Our Summary

This paper discusses the rise of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments that are becoming more popular alternatives to traditional tummy tucks (abdominoplasty). It suggests that plastic surgeons need to adapt and embrace these new technologies in order to provide the best patient care and stay ahead in the market of body shaping treatments. However, there are challenges to this, including high costs of equipment and maintenance, lack of experience, conflicting reports about the effectiveness of these treatments, potential complications, overhyped marketing, and the fast-paced nature of technology that can make equipment quickly outdated. The paper suggests that plastic surgeons who are open to these changes might benefit from considering short-term reports from respected surgeons who are innovating in the field of body contouring. The paper mentions a few specific technologies, including BodyTite®, Morpheus8®, ultrasonic assisted liposuction, and VASER.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the new technologies in abdominoplasty that plastic surgeons need to embrace?
  2. What are the barriers to adopting these new technologies in body contouring procedures?
  3. How can plastic surgeons best adapt and stay competitive in the body-contouring market?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about abdominoplasty is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet both before and after the procedure. This can help optimize results and minimize the risk of complications. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions carefully and attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon are important for a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended abdominoplasty are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, often due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. These patients may have loose skin, stretch marks, and a protruding abdomen that cannot be improved with diet and exercise alone. Abdominoplasty is also recommended for patients who have weakened or separated abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti. Additionally, patients who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure are good candidates for abdominoplasty.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  2. Pre-operative physical examination and medical history review
  3. Pre-operative blood work and possible imaging studies
  4. Education on the procedure, risks, and recovery process
  5. Pre-operative instructions on diet, medications, and smoking cessation

After abdominoplasty:

  1. Immediate post-operative care in a recovery room
  2. Pain management and monitoring for complications
  3. Follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon for wound care and monitoring
  4. Gradual return to normal activities, with restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous exercise
  5. Long-term follow-up appointments to assess results and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty?
  2. Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty? Are there any medical conditions that would make me ineligible for the procedure?
  3. What type of abdominoplasty technique do you recommend for me, and why?
  4. What can I expect in terms of scarring and recovery time after abdominoplasty?
  5. How long will the results of abdominoplasty last?
  6. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet or exercise regimen after abdominoplasty?
  7. How many abdominoplasty procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. Can I see before and after photos of patients who have undergone abdominoplasty with you?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure, and who will be administering it?
  10. What is the cost of abdominoplasty, and will it be covered by insurance?

Reference

Authors: Hurwitz DJ, Wright L. Journal: Clin Plast Surg. 2020 Jul;47(3):379-388. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2020.03.005. Epub 2020 Apr 27. PMID: 32448474