Body Procedures

Dr. Vasisht’s Approach:

Tummy Tuck with a SCULPTOR’s Vision!

Many plastic surgeons perform tummy tucks. As a matter of fact, it is considered the “bread and butter” procedure for most plastic surgeons. Dr. Vasisht performs his tummy tuck with a keen eye of a sculptor to give his patients the best result. “There is no other procedure in plastic surgery where science meets art”, according to Dr. Vasisht.

Achieving Natural Results:  The Science 

Having spent years training among the world’s most elite plastic surgeons, Dr. Vasisht learned the science of how to perform tummy tucks. The changes that a woman’s body goes through as a result of pregnancy and weight loss can often be cosmetically devastating. The science of this surgery involves the removal of excess skin and tightening of loose muscle in most cases.  “All plastic surgeons have at some point learned this during their training”, according to Dr. V.

Achieving Natural Results:  The Art

Over the years, Dr. Vasisht has honed his skills in performing tummy tucks to make this an art form. His reputation has grown among his patient population and beyond South Jersey. His unique proprietary technique brings together the science of ‘Lipocontouring’ and Dr. Vasisht’s technique of ‘Peri-Umbilical Liposculpting.’

“I probably see each tummy tuck patient like a sculptor looks at clay. A good sculptor already knows in their mind how that clay will be molded to create a masterpiece. When I see a tummy tuck patient in consultation, I am already envisioning how she will look in a bikini. That patient may or may not realize it, but they found a sculptor not a surgeon!”

Sometimes simply dieting and exercising are not enough to take care of waistline problems. Post pregnancy changes to the abdominal fat and skin can be devastating. In such cases, a patient may wish to consider a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty). A tummy tuck is the surgical removal of excess skin or fatty deposits from the abdomen, along with the repositioning of abdomen muscles into a tighter formation. This enhancement procedure is designed for those who wish to have a flatter and tighter stomach. It is also helpful in remedying the vertical separation of abdomen muscles, known as Diastasis, which can occur following pregnancy.

Reasons for considering an abdominoplasty:

• Inability of dieting and exercise to improve the abdomen area
• Excessive accumulation of skin following weight loss
• Loss of skin elasticity or Diastases (loose abdomen muscles) due to pregnancy
• The removal of unsightly skin and fat deposits, as well as the proper alignment of the abdomen muscles to produce a more flattering look

What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?

Full abdominoplasty surgery involves treating excessive skin and fat tissue both above and below the belly button. An incision is made around the existing belly button and it is brought out through a separate incision. The result is an amazing transformation of the abdomen restoring a youthful appearance to this area!

Some patients with a flat upper abdomen and excessive tissue only below the belly button, typically only need a mini tummy tuck. In these patients, the belly button is not involved in the procedure. There is less tissue removed and the recovery is less involved with a mini tummy tuck. Dr. V can help you decide which is the best option for you.

Procedure:

During an abdominoplasty, Dr. V makes an incision in the lower abdomen at the pubic area. The length of the incision is determined by the amount of excessive tissue that is present. A second incision is made around trhe belly button. The tissue is lifted above the muscle of the abdomen. Excessive tissue is then removed. The muscle is tightened and the remainder fat and skin tissue is repaired in the lower abdomen. If a patient has a C-section scar, this is used as part of the lower abdominal incision. The belly button is then brought up through a new opening in the skin.

Drains may be placed in the soft tissue and a On-Q pain pump is often left behind in the wound. The pain pump delivers numbing medicine for about 3 days. This has revolutionized post operative pain control. The drains are removed in a few days post surgery.

What are the complications of a tummy tuck?

As is true for most surgical procedures, infection and bleeding can occur post surgery. There may be bruising, swelling, numbness and blood clots that can occur. Precautions are taken before the surgery to prevent these complications. In general, complications are extremely rare and careful pre-operative assessment is the key to prevention.

Recovery process and downtime:

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. As the body recuperates, patients can expect some swelling, pain, and discomfort. The pain pump helps with the post operative pain. Medication can be prescribed to relieve any pain after the pain is removed in about 3 days. Sutures are removed shortly after the surgery depending on the procedure(s) involved. Typically, patients can expect at least one week to ten days of down time from work and other major life activities.

Normal activities can generally be resumed within two weeks. General exercise can resume in about 4-6 weeks. It may take up to a year for the body to completely adapt to the new abdominal configuration, sooner in most patients. With proper diet and exercise, the striking results of the surgery will be long lasting.

37 year old female with classic changes from pregnancy. She has stretchmarks and diastasis (weakness) of her abdominal muscles. She underwent a tummy tuck with lipocontouring and scultping to improve her abdominal contour. She is happy with the outcome and her self-confidence is restored.53 year old male with post weight loss changes to his abdomen. He underwent an abdominoplasty with hernia repair at the same time. He has marked improved in his abdomen contour.38 year old female with loose skin and poor fat deposition. She underwent a tummy tuck and liposculpting to restore all the contour issues.