Category: Tummy Tuck

Can You Gain Weight After a Tummy Tuck?

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

If you want a slimmer, more toned midsection, a tummy tuck might be the right option for you. This is a plastic surgery procedure that doesn’t help you lose weight, but rather addresses excess skin and muscles to give you a toned, sleeker figure. Most people who have tummy tucks are those who lost a lot of weight or had a baby and want to correct stubborn concern areas afterward.

It’s normal to wonder if it’s possible to still gain weight after having a tummy tuck. There are a few facts to know so you can continue to maintain your results for the long term.

Maintain a Stable Weight Before Your Tummy Tuck

Before you decide to have a tummy tuck, it’s essential that you maintain a healthy weight. You should be as close to your goal weight as possible to prevent potential complications during surgery. Tummy tucks are meant to help patients shed excess skin around their abdomens. Although liposuction can be be performed to eliminate stubborn fat, you shouldn’t rely on it as a weight loss method.

What Causes Weight Gain After a Tummy Tuck?

Minimal fluctuations in weight are normal for everyone. If you decide to have a tummy tuck, a weight change ranging from five to 10 pounds shouldn’t negatively affect your results. At the same time, it’s still important to understand why weight gain might occur. Being aware of this can help prevent possible complications from the surgery and can also help avoid serious medical conditions that arise or worsen with weight gain. The following are the most common reasons for weight gain after a tummy tuck:

  • Lifestyle choices: Many people gain weight because of poor lifestyle choices such as not eating healthy foods or exercising. After you’ve had tummy tuck surgery, make sure to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of regular physical activity daily.
  • Hormones: Hormone changes can impact your weight as well. If your hormones are imbalanced, it can cause you to gain weight. Consult your doctor about treatment options to properly balance your hormone levels.
  • Stress: Stress in everyday life can lead to overeating and weight gain. You should find the right ways to manage your stress so you can maintain a healthy weight.

What Happens if You Gain Weight After a Tummy Tuck?

If you gain weight after having had a tummy tuck, your abdominal skin will stretch. Depending on how much you gain, the skin of your stomach can hang when you eventually lose the weight. You may also have new stretch marks. If you become pregnant after your surgery, it can lead to the separation of the abdominal muscles. Many patients who seek tummy tuck procedures express concern about gaining a significant amount of weight after their surgery. As a result, it’s absolutely essential that only people who are good candidates for the procedure have the surgery.

One of the biggest factors in losing weight or maintaining your desired weight is exercise. Of course, for the first few weeks following your tummy tuck, you should avoid strenuous exercise, but you should be able to resume your regular daily routine and activities after your plastic surgeon tells you it’s safe. If you practice a healthy lifestyle and consume healthy foods after your surgery, you can avoid gaining weight after a tummy tuck.

Schedule a Consultation

The tummy tuck can help transform your body after weight loss or pregnancy. Dr. Fichadia is a double-board certified plastic surgeon located in Portland, OR. To meet with Dr. Fichadia and learn more about your options, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.

The Truth About Tummy Tuck Myths

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

A tummy tuck is a great way to get rid of stubborn fatty deposits, strengthen weakened or separated abdominal muscles, and tighten stretched, sagging skin. However, since this procedure is highly personalized and can address a wide range of issues, there are many myths that surround tummy tucks, and if you are considering getting one, you should do all you can to learn about Tummy Tucks to ensure that the procedure is right for your needs and wants.

Myth: A Tummy Tuck Is A Weight Loss Procedure

Many people think having a tummy tuck will help them lose weight and people who have it done are overweight and want to lose a lot of weight from their midsection. This isn’t true. The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who is generally healthy and at a normal weight for their height. They may have loose skin from prior pregnancy or weight loss or have the appearance of a protruding abdomen due to weakened muscles. A tummy tuck will address stubborn fat and extra skin in the midsection, but it will not remove fat anywhere else on the body. Similarly, if you have internal fat (fat around your organs or visceral fat) due to obesity, a tummy tuck cannot address that.

