Why Do Women Choose Abdominoplasty?

Having children is one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences of a lifetime, but it can take a toll on the body. One of the most common concerns that women have after pregnancy and childbirth is the appearance of their abdomen. This is often because, due to a loss of natural elasticity, the skin doesn’t go back to normal. The result can be sagging skin, stretch marks, protruding muscles, and fat that is difficult to lose. This is where our tummy tuck in Fort Lauderdale, FL by Dr. Shuster can lead to a remarkable transformation.

About the Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck surgery smooths and flattens the abdominal area. This is achieved by removing excess skin and fat, as well as tightening the abdominal muscles if needed.

  • A tummy tuck typically takes 2-3 hours to complete
  • The procedure can be performed on its own or as part of a mommy makeover
  • Dr. Shuster may also use liposuction to achieve the desired abdominal contours

Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidates

A tummy tuck in Fort Lauderdale can achieve dramatic results and give you newfound confidence, increased wardrobe options, and an elevated enjoyment of life. We serve patients in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Hollywood, and South Florida.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck with Dr. Shuster, you may be an excellent candidate if you are… 

  • Already close to your goal weight 
  • Have loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles
  • Dissatisfied with your abdominal area
  • A non-smoker in good general health
  • Finished having children
  • Able to maintain a stable, healthy weight after surgery
  • Aware of the risks and have realistic expectations

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Tummy Tuck Before & Afters

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Our Priority: The Highest Standard of Safety

Safety is Dr. Shuster's primary concern, with results as a very close second. Patients are screened and evaluated with the utmost thoroughness and caution. We spend a great deal of time on patient education, teaching clients what can be done to reduce the chance of developing any complications. In addition, all of Dr. Shuster's procedures are performed in the hospital with a dedicated team and experienced, credentialed anesthesiologists who have worked with him for years.

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Preventing Problems Before They Arise

Although complications are possible with any procedure, Dr. Shuster keeps a very close eye on his patients throughout their surgical journeys, addressing any concerns that arise in real-time.

This patient centric approach has earned Dr. Shuster a reputation for excellence throughout all stages of treatment, from his in-depth consultation process to his detailed and consistent aftercare support. Dr. Shuster’s philosophy for post-operative care is: “If we stay constantly connected to clients after surgery, we can identify issues before they become problems and avoid complications.”

Dr. Shuster and all his staff are wonderful, so warming and welcoming. They truly make you feel great from the first day to the day of surgery even after surgery. Doctor Shuster is the best plastic surgeon.

Gabriella M.

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Drainless Abdominoplasty

Dr. Shuster uses a drainless abdominoplasty technique that avoids all the difficulties and hassles of placing drains. It allows patients to be much more mobile during recovery and to shower two to three days after surgery instead of waiting until the drains are removed. Schedule a consultation today to see if a drainless abdominoplasty in Fort Lauderdale is right for you. 

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Types of Tummy Tuck

Dr. Shuster performs different types of tummy tucks depending on your individual needs. Depending on his thorough assessment of your unique body type and goals, he may recommend a full tummy tuck to address the entire abdominal region, a less invasive mini tummy tuck if your primary area of concern is below the belly button, or a modified abdominoplasty if you experience mild to moderate muscle weakness and skin laxity in the abdominal region.

  • Mini Abdominoplasty:

    This is the procedure of choice for women whose primary concern is laxity of the underlying muscles and tissue causing a lower abdominal bulge but who don’t have a lot of excess hanging skin. During a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Shuster creates a short incision at the level of the pubic area. He then tightens the lax muscles and removes excess fat and tissue, creating a flatter appearance.

  • Modified Abdominoplasty:

    This procedure treats patients who have a moderate amount of skin laxity over the lower abdomen. An incision is made across the lower abdomen, which allows Dr. Shuster to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles at the same time.

  • Full Abdominoplasty:

    Dr. Shuster uses a technique called a “high lateral tension abdominoplasty” to perform extensive full tummy tucks on patients who have a significant amount of laxity all over the belly. He’ll make an incision across the lower abdomen as well as around the navel, which allows him to fully rejuvenate the lower torso. He will narrow your waist, tighten your muscles, and remove excess skin for the most comprehensive and dramatic results.

  • Reverse Abdominoplasty:

    The reverse abdominoplasty technique is designed to address upper abdominal wall laxity. Dr. Shuster performs a reverse abdominoplasty in Hollywood, FL with an incision under the breasts, giving him access to tighten and tone the upper part of the stomach.

Liposuction vs. Abdominoplasty: What’s the Difference?

Liposuction and abdominoplasty are both procedures that contour the body; however, many patients are unsure of which is better for their personal cosmetic goals. During your consultation with Dr. Shuster, he will thoroughly examine you and listen to your preferences in order to formulate the best treatment option for your individual case. In some instances, both liposuction and abdominoplasty will be performed together. 

What are the Differences Between Liposuction and Abdominoplasty?

  • Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove small, stubborn areas of fat from all over the body. It’s most commonly used for patients who want to reduce the size of fat deposits in their abdomen, thighs, back, love handles, or another area. Liposuction does not address loose skin or separated, weakened muscles.
  • Abdominoplasty is a surgical — and therefore a more extensive — procedure that corrects loose skin, tightens muscles, and eradicates excess fat in the abdominal area.

Your Abdominoplasty Consultation

Dr. Shuster invests in a thorough and empowering consultation process, understanding that this is the bedrock for a successful outcome. He will carefully consider your concerns and discuss your preferences for improvement, going over before and after photographs to help align patient and doctor perspectives. Through an exhaustive analysis of your physical attributes, medical history, and aesthetic sensibilities, Dr. Shuster will create the ideal treatment plan for accomplishing your primary cosmetic goals.

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What to Expect During the Abdominoplasty Procedure

Procedure Overview

Dr. Shuster performs tummy tucks in a hospital setting with a dedicated team that he has worked with for over a decade. You will be welcome to stay in the hospital overnight if you prefer. The surgery is completed under general anesthesia and generally takes two to three hours to perform. 

Procedure Details

During your abdominoplasty in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Shuster will create an incision just below the bikini line. He will keep the incision as short as possible to minimize complications and reduce downtime. Through this incision, he can tighten the stomach muscles, remove excess fat, and excise loose skin. He will then perform three layers of sutures, all of which are under the skin and dissolve on their own. This triple-layer suture method helps to ensure the finest possible scar.

Recovery After a Tummy Tuck

Once your tummy tuck has been completed, you should take ample time to rest and recover. This is one scenario in which it is acceptable to behave like a “diva”! Make sure to schedule a helper that can not only drive you home but who can also assist with basic chores during the first few days of your recuperation.

Dr. Shuster will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to help with any discomfort, along with antibiotics and anti-nausea pills. Early in the recovery process, it’s essential that you take short “strolls” and walks, as this will help with circulation and also elevate your mood. You’ll be able to resume light, non-strenuous activities by the third week and light exercise within 4-6 weeks. If you have any questions about your recovery timeline, restrictions, or other concerns, we will be more than happy to talk to you and help.

    Recovery Timeline

    Each patient will recover differently at their own pace — but in general, recovery from our tummy tuck in Fort Lauderdale looks something like this:

    • First week: Rest, recover, try not to do too much physical activity besides walking around
    • Second or third week: Return to work is possible if you feel capable and Dr. Shuster thinks you are ready, resume light everyday tasks
    • Fourth to sixth week: Return to full activity and light exercise, still taking care not to strain the abdominal area

    If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, you can always call Dr. Shuster’s office. We will be by your side throughout your recovery, as we are committed to each patient’s health, wellbeing, and satisfaction with their results.

    Abdominoplasty for Weight Loss Patients

    In addition to women who have seen their body change due to pregnancy and childbirth, those who have lost a significant amount of weight may also be good candidates for a tummy tuck. This is because individuals who have lost excessive weight often find that their skin has been stretched and will not “bounce back” to fit their newly slim figure. In these cases, a tummy tuck can effectively smooth, flatten, and contour the midsection to further improve a person’s appearance after weight loss.

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    Why Choose Dr. Shuster?

    Named a Best Plastic Surgeon 2021 by Newsweek, Dr. Bernard Shuster is a board-certified, award-winning aesthetic plastic surgeon of the face, breast, and body in Hollywood, Florida, who is known and respected for his outstanding, natural-looking results. In practice for over two decades and with a fantastic location between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Dr. Shuster consistently delivers a rewarding, comprehensive patient experience that is personalized and empowering from start to finish. Our warm and inviting team will guide and support you through every step of your surgical journey. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Hollywood, and South Florida, our practice provides an aesthetic sanctuary for anyone seeking uncompromised safety paired with access to today’s most cutting-edge technology.

    Tummy Tuck FAQs:

    Will there be scars after my tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Shuster?

    Can a tummy tuck help with weight loss?

    Will a tummy tuck affect future pregnancies?

    What are the potential risks and complications?

    Will there be scars after my tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Shuster?

    Yes, there will be a scar along the lower abdomen where the incision was made. The scar's appearance will improve over time and can usually be concealed beneath clothing and swimwear.

    Can a tummy tuck help with weight loss?

    While a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat, it is not a weight loss procedure. It is best suited for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but have loose abdominal skin and muscle issues.

    Will a tummy tuck affect future pregnancies?

    If you're planning on having more children, Dr. Shuster would recommended to delay a tummy tuck until after you've completed your family. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck can affect the results by stretching the abdominal muscles and skin again.

    What are the potential risks and complications?

    As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with a tummy tuck, such as infection, scarring, blood clots, changes in sensation, and issues related to anesthesia. However, with Dr. Shuster expertise, he works to limit any potential risks.

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