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Dr. Kris Reddy FACS, board certified plastic surgeon and West Palm Beach abdominoplasty (west palm beach tummy tuck) expert, has the rare double honor of being a Fellow of American and International College of Surgeons, the only board certified plastic surgeon in Palm Beach County, Florida to hold both of these prestigious honors. Dr. Kris Reddy continually receives high patient ratings and excellent reviews.
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
West Palm Beach tummy tuck patients seek to look more youthful and invigorated in the most natural manner possible. As a patient, you should clearly define their goals and discuss your desired outcomes. In so doing, you will help Dr. Reddy to design a treatment plan best suited to you and your lifestyle.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR ABDOMINOPLASTY
The best candidates for abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, Dr. Reddy, a West Palm Beach Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) expert, may recommend against abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Reddy.
THE SURGERY
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.
Most commonly, Dr. Reddy, aa West Palm Beach Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) expert, will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
Next, Dr. Reddy separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
In partial abdominoplasty also known as a mini tummy tuck, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.
Dr. Reddy, a West Palm Beach Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) expert, will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.
In your free and private initial consultation, Dr. Reddy, a West Palm Beach Abdominoplasty (west palm beach tummy tuck) expert, will provide more details and relevant fees. During your free and private consultation, Dr. Reddy can also review financing options including interest free financing and financing for those with less than perfect credit.
Patients who seek facelift also search for abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck, and tummy plastic surgery. Dr. Kris Reddy cares for South Florida tummy tuck patients including from West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, and Jupiter. Dr. Kris Reddy consistently receives excellent patient reviews and ratings for his natural looking abdominoplasty.
