What is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. Dr. Shienbaum performs his Lipo-Abdominoplasty procedure that combines both a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction to achieve a longer lasting and more dramatic result. Tummy tuck surgery can address the following concerns:

C-section Scar

C-section scars can either be vertical, from the belly button down or more commonly horizontal, resting just above the pubic hairline. The vertical type is disturbingly visible while the horizontal scar produces an unsightly fold or shelf. Dr. Shienbaum can almost always successfully remove either type of C-section scar.

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Stretch Marks

A tummy tuck will typically remove the majority of stretch marks located below your belly button. The stretch marks above the belly button will be lowered toward the pubic area. This allows for much more revealing clothing without showing any stretch marks. In Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and Lakeland, Florida tummy tucks can decrease stretch mark visibility.

An Umbilical Hernia

Dr. Shienbaum frequently repairs umbilical hernias during his Tummy Tuck procedures.
An umbilical hernia occurs when a portion of the inner abdomen protrudes through a natural opening between the abdominal muscles. During an abdominoplasty, the hernia is initially repaired and then over-sewn by the strong corset type muscle application. Though the condition is fairly common, it usually does not create any debilitating symptoms.

Dr. Shienbaum and his staff are amazing and so caring! I was so pleased with my results and how quickly I felt back to normal! Would recommend to anyone!”

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Tummy Tuck Cost

The average cost of a tummy tuck is $5,798, according to 2016 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, but tummy tuck surgery cost can vary widely. To determine a more accurate cost for the Tampa area, you should contact our office. We can help provide an estimate and go over any additional fees you may pay.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Because the tummy tuck procedure is personalized, recovery time will differ from patient to patient. However, many people are able to resume everyday activities after 2-4 weeks and should be able to stand up straight within a couple of days. Any tight or tugging sensations at the treatment site should be gone by 4-6 weeks, although an occasional twinge of pain may occur even after a few months.

Swelling

The majority of swelling will resolve after several weeks. Since every patient is different, the length of time may vary. Tummy tuck practices used in the Tampa area can also vary. The techniques and areas addressed by liposuction will react differently. Typically, the most stubborn swelling will be the lower abdomen and pubic area. Compression and an early return to activity are the most effective measures for reestablishing the bodies normal drainage patterns.

A compression garment will compress your abdomen and assist healing and control swelling. The garment provides comfort as it supports and splints the abdominal musculature. Most patients find it very comfortable and reassuring.

Numbness

Sensation will usually come back gradually over the course of several weeks to months. Sometimes, the first thing you will feel in areas that were numb is itchiness or tingling. For patients in the Tampa area, some surgeons recommend massaging to restore sensation. Many patients feel that regular massage is beneficial, but there remains the possibility that some areas will never quite regain full sensation.

Returning to exercise after a Tummy Tuck

You will have to limit strenuous abdominal activity after your procedure. Tummy Tucks performed in the Lakeland, Brandon, and Riverview areas usually require several weeks for recovery. However, Dr. Shienbaum encourages early walking, light treadmill and elliptical work and other lower body exercise as soon as possible. This increases circulation and helps prevent stasis and swelling.

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Lipo-Abdominoplasty

In a lipo-abdominoplasty procedure, patients initially undergo circumferential liposuction to remove excess fat from the abdomen, hips, back and flanks. Dr. Shienbaum will often utilize Vaser ultrasonic technique for areas of stubborn fat and fine contouring. Only with this combined procedure can the traditional Tummy Tuck achieve a truly spectacular result.

In Tampa, will liposuction be performed with my Tummy Tuck?

Yes. For many years, Dr. Shienbaum has performed his Lipo-Abdominoplasty procedure that includes extensive liposuction of the hip love handles, protruding thighs, and redundant back rolls. This combining of procedures allows for the dramatic body sculpting and contouring results seen in his before and after photographs.

