Category: Body Plastic Surgery

Gynecomastia is a condition that affects the confidence and health of many men. It occurs when there is an excess amount of breast tissue, fat, and skin in a man’s chest.

There are several causes of this excess ranging from genetics to hormones to steroid use, and unfortunately, gynecomastia is a condition that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. Gynecomastia is treated through surgery, where liposuction is performed in the chest area and excess breast tissue is removed.

This combination often resulted in sagging and excess skin that needed to be removed surgically to make the chest appear smoother to reveal a tighter contour. Now, however, surgical skin removal may not be necessary, as a new technology, known as Renuvion™, is coming to light.

What Is Renuvion™?

Renuvion™, formerly known as J-Plasma®, is a minimally invasive procedure that can replace surgical skin removal for many patients. Renuvion™ combines helium plasma and radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten skin laxity and stimulate collagen production, which allows your skin to maintain its taut, youthful quality longer.

The helium plasma and RF energy simultaneously heat and cool the tissue beneath the skin to tighten and smooth the skin. This procedure is safe and effective, and it comes without the risks associated with skin removal and without unintended trauma to the surrounding tissues. Results with Renuvion™ start to show immediately and continue to improve over the course of six months to a year.

How Can Renuvion™ Treat Gynecomastia?

Renuvion™ can aid men who are dissatisfied with the appearance of gynecomastia and excess skin on their chests. For men suffering from this condition, liposuction is first performed to remove the excess fat. This removal often highlights excess, sagging skin on the chest.

Before the Renuvion™ system, surgical excision of the skin was necessary, which was invasive and left behind an unwanted, extensive scar on the breast area. Renuvion™ can replace this need for many patients. Helium plasma is delivered under the skin through the liposuction incisions to promote skin tightening and reduce the chance of needing more invasive surgical procedures.

Spring Ridge Plastic Surgery is proud to offer Renuvion™ as an option for non-surgical skin tightening. This tightening not only benefits men suffering from gynecomastia, but it can also help firm up any area of the body, including the abdomen, arms, and neck.

For more information or to set up a consultation, contact Spring Ridge Plastic Surgery by calling (610) 678-9200.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 24th, 2018 at 8:04 am and is filed under Body Plastic Surgery, Non-Surgical Procedures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Summer is here! This means sunshine, sandy beaches, and bathing suit weather. But are you ready to rock your bikini this year? Are you happy with how your figure fills out your suit? If you have concerns that your body lacks the volume and fullness necessary to look great in a bikini, cosmetic enhancements can provide you with a sleek, contoured figure that is sure to turn heads. Dr. Schlechter can perform breast augmentation and a Brazilian Butt Lift to enhance your figure and help you get the rockin’ bikini body you desire.

Breast Augmentation

If you are self-conscious about the shape or size of your breasts, breast augmentation is an effective way to enhance your figure. Its biggest benefit is that you can completely customize the procedure. That said, one of the most significant decisions you can make when researching this procedure is your implant type.

Implant Types

Saline Implants

Saline implants have a flexible silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution after being inserted. Dr. Schlechter can make minor adjustments once he sees how the implants look after he fills them. Because he inserts the implants before he fills them, the incision is smaller.

Silicone Implants

Silicone breast implants have a flexible silicone shell that contains a silicone gel. These implants come pre-filled, which means that size adjustments are not possible after insertion. Additionally, the incision for silicone implants typically has to be larger than those made for saline implants. However, many women choose silicone implants because they look and feel more natural.

Augmentation with Fat Transfer

A breast augmentation with fat transfer is an excellent solution if you want to enhance the size of your breasts naturally and avoid implants. Your breast size increases with the addition of fat injections that originate from your body. This procedure offers a two-in-one benefit: in addition to increasing your breast size, you can also remove some stubborn fat from other places on your body, which will further enhance your curves. Fat is removed from your body using a liposuction procedure. The fat is collected into a sterile fat transfer system and is strategically injected into your breasts. Depending on the size you wish your new breasts to be, you may need multiple procedures.

Brazilian Butt Lift

To address your flat buttocks, Dr. Schlechter brings his expertise and advanced training to the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure. A BBL procedure will increase the curves of your buttocks, giving your lower half a shapely figure. The procedure is also performed by way of a fat transfer, similar to breast augmentation with fat transfer.

