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Tag: tummy tuck

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Does Belly Fat Come Back After a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Philadelphia, PAOne of the biggest insecurities a lot of our patients have is the extra skin around their abdomens. Thankfully, a tummy tuck can help reduce the excess skin around the midsection and strengthen the abdominal muscles underneath the skin for a tighter, slimmer silhouette. That being said, there are still many misconceptions about what the tummy tuck can do for our patients. Let’s clear up where lines may be blurred and go over what a tummy tuck can and cannot do for you.

A Tummy Tuck CANNOT Help You Lose Weight

Contrary to popular belief, a tummy tuck does not help our patients lose the weight they think they’re going to. The goal of a tummy tuck is to tighten weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess hanging skin around the midsection to produce a tighter and more flattering core appearance. That being said, a tummy tuck does not help you get rid of excess fat around your midsection or help you lose those last stubborn couple of pounds. Any weight you do lose after surgery will be the weight of excess skin hanging around your belly area.

A Tummy Tuck CAN be Performed with Liposuction

While a tummy tuck can’t help you get rid of your unwanted belly fat, liposuction can. Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure that uses a gentle vacuum system to permanently remove fatty tissues from the body for a sleek, slim appearance. Patients typically opt to receive liposuction in addition to their tummy tucks to help them get the smooth and tight silhouette they desire.

A Tummy Tuck CAN Increase Confidence in the Long Run

It’s no secret that a flat and tight core can increase someone’s confidence. Following their tummy tucks, our patients report feeling a brand new found confidence in themselves and their bodies. They report feeling more comfortable wearing more tight-fitting clothing, going to a pool or the beach without a worry, and even feeling more confident in their own intimates!

A Tummy Tuck CANNOT Prevent Future Weight Gain

While a tummy tuck sounds like a magical solution for many of our patients, it’s always important to keep in mind that a tummy tuck (or any cosmetic surgery) is not a permanent fix for any issue without the proper maintenance. A tummy tuck gives our patients the initial boost they need to get the body they desire, however, we encourage our patients to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to ensure they maintain their results for the long-run.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

If you’re looking for a procedure to help strengthen your abdominal muscles and tighten the skin around your midsection, a tummy tuck may be right for you. The best way to find out if a tummy tuck is right for you is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Pollard. She’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan just for you.

We hope we were able to answer some of your most pressing questions about the tummy tuck. If you still want to learn more about the procedure, or believe you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emily Pollard today. We are also offering virtual consultations, so you can get all of your questions answered in the comfort and safety of your very own home.

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Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Philadelphia, PAWhen considering any form of cosmetic surgery, many of the patients that come into our office are concerned about how painful the procedure is going to be. While there will be discomfort through any type of surgery, we don’t want our patients to be so scared of their healing process that they lose sight of the benefits they get with their procedure. Let’s talk about post-tummy tuck pain and how you can manage it for a smooth and swift recovery.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of how to manage your post-operative pain, let’s go over what will cause your discomfort following surgery. A tummy tuck is a surgical cosmetic procedure that involves tightening the skin around the abdomen for a tighter, flatter silhouette. During your procedure, Dr. Emily Pollard will make an incision from hip to hip. Through this incision she will tighten your abdominal muscles and pull the skin tight over the abdomen before trimming away excess tissue and closing the incision. The entire surgery typically takes a few hours to complete.

The Pain After a Tummy Tuck

When it comes to post-operative pain, it’s important to know why you’re feeling the discomfort that you’re feeling. Prior to a tummy tuck, the patient typically has a large amount of loose skin around their abdominal area, and their abdominal muscles or abdominal wall is generally weak. This may be caused by pregnancy, child birth, or an extreme weight loss. During your tummy tuck, Dr. Pollard tightens these core muscles and pulls the skin taut against the body for a brand new silhouette. This tension throughout the body is not something patients are typically used to, causing a great deal of discomfort before healing and adjusting to their new body.

Managing Your Post-Operative Pain

Dr. Pollard wants to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible throughout your entire healing process. When it comes to managing your post-operative pain, we encourage you to take the following steps:

  • Take prescription medication as instructed. Prescription pain medications can be intimidating, but are prescribed for a good reason. In small doses, these prescription medications allow for pain relief without causing blood thinning or bleeding. Keep in mind that these medications may cause constipation in small doses and can be dangerous when taken outside of Dr. Pollard’s instruction.
  • Over-the-counter medications are great too. Pollard, along with many other surgeons, may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen within the first few days of recovery to reduce swelling and help your prescription medications work more smoothly.

