Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is one of the most popular body procedures in the United States. Women and men with loose abdominal skin, outstretched muscles, and stubborn fat can eliminate these concerns with abdominoplasty. The procedure corrects abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) and may remove stretch marks from the lower abdomen. However, people with these concerns in their midsection often have other cosmetic issues, such as loose skin along their thighs, drooping breasts, or stubborn upper arm fat. Dr. Ary Krau can combine your tummy tuck with other body procedures to simultaneously address all of your problem areas.

Plastic Surgeries That Pair Well with Tummy Tuck

Your combination procedure depends on your specific concerns with your body. During your consultation, Dr. Krau will discuss your cosmetic concerns, overall health, and medical history and evaluate your physique. He may recommend adding these procedures to your tummy tuck:

• Liposuctioncan eliminate unwanted fat from nearly any body area, providing more body sculpting than tummy tuck can achieve by itself. Remove stubborn fat pockets from the upper arms, thighs, back, and other regions.
• Brazilian butt liftenhances the shape and size of the buttocks using fat cells harvested from another body area with liposuction. The minimally invasive procedure can provide a shapelier figure while tummy tuck smooths and slims down your midsection.
• Breast surgeryis often combined with tummy tuck and liposuction for a “mommy makeover.” Women may struggle with the effects of childbearing and breastfeeding and desire breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction in addition to getting rid of loose abdominal skin. Men undergoing tummy tuck may wish to have male breast reduction to provide a more masculine contour.

Benefits of Combining Your Desired Procedures

Tummy tuck is regularly combined with other elective cosmetic procedures. Condensing multiple plastic surgeries into one offers several benefits, including:

One-Time Surgical Risks

All procedures have some risks; combining yours into a single surgery means you only have to go under general anesthesia once. While your recovery may be longer when you have multiple procedures, the healing process is a one-time experience. You can save time away from work and reduce your risk of post-op complications by having a single surgery that addresses all of your cosmetic concerns.

A Lower Price Tag

The cost of your tummy tuck includes surgical fees, such as facility expenses, anesthesiologist fees, compression garments and other recovery items, pain medications, and more. Having multiple procedures at the same time reduces the overall cost of your plastic surgeries because you’re not paying for two or more rounds of surgical fees.

Achieve Your Cosmetic Goals Faster

Patients who struggle with drooping or deflated breasts, stubborn fat, and loose abdominal skin can reach their dream figure faster by combining their desired procedures into one surgery.

If you’re interested in tummy tuck or a combination procedure, contact our board-certified plastic surgeon in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Krau by calling (305) 861-6881.

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Everyone wants a flatter stomach, but loose skin and surplus fat can be resistant to even strict diet and exercise efforts. Tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic procedure because it recontours the midsection. When prospective abdominoplasty patients consult with Dr. Ary Krau, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami, they often express concern over how “natural” they can expect their results to appear. In this blog, Dr. Krau candidly discusses the feasibility of achieving natural outcomes from tummy tuck surgery.

Scarring

The most obvious clue that a patient has had abdominoplasty is the scar. To perform this surgery, Dr. Krau must make a long, horizontal incision, which means that, unfortunately, having a scar is unavoidable. The good news is that Dr. Krau places his incision low enough that the scar can be concealed with most types of underwear or bathing suits. As long as patients are not completely nude, it should not be difficult to cover up this evidence of a surgical procedure.

Skin and Fat

A good plastic surgeon knows that tummy tuck must be approached with an artistic eye and precise technique since removing extra skin and fat is not enough to achieve good contours. To ensure that the stomach looks authentic, the skin should rest tightly against the ribs, and fat should seem proportionate to other parts of the body. Some patients may prefer to have a realistic-looking figure rather than the flattest stomach possible. Dr. Krau understands this nuance and has the technique to achieve the patient’s desired aesthetic.

The Navel

The belly button is another important factor in keeping the midsection looking natural. When the belly skin is pulled taut, this tends to smooth the existing navel hole, which can look awkward. To correct for this, Dr. Krau makes an incision around the belly button so he can create a new hole that fits the new contours of the stomach. Patients should be cautious of any surgeon that does not discuss a plan for the belly button during a consultation; in the hands of a less-skilled surgeon, this can be the aspect that ends up looking the most artificial.

