A tummy tuck, the common term used to describe the process of removing unwanted pounds and/or skin from one’s abdomen, has long been assumed to be a way patients can make themselves look and feel better. However, the notion was only based on anecdotes and testimonials from patients as there was no sound medical research to back up these claims.
Tummy tucks are typically an outpatient procedure or with one overnight stay in the surgical facility. A tummy tuck starts with general anesthesia being administered by a board certified anesthesiologist. The surgeon uses a lower abdominal incision to remove excess skin, tighten loose muscles beneath the skin as well as performs liposuction to these areas and the hips to add contouring and slimming effects. The entire process lasts only two to three hours; recovery time typically lasts one to two weeks.
Recently, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conducted a large scale study of patient satisfaction following abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck. According to the April 2012 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, patients undergoing liposuction and/or a tummy tuck reported significant improvements to self-esteem and quality of life. Patients rated their results with an average score of 9 out of 10. Even more telling, 99% said they would recommend it to others. Additionally, 86% of patients reported a marked boost in self-esteem and quality of life. While doctors have long suspected such results, we are now able to provide patients with numbers that outline concrete benefits of the surgery. Essentially, the benefits of a tummy tuck go beyond physical results.
For more information about a tummy tuck procedure, contact Dr. Paul M. Parker and his dedicated team at the Parker Center today. Call the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery at (201) 967-1212 to schedule a consultation. Learn more about tummy tucks or other plastic surgery procedures by visiting our website for patient testimonials, before and after photos, and more. You can view before and after photos for tummy tuck patients with dark skin in our gallery.
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