We hope we were able to answer some of your most pressing questions about tummy tuck pain. If you still want to learn more about the procedure, or believe you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emily Pollard today. We are also offering virtual consultations, so you can get all of your questions answered in the comfort and safety of your very own home.

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Five Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Philadelphia, PAGetting a tummy tuck is no small procedure. Tummy tuck recovery is often more involved than patients anticipate. After a tummy tuck, patients are left wondering:

  • How do I sit or sleep?
  • How do I walk when I’m supposed to be bent over?
  • What do I do with the binder?
  • How do I go to the bathroom?

Dr. Pollard wanted to give you a list of five tips to help you with your tummy tuck recovery. Use this as your guide to help you have the most successful tummy tuck recovery with the best ultimate results.

1. Use a Walker or Cane

A tummy tuck will naturally put tension on the area where Dr. Pollard made her incision. You’ll generally feel straining around the incision area and where the abdominal muscles were tightened underneath the skin. This tension may make it hard for you to walk upright, and staying slightly bent at the waist will typically feel more comfortable. Consider using a walker or a cane for support while you’re bent over. While this isn’t completely necessary, patients typically find it easier to make their way around with the extra help.

2. Use Maxi Pads or Gauze

Sometimes wearing the binder can feel uncomfortable against your hip bones and your incision. While you should never touch your dressings without getting the OK from Dr. Pollard first, it is beneficial to keep 4×4 pads of gauze or maxi pads around to add a buffer and some padding between yourself and the binder. This extra padding typically makes the binder more comfortable for patients to wear during tummy tuck recovery.

3. Adjusting Your Binder

When tummy tuck incisions are low, the binder used after tummy tuck surgery will have to rest at the top of the hips. Because of this, it generally has the tendency to ride up or shift when you sit. You’ll want to make sure you’re regularly readjusting your binder into the correct position at the correct tightness. With a marker, place a mark at how tight you’re supposed to adjust it. This guarantees you’re making sure it’s at the right fit every time. Putting your binder on can also be made easier while reclining or in bed.

4. Get Some Compression Stockings

With any surgery, there’s always an opportunity for blood clotting issues. Dr. Pollard will provide you with a pair of knee-high compression stockings to reduce the chance of blood clots forming after tummy tuck surgery. While the stockings may not be the most comfortable things in the world, they will keep some of the swelling out of the legs and continue to reduce the chance for a blood clot while being worn.

5. Toilet Seat Booster

Generally, toilets are fairly low to the ground and we don’t realize this until some part of our legs, pelvis or core is sore. After a tummy tuck, getting low enough to sit down on the toilet can be difficult and uncomfortable. A toilet seat booster may just be your new best friend. This device can be purchased online and delivered to your home for your convenience. We guarantee this is one purchase that you won’t regret.

To learn more about recovering from a tummy tuck, contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emily Pollard.

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What You Need to Know about the Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Philadelphia, PAIt’s normal for many women to see their bodies post-pregnancy and wish they had their tight tummy back. Thanks to tummy tuck surgery, you can get your bikini body back in no-time. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know when considering a tummy tuck.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, targets two areas of the midsection – the abdominal muscles and the skin covering the tummy area. Not only does this procedure help get rid of any excess fat or skin around the midriff, but it also tightens the muscles in the abdomen to make your core look and feel stronger than ever before.

Can I get Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck at the Same Time?

Liposuction alone can work wonders for removing fat from your abdominal area. However, this popular procedure has some misconceptions. Contrary to popular belief, there is no way to tighten your tummy with liposuction alone. That’s why this procedure is the perfect complement to the tummy tuck. With the power of both, you can remove stubborn pockets of fat from your midsection while removing excess skin and tightening the core.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

There are many benefits to getting a tummy tuck surgery, including:

  • Tightened abdominal muscles
  • Removal of excess skin and fat
  • Liposuction may be performed at the same time to optimize results
  • Flatter stomach

What is the Average Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

The cost of your tummy tuck is going to depend on multiple factors including the condition of your abdominal area before surgery and the addition of liposuction or other procedures to your tummy tuck. Dr. Pollard’s staff will review the cost of your plan during your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Pollard. If you’re worried about paying for your surgery, worry no more. Dr. Pollard offers financing options like CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ to help you break your bill up into smaller monthly payments.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Tummy Tuck?