Myth: Diet and Exercise Will Give You The Same Results

A good diet and exercise routine is the time-tested way to lose weight and get a healthy, lean body shape, but it will likely not be possible to get rid of loose skin in your abdomen. Stubborn belly fat can be hard to get rid of except with surgical intervention. Weight loss will also not help with the appearance of stretched and excess abdominal skin. Having a tummy tuck will help to remove this skin so that you have a tighter-looking abdomen.

Myth: Tummy Tucks Are Only For Women

Tummy tucks are for both men and women. Typically, when you hear about a tummy tuck, it may be in a discussion about a mommy makeover procedure after pregnancy and childbirth. However, many men also deal with loose skin and stubborn belly fat, sometimes as a result of significant weight loss. Both sexes can have a successful tightening of their abdomen with a tummy tuck.

Myth: You Are Too Old For A Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks can be done at any age. The most common ages that are seen when doing a tummy tuck are people between the ages of 35 and 50. However, Dr Fichadia sees patients in all age groups undergoing this surgery. As long as you are healthy, you can get a tummy tuck to greatly enhance the look and shape of your midsection.

Tummy Tuck Surgery in Portland, OR

To find out if tummy tuck is right for you, the best resource is an expert plastic surgeon who performs this procedure regularly. Contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hetal Fichadia, located in Portland, OR, to schedule a consultation about tummy tuck surgery. Our friendly staff will help to ensure that you get the procedure that best meets your needs and gives you the body shape you want. We will also go over all the ins and outs of the tummy tuck procedure with you during your consultation and answer any questions you may have. Call us today or contact us online to get started.

How to Prepare for Your Tummy Tuck

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

If you’ve already scheduled your tummy tuck appointment, we understand that you may be overwhelmed about your upcoming surgery. With all of the processes you’ve gone through to get to this point, you want to make sure the procedure goes smoothly.

So what can you expect in the upcoming weeks leading up to the event? If you’re curious about the lifestyle choices you can make to ensure optimal recovery after the surgery is complete, here’s what you can do.

Clean up Your Lifestyle

The first tactic you can begin taking today is cleaning up various parts of your life. Do you smoke, drink, or have an unhealthy vice? By reducing the amount of time you partake in these activities, you increase your odds of having a healthy system when the surgery happens.

If you had to focus on the number-one habit that you can eliminate before your surgery date, it’s smoking. Smokers who undergo surgery are more likely to have wounds that will not close or heal after the surgeon finishes their job.

We understand that eliminating smoking from your life can be a challenging task, so we’ve established a list of go-to tactics to help you:

  • Nicotine-replacement therapy
  • Vaporizers with no nicotine
  • Chewing low-sugar candy
  • Establishing a support group
  • Massage therapy
  • Meditation and yoga

These tricks, when used in conjunction with one another, can greatly increase your odds of dropping the habit of smoking.

Get Rid of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Aspirin

Although it may sound somewhat graphic, for post-surgery wounds to heal correctly, the blood needs to clot and seal properly. When you rely on aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs daily, you can create excess bleeding during surgery.

While you may need to take these medications to stay healthy, talk with your physician about your upcoming surgery. They may provide an alternative treatment plan that can be used in the weeks leading up until the procedure.

Get Close To Your Ideal Weight

Perhaps the most critical step that you can take to ensure a safe tummy tuck is getting as close to your goal weight as possible. When you consult with your doctor or surgeon, define the weight that you desire to be in the future. Once you have this number, it’s time to get to work!

Much like smoking, getting into shape can seem like a daunting task. Knowing this, we advise you to approach the subject slowly. Through a combination of cardiovascular routines and smart dietary choices, your goal can become a reality.

Be Positive

Lastly, we want to encourage you to stay optimistic and hopeful for your procedure. While it may seem intimidating and scary, it’s a new start for your life! From here on out, you’ll be able to look into the mirror and feel confident and proud of your figure. Never again will you let a little bit of weight hold you back from experiencing the life you desire!

