Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Articles

As the news broke that the stay-at-home restrictions were being lifted in Wuhan, China, after nearly three months, there was this detail: “Mountains of cardboard boxes sprouted up outside of apartment complexes as online shopping picks up,” read an article by The New York Times. “And more people are treating themselves,” shifting from buying daily necessities to buying clothing, cosmetics, and travel accessories.

The idea of rewarding ourselves in some way at the end of all of this feels too good to resist. For some, that may mean booking the vacation you were hesitant to commit to just a few weeks ago. For others, it could take the form of some overdue self-care, such as a spa retreat or even that tummy tuck that felt a bit self-indulgent before quarantine but now seems entirely appropriate.

If you’ve been following along, you’ve noted that liposuction is as popular as ever, even with the emergence of non-invasive fat-reducing treatments. And that’s because none of them can yet compete with liposuction’s dramatic results. But liposuction doesn’t address excess skin. Enter the tummy tuck.

What it does

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that trims the waistline and creates a smoother, firmer abdominal profile by removing excess skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall.

There are a number of variations to the tummy tuck, which allow it to be tailored to your particular needs. But the traditional (or full) procedure entails removing excess (or sagging) skin from above and below the belly button and pulling the remaining skin and muscles tight. It’s often combined with liposuction.

You may also have heard of a “mommy makeover.” Again, there’s a lot of variation here, but almost every mommy makeover includes at least a tummy tuck and breast augmentation or a breast lift because they tend to address the most common concerns following pregnancy. And there’s this: Aside from sculpting the midsection, a tummy tuck may also reduce or remove stretch marks from the lower abdomen, as well as C-section scars.

Is it right for you?

So, who’s a good candidate for a tummy tuck? Sit up tall and reach down and lift up the bottom of your shirt. If you have hanging skin, you’re a good candidate.

Now, while you can expect to lose a few pounds during a tummy tuck, it’s not a weight-loss treatment. Ideally, you should be within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight. If you’re not, ask your plastic surgeon whether liposuction is a good fit for you.

Also, while it’s safe to have a tummy tuck before having kids, it’s not advisable. Pregnancy is likely to stretch out your skins and muscles and basically undo everything the tummy tuck did. Plus, if you wait until you’re done having kids, there’s this added benefit, according to a 2018 study: Any back pain and urinary incontinence you may experience should improve following a tummy tuck because stability’s been restored to your abdominal and pelvic areas.

The bottom line: No other procedure will tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin with the same effectiveness as a tummy tuck.

The “Quarantine 15” is real. We’ve all been under a ton of stress over the last few weeks. And, with precious few ways to process it, many of us are turning to the fridge or the pantry, again and again.

It’s important to remember, though, that this situation is temporary. I say that not only to offer hope during a challenging time but as a reminder that these shelter-at-home restrictions will eventually lift. When we return to a life beyond sweatpants and yoga pants, do you want to be saddled with your “Quarantine 15,” or perhaps even more? Of course not.

Enter liposuction, a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, butt, arms, and neck and, in the process, contours the body.

Starting fresh

Liposuction continues to grow in popularity—it was the second-most performed cosmetic surgical procedure in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons—even as nonsurgical fat-reduction treatments have become one of the fastest-growing segments of cosmetic plastic surgery. And that’s because only liposuction has the ability to provide patients with dramatic results after only one session.

Using a thin tube called a cannula, a board-certified plastic surgeon can remove stubborn pockets of fat through tiny incisions in much larger volumes than is possible with nonsurgical treatments. The surgeon can also contour the body as the fat is removed and transfer the fat, after it’s been purified, to other areas to add fullness.

In 2018 alone, 1.7 million liposuction procedures were performed worldwide, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. In many of those cases, people simply wanted to fit in their clothes a little better and feel a bit younger in the process. But, shedding a significant amount of weight so quickly also tends to have the effect of kickstarting a healthier lifestyle. Imagine coming out of quarantine with a chance to start fresh.

Finding the right surgeon

As with any type of cosmetic surgical procedure, finding a qualified plastic surgeon is critical to achieving your desired results.

For starters, look for a plastic surgeon who’s board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Physicians who pursue cosmetic surgery can have varied backgrounds. And it’s not always a given that they include formal plastic surgery training in an accredited program. However, an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon is required to complete a residency specifically for plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Beyond that, use experience as a filter. Find a plastic surgeon who’s not only been practicing for at least 10 years but who’s been performing this particular procedure for much of that time. That’ll ensure that they understand the nuances of the procedure and can tailor the treatment to your particular needs and wants.