Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
At Elle Aesthetic Arts in Ashburn, VA, Dr. Larry Lickstein specializes in advanced body contouring with natural-looking results for patients in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. When it comes to aesthetic body goals, many people consider their stomach or lower belly to be a “problem area” and a healthy diet and exercise routine cannot always deliver a toned look. Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure to reshape and contour the midsection by removing excess skin and fat, tightening abdominal muscles, and reducing the size of the waist.
Why Choose Dr. Larry Lickstein for Your Abdominoplasty?
Dr. Lickstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is widely sought after for tummy tuck surgery, including revision abdominoplasty procedures for patients who are unhappy with their results from prior procedures. He takes the time to fully understand each patient’s individual needs and goals. Patients appreciate Dr. Lickstein’s sense of artistry and attention to detail which, along with his well-honed surgical skill, allow him to produce exceptional results.
The Elle Aesthetic Arts difference is that we focus more on what you do want than what you don’t want. Dr. Lickstein goes beyond just removing excess skin and fat—he takes a sculptural approach to tummy tuck surgery with a focus on recreating the organic contours of the midsection, including a natural-looking belly button, and restoring a lean, youthful look.
What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck
Preparing for Surgery
During your consultation appointment, Dr. Lickstein will review your medical history, evaluate the area to be treated, and discuss your concerns and goals in order to create a custom-tailored treatment plan. He and his team will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions to follow leading up to your abdominoplasty appointment.
How Tummy Tuck Surgery Works
On the day of your appointment, Dr. Lickstein will review your treatment plan and mark the operative plan on your skin with your guidance before you receive a general anesthetic, to make certain that all of your concerns will be addressed. Once you are asleep, he will make an incision very low on your abdomen, near the pubic line, to optimally position the final scar. He will then remove excess skin and soft tissue and repair or tighten the abdominal muscles. Dr. Lickstein also uses liposuction around the flanks and hips to give you a lean appearance with natural-looking contours. If you have scars from prior surgeries, such as a caesarean section or appendectomy, Dr. Lickstein may be able to arrange your skin and tissue to eliminate them.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Dr. Lickstein has developed an abdominoplasty recovery plan to help you comfortably resume your regular activities as quickly and easily as possible. He provides patients with a pain pump that dispenses local anesthetic in order to help you minimize the need for narcotic pain medication. Patients find that this helps them stay alert and resume non-physical work sooner. You will need to avoid lifting weight or performing physical activities for several weeks after surgery.
Tummy Tuck Results
Tummy tuck surgery with liposuction for advanced body contouring yields a very high patient satisfaction rate. In order to get the best results possible, it is important to see an experienced plastic surgeon who is board-certified and has received fellowship training. You can maintain your results by committing to a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and regular physical activity.
Contact Elle Aesthetic Arts
Dr. Lickstein and the team at Elle Aesthetic Arts are dedicated to helping people look their best in order to empower them to live life confidently. Contact us with any questions or to schedule your consultation appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Who gets tummy tuck surgery?
Each year, more than 120,000 people in America get tummy tuck surgery.1 Dr. Lickstein treats a diverse range of patients, including moms seeking a pre-baby body, people who have excess skin post-weight loss, and men and women who want to correct age-related physical changes to restore a youthful look.
Am I a candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
There are many factors to consider when making the decision to have a tummy tuck and a consultation appointment is the best way to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. In general, good abdominoplasty candidates are healthy, at a stable weight, and interested in recontouring their midsection.
What will my scars look like?
Dr. Lickstein employs meticulous surgical technique and takes great care to place tummy tuck incisions as low as possible. Patients are typically able to hide any scarring in a bikini or underwear. He also recommends incision care to minimize inflammation and optimize maturation of the scar.
Can tummy tuck surgery remove my stretch marks?
If you have stretch marks below your belly button as a result of pregnancy or weight fluctuations, Dr. Lickstein may be able to eliminate them during your tummy tuck procedure. Each patient is different and he can discuss what results may be possible for you during your consultation appointment.
Is tummy tuck part of a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is a fully customized treatment plan with different procedures that aim to address changes that many women go through after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Many women suffer from separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy, called diastasis recti, that can cause a bulge in the tummy; abdominoplasty can effectively correct this condition. Most women who get a mommy makeover include a tummy tuck, as well as liposuction, and procedures to restore and rejuvenate their breasts.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2019 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2019/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2019.pdf Accessed November 20, 2020.