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Tummy Tuck
Dr. Ptak feels that recontouring of the abdomen is one of the most truly "reconstructive" of all the "cosmetic" procedures, because not only is skin and fat usually removed, but the muscle layer is usually tightened as well. The result is a tighter abdomen and waistline, allowing for a better fit for clothing and improved self image and self esteem.
Procedure Information
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin or muscle tone 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.
Procedure Information
The abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Dr. Ptak usually performs the procedure either within the hospital or in an outpatient setting (mini and modified abdominoplasties are similarly performed). Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower adbdominal wall skin only which will leave the shortest scar. A modified abdominoplasty addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin requires repair. Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles which leaves a standard scar. The extended abdominplasty tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides which will leave the longest scar extending around the flanks onto the lower back.
Postoperative Healing
The procedure usually takes two to four hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial or "mini"-abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. Abdominoplasty can be one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures and probably requires more time off and activity-limiting recovery. You will be encouraged to be moving and walking regularly within 1-2 days. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. Sports will not be comfortable or recommended for about 6 weeks.
Other Options
Additional procedures that may enhance the result are: Liposuction, Breast Procedures, or Buttock/Thigh Lift.
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Complete Body Lift
Body contouring procedures such as liposuction can make certain areas of the body smaller or "less full," but if a truly more lifted, tighter, and youthful appearance is what you are looking for, then just as in facelift or tummy tuck surgery, both skin and fat must be removed and muscle tightened. The Complete Body Lift, such as the procedure featuring Dr. Ptak on Fox Channel 10, consists of a tummy tuck, buttock lift, inner and outer thigh lift, and liposuction of these areas - all in one sitting. Dr. Ptak has possibly performed more of these procedures than anyone in Arizona with a high rate of success and tremendous patient satisfaction.
Procedure Information
The best candidates for a complete body lift are men or women who have lost a very large amount of weight or experienced a loss of skin elasticity of the inner/outer thigh, hip, abdominal, or buttock areas, possibly accompanied by a large fat deposit and loose skin or muscle tone that won't respond to diet or exercise. For anyone whose skin area is saggy, has an orange peel, flabby and/or dimpled appearance and when the thigh appearance improves dramatically when you lift the lax skin. Anyone who is self-conscious about the lower body appearance can benefit from this procedure.
Procedure Information
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Dr. Ptak will show you what procedures are available to solve your particular problem. Wide variations in the design of the incisions to meet clothing or personal desires are possible.
Lifting the inner thighs requires only short incisions extending from the anterior part of the thigh/groin crease around to the buttock crease. Lateral or anterior thigh lifts can be performed as separate procedures if desired. Lifting the entire thigh and buttock (circumferential lower body lift) will require much longer incisions that start in the buttock crease, extend around the groin, up over the side of the abdomen, over the flank and across the back. The buttocks can be lifted with upper or lower scars. A moderate amount of liposculpture can be performed in addition with acceptable risk and safety.
Postoperative Healing
The procedure usually takes 4 - 10 hours, depending on the extent of work required. The patient is placed in a compression garment (similar to a long-line elastic support girdle) at the end of surgery to reduce swelling and assist in the natural shrinking and tightening of the skin. Smaller thigh lifts: initial discomfort is usually easily controlled with prescription pain medication. Larger thigh lifts: one or two nights care in a skilled nursing facility or hospital are usually required. This allows for IV pain control, intravenous catheters, etc. Bruising and swelling usually subside within a month, strenuous activities are usually possible in 4-6 weeks, and almost all symptoms are gone in 4-6 months. Drains are usually necessary for 1-3 weeks.
Other Options
Additional procedures that may enhance the result are: Breast Procedures or Liposuction/Liposculpture
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