Cleveland Abdominoplasty Specialists – Western Reserve Plastic Surgery

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen in Cleveland tummy tuck patients. Dr. Picha is a highly skilled tummy tuck Cleveland surgeon who implements the most advanced techniques in performing abdominoplasty procedures, using lasers to help minimize blood loss and endoscopy techniques to reduce scarring.

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older Cleveland abdominoplasty patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

As an experienced plastic surgery Cleveland specialist, Dr. Picha works closely with his Cleveland tummy tuck patients to recommend the procedure that will deliver the best possible results, depending on their unique aesthetic goals and desires. If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a mini-tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction (or the minimally invasive technique known as LifeSculpt laser liposuction) to remove fat deposits from the hips for a better body contour. We also offer the recently developed, non-invasive Endermologie massage therapy for our Cleveland cellulite reduction patients. This technology can also be used to enhance and/or maintain your liposuction or tummy tuck results.

• Procedure: Flatten abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of abdominal wall.
• Length: 2 to 5 hours.
• Anesthesia: General, or local with sedation.
• In/Outpatient: Either, depending on individual circumstances and extent of surgery.
• Side Effects: Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months.
• Risks: Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Need for a second operation.
• Recovery: Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years.

About Dr. Picha and Western Reserve Plastic Surgery

The highly skilled Cleveland cosmetic surgery specialists at Western Reserve Plastic Surgery take great pride in helping their many patients achieve a rejuvenated appearance that enhances not only their physique, but their self-esteem as well. Over the years, Dr. Picha has helped countless Cleveland brow lift, rhinoplasty and face lift patients appear younger and fresher through advanced surgical procedures. He also offer fat injections and breast augmentation surgery.