 

Mini-Tummy Tuck

A Mini-abdominoplasty is often performed for problems areas located below the belly button. Small areas of lower abdominal fat deposits or sagging skin can be addressed with a much smaller incision. The Mini Tummy Tuck also allows for a much quicker recovery time.

The Hourglass Tummy Tuck

The Hourglass Tummy Tuck provides a stunning curvaceous body silhouette by combining three procedures into one: Tummy Tuck, LipoSculpture, and Brazilian Butt Lift. This has become Dr. Shienbaum’s Signature procedure at Brandon Plastic Surgery.

Tummy Tuck Alternatives

One can always try more diet and exercise. But no amount of abdominal work can tighten loosened fascia or reunite separated rectus musculature. Some plastic surgeons in the Tampa areas may suggest Liposuction. However, hanging flabby excess abdominal skin will not be improved with liposuction. The stubborn, resistant love handle fat remains a perpetual struggle. Unfortunately, nothing can compete with the total sculpting achieved by a well performed and executed Lipo-Abdominoplasty body contouring procedure.

What are the risks of my Tummy Tuck procedure?

The most talked about risks are an anesthesia reaction, bleeding, hematoma or seroma formation, scarring, sensation loss, blood clots and an unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance.

However, most concerns usually reflect the potential swelling, discomfort and recovery time associated with an Abdominoplasty procedure. Long-term naval appearance, scar position, and the overall body contour are the most relevant concerns.

Choosing your Tummy Tuck surgeon in Tampa, Florida

A doctor’s board-certification by the American Society of Plastic Surgeon is the best indicator of appropriate training in the field of plastic surgery. A Tummy Tuck procedure and the more advanced Lipo-Abdominoplasty technique require extensive time, dedication and experience to achieve expertise. Make certain your surgeon can demonstrate the results and competence you expect.

Dr. Marvin Shienbaum: Expert Tummy Tuck Surgeon

Dr. Marvin Shienbaum is a highly acclaimed and experienced body contouring specialist serving the Tampa, Brandon, Riverview and Lakeland, Florida areas. He has revolutionized his traditional Tummy Tuck procedure with a Signature Hourglass technique which combines a Tummy Tuck with Lipo Sculpture and a Brazilian Butt Lift to create the perfect 360-degree Hourglass figure for women.

FAQ

An abdominoplasty frequently requires the removal of excess fat. This is an excellent time for liposuction to harvest and transfer the excess fat for butt enhancement. This combination has become one of Dr. Shienbaum’s most popular and requested procedures.

Most patients will lose between 2 -5 lbs following a Tummy Tuck procedure. However, it is the body shaping and contouring that is most important. Any accompanying weight loss is only a secondary benefit of the Lipo-Abdominoplasty procedure.

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, you may want to postpone your tummy tuck procedure until after you are finished having children. During surgery, vertical abdominal muscles will be tightened to create a flatter, tighter abdominal appearance. Future pregnancies can cause these muscles to weaken or separate, causing the prior protruding belly to return.

The best tummy tuck scars are those placed a low as possible. Taping and scar creams containing silicone and steroidal compounds are frequently beneficial. Most studies suggest that placement of a sheet of Silicone gel is probably the most effective scar therapy.

Tummy Tuck navels can be made oblong, square, triangular, or even into a vertical slit. They can be even made to look ” hooded “. A study in the Plastic Surgery Journal revealed that the elliptically shaped umbilicus is the most preferred and natural looking.

A liposuction is a wonderful tool for removing fat in areas of the body with tight skin, such as the hips, saddlebags, and flanks. However, stomach skin has often lost its elasticity because of age, weight gain or pregnancy. If you only remove the fat with liposuction, the skin will not retract and will hang. In contrast, abdominoplasty removes not just the fat, but also the extra skin and tightens up the muscles.

In a traditional tummy tuck, the incision is made just above the pubic hairline. Dr. Shienbaum strives to keep your incision lines as low as possible to allow for low cut bikinis, hipster jeans, and revealing lingerie. His incisions are hidden in the natural inguinal crease.