Procedure

Dr. Schlechter will determine an appropriate liposuction procedure and then extract fat from your thighs, abdomen, hips, or other location on your body that has more fat than you desire. The fat is purified before being injected into your buttocks. This is where Dr. Schlechter’s expertise comes in. He knows how to strategically and precisely inject the fat to make your buttocks look naturally full.

If you’re looking to dramatically change your figure and achieve a bikini-ready body, then undergoing breast augmentation and/or a Brazilian Butt Lift can help give you the shapely curves and contours you’ve always wanted.

If you’d like more information or to see if you would be a good candidate for either breast augmentation or a Brazilian Butt Lift, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schlechter. Call us today at (610) 678-9200, or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 19th, 2018 at 3:28 pm and is filed under Breast Surgery, Body Plastic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

For men, a sculpted, muscular chest is a sign of masculinity. Exercise regimens are catered toward developing defined pectorals, and the media often showcases men with muscular upper bodies. In reality, however, many men are unable to achieve this ideal characteristic.

Some men suffer from gynecomastia, or overdeveloped breast tissue, which gives a feminine appearance to the upper body. If you are experiencing enlarged breast tissue, it is likely that finding well-fitting clothes is difficult. This condition and the inability to feel confident in clothing are two significant factors that can lead to diminished self-esteem and embarrassment in your appearance.

Luckily, Dr. Schlechter performs gynecomastia surgery to reduce the size of your breast tissue and restore a more sculpted and masculine upper body.

Procedure Options

There are multiple ways Dr. Schlechter can perform gynecomastia surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Schlechter will physically examine you to determine if you have gynecomastia and the best treatment for you.

Liposuction Only

If your specific case of gynecomastia is mild, it may be treated solely with liposuction. During this procedure, Dr. Schlechter will make an incision in each breast and insert a cannula to extract excess fat, reducing the appearance of your enlarged breasts.

If the skin is in need of additional tightening, J-Plasma® Renuvion™ skin tightening may be more appropriate in conjunction with traditional liposuction. Smartlipo™ may also be used and utilizes laser technology that aids in the fat extraction process by melting fat cells. The heat of the laser also stimulates collagen production. Essential to your skin’s health, collagen helps to maintain skin elasticity and can help tighten your skin after fat removal.

Liposuction Plus Skin Removal

For moderate to severe cases of gynecomastia, Dr. Schlechter will use liposuction to remove the fat and then trim away any excess skin to restore a more masculine chest. Dr. Schlechter will do his best to place the incision in a location as inconspicuous as possible. Typically, with the new Smartlipo™ and J-Plasma® Renuvion™ technologies, skin excision is not necessary.

Results

Your results will be noticeable immediately but may be hidden by some temporary swelling and bruising that will improve after a few days but will take months to see the final result. Your incision and subsequent scarring will depend on the type of procedure needed and the length and location of the incision. You can be sure that your upper body will look more masculine and defined, so you are ready to show it off!

If you’d like to find out if you are a strong candidate for gynecomastia surgery, please contact our office to set up a consultation with Dr. Schlechter. Our office can be reached at (610) 678-9200.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 22nd, 2018 at 4:53 pm and is filed under Body Plastic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Are you insecure about the size or shape of your labia? Do you have large vaginal lips and experience discomfort during your regular, daily activities? Do feel self-conscious about your labia during intimate moments?

If any of those concerns resonate with you, then you should know that labiaplasty is an effective way to reduce the size and shape of the labia minora (the inner lips of the labia). In addition to experiencing changes due to the natural aging process, it is also common for life events like pregnancy and childbirth to cause your vaginal lips to enlarge, often to the point of discomfort. While many women are already aware that labiaplasty is a viable option to help correct these issues, many are concerned about the recovery time of the procedure.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation. It involves removing and tightening the tissue and reshaping the labia, where necessary. Dr. Schlechter uses two labiaplasty techniques during this procedure and will determine which is most appropriate for you during your consultation appointment.

Central Wedge Resection

The central wedge resection is Dr. Schlechter’s preferred labiaplasty method and one most commonly used to reduce the size of the labia minora. After removing a wedge of tissue from the labia, Dr. Schlechter will close the incision with dissolvable sutures.

Trim Method

The trim technique is used to reduce the size and length of the labia. This technique involves removing a strip of tissue along the entire edge of the lips before closing the incision with dissolvable sutures.

Common Recovery Questions

How much pain will I experience?

The procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia, so there will be no pain during the surgery. After the procedure, experiencing some discomfort is typical, but this is easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication. Other symptoms you may experience include temporary swelling and/or bruising.

What will help my recovery?

During the first few days following your surgery, you should make sure to get plenty of rest. Swelling can be minimized by icing the area and lying with it elevated. After the first day, light walking is encouraged to help increase blood flow, which will aid healing.

When can I go back to work or resume my normal activities?

Most patients take a week off from work, but this is highly dependent on the type of job you have. A more physically demanding job will require taking off more time. Normal daily activities are okay to resume after that time, but patients should avoid exercising and more strenuous activities for two to three weeks. Dr. Schlechter will give you more guidance during your follow-up visit.

How long until I can have sex?

It is essential to allow yourself enough time to fully heal. Full pelvic rest is recommended for at least four to six weeks following the procedure. You must avoid having sexual intercourse or using tampons during this time.

Dr. Schlechter will provide you with more information regarding the recovery process for labiaplasty during your initial consultation. Call us today at (610) 678-9200 to schedule your appointment.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 4th, 2018 at 12:29 pm and is filed under Body Plastic Surgery, Patient Resources. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

A strong, defined profile is a sign of both beauty and masculinity by today’s beauty standards. Strong features, balance, and symmetry, are all sought after as part of an ideal appearance. If your features are soft and lack definition, the lines of your face may blend into your neckline, but by combining a chin augmentation and targeted neck liposuction, you can dramatically enhance the features of your lower face.

Chin Implant

A chin implant, or mentoplasty, can help you achieve greater definition and facial structure. It gives your jaw a clear transition into your neckline and can even address features that are disproportionate. During your procedure, Dr. Schlechter will insert a small implant into your chin to augment its shape. There are many different sizes of implants, and Dr. Schlechter will help you determine which option will best enhance your facial balance and profile.

Dr. Schlechter performs chin implant surgery as an outpatient procedure. An incision will be made inside your mouth or in the natural crease under your chin to minimize any visible scarring creating a profile that is as flawless as possible.

Neck Liposuction

Having a strong, structured chin will give you a defined jawline. However, sagging skin under the chin can minimize the results of chin augmentation. Adding neck liposuction to your chin augmentation procedure can further define the contours of your lower face and emphasize the lines between your chin and neck.

Through the use of a cannula (a small suction device), Dr. Schlechter will remove excess fat deposits with precision, making the contours of your chin and neckline more pronounced and seamless. He offers multiple liposuction techniques, including:

• Smartlipo™
• body-jet® and AquaShape®
• Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL)
• Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)

Neck liposuction is only beneficial for those who have minimal fat deposits and skin that still has elasticity. If your skin cannot bounce back into shape after fat removal, neck liposuction alone won’t provide you with the best possible contouring. For patients who have sagging skin, a neck lift may also be necessary to attain the best results.

If you are interested in chin augmentation or liposuction with or without a neck lift and you would like to see if you are a candidate for both procedures, please contact our office at 610-678-9200 to set up a complimentary consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Benjamin Schlechter.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 30th, 2018 at 3:01 pm and is filed under Body Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

The addition of children to your life can be a whirlwind. You may not have time to regain your pre-baby figure with the added responsibilities of caring for children, and your ability to exercise may be more limited than before. Pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding can also make weight loss more difficult. Between changes in your skin laxity and additional fat deposits, exercise alone may not be enough. A Mommy Makeover can help where exercise cannot. Comprised of a customizable set of surgical procedures, the Mommy Makeover tightens and tones your body to achieve your personal goals.

Benefits of a Mommy Makeover

A Mommy Makeover is an entirely customizable procedure, tailored precisely to your individual needs. Realistically, you can include almost any procedure in your Mommy Makeover, but the most common ones are a breast lift, breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tuck.

Breast Lift

Pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding can leave your breasts sagging. A breast lift will elevate your breasts to a more youthful position. Dr. Schlechter will tighten the tissues to lift your breasts higher on your chest and remove any excess skin. A breast lift will reshape your breasts and restore their natural appearance.

Breast Augmentation

Women often lose breast volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you want to do more than just fix the sagging left behind by your pregnancy, a breast augmentation can give you that something extra. Often performed with a breast lift, a breast augmentation with implants or breast augmentation with fat transfer will provide you with a larger cup size. If you’ve always wanted to enhance your appearance, a breast augmentation is a perfect way to do that.

