As a resident of Southwest Florida, you may have concerns and questions as you consider undergoing aesthetic plastic surgery. We offer these layperson's insights as you search for a qualified Fort Myers cosmetic surgeon.
This issue of Cosmetic Surgery Answers - Fort Myers is devoted to "tummy tucks." Exactly what are they? Who should consider having a tummy tuck? Must it include liposuction? Why is it sometimes called a "mommy make-over? Who are the most qualified surgeons to perform a tummy tuck?A tummy tuck is a procedure also called abdominaplasty. This procedure consists of an incision across the lower abdomin. Fat that lies beneath the skin is removed and the skin is reduced in size to stretch to the base of the incision, which then is stitched, stapled or cemented in place.
Occasionally, lipsuction is included to draw out excess fat from areas adjacent to the target area of the tuck.
It is important to know that abdominoplasty or tummy tucks are NOT a substitute for weight loss.
In fact, tummy tucks frequently are used in cases of extreme weight loss, resulting from dieting to bariatric surgery. Excessive skin that remains can be a very discouraging condition for patients who find it interfers with their self-image and wardrobe choices.
One term used for tummy tucks is "mommy make-overs", although a tummy tuck usually is only one part of a mommy make-over. A mommy make-over is so called because women who have gone through pregnancy frequently emerge with excess skin in the abdominal area.
Mommy make-overs often also include breast lifts of breast implants. These are used when nursing leaves the breasts in a condition of ptosis, in which the nipple suspends below the middle of the breast plate.
There are many plastic surgeons in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples qualified to perform abdominoplasties. Board Certification by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is important evidence that a plastic surgeon has received the special training and demonstrated his or her ability to perform cosmetic surgery at the highest standards.
As you consider a tummy tuck, ask your prospective surgeon if he or she is Board Certified in plastic surgery, and not certified in other procedures not directly related to plastic surgery. It is an important distinction.
Ask your surgeon to show you photographs demonstrating his or her results with other patients. All plastic surgeons should have them.
Ask your surgeon for references. You have a right to talk to former patients about their experience with the surgeon.
Ask for a tour of the surgical facility. Are you satisfied with its cleaniness, privacy and comfort? These all are important considerations .
When you consult with your surgeon, does it feel like he or she relates to you as a person? Does the surgeon ask you questions about yor health, attitudes and what you expect from plastic surgery? Is this a person you feel comfortable with?
A tummy tuck is fairly routine cosmetic surgery, but every surgery is serious. You deserve to enter into it with full confidence in your surgeon, his staff and his facility.
Copyright (c) 2011 Cosmetic SurgeryAnswers, a layperson's guide to plastic surgeons in Fort Myers. Not intended as medical advice.
Meet our
featured
aesthetic surgeon
for tummy tucks:
Dr. Robert J Brueck
MD FACS
Dr. Brueck has been in
the practice of aesthetic plastic surgery in Fort Myers
for more than 30 years. He also serves patients from surrounding areas
of Cape Coral, Charlotte County, Bonita Springs and Naples.