the removal of tissue required to lift the breasts. If a woman desires her breasts to be lifted as well as enhanced in size, the use of a breast implant would be required. The abdominal component of the mommy makeover will depend upon the degree of excess or loose skin, the strength or weakness of the muscle wall and the amount of excess fatty tissue. These factors will determine whether the patient needs abdominal liposuction, a minor abdominoplasty or a full abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty is also referred to as a tummy tuck. Abdominal liposuction involves the use of a cannula to remove excess or unwanted fatty tissue. There are multiple techniques by which liposuction can be performed. Liposuction will have no effect on the abdominal muscle wall and does not involve removal of excess skin. A tummy tuck operation will involve the removal of fatty tissue, excess loose skin and tightening of the muscle/ fascia layer. By removing loose skin, the appearance of stretch marks will be improved. The muscle/fascia layer will be tightened with the placement of sutures, which will help flatten the abdomen and help restore the prepregnancy appearance. If the excess skin is limited to the lower portion of the abdomen, below the umbilicus, a mini tummy tuck may be the best option. A mommy makeover surgery can take between two to six hours to perform, depending upon which procedures are required. Most patients can return to work or work in the home within seven to ten days or sooner, depending upon which surgeries are required. These operations should be performed in a fully accredited surgical facility by a board certified plastic surgeon, preferably one who is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. by CHRISTOPHER J. MOREA, MD FACS, morea plastic surgical center of north raleigh
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