New Hampshire Tummy Tuck

There are few images that symbolize physical fitness more than a trim, toned abdomen. Unfortunately, many people are unable to achieve this ideal, no matter how much they diet and exercise, particularly when skin and muscles have been overstretched by excess weight or pregnancy.

For many patients at Dr. Sepic's Portsmouth cosmetic surgery practice, tummy tuck surgery - or abdominoplasty - is an excellent option for creating a slimmer, tightened midsection. This surgery is particularly effective for those who have undergone massive weight loss, such as post-bariatric patients, and women who have had children. This popular and proven procedure eliminates the rolls of excess skin and fat and repairs overstretched muscles, resulting in a flattened abdomen.

If you are interested in learning more about abdominoplasty, click here to request a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jerome Sepic, a New Hampshire plastic surgeon, based in Portsmouth and serving the entire New England area.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure which can help individuals with a lax, sagging midsection to have a slimmer, more attractive waistline. It is particularly effective for restoring a woman's abdomen to its pre-pregnancy contour, and for body contouring after weight loss. The surgery consists of the removal of excess skin, tightening of separated muscles, and in most cases, liposuction for the removal of fatty deposits. A full abdominoplasty treats the entire expanse of the abdomen, while a mini abdominoplasty addresses only the area below the navel. At his Portsmouth cosmetic surgery center, Dr. Sepic performs both mini and full abdominoplasty surgery, either with or without liposuction, depending on the patient's needs.

Your Abdominoplasty Procedure

For most of our patients in New Hampshire, tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia, but in some cases we can use local anesthesia with sedation. The incision for a traditional abdominoplasty runs horizontally in the lower abdominal area, and may be concealed beneath a bathing suit or undergarments. In addition, a second small incision is made around the navel.

Through these incisions, Dr. Sepic closes the gap between the abdominal muscles (diastasis) by suturing them together, and removes the excess skin and fat from the midsection. In many cases, he will perform liposuction of the belly and flanks (love handles) to create a more pleasing contour to the waist.

In those cases in which protrusion and sagging is limited to the lower abdomen, a mini abdominoplasty - either with or without liposuction - may be the appropriate choice. This procedure utilizes a smaller lower abdominal incision, and does not require the second incision around the navel. This option may result in less scarring and a shorter, more comfortable recovery.

Recovery and Results

Some abdominoplasty patients will spend the first night following the surgery in the hospital, but most will be able to return home with a family member or friend to care for them. Although your activity will be strictly limited, you will be encouraged to walk around to prevent the formation of blood clots after surgery. You will be unable to walk fully upright for a few days, and may require prescription pain medication for comfort.

Dr. Sepic may place drains at the incision site - which aid in the removal of accumulated fluid - that have to be emptied each day at home. You will wear a snug-fitting compression garment post operatively, which will help ease swelling as you heal from surgery. After approximately two weeks, you will begin to ease back into regular activities, and soon you will be ready to show off your new, slimmer waistline.

To find out if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, click here to request a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jerome Sepic, a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon serving residents of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and all of New England. Or you can call his Portsmouth cosmetic surgery practice at (603) 334-6800 to schedule an appointment.