Frequently Asked Questions
About Body Contouring in Philadelphia
- What type of anesthesia is used for tummy tucks?
- What will my Tummy Tuck scar look like?
- Can a Tummy Tuck get rid of stretch marks and old scars?
- How long will results from a Tummy Tuck last?
- Will my waist size be smaller after a Tummy Tuck?
- Am I a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
- What are the risks associated with tummy tucks?
- Do I need both procedures, or just one?
- What type of anesthesia is used for liposuction?
- What are the risks associated with liposuction?
- Am I a good candidate for Liposuction?
- Are the effects of Liposuction permanent?
- What body areas can benefit from Liposuction?
- How much recovery time do I need for Liposuction?
- How much recovery time do I need for Abdominoplasty?
- How is Body Contouring ‘customized’ for my body?
- How much will my Body Contouring cost?
- What should I expect from Body Contouring results?
- Why should I choose Dr. Bottger for Body Contouring?
What type of anesthesia is used for tummy tucks?
General anesthesia is the preferred anesthetic for most abdominoplasty procedures.
Epidural anesthesia can be used in some cases.
What will my Tummy Tuck scar look like?
Although exact scar appearance varies and is not entirely predictable, most of
these scars stay fairly thin, less than one-quarter-inch wide and will turn
white after 6 to 12 months. The belly button scar is usually less noticeable.
The good news is that the primary scar is easy to hide under all types of underwear
and most one- and two-piece bathing suits.
Can a Tummy Tuck get rid of stretch marks
and old scars?
Yes it can but it all depends on their location. All stretch marks and
scars below the belly button will be completely removed after surgery.
How long will my Tummy Tuck results last?
In the absence of significant weight gain and loss, or pregnancy, the necessity
of a second procedure would be unlikely.
Will my waist size be smaller after a Tummy
Tuck?
Most patients will lose several inches from their waistline.
Am I a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
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 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.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery until they have reached their final weight. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. Occasionally, scars from previous abdominal surgery may preclude the abdominoplasty procedure.
What are the risks associated with tummy tucks?
Risks and complications may include but are not limited to unfavorable scarring
excessive bleeding or hematoma, infection, change in skin sensation, contour
irregularities, delayed healing, asymmetry, fluid accumulations under the skin
and pulmonary complications. Dr. Bottger will discuss the potential complications
with you in detail at the time of your consultation.
It is important to remember that although significant complications can occur, they are uncommon.
How much recovery time do I need for a
Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty is one of the more involved plastic surgery procedures and frequently
requires an overnight stay in the hospital. A return to light, non-strenuous
work can be expected usually within two to three weeks following surgery. In
6-8 weeks, patients may return to full aerobic workouts and weight lifting.
All sutures are dissolvable and under the skin. You will have small tapes on the skin surface called steri-strips, which fall off in approximately three weeks. Two drains will be placed under the abdominal flap, which are usually removed in four to five days. You may shower in forty-eight hours.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars are usually well concealed by underwear and bathing suits.
Do I need both procedures, or just one?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cosmetic procedure
for you. Once Dr. Bottger has completed a thorough medical history and examination,
a recommendation can be made based on individual factors, such as your skin
and body type, general health, and your own personal goals. The Tummy
Tuck usually involves the removal of a large amount of skin from the lower abdomen,
so a Tummy Tuck is commonly thought of when a flatter abdomen is desired in
the setting of loose or sagging skin of often with associated stretch marks.
Liposuction is a good option to minimize the amount of fat on a specific area
of the body when the skin tone is good. Combining both procedures gives the
appropriate patient a great opportunity to achieve both these goals at the
same time.
What are the risks associated with liposuction?
Risks and complications may include but are not limited to unfavorable scarring,
infection, hematoma, fluid accumulation, skin irregularities, skin looseness,
asymmetry and pulmonary complications.
It is important to remember that although significant complications can occur, they are uncommon.
What type of anesthesia is used for liposuction?
Three types of anesthesia are used with liposuction. These include local anesthesia
with sedation, epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia. The method used
depends on the extent of the procedure and also on patient preference.
What body areas can benefit from Liposuction?
Liposuction is most commonly used to treat the abdomen, (both upper and lower
portions), the hips, waist, thighs, buttocks, and the neck. Other areas commonly
treated include the calves, knees, ankles, back and arms.
Am I a good candidate for Liposuction?
In general, the best candidate for liposuction is a person who is in good health,
is within 25 lbs. of his or her ideal weight, and has one or more areas of
localized body fat deposits, out of proportion to the rest of their body, which
have been poorly responsive to diet and exercise. Liposuction is best suited
for areas with good, firm skin tone without a lot of laxity.
If the skin on the abdomen hangs loose and has stretch marks, liposuction of this area is usually not recommended because it will result in more loose skin and will not help the stretch marks at all. In this situation, a Tummy Tuck would be a better solution.
How much recovery time do I need for Liposuction?
Patients' recovery time is dependent on the number of areas treated. Most patients
experience a reduction of initial swelling within the first week following
the surgery, and are able to return to a light work schedule. You are free
to take showers after two days, but a bath should not be taken for a week or
so.
There is usually some degree of bruising after liposuction. This usually goes away within two weeks. Some patients have virtually no bruising, but most have at least a little.
In addition to swelling in the area treated by liposuction, you may have swelling in a dependent body area (lower on the body than the liposuction was). For example, abdominal liposuction may cause swelling in the groin area. Liposuction of the thighs or legs may cause swelling of the ankles. This dependent-area swelling is temporary and resolves rapidly however.
You will probably be advised to wear a compression garment for two to three weeks. By three weeks, approximately 60%-70% of the result will usually be evident. It takes approximately three months for the final appearance.
Are the effects of Liposuction permanent?
The effects of liposuction are essentially permanent. The new body shape will
never revert to the pre-operative appearance. If significant weight gain occurs,
all areas will enlarge proportionately maintaining the new post-operative contour.
How is Body Contouring ‘customized’ for
my body?
After careful analysis and discussion, Dr. Bottger tailors each procedure to
fit your specific body characteristics and meet your individual goals. Much care
and consideration is used to determine the best surgical techniques to give you
the desired end result.
How much will my Body Contouring cost?
The cost of your surgery will depend on the number of individual body regions
needing liposuction and the extent of abdominoplasty, if necessary. Dr. Bottger
will give you an exact quote of costs during your personal consultation. We
offer affordable financing plans to fit your budget.
What should I expect from Body Contouring results?
Viewing our extensive library of Body Contouring Before & After photos of
Dr. Bottger patients is helpful to see individuals with similar anatomy and get
more
realistic
idea
of what Body Contouring can do for you. Also, at the time of consultation, our
computer imager can be used to provide a simulation of expected surgical results.
Why should I choose Dr. Bottger for Body
Contouring?
Dr. Bottger is a double Board Certified Plastic
Surgeon with over 16 years of
experience and special concentration in body contouring surgery. He and his staff
are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of expertise in cosmetic
surgery with a uniquely personalized and meticulous approach to patient care.
If you have questions about cosmetic surgery, we’ll be happy to give you answers. Call Dr. Bottger at (610) 520-1929 and set up your confidential Body Contouring consultation today.
David A. Bottger, M.D.
940 Haverford Road, Suite 100
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 520-1929
