Tummy Tuck and Liposuction in the Cleveland and Akron Area
Liposuction and tummy tuck from our plastic surgeon, serving Cleveland, Akron, and surrounding areas, are aesthetic enhancement procedures that are designed to eliminate stubborn fat and excess skin from the body. Many of us have certain body areas that contain sagging skin and flab that will simply not go away, no matter how much diet and exercise we undertake. These cosmetic procedures have proven extremely effective in reducing deposits of fat and finally getting rid of problem fatty areas.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A full tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, tones both the upper and lower abdominal regions and is ideal for women who have had multiple pregnancies, which tend to permanently expand the skin and muscles of the stomach. If only the lower abdomen needs attention, a "mini" tummy tuck may be all that is required. Patients requesting tummy tuck at our Cleveland and Akron-area practice often have fat and excess skin folds in the abdominal region caused by:
- Weight loss
- Pregnancy
- Genetic predisposition
For many people, the excess, overhanging fat in the mid-section can be extremely difficult to get rid of, no matter how hard they try. A tummy tuck can be a very effective remedy for not only eliminating the excess, but creating a tight and taut abdominal region.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
A full tummy tuck begins with an incision placed carefully along the lower abdomen, stretching from hip to hip. A second incision is made to allow the navel to be separated from the surrounding tissue. The abdominal muscles are brought together and reinforced with sutures, which narrows the waistline and creates a firmer, flatter midsection. Excess fat is then removed and the skin is repositioned and trimmed so that it stretches tautly across the stomach. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied to the area to provide support.
Individuals who have isolated lower abdominal laxity may be good candidates for a mini-tummy tuck. This procedure does not address the upper abdomen or the belly button. Many of our Cleveland, Akron, and Canton patients opt for this procedure because it is less extensive and involves less contouring than the full technique, enabling patients to return to work and other activities sooner after surgery. Liposuction is frequently performed in addition to a full or mini-tummy tuck in order to better sculpt the waistline and optimize the final result.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
The abdomen will likely be swollen for the first few days following a tummy tuck procedure. Any residual pain and discomfort can be controlled with medication. Dr. Jason Leedy advises patients to take short walks soon after surgery to prevent blood clots. He also suggests that patients avoid strenuous exercise for at least six weeks so they do not strain the mid-section. Patients should expect some scarring from the procedure; however, the scar from a tummy tuck generally fades (though not completely) with time, and can be easily hidden under clothing and swimwear. Depending on the extent of contouring involved in the procedure, patients who have a tummy tuck are usually able to return to work after about two to three weeks.
Tummy Tuck Risks
Any major surgery involves some degree of risk, and tummy tuck procedures are no exception. Some of the risks associated with tummy tuck include:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Asymmetry of scars
- Poor healing
The majority of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures are performed without complications. Dr. Leedy is an experienced plastic surgeon who is well-versed in abdominoplasty techniques. He will work with you to help minimize any potential risks.
To learn more about how Dr. Leedy's advanced tummy tuck techniques help our Akron, Cleveland, Canton, Willoughby, and Mentor patients look their very best, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Leedy today. He will work with you to develop a body contouring plan custom tailored to your needs and desires.
Liposuction
Some of us are burdened with stubborn areas of fat on our bodies that won't go away, no matter what we do to eliminate them. Liposuction from our experienced surgeon, serving Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and beyond, can significantly reduce these fatty areas and give the body a more contoured appearance. Liposuction can be used on virtually any area of the body, including:
- Thighs
- Legs
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Love-Handles
- Neck
- Chin
- Face
- Back
Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic enhancement procedures. At your initial consultation, Dr. Jason Leedy will explain all aspects of the procedure, and, together, you will decide if liposuction is the best option to meet your goals.
Liposuction Procedure
During liposuction, a slim tube (cannula) is used to gently break up and suction away fat deposits located several layers beneath the skin. Variations in the technique used for liposuction enable Dr. Leedy to tailor the treatment according to your particular needs and goals, which allows for optimal body contouring results.
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is considered the safest form of the technique because of its ability to eliminate large pockets of fat with very little blood loss. Dr. Leedy will inject a saline solution into the fatty area, then insert the cannula and gently move it back and forth, suctioning out the fat cells. The procedure can often be performed under local anesthesia, and typically takes about two hours or less to complete, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
For our Akron and Cleveland patients who have more resistant fat deposits that may require follow-up treatment, Dr. Leedy provides secondary liposuction using an advanced procedure called ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL). In this technique, a tiny cannula that emits ultrasonic waves is used to liquefy excess fat, which allows the fat to be removed more easily. This state-of-the-art procedure can help you attain a more balanced, attractive figure if you are unsatisfied with the results of your original liposuction. This procedure may also be performed under local anesthesia. UAL generally takes less than two hours to complete.
SmartLipo™
SmartLipo™ is the newest, most advanced liposuction technique available. Using laser energy, fat cells are liquefied and suctioned out of the target area, ultimately resulting in tightening of the skin. Typically focused on smaller areas of excess fat, SmartLipo™ generally does not require a trip to the operating room. The technique allows for quicker recovery since general anesthesia is not required. Dr. Leedy is the first and only plastic surgeon in Northeast Ohio offering SmartLipo™ and is a Clinical Instructor for the entire Northeast Ohio region.
Liposuction Recovery
Patients should expect some swelling and bruising after liposuction, but these side effects should fade as the treated area heals. Patients who undergo liposuction can generally return to work after one or two weeks and to more strenuous activities after two to four weeks. Liposuction involves very small incisions, so any residual scarring will be minimal and easily hidden. Many of our liposuction patients from Cleveland, Akron, and Canton combine their treatment with a face lift or breast augmentation procedure for greater aesthetic enhancement.
Liposuction Risks
Liposuction procedures at our Cleveland facility are carried out with great care and expertise; however, as with all surgical procedures, there are risks. These risks include:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Injury to the skin
- Excessive fluid loss
- Excessive fluid accumulation
- Friction burns
- Uneven shape or contour
- Damage to vital organs
- Blood clots
- Infection
Many of these risks are extremely rare. Dr. Leedy is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of liposuction surgeries. He encourages you to voice any concerns you may have at any point during the process, and he will address them with you.
Contact Our Tummy Tuck and Liposuction Surgeon
Tummy tuck and liposuction procedures at our Cleveland and Akron-area practice are two of the most effective aesthetic enhancement options available. Both can eliminate areas of fat on the body that are resistant to traditional methods of weight loss, and give you a tighter, more contoured body frame. Please contact the Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jason Leedy.