Schedule a Consultation

To get started with your tummy tuck journey, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hetal Fichadia, located in Portland, OR. To request your appointment, complete our online form.

What to Know About Tummy Tuck Recovery

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

You’ve tried to tone your tummy on your own. You exercise regularly and eat the way you should. Your efforts haven’t paid off. You may be dealing with stubborn deposits of fat that won’t respond to exercise. You may have loose muscles that refuse to tighten after pregnancy. Help from a plastic surgeon may make a difference. Dr. Fichadia can help, so here’s what to expect from a tummy tuck, which is one of the best ways to achieve a toned, tight stomach.

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?

If you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck, Dr. Fichadia will discuss your options, including a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, or an extended tummy tuck. Each type of procedure will involve an incision. Depending on the extent of stretching and looseness, your incision could be extensive. Once an incision is made, the following steps will be taken:

  • Excess skin will be removed
  • Excess fat will be removed
  • Your abdominal muscles will be tightened

The end result is a sleeker physique after your recovery. With the right lifestyle changes, you can enjoy long-term results with your tummy tuck.

What Can I Expect From Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Several factors can play a role in the length of your recovery time. These include your overall condition at the time of surgery, your age, and the extent of your procedure. How closely you follow Dr. Fichadia’s instructions will also have an impact on how quickly you heal. You’ll need to be prepared for the healing process. You can expect to be sore and swollen immediately following your procedure, and this is usually most extensive in the first few days. Bandages will cover your incisions and you may need to care for these. You may also have drainage tubes to eliminate fluids and you’ll receive instructions on how to manage these. You will need to rest, avoiding overexertion. You should have someone drive you home and spend the next 24 hours with you to provide support. You’ll be given detailed instructions to follow and can contact Dr. Fichadia for any questions you might have.

What Can I Do to Have a Successful Recovery?

Be sure to follow all recommendations from Dr. Fichadia once you’re at home. You’ll be prescribed pain medication and should take this according to instructions. Don’t be afraid to use it immediately following your procedure. You can gradually decrease your dosage as time goes by. You should avoid any heavy lifting, and your physical activity should be limited. However, you’ll be encouraged to at least take a walk every day to keep your body moving and improve your circulation. You should also make sure your bandages are changed regularly. Your incisions should be kept clean and you’ll receive instructions on bathing during your immediate recovery. You should also wear a compression garment around your abdomen to reduce swelling and help the skin adhere to the new contours. Expect at least a couple of weeks before you can return to your regular activities.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Fichadia, located in Portland, OR, can make sure you understand your options with your ideal tummy tuck procedure. To learn more, we invite you to schedule a consultation by calling or filling out our online form.

Should I Get a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

There are many procedures that are available to patients in the cosmetic industry. Some of the most sought-after are tummy tucks and liposuction, because many individuals find themselves frustrated with excess fat in their belly. Understanding the difference between these two procedures can help you to determine just which one you should be scheduling.

Are These Procedures The Same Thing?

It’s a common misconception that tummy tucks and liposuction are the same types of procedure. The truth is that they’re not. While both procedures may be geared towards changing the physical appearance of the midsection, each does so in its own way. Each procedure comes with its own recovery time, risks, and other key differences.

Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most well-known procedures for its ability to remove stubborn fat deposits from problem areas of the body. During this procedure, the patient is intravenously sedated so the procedure is pain-free. Your surgeon will make incisions in the abdominal region and insert a thin tube. This tube is called a cannula and is moved underneath the skin by your surgeon. This cannula will loosen up fat deposits and the medical vacuum attached to it will suck the fat deposits out.

Tummy Tuck

When you undergo a tummy tuck, you’ll be put under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision at the bottom of the abdominal wall. They’ll then sew together the abdominal muscles that have become stretched out. The skin will then be tightened over the new abdominal region and any excess will be removed. To finish the procedure, your surgeon will utilize sutures to close up the body. This procedure takes about two to three hours to complete.