The tummy tuck is an involved procedure that requires general anesthesia. Because of this, tummy tuck recovery should not be taken lightly. Dr. Pollard generally advises patients to take two to four weeks off from work to rest and let their bodies heal. Keep in mind, it’s typical to feel uncomfortable for the first few days. You may not be able to stand straight and your midsection will feel very tight.

If you are interested in learning more about tummy tuck surgery, contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emily Pollard. She will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a fully customized treatment plan to help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals.

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Philadelphia’s 6-Month Guide to Planning a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is an excellent procedure for anyone seeking to address excess skin or sagging muscles in the abdominal area. This procedure can successfully sculpt and contour your body so that you can appreciate all of your hard work after childbirth, weight loss or any other major physical transition. So if you have been curious about what is involved in a tummy tuck and are ready to learn more, here is a six-month plan to keep in mind:

Six Months in Advance: Lifestyle

If you are reading this article, then chances are now is a good time to evaluate your diet and exercise choices. Although a tummy tuck is a highly successful procedure for contouring the body, you want your body to be in as good a shape as possible, so that you can achieve the most desirable results. Be sure to revamp your food and movement choices, so that you are supporting your body in staying healthy and fit as well as healing properly after surgery.

Four Months in Advance: Consultation, Financing

Around this time, you should schedule a consultation with any surgeons you are interested in meeting. This will allow you to decide if you feel confident in the surgeon’s abilities. This will also help you to determine how you will be paying for your procedure. At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we accept a variety of payment including CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit payment plans, so your procedure can fit in your budget. 

Two Months in Advance: Prep Your Work and Family

As your surgery date begins to draw closer, you’ll need to make sure your work and family are prepared for your absence and recovery time. Schedule time off, ensure any work projects are taken care of and make arrangements for any childcare or pet care you may need. Recovering from a tummy tuck will take the majority of your attention, so having these support systems in place is important for keeping the rest of your life running smoothly.

One Month in Advance: Prep Your Home

In the final month before your procedure, stock up on any necessary supplies as recommended by your surgeon. You may also want to prepare a meal plan or make food in advance, so as to eliminate uncertainty during your recovery.

Let Us Answer Your Tummy Tuck Questions

At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we understand how daunting a surgery like a tummy tuck can be. That is why we are here to help, every step of the way. Our team has already assisted countless patients in and around Philadelphia, PA. Now, we are ready to do the same for you. So if you have questions and are ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact us.

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Is Your Stomach Sagging After Pregnancy? We’ve Got a Solution

Pregnancy and becoming a mother are one of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Philadelphia, PAlife’s greatest gifts. But, what they do to your body – now, that’s a different story. Many women following childbirth are left with deflated, sagging breasts and a tummy that doesn’t even resemble its pre-baby form due to hanging loose skin.

During pregnancy, the abdomen stretches as the baby grows. For some women, once the baby is born, their stomach shrinks back to its former shape and size; however, for other women, they aren’t all too lucky. Many new moms are left with loose sagging skin due to the abdominal skin becoming overly stretched to the point of no repair. The skin loses its elasticity and is unable to retract back. And to top things off, no amount of diet or exercise is able to eliminate the hanging skin. So, what can you do to get your firm and tone tummy back?

Firm Up Your Tummy with a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin from the abdomen to create a flat and toned midsection. It involves making an incision in the abdomen from hip bone to hip bone. The shape and length of the incision is determined by the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. After the extra skin has been excised, liposuction may be used to remove any unwanted fat as a tummy tuck only removes skin, then the abdominal muscles are repaired. During pregnancy, the muscles in your abdomen can also become loose and separated due to stretching, often causing a protruding belly. Once the excess skin has been removed and the abdominal muscles repaired, the remaining skin is pulled taut and sutured shut.

