Pregnancy and childbirth can stretch out both the abdominal wall as well as the abdominal skin. For a select group of women, their abdominal skin remains in relatively good shape and only the abdominal wall needs tightening. For these women, and some men with ventral hernias, the abdominal wall can be repaired and tightened endoscopically with one small incision near the pubic bone.
About the Procedure
The endoscopic tummy tuck procedure is a good option for those who have an abdominal wall laxity, but relatively little skin excess, and who are in comparatively good shape. For the most part, these patients have too much abdominal wall laxity, which gives their abdomen a "pooched", rounded look from the side. An endoscopic tummy tuck is designed to tighten the abdominal wall, relieving you of that forever-bloated look. This procedure is performed often with one small incision near the pubic bone.
Benefits of an endoscopic tummy tuck
An endoscopic tummy tuck allows the abdominal wall to be repaired or tightened in a similar way to a full tummy tuck but with a much smaller incision. Recovery time is comparable to a full tummy tuck since the abdominal wall repair (muscle repair) is what often creates most of the discomfort. A drain and an abdominal binder are still used during the recovery. Visit this post for Dr. Repta's top ten tummy tuck recovery tips
Modified Endoscopic Tummy Tuck
Because the requirements for an endoscopic tummy tuck are so specific, this procedure may not be right for some patients. An endoscopic tummy tuck is ideal for patients with good skin tone and loose abdominal wall muscles. A modified endoscopic tummy tuck is similar to an endoscopic tummy tuck combined with a mini tummy tuck. A modified endoscopic tummy tuck may be appropriate in patients who have had a prior C-section and already have a scar near the pubic bone. Dr. Repta is one of the few plastic surgeons in the world to offer the endoscopic tummy tuck procedure and the only plastic surgeon in Scottsdale Arizona to do so.
During your consultation in Scottsdale
Once you have scheduled a consultation, Dr. Repta will go over your goals and options for improving the shape and appearance of your tummy tuck. Dr. Repta takes great pride in being able to guide his patients to the right decision for their particular needs. Dr. Repta views cosmetic plastic surgery as a collaborative effort, therefore he likes to keep his patients completely informed every step of the way. It is important that you feel confident and grounded in your choice regardless of what type of tummy tuck or body contouring surgery you decide to have.
Endoscopic tummy tuck aftercare
The endoscopic tummy tuck procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure. All patients thus far have done well recovering at home, but overnight care facilities are available nearby if needed. Most patients chose to take one or two weeks off of work for recovery.
What to expect during recovery
All tummy tuck procedures are carefully customized to each patient's individual body type and goals. Since the endoscopic tummy tuck incision is very small, most of the recovery will be related to the abdominal wall tightening. We use long acting numbing medications (Exparel) placed into the abdominal wall during surgery to help with this recovery. You will have to wear an abdominal binder for about four weeks following your surgery and follow instructions regarding activity resctictions. Dr. Repta and his knowledgeable staff are here help ensure the utmost level of comfort for each patient, as well as insuring the best results possible. Dr. Repta strives to perform the best endoscopic tummy tuck Scottsdale can boast about.
We encourage you to visit our Anesthesia, Risks & Recovery section for more information.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like to know more about your Scottsdale abdominoplasty options, request a consultation online. Or if you prefer, you are welcome to call the office at 855-377-3782 and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.
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