What Can Be Achieved with a Lipoabdominoplasty?
Many patients seeking an abdominoplasty procedure with Dr Knoll, are frustrated about their heavy mid-section. Despite living a healthy, active lifestyle and working out, the mid section will only improve to a certain degree. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is for women and men concerned by loose skin, displaced abdominal muscles, or fat deposits. When liposuction is added to the tummy tuck procedure a better contour can be achieved. The liposuction part of a lipoabdominoplasty sometimes includes the back. A so-called 360 degree liposuction is performed. During pregnancy or massive weight loss the skin and the abdominal wall has stretched out, and goes rarely back to its original tight, flat appearance. In order to achieve a flatter appearance of the abdomen work needs to be done to the parts of the abdominal wall that has been stretching out. Depending on your individual situation compelling changes can be achieved. In order to achieve a smooth transition to your pubic area often pubic contouring or a pubic lift is included in the procedure, when needed. The goal of a tummy tuck or lipoabdomoplasty is to achieve a well contoured flat appearance of your abdomen and flanks that is proportionate to your body. Dr Bianca Knoll is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Frankfurt / Germany who has extensive experience performing these procedures safely.
Am I a Candidate for a Abdominoplasty?
The best surgical candidates for a modern, advanced tummy tuck procedure are patients who are at a stable weight, in relative good shape, with excess skin and fat, displaced abdominal wall muscles, and realistic expectations. Patients with only excess fat, no abdominal wall weakness, and no or minimal stretch marks, are often ideal candidates for liposuction. Women who have not concluded their family plans are advised to postpone the tummy tuck procedure as pregnancy will reverse the benefits of this procedure. If you have extra skin above and below the belly button, a full (lipo-) abdominoplasty is performed. If you have loose skin all the way around your central body portion, an extended abdominoplasty might be a good option for you. An extended abdominoplasty, or bodylift procedure, will not only address the abdomen but also the lateral thighs and buttocks. The incision line will therefore extend around to your back. Smokers and obese patients are at a higher risk for surgical complications and wound healing problems, and may therefore not be a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. Dr Bianca Knoll will discuss your different abdominoplasty options with you during your consultation in her office in Frankfurt.
Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and a Mini-Tummy Tuck
Patients with only some small amount of excess skin of the lower abdomen might be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. The incision is placed low as well, but the belly button stays attached to the surrounding skin. During a mini tummy tuck the belly button is not cored out and reset into the same position like during a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck leaves the belly button attached to the surrounding skin while removing a smaller amount of redundant skin below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction and with a tightening of the midline muscles. In this case an additional small incision within the belly button will be needed to allow the repair. This would be called an extended lipominiabdominalplasty, where the dissection will be carried out beyond the level of the belly button. The limitations of an extended lipominiabdominalplasty is excess or loose skin above the navel. These patients are candidates for a full tummy tuck with or without liposuction. A full lipoabdominalplasty allows for much more skin tightening and contouring, leading to more compelling results. Making the right choice which type of tummy tuck will be the right one for you is paramount. Dr Knoll has a vast experience in tummy tuck procedures, including patients who have undergone previously performed abdominal procedures resulting in abdominal scars. Some patients choose to undergo combined surgery of the abdomen and breast as a part of a mommy makeover.In order to find out which procedure is ideal for you please contact the office of Dr Bianca Knoll in Frankfurt to learn more about your options.
What to Expect When Having a Tummy Tuck
Many advancements have been made in modern tummy tuck procedures regarding efficiency, improved pain control, safety, lesser morbidity, and wound care. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes between 2-4 hours depending on your case. Depending on the type of tummy tuck being performed, JP-drains will be used. The drains are needed until the daily amount of wound fluid has diminished and your body is able to absorb it. A tummy tuck procedure can be either performed safely in an ambulatory setting or with one overnight stay in the clinic. Depending on the extent and operative length of your procedure, your general health, and your personal comfort, an overnight stay in the hospital might be preferred to monitor your recovery and to provide adequate pain control. A full lipoabdominalplasty with fascial plication (tightening of the muscles) is mostly associated with one overnight stay in the hospital. After your tummy tuck procedure you will wear a garment for about 6 weeks supporting your wound healing process. After your procedure you will have some swelling and bruising, which gradually subsides within the following weeks. During that time Dr Knoll and her team will see you regularly in her Frankfurt office to accompany you during the wound healing process. You will be limited in your physical activities during your immediate post-operative period to ensure adequate wound healing.The success of an abdominoplasty procedure is clearly dependent on the meticulous planning, a patient’s realistic expectations and compliance, and skilled surgical performance of your surgery.
Dr Knoll and her team will be happy to provide you with further information about your tummy tuck procedure and answer your questions during your consultation in our office.
Tummy Tuck Cost
Given all the possible variations of a tummy tuck procedure, it is quiet difficult to provide any estimated costs without having examined and talked to the patient. The costs of the surgery will vary depending on the complexity, length of the procedure and the details involved. Usually there are 3 different costs associated with a surgery; the surgeon’s fee, hospital fee, and anesthesia fee.