Abdominoplasty is an invasive procedure, so it does require a recovery period. During this time, you will need to rest and be careful not to pull on your sutures. Once your stomach has healed and sutures removed, you will be left with a smooth and contoured abdomen.

Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation at Pollard Plastic Surgery

If you’re ready to have your pre-pregnancy tummy back and feel like yourself again, contact Dr. Emily Pollard at Pollard Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation. Just because you’re a mom now, doesn’t mean you have to “look” like one. A tummy tuck can give you back your confidence and your sleek physique. Contact us today!

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7 Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips from Dr. Pollard

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Philadelphia, PA

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Philadelphia, PAA tummy tuck is a great procedure to help you achieve a firm, toned abdomen. Although the results are incredible, it is an extensive procedure that requires special care after treatment. To ensure that your tummy tuck recovery goes as smoothly as possible follow these 7 essential tips from Dr. Emily Pollard.

1.      Take at least 2 weeks off of work

Downtime after surgery is essential to proper healing. Dr. Pollard recommends that patients take at least two weeks off of work – or more if they need it. If you return to work too soon, it can place stress on the body that interferes with recovery or may even cause injury. Taking adequate time off ensures you will be physically ready for whatever the workplace demands of you.

2.      Prepare yourself to rest and be comfortable

Being comfortable while you rest and recover will make the process much easier on you and your body. Make sure you have plenty of pillows, and be gentle getting in and out of bed.

3.      Have someone around to help

While recovering, your activities will be limited. For this reason, it can be great to have someone around to help you whenever you need it. Whether it’s for cooking, household chores, or helping you in and out of bed, having a second pair of hands can make recovery much easier.

4.      Get some walking in

Although rest is essential while your body heals, light activity such as walking can be greatly beneficial to the body. This can help prevent blood clots and keep the body from getting stiff or tight.

5.      Focus on good nutrition

Food is directly responsible for how your body performs, so eating healthy foods can help you heal faster and feel better during recovery. In addition to making good food choices, drinking lots of water is an absolute must!

6.      Stop smoking

Smoking can limit blood flow and cause a number of health complications in regards to your procedure. It is necessary to stop smoking for several weeks before surgery, and abstain from it at least through the recovery period.

7.      Listen to your surgeon

At the end of the day, your surgeon is the medical professional. Their specific rules and recommendations regarding your recovery should be strictly adhered to. Following their advice will ensure the smoothest recovery possible – and your body will thank you!

Feel Prepared for a Tummy Tuck?

Pollard Plastic Surgery offers tummy tucks to the men and women living in Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd, PA. To learn more about the procedure or schedule a consultation, contact Pollard Plastic Surgery.

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What to Expect from a Mommy Makeover

Having a child can be one of the most rewarding and incredible times in a woman’s life. However, it can also be extremely demanding on the body. Combine hormonal fluctuations with post-baby body changes, and you may be longing to get your body back! Despite healthy eating habits during and after pregnancy, hormonal changes play a role in affecting weight in the thigh and stomach regions. Many women also experience changes in their breasts such as decreased or increased volume. Although these physical changes may seem insurmountable, there is hope. One option for success is the Mommy Makeover.

What is a Mommy Makeover?Mommy Makeover in Philadelphia, PA

A Mommy Makeover is a personalized combination of procedures designed to restore the patient’s body from the physical stressors of childbirth. Some of the procedure options include:

  • Breast augmentation, lift or reduction- These procedures help to restore volume and shape to the breasts.
  • Tummy Tuck– This procedure removes excess fat and skin, helping to create a smoother and firmer abdomen.
  • Liposuction- This procedure removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body.
  • Non-Invasive Skin Tightening- This procedure uses a laser to tighten loose skin.

Mommy Makeover Expectations

Dr. Pollard meets with each patient to ensure a Mommy Makeover experience that is in alignment with the patient’s personalized goals for the surgery and her body. Being a mom means that you are always on the go and juggling a million different things at once. This procedure will require you to slow down, but it will not keep you off your feet for too long. Most women return to their daily activities within two to six weeks of the procedure. It is advised to avoid all forms of exercise and heavy lifting for approximately six weeks. It is vital to arrange for support at home to help with everyday tasks to give yourself time to make a full and quick recovery.

Make an Appointment Today!

