummy Tuck. While a full Tummy Tuck reconstructs the entire abdominal area, this mini treatment focuses exclusively on the lower portion of the abdomen below the navel, which is an area that can be difficult to tone up with exercise.

Mini tucks are popular among women who want to get their pre-baby bodies back after bearing children. But men are also increasingly seeking out the treatment as a way of resolving the abdominal pouch or pudge that can develop as a person ages. And for some individuals, a Tummy Tuck is a way of adding tone and definition to the lower belly when diet and exercise have not offered results. Tummy Tucks are one of the most popular cosmetic body treatments in the Bradenton/Sarasota area.

What Happens During a Mini Tuck?

The treatment is fairly straightforward. A small incision will be made near your bikini line and excess skin and fat from the area will be removed. The remaining skin, and the internal abdominal muscles, will be pulled taut. The entire treatment usually takes an hour or two and is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will not feel any pain or discomfort. You’ll then spend some time in our recovery area before heading home.

What’s Recovery Like?

Depending on how active their jobs are, most patients return to work in roughly a week. During your recovery, you’ll wear a snug-fitting compression garment designed to encourage your abdominal skin to conform to the body’s new shape. We’ll encourage you to resume gentle exercise as soon as possible to keep your circulation at a healthy level and speed your recovery. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks.

When Will I See Results?

You’ll notice a change in the size and contour of your lower abdomen almost immediately after your treatment, and those results will continue to develop over the following months as your body completes the recovery process.

How Can I Tell if I Need a Mini or a Full Tummy Tuck?

It really comes down to where your problem area is. If your loose skin and pooching is confined to the area of the abdomen below your belly button, a mini treatment should be sufficient. Full Tummy Tucks, referred to in medical terms as abdominoplasty, are intended for patients who are struggling with sagging and abdominal heaviness both above and below the belly button. Mini tucks are usually faster, less aggressive treatments that involve a shorter recovery period.

Are the Results of a Tummy Tuck Permanent?

This treatment is generally considered to be a permanent treatment, but you’ll need to maintain your results by sticking to a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a careful diet. Your results will diminish if you gain a significant amount of weight later.

Will a Mini Tuck Help Me Get Rid of Stretch Marks?

A Tummy Tuck, particularly a mini tuck that focuses primarily on addressing the abdominal pouch, won’t always be able to take away stretch marks. Stretch marks, which sometimes develop during pregnancy, form when the skin tears deep below the surface because it can’t keep up with a quickly growing part of the body. If stretch marks are a particular concern for you, we can talk with you about the best way of treating them.

Who Qualifies for a Mini Tuck Treatment?

This treatment has been successfully performed on both men and women with a variety of different health backgrounds. There are several signs that you may be a good candidate for this treatment.

You’re Overall Health Is Good

It helps if you’re a non-smoker who’s in good overall health. If you have any underlying health conditions, share those with us during your consultation so we can determine if this treatment is appropriate for you. Tummy Tucks are not recommended for women who are pregnant. In fact, women are usually advised to postpone this treatment until after they are done having children.

You’re Close to Your Ideal Weight

A Tummy Tuck, whether it’s a full tuck or a mini one, should be viewed primarily as a body contouring treatment. It removes extra fat and skin from the area, leaving the patient with a firmer and more toned appearance, but it won’t help you lose a significant amount of weight. In fact, we recommend that patients who are planning weight loss shed the pounds first and get as close to their ideal weight as possible before treatment. If weight loss is your primary goal, your best bet is to pursue a diet and exercise plan.

Your Cosmetic Issues Are Confined to the Lower Abdomen

The mini tuck, in particular, focuses on flattening and firming the lower part of the abdomen: a part of the body that can be particularly vulnerable to sagging because of pregnancy, weight loss, and the natural aging process. It’s a tricky area to address with targeted exercises, which is why the mini tuck can be such a nice option for patients.

What Other Treatment Options Do I Have?

