Body Contouring
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
When weight gain or pregnancy stretches the abdomen past its ability to return to its original shape, the result will be lax stomach muscles, a protruding abdomen, and saggy skin. Unfortunately, no diet or exercise program can reverse this problem. Dramatic improvement can be achieved, however, by undergoing an abdominoplasty; a procedure also called a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck can give patients the flat, tight midsection they’ve always wanted by trimming away any excess skin and strengthening the muscles beneath the abdominal wall. Liposuction can also be performed to further enhance the abdominal contour. If you have tried diet and exercise but still have significant amounts of excess skin and fat around your abdomen, surgery may be the best option.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Kenna will discuss your particular concerns regarding your abdomen and the changes you hope to achieve. We will work with you to determine which approach can be taken to accomplish your unique cosmetic goals.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Where will I have Scars?
Typically, a horizontal incision is placed just above the pubic area that extends toward each hip. The length of the incision will be determined by the amount of skin to be removed. In addition, there is typically an incision around the belly button (navel). Some patients may be a candidate for mini-abdominoplasty in which there is no incision around the belly button.
Redness and a raised texture are normal during the three to six months following your tummy tuck, but both traits begin to subside during the healing process. In order to help this process, patients are advised to protect their incisions from direct sunlight (especially in the first year after surgery) as this can cause adverse pigmentation changes. There are gels and silicone sheeting that can help make scars less noticeable. Dr. Kenna will provide you with instruction on how to minimize scarring.
Where will my procedure take place?
Abdominoplasty may be performed on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the next day or two.
What are the potential complications?
Fortunately, significant complications from abdominoplasty are infrequent; however, all surgery has risks. Dr. Kenna will discuss with you, the risks, benefits and alternatives and answer all your questions.
Some potential complications include infection, bleeding, delayed healing (loss of tissue), fluid accumulation and bad scarring. A complication, which delays healing and prolongs recovery, is much more common in those who smoke. Preoperative and postoperative instructions will be given to you in attempt to reduce the likelihood of complications and make you as comfortable as possible with the whole process.
Smokers will be instructed to stop smoking 4-6 weeks prior to surgery and not resume smoking to reduce the risk of delayed healing, wounds, infections and compromised outcome. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications as well as agents that cause bleeding should be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery (or as otherwise instructed by Dr. Kenna and your primary physician) to reduce the likelihood of bleeding.
What happens after the surgery?
You will be instructed to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation and decrease the risk of blood clots. In bed you should be positioned with pillows behind your back and under your knees to decrease tension on the abdomen. When sitting you should have your legs elevated.
You may not be able to stand up completely straight for the first several days because of the tightened belly wall. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, since these activities might cause compromised results including but not limited to, swelling or bleeding. You may also be instructed to wear a binder for approximately 4-6 weeks You will have swelling and bruising, which will resolve with time.
It is common to have some numbness involving the belly skin that may persist for several months. The incisions will be initially be reddish and then usually fades over months resulting in whiter scars. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanent but can usually be concealed by bathing suits and underwear.
When can I go back to work?
Depending on your physical condition and work requirements, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. There is to be no heavy lifting for approximately 8 weeks. During healing you may experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling, such feelings are normal.
Severe pain should be reported to our office immediately. Healing from your surgery is a process that takes up to a year for final result. You will be instructed to return to our office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals to monitor your progress and optimize your outcome. If you have any questions or concerns prior to surgery or during your recovery, you should contact Plastic Surgery of York.
Liposuction: When diet and exercise simply aren’t enough.
Are you frustrated by areas of stubborn body fat that just won’t disappear—no matter how many hours you spend dieting and exercising? Liposuction can help reshape your body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas such as the neck, abdomen, buttocks, hips and thighs, or just about any area of the body where excess fat has accumulated.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that streamlines your physique by suctioning away fat. Liposuction results in a slimmer and better proportioned figure. Liposuction is used effectively to reduce love handles, saddlebags, a double-chin, a bulge around the waistline, or other unsightly fatty deposits in order to develop a better shape and create a more beautiful body.
Liposuction is not a replacement for proper exercise and diet. Instead, liposuction is a reduction procedure for stubborn areas where fat accumulates. Used in combination with several areas of the body, liposuction can provide a well proportioned body appearance.
We invite you to call our office to schedule a consultation. We will take the time to fully explain the procedure and answer any of your questions or concerns.
In-Office Liposuction Benefits
- Decreased bruising.
- Shorter recovery time.
- A 40% reduction in costs than traditional liposuction.
The results from an In-office liposuction procedure are permanent as long as patients continue to live a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, and engage in a balanced diet.
If you are interested in learning more about an In-office liposuction procedure, we invite you to call our office and schedule a consultation.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
An Arm Lift or Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove unwanted excess fat and skin of the upper arms for men and women. It can be used to reshape the area extending between the underarm region down to the elbow. With age, upper arm skin can become loose, flabby, and lose elasticity. The procedure is most appropriate for patients who have lost a large amount of weight.
Overall the procedure is designed to:
- Reshape the upper arm resulting in a smoother improved contour
- Reduce excess skin and fat
- Restore a more toned and proportional appearance to the upper arm
Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed. Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm and may extend from the underarm to just above the elbow. If fat is to be reduced during your arm lift, it will be excised or treated with liposuction.
To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kenna and learn more about the brachioplasty procedure, please call the office at 717-741-9914.
Contact Plastic Surgery of York For An Appointment
Each patient is unique and special to our office. Call 717-741-9914 or use our contact form to get it touch to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and how we can best serve you.
