Introduction
A Tummy Tuck, also called an Abdominoplasty, can dramatically reduce the appearance of an extended abdomen. It removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases, will also restore weakened or separated muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. Even if you are at normal body weight, there can still be factors that cause your belly to protrude, such as:
We would like to remind you that while you may lose some weight from this surgery, it is not a substitution for weight loss. You can also maintain your results for longer with a proper diet and exercise.
Belly Button Surgery is the re-creation of an aesthetically pleasing belly button during a tummy tuck. Most plastic surgeons ignore the belly button during a tummy tuck, but S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS knows the aesthetic importance of a belly button. During a tummy tuck, the skin of the abdomen is moved downward. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS anchors the belly button to the muscle wall and creates a new opening for it to heal. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS’s unique belly button surgery requires no sutures placed at the junction of the abdomen to your belly button, with all other sutures placed either below the skin or hidden within the belly button to minimize scarring.
Rectus Diastasis is the separation of the abdominal muscle during pregnancy. To repair this separation, permanent sutures are required as dissolvable sutures may dissolve too soon and erase the results of the corrective surgery. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS uses a very specific series of “figure 8” sutures to close the separation of the abdominal muscle, then sews over that with what is known as a running locking suture. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS has seen success with this technique in hundreds of patients.
For the most aesthetically pleasing tummy tuck, the closure must be as low as possible on the body – usually, 8 to 10 inches of pubic hair and abdominal skin are removed. The lower the closure, the more likely it is any visible scarring will be covered by clothing or swimwear. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS’s unique closure procedure includes a closure of multiple layers to minimize the appearance of scarring. The bottom layer of the incision is closed in the SFS (superficial fascial system) with thread. Above that, dissolvable staples and sutures are used, followed by traditional staples and sutures which are removed after three days. Then, the suture line is taped for 3-4 months to reduce scarring and redness.
Our Hawaii Tummy Tuck patients have been able to see some of the following examples of the benefits that this surgery can provide:
In general, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck in Hawaii if:
Concerned that you may need to lose weight before a tummy tuck, but having trouble reaching your goal weight? Dr. Schlesinger offers options for patients with BMI <30 to safely and successfully achieve a firmer, flatter midsection.
First Steps
Prepare yourself for your tummy tuck consultation by defining your surgical goals as descriptively as possible. With a thorough and complete understanding of exactly what you want from the procedure, S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS can tailor a procedure plan specifically for you. Also, be prepared to share information about any medications you are currently taking and details about any previous surgeries you may have had.
Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger is Hawaii’s tummy tuck expert and will guide you through every step of the procedure. At your consultation, Dr. Schlesinger will evaluate your general health to confirm that you are fit to have the procedure, take photographs, discuss your full range of options, and recommend a specific tummy tuck procedure. After your consultation, you may be asked to adjust any medications you are currently taking. It is ideal to stop smoking as soon as possible before the procedure and avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
On the day of your surgery, we will begin the procedure after anesthesia is administered, which will depend on the type of Tummy Tuck you are getting and does change from patient to patient.
Dr. Schlesinger will make an incision just above the pubic area used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. Then, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs, followed by the large skin flap being folded to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This maneuver provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. Dr. Schlesinger draws underlying muscles and tissue together and stitches them, which narrows the waistline and strengthens the abdominal wall. The skin flap is then stretched down, any extra skin is removed, and a new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched up, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube called a cannula may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
A standard Tummy Tuck usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required, whereas a Mini-Tummy Tuck may only require one or two hours.
Tummy tucks provide a slimmer, firmer abdominal contour to match the proportions of the rest of your body. The final results of your tummy tuck will be initially obscured by swelling and other factors, but do not be discouraged! Every tummy tuck patient has to wait a couple of weeks before getting an idea of the final result. Be sure to view S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS before and after gallery, and make note of any specific patient results you would like to experience yourself.
One look at Dr. Schlesinger’s plastic surgery before and after gallery will show you that his tummy tuck pictures look a bit different than other surgeons: he has patients sit down for their photos. He does this for a very specific reason, which is to show how flat and tight the abdomen is, in real-world positions. The unspoken goal of many women who have put up with stretch marks and rippling of skin or fat is to have a flat abdomen with absolutely no wrinkles between breasts and thighs—and Dr. Schlesinger’s technique achieves this, as his gallery shows. When viewing standing before photos, you’ll notice that even patients who have a lot of loose skin on the lower stomach don’t have to wrinkle higher up, thanks to the natural effect of gravity. The same holds true for after photos—if you’re only viewing a standing patient, you won’t know what their results look like when they’re sitting by the pool in their favorite bikini.
What is the cost?
Tummy tuck surgery costs at the Breast Implant Center of Hawaii range between $16,000 to $20,000.
Included in this price are surgeon’s fees, operating room and lab costs, post-op materials, and laser scar revision, tattooing, and/or touch-ups, should they be necessary (most plastic surgeons do not include these as part of their fee). Anesthesia fees, medication, and travel costs are not included.
Be sure to check out our patient financing options and current specials to see how you can save.
Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of plastic surgery experience in Hawaii. He has performed more than 20,000 plastic surgery procedures, with his results proving him to be one of the best plastic surgeons in Hawaii, as well as the rest of the country. Dr. Schlesinger is passionate about aesthetic plastic surgery because it empowers people to reach their full potential. By helping patients achieve their desired body goals, Dr. Schlesinger enables them to redirect their energy toward enjoying relationships with friends and family, pursuing career goals, and engaging in hobbies and activities that bring them joy.
The best way to learn more about tummy tucks is to schedule a consultation to meet with S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS, and his wonderful staff. They will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and assist you in any way they can throughout your Hawaii tummy tuck. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS routinely serves tummy tuck patients from Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Hilo, and across the beautiful state of Hawaii. If you’re tired of looking in the mirror and being embarrassed by your tummy, don’t hesitate to make an appointment today by calling (808) 597-8835 or requesting an appointment through our website, and be on your way to a new you that you’ll love!
