Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty surgery is commonly referred to as a tummy tuck. Dr. Graivier’s proprietary Corset Abdominoplasty will remove excess fat, loose or stretched skin, tighten the bulging abdomen and cinch the waistline creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

The Graivier “Corset” Abdominoplasty

Dr. Graivier has designed a tummy tuck technique he calls an “internal corset” which accentuates the waistline, while tightening the “core” and strengthening the back. Dr. Graivier’s technique results in a cinched, feminine waistline as opposed to the wider, fuller upper abdomen in most tummy tuck techniques.

Previous unsightly scars will be removed and replaced by a very low, well-hidden scar that will be hidden in a two-piece bathing suit or bikini, and a youthful, pretty belly button will be recreated.

Abdominoplasty Indications
Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for a healthy diet and a conscientious exercise program. However, many people plateau in their weight loss or training regimen because the muscle can be trained, but the fascial sheath holding the muscle cannot. It is like a loose rubber band that needs to be made into a “bow” string. Unfortunately, all the sit-ups and abdominal crunches in the world will not get this type of tissue to shrink.

Abdominoplasty candidates are often women who are done with childbearing but are left with weakened or spread abdominal muscles and bulging to and above the belly button. Other candidates include people with loose and overstretched skin, abdominal wall hernias or formerly overweight individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight and have redundant, flaccid skin.

The Graivier “Corset” Abdominoplasty Surgery
Dr. Graivier has designed a proprietary approach to abdominoplasty that he calls his “corset” abdominoplasty. This was in response to the many problems he sees with the traditional techniques. These problems include incisions too high, too long, and with depressed areas beneath the scars. But the real issue is patients that have the traditional abdominoplasty techniques are flatter, but as wide, and usually have protrusion of the upper abdomen compared to the lower abdomen.

In Dr. Graivier’s procedure, he not only fixes the spread muscles of the midline, but he also cinches in the flank muscles, which originate in the back. This cinching actually makes an internal corset… with your own muscles. The results are dramatic with a beautiful curved waist and a tightened “core” that is exponentially stronger as well as a stronger back.

Abdominoplasty Complementary Procedures
It is a common practice for patients undergoing a tummy tuck surgery to combine several procedures at once that will offer complementary or enhanced results. At The Graivier Center, we will take the time to walk potential patients through all of the risks and benefits of each surgery, whether you choose a single treatment or multiple treatments.

Patients undergoing a tummy tuck can elect to combine the following procedures for enhanced results:

Liposuction
Breast augmentation or Lift
Breast reduction
Arm lift
Buttock enhancement
Thigh lift
Body contouring
Intra-abdominal procedures, such as a hysterectomy, bladder suspension, or hernia repair

Abdominoplasty Surgery Recovery
After the abdominoplasty surgery, dressings will be applied to the incisions, and a compression garment will be placed to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals.

Small drainage tubes will be temporarily placed and will come out of the outer end of the incision. No new punctures or incisions are necessary. These will drain any excess fluid and will be removed usually within 5-10 days following surgery.

A pain pump will be placed to drip local anesthetic on the abdominal muscles for three days.

Patients may do light aerobics, mainly walking, as early as one to two weeks after surgery. However, we want you up in a chair and walking the day after surgery. Most patients are driving and return to work after 10 days to two weeks. Patients are asked to refrain from serious exercise for at least four weeks after surgery, though it usually takes up to six weeks to feel back to your pre-surgery energy level.

If necessary, tummy tuck patients will receive a “touch-up” finishing liposuction procedure and removal of abdominal “dogears” approximately four months following surgery. This is done under local anesthesia with oral sedation.

You will be given specific instructions from The Graivier Center that may include:

How to care for the surgical site and drains
Medications to apply or take orally to aid in healing and progression of your recovery
Specific signs to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
Post-op follow-up appointment information

Abdominoplasty Consultation
At The Graivier Center, we value our personal relationships with our patients. Each patient is treated as an individual, and as such, is given a personal consultation prior to any treatment. Dr. Graivier and his staff will meet with you to help you make decisions regarding which procedure(s) or treatment(s) will result in achieving your aesthetic goals. The consultation will conclude with a discussion about the desired treatment, your expectations, the benefits and risks associated with the treatment and post-treatment recovery.