High-Definition ABDOMINOPLASTY

Before & After Abdominoplasty with VASER Liposuction (with breast augmentation) performed by Dr. De La Cruz

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Who is a Tummy Tuck candidate?

 

• An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck would be anyone with loose or sagging skin within the abdominal area, which is caused by an abnormal relaxation of the abdominal wall muscles, commonly occurring after multiple pregnancies or previous surgery in the area.

• Another good candidate is someone who has excess fat and loose skin that has not responded to diet and exercise.

 

It is important for patients to maintain realistic expectations for this procedure, and realize that abdominoplasty is not to be used for substantial weight loss, and is instead for patients close to their ideal weight who have areas of stubborn fat in the abdominal area. Pregnancy or substantial weight loss after treatment can result in stretched, sagging skin, so patients are encouraged to postpone surgery until after these events.

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What happens during a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure?

 

For most patients, abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. During the abdominoplasty procedure, an incision is made across the lower abdomen and around the belly button. Through these incisions, the surgeon will remove excess fat and tissue from the targeted area and pull the muscles closer together before stitching them in place to create a firmer abdomen and narrower waist.

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Once the abdominal walls have been strengthened and repositioned, the skin flap is pulled down, stretched and cut for the new naval fixture. The belly button is reattached and all incisions are closed using a suture that dissolves with time.  Dr. De La Cruz, a Houston Plastic Surgeon who developed the “Celtic-Cross Technique” for umbilical reconstruction (creation of a “belly button”), creates a heart-shaped belly button that looks natural and aesthetically pleasing.

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A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty takes  five hours to perform under general anesthesia. Additional procedures, such as liposuction, may be added to produce the best result suited to your body habitus.  Dr. De La Cruz typically combines the procedure with VASER Liposculpture with Renuvion/J-Plasma to produce the best results.  He will develop a customized treatment plan for you based on the amount of fat to be removed, as well as your age and overall health.

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Are there different abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedures?

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• A mini-abdominoplasty removes the lower abdominal wall skin only with no manipulation of the umbilicus or belly button (shortest scar).

• A modified abdominoplasty is ideal for patients who require repair of just the muscle walls or abdominal skin

• Standard abdominoplasty involve a tightening of the all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles with a standard scar.

• An extended abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen as well as the flanks (sides), resulting in the longest scar that extends onto the lower back.

• A 4D High-Definition Abdominoplasty is an abdominoplasty procedure that incorporates the principles of Hi-definition liposculpture.

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Are there different abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedures?

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• A mini-abdominoplasty removes the lower abdominal wall skin only with no manipulation of the umbilicus or belly button (shortest scar).

• A modified abdominoplasty is ideal for patients who require repair of just the muscle walls or abdominal skin

• Standard abdominoplasty involve a tightening of the all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles with a standard scar.

• An extended abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen as well as the flanks (sides), resulting in the longest scar that extends onto the lower back.

• A 4D High-Definition Abdominoplasty is an abdominoplasty procedure that incorporates the principles of Hi-definition liposculpture.

 

What is a 4D VASER Hi-Definition abdominoplasty?

 

The 4D High-definition abdominoplasty involves the combination of the Hi-definition liposuction and abdominoplasty procedure.  This abdominoplasty procedure produces a significant change in the outcome after surgery.  It involves the High-Definition VASER liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and back with fat transfer to the hip area.  The abdomen is also liposculpted prior to removal and excision of the excess skin. 

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Key Procedure Difference of the Hi-Def Abdominoplasty

1) VASER liposuction Lipo360 - the abdomen, flanks and back are liposculpted

2) VASER High-definition of the abdomen is performed to produce a more athletic body

3) Natural Umbilicoplasty producing a more natural appearing "belly button"  with hidden scars inside the umbilicus

4) Slimming Midline rectus plication which repairs any separation of the rectus muscles as well as decreases the overall waist with a more aggressive tightening

5)Fat transfer to the hip area to produce a true hour-glass shape

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