Advanced tummy tuck procedures, like lipoabdominoplasty, are a well established method to obtain a superior result in body contouring procedures. A lipoabdominoplasty is an extremely powerful advanced tummy tuck technique for patients with excess skin and fat of the abdominal wall and flanks.The approach Dr Knoll chooses, for appropriate candidates, is a combination of a full abdominoplasty to remove excess often stretch marked skin, coupled with liposuction body contouring, and reinforcement of the weakened abdominal wall as happens so often following pregnancy or massive weight loss. This is an extremely powerful tummy tuck technique especially in patients that would have been treated in the past in a staged fashion; meaning 2 or more procedures (first abdominoplasty, then liposuction) performed at different times. In the past surgeons were hesitant to combine an abdominoplasty with liposuction. At one time it was considered to be unsafe, with plastic surgeons due to concerns about the possibility of the added liposuction causing damage to the blood supply of the skin and therefore resulting in skin loss. However in the contrary, over the past years, research co-authored by Dr. Bianca Knoll and other study groups have shown that lipoabdominoplasty can be performed safely and effectively respecting the blood supply of the abdominal skin, in fact with a lower risk of complications, attributed to the increased stretchiness of the skin induced by the liposuction.
Dr Bianca Knoll performs modern advanced tummy tuck techniques not only encompassing liposuction of the abdomen / flanks, and „muscle tightening“ (i.e. rectus diastasis repair) but also additional contouring of the waist line and pubic contouring and lift if necessary. This combination of techniques is being performed, for many years by Dr Knoll and many US plastic surgeons not only because of the improved safety, but also because of it’s much improved results.
Important concepts in advanced modern tummy tuck procedures include thorough anatomic analysis, functional assessment, and a defined, individualized, and inclusive treatment plan. These steps are required for optimal results. Learn more about your body contouring options and tummy tuck procedure during your consultation in the office of Dr Bianca Knoll in Frankfurt.
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.
The so-called muscle repair is actually a misnomer. Most patients refer to the term since it is used synonymously for rectus diastasis correction or any type of additional work affecting the fascia of the abdominal wall muscles. The so-called “muscle repair” is an integral part of the sculpting tummy tuck procedure performed by Dr Bianca Knoll. It is rare, that a “muscle repair” is not needed.
The sculpting of the tummy tuck does not happen by working directly on the muscles themselves. There is no actual repair of abdominal wall muscles during a tummy tuck procedure. The sculpting work happens on the fascia. The muscles of the abdominal wall are invested in fascia. A firm layer made of collagen, separating the different core muscles of the abdomen. During pregnancy and massive weight gain, these layers, fascia and muscle, can be stretched out. Often they will not return to their original position or shape after pregnancy or weight loss.
The rectus diastasis occurs in the midline of the abdomen, resulting in a palpable gap between the 2 recti muscles (i.e. sixpack). Of then the investing fascias of the mid and lower abdominal wall muscles are stretched too. The result is a larger, less sculpted midsection. Depending on a patients individual situation, the contouring of the abdominal wall needs to be individualized during surgery. This is important for 2 reasons. First, the newly sculpted abdominal wall is the fundament of a patients midsection, independently of fitness level and weight. Second, a patients tissue quality. The abdominal wall has by definition certain anatomical weak points, which need to be taking into account. Preceding abdominal surgeries need to be considered when planning and undergoing a tummy tuck procedure as well. A knowledgable and experienced surgeon will understand, how to obtain the best possible result safely.
A simple commonly midline suture, as it is commonly performed within the plastic surgery community, may serve some. But the majority of Dr Knoll patients will benefit from a more bespoke, intraoperatively individualized approach to obtain their best possible result.
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.
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.
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.
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.
During your office consultation with Dr. Bianca Knoll you will be thoroughly examined, allowing us to provide you with information pertaining to surgery, post operative expectations, and the cost associated with your individualized surgery plan. For these reasons a consultation in our Frankfurt office is strongly encouraged. We understand that it can be impartial for some of our out of town/ international patients to travel to Frankfurt for an initial consultation. For this reason, Dr. Knoll offers online consultations. By submitting a series of photographs, information about your desired outcome, and a little about yourself, we can start to determine if you are a good candidate. Though a virtual consultation starts the conversation, it does have it’s limitations and does not replace the need to be seen in person for a traditional consultation to finalize plans for a procedure.
If you wish to have additional information or would like to schedule a consultation please contact please contact the office of Dr. Bianca Knoll, we will be happy to assist you.
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