Men and women in Miami, FL choose Dr. Nathan for tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

Does a busy career leave you with little time for the gym? Has your pregnancy pudge refused to budge? Do you carry a genetic predisposition for abdominal fat? A flat, toned abdomen looks youthful and fit, and makes clothes fit better. It gets harder, though, to maintain it as we get older. Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Nirmal Nathan, suggests tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to help his patients in the Miami, FL area feel good about their midsections.

Miami, FL surgeon explains tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that flattens the midsection through removal of excess fat and skin, and by tightening rectus abdominis muscles. Mini-tummy tuck surgery is somewhat less invasive, involving only removal of excess skin and fat below the navel, without muscle tightening. Both are considered major surgeries, with risks and recovery time normally associated with surgical procedures. However, benefits are dramatic.

Dr. Nathan in Miami, FL only operates in accredited surgery centers and hospitals, where tummy tuck is performed as an outpatient procedure. He utilizes the latest diagnostic, monitoring, and surgical technologies, and works with board-certified anesthesiologists. The atmosphere is comfortable and calming. Overnight and hotel arrangements can be made, should a longer stay be needed for any reason.

The tummy tuck procedure is generally straightforward, thanks to careful pre-planning that addresses your unique physiology and goals.

A full tummy tuck follows these basic steps:

• Consultation – At the outset of the consultation appointment, the surgical support team gathers general health information. Then, during a personal, unhurried discussion, Dr. Nathan takes time to explain the procedure, including risks, recovery, and benefits. He answers your questions and uses visual aids to help you arrive at a realistic expectation for the outcome.

The administrative staff talks with you about financing options. Since this is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance does not typically cover tummy tuck cost. However, if Dr. Nathan believes abdominoplasty is justified for medical reasons, we are happy to assist in obtaining an estimate of coverage from your insurer.

When you decide you are ready for a trimmer, toned midsection, your surgical date is scheduled, and you receive prep instructions.

• Preparation – Dr. Nathan orders a medical evaluation and certain lab tests prior to your surgery. You receive instructions to stop taking some medications and supplements that could cause bleeding problems. He works with your physician, if necessary, to determine the safest course of action.

Smoking impairs your body’s ability to heal properly, so you must stop using tobacco for several weeks before and after a tummy tuck. The procedure involves sedation or general anesthetic, so please arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and spend at least the first night with you.

• Anesthesia – You will be instructed what time to arrive on the day of your surgery, and what type of clothing to wear. After you have changed into a surgical gown and are settled comfortably, IV sedation or general anesthesia is started. After you are fully relaxed, the surgical area is thoroughly numbed.
• Incision – It is important to know that you will have a scar from abdominoplasty. However, with extensive background in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Nathan is known for a suturing technique that usually leaves a fine, smooth white line in time. The tummy tuck incision follows the crease of thighs and across the public mound, so it is hidden by undergarments and swimwear. The precise shape and length of your incision depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed. If a woman has an existing C-section scar, Dr. Nathan may be able to incorporate it into the tummy tuck incision.

An incision is also made around the navel to release it. Then abdominal skin is lifted and tailored to the patient.

• Repairs – The weakened abdominal muscles tend to separate vertically, impacting posture and allowing the belly to distend. This separation is called a rectus diastasis. Dr. Nathan draws these “six-pack” muscles back together and supports this proper positioning with a column of sutures.

If fat reduction is desired, liposuction can also be performed at the abdomen, waistline, or flanks. This promotes a shapely hour-glass figure.

• Closure – Dr. Nathan re-drapes abdominal skin pulling it downward. Excess skin and attached subcutaneous fat extending below the incision line is excised. (If this skin is marred by stretch marks, they are removed.) The incision is closed with sutures. A new opening is created for the belly button, and it is stitched into place. Sutures are protecting with dressing.
• Recovery – You will receive thorough instructions to aid in prompt, uneventful recovery, including pain control mediations and antibiotics. You are encouraged to ambulate (move around) the night of your surgery. You may shower after two days, and most people return to light duty work within seven to ten days. You must avoid swimming and heavy lifting for six weeks, though.

Thin drain tubes are inserted under skin at either end of the incision to keep fluids from building up. They are removed in about a week at your follow-up appointment, and sutures come out shortly after that. Plan to wear a compression garment for a few weeks. It reduces swelling as you heal, protects sutures, and supports abdominal repairs.

• Results – While improvement is immediate, you may not be able to see it right away since there is some swelling, and you probably won’t be comfortable standing fully erect for a week or two. When normal posture returns, you see noticeable change in your side profile and in the frontal abdominal contours. Your abdomen is firm and flat, contributing to balanced body proportions and the appearance of reduced weight overall.

While Dr. Nathan cannot halt the aging process, with an ongoing healthy lifestyle, improvement in abdominal tone and contour can be lifelong.

When abdominoplasty is a good choice

The good tummy tuck candidate is reasonably fit and healthy, with stable weight. This individual understands that abdominoplasty is not a weight loss solution or a substitute for healthy eating and exercise, and that subsequent dramatic weight fluctuations will have a negative impact on results. A woman who is planning future pregnancies should postpone abdominoplasty until her family plans are fulfilled.

Your appearance, self-image, and well being deserve the care of a Board-certified plastic surgeon. Call (305) 680-5121 to talk with Dr. Nathan in Miami, FL about tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) options.