When it comes to getting the toned, trim body we all desire, the tummy seems to be the most stubborn body part. Many men and women are frustrated with excess fat around the abdomen that can be difficult to remove even when following stringent diet and exercise routines. Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that recontours the abdomen to reveal a slimmer, more attractive physique. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Francis Johns performs tummy tuck surgery at his Pittsburgh plastic surgery practice. Read more about the comprehensive procedure below, and contact Dr. Johns at 877-245-6467 to schedule a consultation for tummy tucks in Pittsburgh, PA today.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Dr. Johns performs tummy tuck surgery on an outpatient basis at his state-of-the-art ambulatory center in Greensburg, PA. The length of the procedure will vary from patient to patient based on the amount of tissue being removed, and if the procedure is being performed simultaneously with others such as breast augmentation or liposuction. During the procedure, Dr. Johns makes an incision just above the pubic bone, extending from hip to hip. He removes excess skin and fat through these incisions, and tightens the abdominal wall to create a sculpted final look. He may use a liposuction technique as well to remove localized fat deposits. Once these steps are complete, the incision is closed with sutures.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery / Abdominoplasty
Patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery can enjoy a number of benefits from the final results, including:
- A smaller waistline
- More toned abdomen
- Removal of sagging skin
- Increased clothing options
- Enhanced self-esteem
BEFORE AND AFTER TUMMY TUCK SURGERY
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Are You a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery / Abdominoplasty?
The ideal tummy tuck candidate is someone who is over the age of 18 and is unhappy with the appearance of excess fat or loose skin around the abdomen. This procedure is particularly popular among women who have had trouble losing all of their weight after pregnancy, and among individuals who have experienced weight gain as a result of aging. Tummy tuck surgery is not meant to serve as an weight loss alternative to diet or exercise. In fact, patients who undergo tummy tuck in Pittsburgh with Dr. Johns should be at a healthy, stabilized weight before the procedure because weight fluctuations can have a negative outcome on the surgery. In addition, women who wish to undergo the procedure should not plan on becoming pregnant again. Patients also should not smoke. Those who do smoke will need to quit for a period of time before and after surgery.
In general, tummy tuck candidates are individuals who:
- Are physically and mentally healthy
- Do not smoke
- Do not have any chronic, uncontrolled medical conditions
- Have specific, reasonable goals
- Have a generally positive outlook
- Understand the surgical risks
Recovering from Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery is an in-depth procedure that requires substantial recovery time. Patients experience minor swelling, bruising and discomfort in the days and weeks following treatment, all of which can be managed by medication as prescribed by Dr. Johns. Patients are instructed to avoid strenuous activity, although light walking is encouraged as soon as possible to promote blood circulation and healing. Patients wear a compression garment in the weeks after surgery to promote optimal surgical results. Most tummy tuck patients are able to return to work within two weeks. Dr. Johns and his dedicated staff are available around the clock to address any questions or concerns that may arise during the recovery period.
REVIEWS – WHY PITTSBURGH PATIENTS CHOOSE DR. JOHNS
QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOLADES:
COST AND FINANCING
In addition to paying for surgery upfront, there are a number of ways to finance the cost, which makes taking this important step in your life more attainable. Not all patients will have the funds available to pay upfront, so we recommend the following financing options should you need to break the cost up into payments:
- Working with Care Credit, who often offers a promotional interest-free period. For example, if you can pay off the loan within 6 months-2 years (depending on the promotional period available at that time and available to you), you won’t have to pay any interest, providing a hassle-free way to split the surgery cost into multiple payments.
- Using a credit with low interest or that is interest-free. In fact, some credit card companies offer introductory interest-free periods for new cardholders. This is a good option for financing as long as your credit limit is high enough and you can reasonably pay it off within the promotional period.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery is a surgical sub-specialty that deals with the healing and restoration of patients with injury, disfigurement or scarring resulting from trauma, disease or congenital defects. It includes aesthetic or cosmetic surgery to correct or rejuvenate facial and bodily features not pleasing to the patient. Derived from Greek, the word plastic means molding or giving form and does not refer to the use of plastic materials.
What should I know before choosing plastic surgery?
Since every patient is different and has different needs, plastic surgery becomes a complex decision. The procedure you initially want may not produce the desired results, which could have been obtained by a different procedure. It is very important for you to set up a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon, it is important to stay open minded, and positive. Your plastic surgeon will answer all of your questions, tell you exactly what procedure would be the best fit to help you to obtain your goals, and will also be very honest with you about whether your goals are realistic or not. When choosing your Pittsburgh / Greensburg plastic surgeon, do not simply ask if they are board certified. Make sure you ask if the plastic surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery.
Does it really matter where the surgery is performed?
As recommended by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it is important to select a surgeon who has operating privileges at hospitals and outpatient facilities that meet the credentials established by the ASPS. This provides you, the patient, with extra safety measures to increase the safety of your entire surgical procedure.
Why choose a board certified plastic surgeon?
Many patients do not know that in most states a licensed physician may perform plastic surgery without being board-certified. A common mistake made by patients is asking the surgeon if he or she is board certified, when they should be asking if the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. No one wants a doctor to perform a facelift or breast augmentation, when the surgeon is certified in orthopedics and not plastic surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board of plastic surgeons approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This certifies plastic surgeons to perform plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body.
How does a plastic surgeon become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
To be ABPS board-certified, a physician must meet these tough requirements: Must graduate from an accredited school. Complete a combination of at least five years of general surgery and plastic surgery residency training. Pass a comprehensive written examination given by ABPS plastic surgeons. Take the oral exam. It does not stop there. After receiving there Board Certification, they have to regularly attend medical education courses, and have to adhere to a strict code of ethics. All surgeries performed must be done in an accredited surgical facility
What can be expected while recovering from plastic surgery?
It is important to consider your personal pain tolerance along with the complexity of the surgery. Since every procedure is different, recovery time could range from none at all, to a couple of months, sometimes longer.
Do you have more questions? The best way to learn more about your journey is to meet with Dr. Johns for a private consultation. Call us at 877-245-6467 or schedule a consultation online.
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