Tummy tuck

We'll discuss a very popular procedure, one of the most frequently performed, and one that, curiously, everyone seems to want to avoid. But once it's done, it brings great satisfaction and relief to those who make the decision.

Why would they want to avoid it? The reason is the scar, which is large. I've always been struck by the importance people give to the number of stitches involved in a surgery. I've been told that the more stitches a surgery has, the larger the surgery is. This isn't entirely true, since with endoscopic techniques, through small incisions outside the body, very large surgeries are performed inside the body. It's also common for a large number of stitches to be placed in small incisions outside the body, as is the case with nose surgery. I've also been told that the stitches can be unsightly or unpleasant to look at. This is very true, however, the work of plastic surgeons is primarily to create discreet scars and use special techniques to obtain the best possible scar. I didn't understand the importance placed on the number of stitches because it's my area of ​​expertise, and I excel at creating scars as subtle as possible. This quality has earned me the trust of numerous people for other cosmetic procedures they wish to pursue. I can understand the interest raised by the number of stitches, but there is much more to the decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure.

Let's take the following case as an example:

It's an exaggerated case, but it's easier to understand. We can see how she has excess skin on her abdomen, resulting in many folds around the navel. A situation similar to a dress that's too big for us. This woman tells us that after having her twins, her skin never returned to its previous state. She also shares that she likes to exercise, which not only hasn't helped improve this situation but exacerbates her feeling of discomfort. She expresses feeling uncomfortable with herself when she looks in the mirror, physically uncomfortable when exercising because she feels her skin isn't like Lycra, but more like pajamas, and, to top it all off, she doesn't have the courage to wear a bikini or attractive underwear. This procedure is very common after pregnancy. We can compare this phenomenon to that of a balloon that, after inflating, doesn't return to its previous state. Our body, following the abdominal expansion from having hosted a baby, often doesn't return to its previous state, resulting in having too much skin for a smaller body.

The photographs illustrate an ideal candidate because she is at her ideal weight, which allows for a more accurate assessment of excess skin. Just as brides are fitted for their wedding dresses, tailoring a dress for a bride who has maintained her weight throughout her life will always be easier than for one who is on a diet just before the wedding. The latter will not only have to have her dress fitted several times, but also, if she doesn't persevere with a healthy lifestyle, she will most likely not be able to wear her dress again—for example, for a photo shoot to commemorate the wedding five years later. The scar she has is extensive and runs from where the crease begins on one side of her body to where it ends on the other side when she sits. The results not only allow her to exercise much more comfortably, but the strategic placement of the scar allows her to wear a bikini and her favorite underwear without it being visible. It's beautiful to see how her confidence returns, and when she looks in the mirror, the scar makes her stronger, as it reminds her of her beautiful story as a mother.

The second case is also a typical case in which the excess skin is due to another reason:

Beneath our skin, we all have fat in varying amounts. Generally, we have 1 to 2 cm of fat under the skin; however, sometimes it can be much larger. In this case, this woman tells us that she has never been pregnant but has managed to lose 115 pounds thanks to a lifestyle change based on a healthy diet and exercise (which is commendable). She is an excellent candidate who is not only currently at her ideal weight but has managed to maintain it for six months. The effect that obesity has on the skin is the same as that which can occur after pregnancy. The skin adjusts to a larger silhouette, and when it comes time to return to a silhouette that is more in line with our bone structure, the skin fails to adjust, and we have excess fat. Just as the effects on the skin caused by obesity are similar to those produced by pregnancy, the effects on well-being are similar: causing discomfort when exercising, wearing a short top, or looking in the mirror. The scar is large and, paradoxically, discreet, invisible to most people. Moreover, the result is so beneficial, reminding them of how they have taken their well-being into their own hands, that the scar is forgotten by the person who bears it.

Abdominoplasty , or a tummy tuck, is a highly satisfying procedure for patients , as it improves their daily lives in many ways (self-esteem, improved bodily function during daily activities, enhanced ability to exercise, and reduced postural pain). The procedure is outpatient, meaning you return home the same day. It takes approximately four hours and is performed under deep sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. Although the resulting scars are among the most extensive in plastic surgery, they are discreet and easily forgotten due to the improved well-being they provide. You can return to your normal daily activities in about ten days, and physical activity can be resumed starting in the fourth week.

Minor risks are low (less than 5%) and generally include asymmetry, wound infection, changes in sensation, or delayed healing. More serious problems, occurring in less than 1% of cases, include the formation of blood clots in the leg, which can affect the lungs and be life-threatening.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck may not extend your life, but it will certainly improve your walk in this life.

The price range starts at $5500 USD (this includes pre- and post-procedure consultations, operating room use and consumables during the procedure, surgical and anesthetic team fees, and medications during recovery) and will be determined by the treatment plan suggested by your plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon. As we know, not all dresses fit all bodies. At Kintsugi, we don't aim for generic results: we think like artists, plan like architects, and execute like engineers. Just like with a dress, the result of your treatment is what people will see when they meet you. It's an investment in yourself.

At Kintsugi it will be an honor to walk by your side.

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