When it comes to toning and flattening your abdominal area, there are several treatments you can consider. Liposuction and CoolSculpting are two treatments offered by our practice that patients sometimes consider, although each has a slightly different approach.

Liposuction

Like a Tummy Tuck, liposuction is a slightly more involved treatment that involves anesthesia, a small incision, and a week or so of recovery. With liposuction, a long, thin tube is inserted through an incision to suction away unwanted fat. Liposuction can be performed on various parts of the body, including the tummy area. One difference between the two treatments is that while liposuction focuses on removing fatty deposits, a Tummy Tuck removes fat as well as excess skin.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a fat-removal treatment that basically kills off fat cells by freezing them. The lymphatic system then flushes those fat cells out of the body over a period of weeks. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive outpatient treatment that involves no downtime. Most patients, however, require multiple treatments.

CoolSculpting tends to be a less aggressive treatment, but it’s a good option for patients with just a bit of stubborn fat that they’re having trouble shedding. CoolSculpting generally does not resolve the problem of sagging or excess skin.

Can a Mini Tummy Tuck Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Some patients opt to combine a Tummy Tuck with one or more of the other cosmetic services we offer. Breast augmentation, facelifts, and arm lifts are among the treatments our patients often seek out.

What Is a Mommy Makeover?

Many patients come to us after their childbearing years and ask for a Mommy Makeover. A Mommy Makeover is essentially a customized treatment plan designed to help a woman restore her body after undergoing the physical changes associated with pregnancy. It’s not uncommon for a mini tuck to be incorporated into such a makeover. Liposuction and breast augmentation are also frequently elements of a Mommy Makeover treatment plan.

What Other Benefits Does This Treatment Offer?

There are a number of benefits associated with undergoing this type of Tummy Tuck, including greater self-confidence and a stronger core.

You’ll Feel Terrific

After undergoing a Tummy Tuck, you’ll look and feel terrific. You’ll feel more self-confident, and your abdominal area will be flat and sculpted, giving you a more youthful, fit silhouette. Your clothes will fit well and comfortably, and you’ll no longer want to hide behind baggy, oversized shirts. Wearing a bathing suit will be fun again. You’ll also notice that everyday tasks will suddenly feel easier and more enjoyable. Bending down to fetch something from a lower shelf, getting down on the floor to play with children, and even housecleaning will all be easier.

A Nearly Scarless Treatment

Any time an incision is made in the skin, there will be a scar. But mini tucks are sometimes referred to as a scarless treatment because the incision is small and the mark it leaves behind is discreet enough to be hidden behind a bikini.

A Stronger Core

By tightening the abdominal area, a Tummy Tuck can increase support for the spine. Some patients find that their core feels stronger, and back pain is less likely after undergoing treatment.

Improved Bladder Control

In addition to removing extra skin and fat from the abdominal area, a Tummy Tuck can also strengthen the soft tissues around the bladder and pelvic floor, alleviating urinary incontinence. This means you may be less likely to leak when you sneeze or cough.

How Can I Tell if a Mini Tuck Is Right for Me?

The best way to learn if this treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation at our practice. During your appointment, we’ll review your medical history, the medications you are currently taking, and your aesthetic goals. We’ll work with you to determine whether or not a mini tuck is right for you, and we can also help determine whether any other treatments should be incorporated to help you meet your goals.

Who Will Oversee My Treatment?

Your treatment will be overseen by Dr. Jeff Scott. Dr. Scott earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma and his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He is board-certified in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Scott is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is known for his ability to deliver beautiful, natural results for his patients.

Get Started Now

If you’re ready to get rid of a stubborn abdominal pooch that won’t respond to diet and exercise, it may be time to explore a mini tummy tuck. All of our treatments take place in our state-of-the-art facility, and we focus on delivering personalized care to our patients. Whether you want a complete Mommy Makeover or just a tummy tuck, we can help. Call The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL and schedule a consultation today.