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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Cleveland

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Also Offering Abdominoplasty in Lyndhurst & Westlake, OH

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Cleveland & Westlake, OH

Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

Patients suffering from excess and loose skin on the lower abdomen of both men and women is very stubborn and resistant to diet and exercise. No amount of discipline or healthy lifestyle can tighten this excess skin for many patients. A slimmer abdominal contour can only be achieved through an abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure.

A good candidate for abdominoplasty is one who has loose abdominal skin as a result of pregnancy, drastic weight reduction or normal signs of aging. It is important to note that an abdominoplasty/tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. You should lose the weight you plan on losing and wait until you are done having children before considering a tummy tuck procedure.

Tummy Tuck Consultation

Cleveland Tummy Tuck Patient before & after
Real Totonchi Patient Before & After Abdominoplasty in Cleveland

During your initial consultation, Dr Totonchi will provide all the information as well as set expectations for patients. He will determine if you are a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck or a full abdominoplasty. Both procedures will improve your contour but you may not be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. The main difference between these two procedures are the length of the incision, the area of the abdomen that you will notice muscle tightening improvement, the belly button, and the recovery time.

Tummy Tuck Procedure Details

Abdominoplasty in Westlake, OHA full abdominoplasty has an incision from hip to hip with muscle tightening from just below the rib cage to the pubis, with a scar around the navel. The recovery time is longer with a full abdominoplasty due to more extensive work and surgery. Most people feel ready to return to work in 2-4 weeks and return to full activity in 4-6 weeks. The abdominoplasty procedure starts with an incision that is made on the lower abdomen, above the pubic area, and the excess skin and fat is removed. The underlying abdominal muscles are then tightened by suturing them together to achieve a leaner appearance. The navel is then repositioned prior to pulling down the skin to remove any more excess tissue. Drains are then placed under the skin to help collect any body fluid accumulation after the procedure. You will be given a drain record and will be shown how to empty those drains and keep a log.

Full Tummy Tuck vs. Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini abdominoplasty has a shorter surgical incision, with less improvement in muscle tightening and tightening since only the skin below the umbilicus is tightened. There is no scar around the navel since it has not been repositioned. The recovery period is shorter for the mini tummy tuck and people feel ready to return to work in 1-2 weeks with full activity in 3-4 weeks.

You will be required to order a compression garment that Dr Totonchi will choose from Marena Comfort Wear. You will order this to have with you the day of surgery and you will go home wearing your garment. This garment is generally worn for 4-6 weeks.

What Should I Expect After Abdominoplasty?

Tummy Tuck Cleveland, OH Patient
Real Totonchi Patient Before & After Abdominoplasty in Cleveland

The results of an abdominoplasty are noticeable immediately after the procedure and people can appreciate their slimmer and leaner appearance. You can and will have some swelling to the abdomen for 4-6 weeks while healing.

Standard postoperative exams are scheduled for all our patient a week after surgery. The wound dressings and drains will remain intact until your first post operative visit. You will keep your compression garment on until seen at that same visit. Dr Totonchi reminds his patients to take it slow and regulate their activities until they have healed completely.

Additional Tummy Tuck Recovery Links

 Full post op abdominoplasty instructions.

Drain Care instructions and logs

Tummy Tuck FAQs

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

Tummy Tuck in Westlake Tummy tuck results are considered indefinite. Although you can expect some mild sagging due to age-related skin laxity, as long as you maintain a steady weight, you can keep your firmer stomach for most of your life.

Is tummy tuck an effective way to address stretch marks?

By removing excess skin and then pulling your remaining skin taut, Dr. Totonchi can eliminate the stretch marks that have appeared between your navel and your bikini line. Any stretch marks above your belly button will not be affected, unfortunately. Dr. Totonchi can recommend other cosmetic treatments if stretch marks are your main concern.

What is diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti is a separation of the left and right abdominal muscles that commonly occurs during pregnancy. This separation creates a gap in the abdominal wall that can make the belly bulge and look less firm. Fortunately, Dr. Totonchi can correct this cosmetic issue by reconnecting the muscles so that the stomach looks more toned.

Can tummy tuck help me to lose weight?

Tummy Tuck in Cleveland Tummy tuck is primarily meant to remove excess skin for improved contours — it is not effective at helping you to lose weight. While some deposits of fat are removed along with the skin, you should not expect to see much difference on the scale. Keep in mind that tummy tuck works best on patients who are at or near their goal weight. If you have some stubborn fat cells around your midsection that you would like to address, you may be a good candidate for combining tummy tuck with liposuction.

How much does tummy tuck cost?

Because each abdominoplasty that Dr. Totonchi performs is customized to the needs and preferences of the patient, prices can vary. Price factors include the amount of skin and fat removed, whether diastasis recti is addressed, and whether the surgery is a full or mini tummy tuck. During a consultation, Dr. Totonchi can devise a specific surgical plan and provide a quote so you know the cost upfront and can make an informed decision about your care. Since tummy tuck is an elective, cosmetic procedure, it is not typically covered by insurance, but financing options are available.

Will I have scarring after tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck requires a long incision above the bikini line. This creates a scar that will fade significantly over time, but never completely. The good news is that Dr. Totonchi places his incision low enough that this scar can be concealed by most underwear and swimsuits.

What happens if I have a baby after having tummy tuck?

While abdominoplasty does not affect your ability to become pregnant again or have a safe pregnancy, you can expect that your stomach skin will stretch again during a subsequent pregnancy, thus undoing the cosmetic benefits of the surgery. For that reason, Dr. Totonchi recommends that his patients wait until they are done having children to have tummy tuck so that they can enjoy their results for the long term.v

For more information about tummy tuck surgery in Westlake, Cleveland, & Lyndhurst, schedule an appointment, or call us today at (440) 461-7999.

Totonchi

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Zeeba office

Address

Totonchi Plastic Surgery
29017 Cedar Road
Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Phone: (440) 461-7999

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Office Hours

Monday
8 am - 5 pm
Tuesday
8 am - 5 pm
Wednesday
8 am - 5 pm
Thursday
8 am - 5 pm
Friday
8 am - 5 pm

Westlake Office

Address

Totonchi Plastic Surgery
38 Main Street, Suite 300
Westlake, OH 44145
Phone: (216) 778-2262

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Office Hours

Friday
1 pm -5 pm

Cleveland Office

Address

Totonchi Plastic Surgery
2500 MetroHealth Drive
Cleveland, OH 44109
Phone: (216) 778-4450

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Office Hours

Wednesday
8 am - 5 pm
Thursday
8 am - 5 pm
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