Abdominoplasty in Honolulu, Hawaii
A slim, youthful figure can go a long way toward improving the way you look. This is true whether you're wearing clothes, a bathing suit, or nothing at all. Unfortunately, many of us have seen our trim and toned abdomen gradually change due to pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and the general aging process. If you're like many men and women, you're frustrated by excess fat, skin, and weakened muscles in your midsection. With a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), Honolulu, Hawaii plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Mirzai can help you look younger, slimmer, and more attractive.
To learn more about abdominoplasty, you can request an appointment online or contact us by phone or email.
Reasons for Considering Tummy Tuck
When people think about body contouring, they often have difficulty choosing between liposuction and a tummy tuck. Although both procedures have their benefits, a tummy tuck helps Hawaii women and men who are looking to remove excess skin and mend separated abdominal muscles. Liposuction by itself does not improve excess skin or weakened muscles, although it remains a good option for people with small pockets of fat in various locations throughout the body.
If your interest in abdominoplasty is due in large part to pregnancy, you may also have other areas of your body that have changed because of motherhood. You may be frustrated by sagging breasts, diet-resistant fat deposits, and facial wrinkles. If this is the case, you may want to consider "Mommy Makeover" combined procedures such as a breast lift or face lift.
General Procedure
At our practice, most procedures (including abdominoplasty) can be performed using Total IV Anesthesia (TIVA) with the aid of experienced anesthesia professionals. TIVA results in several benefits for our Hawaii tummy tuck patients: reduced post-operative pain, reduced risk of blood clots in the legs, lower incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting, and avoidance of "hangover" effects.
After TIVA has been administered, an incision will be made in your lower abdomen (generally in a location that will be hidden below the line of underwear or bathing suit bottoms). Drs. Mirzai and Phan use this incision to remove excess skin and fat and repair stretched or weakened abdominal muscles. If your upper abdomen also needs to be addressed, a second incision may be made around your belly button.
Recovery Process
Our practice will make every effort to ensure that recovery is as comfortable as possible after your tummy tuck. Our Maui surgery center even offers private bungalows for patients flying in from other islands. Our surgeons will make "house calls" to check-in on your progress.
We do everything we can to minimize pain after surgery, but even if you're feeling good and taking oral pain medication, you'll still need to lay back, relax, sleep, and let your body heal. If you have any questions or concerns, your surgeon will be there for you. Follow your surgeon's instructions and, in about two weeks, you should be back to your usual activities.