Liposuction

If there are areas of your body with pockets of fat that are resistant to exercise and healthy eating, Dr. Schlechter will perform liposuction to permanently remove the unwanted fat cells. Using a small cannula allows Dr. Schlechter to be very precise so he can provide you with subtle, natural contours wherever you need them.

Tummy Tuck

The skin of the stomach stretches during pregnancy, and it doesn’t always return back afterward. If you find that you have excess skin that sags around your midsection or loose abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck will help you regain your pre-baby belly. Dr. Schlechter will tighten the underlying muscles and remove any excess sagging skin to help you achieve a more toned and attractive abdomen.

Things to Consider

Recovery Time

A Mommy Makeover requires you to be serious about your recovery. The length of your recovery will depend on the number of procedures you have and the extent of correction needed. Following your procedure, the surgical areas will be wrapped, and you may be required to wear a compression garment. You will experience swelling and bruising temporarily, but these will subside after a few weeks. You should take one to two weeks to recover at home, and you should avoid strenuous activities or exercise until Dr. Schlechter clears you (typically around six weeks).

Childcare

Due to the nature of the surgical procedures, it will be unlikely that you will be able to care for young children for up to two weeks after your procedure. You will need to make sure that you have someone to help you if you have young children that need to be carried or assisted throughout the day. Your results are dependent on how well your body recovers. Ensuring you engage only in light activities during your recovery will increase your chances of beautiful, long-lasting results.

To discuss which procedures will bring you one step closer to your goals, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schlechter today. Contact us today by calling (610) 678-9200. We look forward to hearing from you!

This entry was posted on Friday, March 30th, 2018 at 4:35 pm and is filed under Body Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Many people, as they age, find that their skin has lost elasticity and has begun to sag. While most people do experience some degree of this during their lifetime, it is much more common in those who have had significant weight loss. Sagging skin around your arm is especially troublesome since it is not easily concealable. It can also prevent you from enjoying your new, slimmer body or can make you feel less confident about your new appearance. However, an arm lift, or brachioplasty, may be the solution.

You could be a candidate for an arm lift if you have a lot of excess skin on your arm, or if you have stubborn fat deposits that remain even after regularly exercising.

The procedure will reduce the overall circumference of your arm while firming and toning the whole area. The ultimate result is a more youthful looking arm.

Traditional Arm Lift

A traditional arm lift is performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia. Dr. Schlechter makes an incision on your inner upper arm. The length of the incision can vary depending on your individual need. He then removes any excess fat and uses internal sutures to tighten the underlying tissue, which helps to tone and define your arm. Dr. Schlechter uses fine sutures to close the incision to minimize scarring.

Following your arm lift procedure, you may experience some temporary swelling and mild discomfort. Most patients can return to work within a one to two weeks, but they should avoid strenuous activities for six weeks. It can take up to eight months for the scars to fully mature, but they will continue to fade and become less noticeable over time.

Smartlipo™

An additional option available to assist in transforming your arms is Smartlipo™ liposuction. This technique can effectively remove excess fat and tighten your skin at the same time, improving both the shape and tone of your arms. This procedure is most appropriate for someone who has minor to moderate arm sagging and is in good health. Smartlipo™ is a minimally invasive technique that can be done in a short office visit under anesthesia or a local anesthetic, although time will vary depending on the chosen procedure site. Dr. Schlechter will insert a specialized cannula under the skin in the target area. The cannula will emit laser energy to the tissues, causing the fat cells to melt. A vacuum device will then suction out the melted fat cells, and the body’s natural metabolic process will dispose of any remaining melted fat cells. The heat emitted from the Smartlipo™ laser will stimulate the production of collagen, which will help tighten your skin and improve elasticity.

Following the Smartlipo™ procedure, you can expect some swelling and bruising, but wearing compression garments for a short time afterward will help. Unlike a traditional arm lift, you will be able to resume regular activities after just a few days. Scars from Smartlipo™ are minimal compared to those of a traditional arm lift, and they will continue to fade over time.

Regardless of which arm lift procedure you choose, the results will be immediate and improve over time and will be long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight and regular exercise.

To learn more about which arm lift procedure is appropriate, and how it can benefit you, contact Dr. Schlechter for a consultation. Please call us at (610) 678-9200 to schedule your appointment.

