Q.) A tummy tuck seems like a pretty comprehensive procedure. How can it possibly be minimally invasive?
A.) Yes, a traditional tummy tuck is a significant procedure, which is why I refined the comparable “mini” version for those patients who could benefit from a tummy tuck, but don’t necessarily need the full procedure. I use a different technique with the Band Aid version, only targeting the areas that need the most attention. This technique requires a shorter incision, and can therefore be performed in-office with local anesthesia.
Q.) What are the main differences in the Band Aid Tummy Tuck and the traditional tummy tuck?
A.) The incision for the Band Aid Tummy Tuck is significantly smaller than the incision required with the traditional procedure. Instead of excising fat and skin across the entire tummy, I focus solely on those areas that need attention. The most significant difference, though, is the shorter recovery time associated with the Band Aid Tummy Tuck.
Plastic surgery can provide results from very dramatic to very subtle depending on a patient’s desires, but I’ve noticed many patients do not really want (or need) dramatic plastic surgery results. Back in 1997, I developed the original Band Aid Facelift (a “mini” version of the traditional facelift) with these particular patients in mind. Since then, I’ve refined other traditional cosmetic procedures to offer Band Aid Blepharoplasty, Band Aid Brow Lift, Band Aid Tummy Tuck, and Band Aid Liposuction. I chose the name “Band Aid” because the nature of my technique doesn’t require surgical dressings like the traditional procedures. In fact, Band Aid procedures are performed in office under local anesthesia and have a significantly shorter recovery time than the traditional procedures. Although Band Aid procedures are appealing, there is an appropriate and inappropriate application for them.
First, let’s discuss the appropriate times for Band Aid procedures. My Band Aid procedures were designed as minimally invasive versions of traditional plastic surgery procedures for patients who desire plastic surgery, but are not in need of a full procedure. For instance, some patients are troubled by their early signs of aging, although these signs of aging are not prominent enough to need a traditional facelift. These patients are perfect candidates for the Band Aid Facelift. The “mini” procedure is minimally invasive, making only local anesthesia necessary.
Everyone ages differently, and a full facelift is not always necessary. Some people age first around their brow, while others initially show aging around their eyes or mouth. Patients who are just beginning to notice signs of aging on their brow (i.e.- fine lines, sagging skin/brows, wrinkles) may benefit from Band Aid Brow Lift. Similarly, patients who notice early signs of aging around their eyes (i.e.- fat pockets, drooping or hooded eyelids) can benefit from Band Aid Blepharoplasty, minimally invasive eyelid surgery.
Atlanta plastic surgeon, Dr. John LeRoy offers a custom-tailored combination of cosmetic procedures, Mommy Makeover Surgery, to repair the effects of pregnancy and childbirth. See his ad in Atlanta Parent Magazine currently on newsstands now.
See Dr. John LeRoy’s “What’s New” ad in Atlanta Magazine this month featuring mommy makeover surgery which may include liposuction (Band Aid Liposuction), breast augmentation, breast lift and tummy tuck surgery. Every person’s needs are different and will be discussed at time of consultation. For more information, call our Atlanta area office at 404-843-0840.
“Droopy” is not an adjective people enjoy associating with the appearance of their bodies. However, Atlanta plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. John LeRoy hears the word a lot from mommy makeover surgery and Band Aid “mini” Facelift patients describing sagging skin of their aging faces and post child birth bodies. While many Atlanta, GA cosmetic surgery patients think the problem is skin or fat related, Dr. LeRoy reiterates that often, the source of these cosmetic concerns starts at the core: muscles.
Women who have had children, and exercise regularly, come to board certified plastic surgeon Dr. John LeRoy thinking they need liposuction to remedy the “fat” they see on their lower abdomen. Often, many of these mom’s don’t have excess fat on their stomachs, but muscle separation which creates a “pooch” appearance.
A medical condition known as diastasis recti, muscle separation occurs during 1/3 of all pregnancies when a mother’s abdominal muscles can’t support the rapid expansion of her stretching uterus. The rectus abdominis, or girdle like muscles of the torso begin to thin, stretch, and move slowly outward as the expanding baby pushes forth. The protrusion remains after birth, and cannot be fixed with exercise: only by retacking the muscles in their proper vertical position using tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty).
As detailed in his previous blog about “mini facelift” procedures, Dr. LeRoy describes the distinctive process involved in Band Aid Facelift surgery: carefully maneuvering lax facial muscles to restore a tighter, younger looking facial musculature. Unlike many traditional, full facelift procedures which can carry the risk of producing results that look overdone, the Band Aid Facelift rejuvenates the face without removing too much skin or creating a “stretched” appearance.
While not a substitute for regular exercise, or a health-centered skin care regime, cosmetic facial surgery and body procedures can address underlying issues contributing to unwanted, external signs of aging or past pregnancy. To learn more about the cosmetic surgery procedures Dr. LeRoy performs, visit his website or subscribe to his newsletter.
Q.) A tummy tuck seems like a pretty comprehensive procedure. How can it possibly be minimally invasive?
