Baltimore, Maryland Cosmetic Surgery for the Body: Mini Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty, and More

Everyone has a different body shape and requirements to enhance his or her figure. Men and women both collect fat in specific areas that are typically difficult to eliminate in spite of diet and exercise. Liposuction may be the best option for them. If excess skin is present, then a tummy tuck may be needed. The amount of excess skin and other factors will determine whether a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck is the best option. Also, for patients who have lost large amounts of weight from bariatric surgery (gastric bypass), an extended tummy tuck or body lift may be appropriate. The section below will outline mini, full, and extended tummy tucks.

Mini Tummy Tuck
Baltimore, Maryland

Mini tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure for individuals who have not only excess fat in the lower abdomen, but also unwanted skin.

Here is some additional information about our Baltimore, Maryland practice's mini tummy tuck procedure:

Length : 3 hours
Anesthesia: IV Sedation and Epidural
In Patient/Out Patient : Out Patient
Potential Side Effects/Risks: Difficulties with scar healing, infection
Principle Benefits: A tightened and trimmer lower abdomen, new waistline, better fit of clothing

Typically, patients who are good candidates for mini tummy tuck have had moderate weight loss with overhanging tummy skin, those women who have had pregnancies with or without a C-Section whose skin overhangs a bit, and those whose stomach muscles simply won't tighten enough despite exercise. Mini tummy tuck involves three steps, all performed during the same operation. These steps include 1. removal of lower abdominal skin, 2. liposuction of unwanted fat, 3. tightening of the lower abdominal wall muscles.

In Baltimore, Maryland, mini tummy tuck is very popular among our patients because it accomplishes for them something they would not be able to achieve on their own, namely removal of excess skin and tightening of over stretched muscles. A mini tummy tuck is ideally suited for those whose waistline concern is from below the belly button only. If there is extra abdominal skin and weakness of the abdomen above the bellybutton, then a full abdominoplasty is needed.

Mini-Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

If you live in or near Baltimore, Maryland and would like to learn more about mini tummy tuck, please contact the office of Dr. James Vogel today.

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Full Abdominoplasty
Baltimore, Maryland

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a procedure performed to flatten the abdomen in patients who have more than fat contributing to the waistline. Candidates for a tummy tuck require removal of excess skin and fat as well as a tightening of the muscles of the abdominal wall.

Here is some additional information about our Baltimore, Maryland practice's abdominoplasty procedure:

Length: 3-4 hours
Anesthesia: Epidural with IV Sedation
In Patient/Out Patient: Out Patient
Potential Side Effects/Risks: Problems with anesthesia, blood clots, excess fat and skin at ends of incisions, unsightly scars
Principle Benefits: Flatter tummy and a trimmer waistline

Abdominoplasty can eliminate what exercise and healthy eating often cannot – a protruding pouch, loose skin resulting from substantial weight loss or pregnancy, or excess fat and skin that won't seem to budge. Our Baltimore, Maryland abdominoplasty patients have been thrilled with their results. Come see us to find out if abdominoplasty is right for you.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

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Extended Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty
Baltimore, Maryland

Also called a body lift by many of our Baltimore, Maryland patients, an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is an excellent option for those patients who have recently lost a substantial amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery or a strict regimen of diet and exercise. Such weight loss often leaves the skin looking stretched and loose; this skin can weigh several pounds! An extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty allows for the removal of this skin and tightens the remaining skin and tissue, leaving the body looking more toned and trim than it has in years.

How do I know if I need a tummy tuck or liposuction?

If you have loose skin in the abdomen or weak abdominal muscles (usually due to pregnancies, excessive weight gain, or weight loss) you will likely need an abdominoplasty.

Can't I have liposuction instead of a tummy tuck?

Liposuction is a preferred technique for isolated pockets of fat on the legs, tummy and hips. Therefore, not all patients are candidates for liposuction. To be effective, there must be little excess skin. However, for many patients in Baltimore, Maryland, if the lower tummy tissues are excessively stretched, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is indicated. Occasionally, the two techniques can be used together. In the majority of cases, the tummy tuck is performed first and a second stage liposuction is done several months later.

What is recovery from abdominoplasty like?

Most patients at our Baltimore, Maryland practice who undergo abdominoplasty experience moderate to considerable soreness for a few days, but this improves quickly thereafter. Drains are used and remain in place for 7-14 days. Most people take off 2 -3 weeks from work to recuperate.

Can I speak to some of your previous patients who had a procedure, such as tummy tuck, and get a reference?

Absolutely, I would encourage this. My past patients are my greatest endorsement. My staff will gladly arrange this for you.

If you live in or near Baltimore, Maryland and would like to learn more about extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty, please contact the office of Dr. James Vogel today.

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Arm Lift
Baltimore, Maryland

Many patients are unable to tone and sculpt their arms with standard strength training and exercise alone. Arm lift, or brachioplasty, can help these patients obtain the physique they desire. Often completed through a combination of liposuction and surgical removal of fat and tissue, arm lift can be life changing. However, the procedure is not without its risks. Scarring is inevitable, for example. To discuss arm lift with Dr. Vogel, please contact our plastic surgery practice today.

Arm Lift

What is recovery from arm lift like?

Arm lift is major surgery. If you choose to undergo this procedure, expect soreness, swelling, general discomfort, and other side effects. You may need to take a week or two off from work to recuperate.

Will there be a scar if I get arm lift?

Yes, scarring is inevitable with arm lift. However, we use a modification of the large standard incision to reduce the amount of scarring. The incision runs along the underside of the arm from above the elbow and forms a "T" in the armpit.

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