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 11th, 2018 at 2:31 pm and is filed under Body Plastic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

2018 should see a continuing rise in Brazilian Butt Lifts (pardon the pun). The difference is that the Kim Kardashian oversized butt trend is giving way to substantial subtlety as Fat Transfer to the butt is gaining popularity with many older women and men who want a more natural looking bottom, much like they had when they were in their twenties and thirties.  Case in point, recently a 60+ patient decided that her little old lady butt bothered her enough to seek Dr. Schlechter’s expertise to help her restore her curvy bottom of yore.

Dr. Schlechter took fat from the patient’s abdomen, flanks, and lower back to create a more hourglass waistline and transferred that fat to round out her otherwise flat bottom. This approach to the Brazilian Butt Lift works very well for post-menopausal women who tend to become thicker in the middle and flatter in the rear.

With regard to fat transfers in general, while there is no set weight for a person to have a fat transfer, there has to be enough fat to harvest. If a person is thin, it is likely that the fat will be liposuctioned from multiple areas to have enough fat to make a difference in the transfer site. Depending on the type of shape you are seeking, fat will be placed in specific areas to achieve the ideal volume and shape. It is the strategic placement of the harvested fat that is the key to a successful transfer, which is where the doctor’s skill and artistry come into play. The fat will be inserted into many different areas of the buttocks at different depths and different locations so that it is surrounded by tissue that offers a good blood supply. If not injected properly, the fat cells will not survive the transfer, and thus will become necrotic. Dr. Schlechter uses many small, precise injections into different areas and takes each patient’s desired look into consideration so that patient can achieve the look she or he wants. As Dr. Schlechter injects the fat, he uses massage techniques and feels around to make sure the fat is evenly distributed and smooth around the entire buttocks. Of course, there will always be some fat that is reabsorbed by the body during transfer, but Dr. Schlechter’s technique results in minimal fat loss. In fact, Dr. Schlechter recently invested in the latest technology that allows for the harvesting and transfer of the fat within a closed system, thus allowing for a complete, systemic approach from harvesting cannula to re-injecting cannula.

Ultimately as we age, the odds are against us in the battle of the bulge and the fight against gravity. We seem to deflate in places we don’t want to, like our faces, our breasts, and our behinds. We sometimes acquire a belly pooch and an all-around thicker middle. Luckily with a skilled plastic surgeon armed with the highest quality equipment, the playing field is leveled, and you can achieve a body contouring transformation with the transfer of your very own fat. – Not a Kardashian butt mind you, simply a more natural, youthful, shapely silhouette.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 8th, 2017 at 2:44 pm and is filed under Body Plastic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Neck rejuvenation can be performed using various techniques. If your neck has excess fat, muscle banding, sagging skin, wrinkles, or all of the above, one of the following techniques can help you achieve a more youthful look. With the appropriate technique selected for your needs, your neck lift will create a more toned, defined, youthful, and slender neck appearance.

Option 1: Traditional Neck Lift Surgery

A traditional neck lift is a surgical procedure that can be performed alone or in combination with a facelift. The surgeon places incisions under the chin and/or behind the ears. During the procedure, the surgeon tightens or repositions the muscles, removes excess skin and fat, and tightens the skin.

This procedure is appropriate for individuals who have neck muscle banding, sagging skin, excess fat, and moderate to severe wrinkles. Patients who have most or all of these symptoms of neck aging will likely benefit more from traditional neck lift surgery as opposed to other neck lift techniques.

Option 2: Liposuction

Liposuction of the neck is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the neck. The surgeon places one or more tiny incisions in the neck and inserts a thin, hollow tube. Excess fat is suctioned out through the tube to trim down the neckline.

This procedure is appropriate for individuals whose primary complaint is a double chin or hanging fat in the neck. Patients who have additional aging indicators may combine neck liposuction with another neck lift technique for further rejuvenation.

Option 3: BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a protein neurotoxin that can be used to minimize wrinkles. The surgeon can inject BOTOX® Cosmetic directly into the neck muscles to relax them so that they appear smoother and more natural. This will soften the appearance of the neck, eliminate a “turkey wattle,” and smooth away wrinkles.

This procedure is appropriate for individuals with neck muscle banding, excess neck wrinkles, and/or a “turkey wattle.” BOTOX® Cosmetic is a temporary solution that requires re-injection approximately every few months to maintain the results.