Am I A Good Candidate?

Tummy tucks and liposuction can be very appealing procedures for many with the obvious goal of getting rid of excess fat. However, the desire to have a toned body alone isn’t the only element of being a successful candidate. Each procedure has its own list of ideal candidates.

Liposuction is best performed on those individuals who are looking to remove a small amount of fat in key areas of the body. These include the butt, thighs, hips, and stomach. This procedure is aimed at removing small amounts of fat deposits in targeted areas to help reduce fat bulges and improve the contour of of the body. Those who are obese or whose weight fluctuates significantly are not good candidates for liposuction, as it doesn’t remove a large amount of fat.

Tummy tuck candidates are those who have undergone a significant shift in their weight levels. This could be through losing an excessive amount of body fat or pregnancy. The tummy tuck helps to restore the look of a contoured midsection by removing excess fat and loose skin in the abdominal region.

Schedule A Consultation Today

If you’re still not sure whether or not liposuction or a tummy tuck is right for you, give Dr. Hetal Fichadia a call today to schedule a consultation in Portland, OR. She can discuss with you the best option for your unique situation that will provide you with the desired results you’ve been hoping for.

Your Best Options to Remove Saggy Skin

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

Weight loss is one of the significant achievements you can make towards a more active and healthier life. However, weight loss may leave heavy and loose folds of skin, a stark reminder of how far you’ve come, thus presenting a new challenge. Sagging skin makes it difficult for you to enjoy the benefits of your weight loss. Therefore, you will need to contact a specialist who can help eliminate the sagging skin and restore some visually pleasing body contours. If you feel burdened by the extra skin after significant weight loss, several procedures can be used to eliminate it and enhance your self-confidence and comfort.

Options to Achieve a Trimmer and Firmer Body Shape

Plastic surgery removes the extra skin, thus improving the tone and shape of the tissues within your abdomen, face, breasts, thighs, arms, and buttocks. Different types of cosmetic surgery will help you gain a firmer body shape. They include.

Body Lift (Body Contouring)

Body contouring surgery is one of the standard procedures that can be used to improve your body’s appearance after weight loss. The results of the procedure are durable if your weight remains stable. One cut is made along your abdomen, and the surgeon removes the extra sagging skin. The same procedure is also used when lifting and tightening the waist, thighs, hips, arms, and buttocks.

Tummy Tuck

After a body lift surgery, you may get a tummy tuck. The procedure is used to flatten the stomach when weight loss, diet, and exercise have not worked as expected. After making one large cut, the surgeon manipulates the skin, muscles, and tissues and restore the weakened abdominal muscles. The belly button is moved to suit your current shape. The procedure results in a flatter and firmer abdomen that matches your new trimmer shape. The scars left usually fade after some time.

Breast Lift

If you have sagging breasts, going for a breast lift will help in lifting and reshaping them. During the process, the surgeon will remove the excess skin and tissues on the breast. The nipple is also re-positioned higher on the chest to suit the breast’s shape. Sagging breasts can also be eliminated, and a breast implant used to replace them.
Who are the Suitable Candidates for the Sagging Skin Surgery?
You are a suitable candidate for the surgery if:

  • Your body weight is stable
  • You are in good health
  • You do not smoke
  • You have some realistic goals for the outcomes
  • You are dedicated to keeping fit by observing a healthy lifestyle

Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon

Sagging skin removal surgery is a delicate procedure that should be performed by highly qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeons. For maximum safety and incredible outcomes, visit a surgeon who regularly practices sagging skin removal. Dr. Fichadia is a comprehensively trained and double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She pursued surgical training at St Elizabeth’s, became an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, and later completed a competitive cosmetic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. Having a tremendous educational background has given her the skills and techniques in all sagging skin removal options. She is always passionate and thorough in her work, guaranteeing you incredible results. Consider contacting her at her Portland, OR office, and you will have a great experience.