If you have questions regarding a Mommy Makeover, contact Pollard Plastic Surgery to learn more about options and treatments. Start your journey towards reclaiming your body today.

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How long is the Recovery from a Tummy Tuck?

As the fall season approaches, it is time to start thinking about getting your body ready for the summer season. If you’re interested in having a tummy tuck, we often recommend the September through December months as an opportune time to schedule your surgery. Pollard Plastic Surgery, which proudly serves the Bala Cynwyd and Philadelphia communities, is happy to welcome you to our office. We have been helping men and women achieve their aesthetic goals for 25 years.

One of the most common questions we are asked in our office is about the recovery time for a tummy tuck. We’ve created an outline to help you understand the recovery process for this popular cosmetic surgery option.

The First Week after a Tummy Tuck

The first five days after surgery is typically a regiment of bed rest. It is important to keep your head elevated, and knees slightly bent over pillows as this position eases pressure on the operation site and encourages better blood flow. You will wear a supportive abdominal garment to help prevent fluid retention. You will most likely have drains to help remove excess fluid that can occur after the operation. The drains are usually removed with in the first two weeks of surgery.  During this time, you will be encouraged to walk short distances around the house every day to help reduce the formation of blood clots and promote healing. The first few days are the most challenging, but every day you should feel better than the one before. You’ll need to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. On or about the first week, you will have your first check-up with Dr. Pollard where you will be given further instructions based on your progress.

The Second Week after a Tummy Tuck

On the second week, we encourage slow but steady movement. The key here is to not overdo it because you are still healing. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend around to help. The less strain you put on the operation area the better. You shouldn’t be driving at all up to this point, as sudden braking and accelerating can cause your body stress even if you are a passenger.

The Third Week after a Tummy Tuck

Week three represents another increase in movement. At this point it is still best to have a friend or family member purchase groceries, pick up the kids from school and run errands. However, a leisurely walk in the neighborhood can be a form of healthy movement. We encourage you to take breaks during physical activity; there’s no need to push yourself. The majority of our patients head back to work around this time, as long as they have jobs that are not physically taxing.

The Fourth Week after a Tummy Tuck

You should feel significantly better. You should be able to resume many of your pre-surgery activities, but don’t be surprised if you still do not have your pre-surgery stamina. You shouldn’t lift anything over five pounds, but you can perform low impact exercises.

The Fifth Week after a Tummy Tuck

You may still feel some tenderness or experience some swelling but in most instances, you are free to resume activities as usual.

Schedule a consultation with our office and get on our fall surgery schedule sooner rather than later.

 

 

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Help, I want my body back!

 

Help, I want my body back! This is a common statement made by women who have had children and know all too well the physical toll of childbirth. Mommy Makeover refers to a combination of aesthetic procedures that are designed to reverse the physical damage caused by childbirth.  Mommy Makeover has received a 97% Worth It rating on RealSelf (based upon 2,762 respondents over 24 months).

Click here to see before and after photos

Many women experience:

  • increased belly fat that does not improve with weight loss
  • weak abdominal muscles that do not improve with exercise.
  • skin loosening on the belly and breast area
  • stretch marks on the belly and breast
  • increased volume of breast tissue
  • decreased volume of breast tissue
  • enlarged nipples

Mommy Makeovers generally combine breast and body procedures.

                Breast Procedures                                           Body Procedures

Breast Lift                                                         Liposuction

Breast Augmentation                                     Tummy Tuck

Breast Reduction                                             Non-Invasive Skin Tightening

 

Mommy Makeover in Philadelphia, PASince every woman is unique and has specific goals there is a wide of the cost of a Mommy Makeover. The cost of a mommy makeover depends on the many variables for each person that giving one solid price just doesn’t make sense. This is because the plastic surgeon is working on reversing the effects of being a mommy on each individual. The surgeon may also be reversing the effects of age, large amounts of weight loss, old scars, and all manner of other damage that life offers. The plastic surgeon is also working based on the preference for the final result of the aesthetic procedures. On top of all of that, other factors such as the genetics of each individual change how things will heal, and how they remodel during that process. A plastic surgeon must design the strategies for each person based on all of these factors, and so there is not a fixed cost of a Mommy Makeover.

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CALL TODAY to schedule a consultation

TRUST AN EXPERT 610-674-0779
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