Option 4: PrecisionTx™

PrecisionTx™ is a minimally invasive neck lift procedure that can tighten sagging skin and remove excess fat. The procedure can produce results comparable to those of a traditional neck lift but without major surgery, scarring, or a lengthy recovery. The surgeon makes three small incisions and inserts a thin, hollow tube with a fiber optic cable. This causes the tissues to heat, melting the fat for easy extraction and stimulating collagen production to tighten the skin. After PrecisionTx™, results are seen immediately and improve over the next six months.

This procedure is appropriate for individuals with minimally sagging skin, excess fat, and wrinkles in the neck area. It is especially suited for those who prefer a minimally invasive procedure or who are not candidates for traditional neck lift surgery.  

The Best Neck Lift Technique for You

These descriptions may have given you a better idea of what techniques you should consider for your neck lift. Ultimately, the best neck lift technique for you will be decided during your consultation, as Dr. Schlechter will be able to identify which treatment is most appropriate based on all relevant factors. Even if you are considering a traditional neck lift, but you do not qualify for the procedure, you may still achieve desirable results with PrecisionTx™ or other neck lift techniques. Dr. Schlechter will help you determine the ideal treatment with your best interests in mind. With his help, you can recapture a more attractive and youthful neck.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 10th, 2017 at 11:32 am and is filed under Body Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Abdominoplasty offers a glorious promise: after just one procedure, patients can have a youthfully slim, firm, and flat abdominal contour. However, while this pledge is genuine, recapturing this figure is not an easy task, nor without sacrifice. In addition to the time required for recovery, patients will have to trade in their abdominal flab, stubborn fat, sagging skin, and stretch marks for a permanent horizontal scar. This tummy tuck scar, while a necessary part of the procedure, is considered a small price to pay for the significant improvements in waist contour and tone.

Traditional vs. Mini Tummy Tuck Scars

Your surgical technique will determine the length of the scar you should expect after tummy tuck surgery. Patients who undergo a traditional tummy tuck should expect a longer scar than patients who undergo a mini tummy tuck. For a traditional (full) tummy tuck, a primary incision is placed in the lower abdomen, as low as possible, that reaches from hip bone to hip bone. A second incision is made around the navel. For a mini (partial) tummy tuck, there is only one shorter incision between the hip bones.

Tummy Tuck Scars Over Time

Scarring can vary significantly from patient to patient based primarily on individual healing abilities. Here is a generalized guideline of what tummy tuck scars may look like at various points:

• Tummy tuck scars after surgery: The scar is generally thin and pink. The body immediately triggers a healing response to close the incision over the next few weeks.
• Tummy tuck scars after one month: With the scar now closed, the increased collagen and blood supply have made the scar darker, thicker, and more noticeable. The appearance of the scar may worsen over the next few months.  
• Tummy tuck scars after six months: The scar may still be red and raised, but should begin to lighten soon if it has not done so already. Some of the excess collagen will begin to break down, and the increased blood supply will diminish. As a result, the scar will slowly flatten and lighten.
• Tummy tuck scars after one year: The scar may be fully mature and will be noticeably flatter, thinner, lighter, and less noticeable. It will continue to fade.
• Tummy tuck scars after five years: The mature scar will have faded noticeably and may continue to fade somewhat over time.

Like all surgical scars, abdominoplasty scars will never go away completely, but most patients feel they are well worth the benefits of achieving the smooth and flat abdominal contour they desire. Dr. Schlechter places the incisions as discreetly as possible to minimize scarring so that you can enjoy the best results. Most tummy tuck scars are easily hidden under panties and swimsuits.

How to Minimize Tummy Tuck Scars

Dr. Schlechter strategically places tummy tuck incisions low between the hips so that most clothing can hide the scars. To help reduce the appearance of your scars, it is important to follow all of Dr. Schlechter’s post-operative instructions carefully. If you notice any signs of problematic scarring, contact Dr. Schlechter right away. Use silicone gel, cream, or sheets to care for your scars. Avoid sun exposure to the scar, keep it moisturized, and avoid irritating clothing or products. Following these tips to minimize your tummy tuck scars can improve their appearance and ensure that you have the greatest possible surgical results. Laser treatments to help suppress the scar are also available if necessary,

Dr. Benjamin Schlechter is a highly experienced plastic surgeon and can help you achieve a slender, contoured waistline with tummy tuck surgery. For more information about this procedure, request your complimentary consultation with Dr. Schlechter. Call (610) 678-9200 or contact us online today.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 31st, 2017 at 3:53 pm and is filed under Body Plastic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.