Trust a Leading Surgeon for Natural Results

At the risk of stating the obvious, the best plastic surgeons are known for achieving the most appealing and natural-looking tummy results. Patients who shop around for a discount doctor are often unhappy with their results. Instead, check that the surgeon has impressive credentials and ask to see before-and-after photos that demonstrate high-quality work. (You can view Dr. Krau’s tummy tuck gallery on this site.) To schedule a consultation to discuss abdominoplasty in greater detail, please call (305) 861-6881 today.

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For many years, moms just like you have trusted Dr. Ary Krau to help them reclaim a sexy physique and greater self-confidence. Read on as Dr. Krau reveals the top treatments for tightening loose skin after pregnancy.

Reclaim Your Body After Baby

The areas of the body you are probably most concerned about are your abdomen and breasts. Dr. Krau offers safe, effective procedures to address those problem areas and help you reclaim your former figure.

Loose Abdominal Skin
If you are like most women who have had children, you cannot get the same abdominal tightness you had before children, no matter how clean your diet is or how much you work out. When your abdominal skin and muscles have been stretched as much as they are during pregnancy, it is almost impossible to tighten them without surgery.

Tummy tuck removes excess skin, repairs stretched-out muscles and tightens loose skin to improve the curves and contours of the abdomen. Excess fat is also removed with liposuction techniques to further sculpt the stomach area.

Loose Breast Skin
Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause your breast tissue to engorge and then contract after weaning your baby. Because your skin stretches so much during the period of breast growth, it can end up looking loose and saggy after you finish breastfeeding.

Breast lift surgery removes excess breast skin and tightens the remaining skin. The tissue is lifted higher on the chest wall and tightened for a more youthful and perky breast position.

A Combination Approach

Many of Dr. Krau’s patients opt to combine tummy tuck with breast lift to transform both areas simultaneously. This approach is commonly referred to as a mommy makeover. Combining procedures can help you achieve your ultimate result faster, with only one surgical recovery period.

You might be curious to know what happens if you have more kids after mommy makeover. Although there are no medical or health concerns about getting pregnant after plastic surgery, having more kids will re-stretch out the newly tightened breast and abdominal skin, “undoing” some of the benefits of surgery.

Learn More About Post-Pregnancy Plastic Surgery

For more information about reclaiming your body after giving birth, Dr. Krau invites you to schedule a consultation with him. Call or email us today to request an appointment.

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If you are bothered by an abdominal pooch, top Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Ary Krau offers a solution: tummy tuck. Read on to find out how tummy tuck can eliminate the abdominal pooch when diet and exercise fail.

Why the Abdominal Pooch Cannot Be Treated with Diet and Exercise

An abdominal pooch is medically known as rectus diastasis. It is caused by the separation of the two large parallel bands of abdominal muscles that meet in the middle of the abdomen. During pregnancy, the muscles stretch out to accommodate the growing baby. After giving birth, the abdominal muscles remain separated, in some cases creating the appearance of a bulging pooch. Some women may experience severe rectus diastasis after giving birth once while others may experience severe rectus diastasis after multiple deliveries.

While diet and exercise are effective in burning fat that has accumulated on and around the abdomen during pregnancy and tightening the core, it cannot treat the muscles that have elongated. In fact, certain exercises can worsen rectus diastasis.

Treating the Abdominal Pooch with Tummy Tuck

Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck corrects weakened or separated abdominal muscles. During the procedure, the muscles are sutured together, reinforcing the abdominal wall and flattening the abdomen. Tummy tuck also eliminates loose, hanging skin that is resistant to diet and exercise. If combined with liposuction, tummy tuck eliminates pockets of fat for a smoother, flatter and more toned abdomen.

Dr. Krau tailors each tummy tuck procedure to the needs and goals of each individual patient. If you are bothered by a bulging abdominal pooch, speak to Dr. Krau and find out if tummy tuck can help. Tummy tuck can be performed as a solo procedure or as part of a mommy makeover, a cosmetic treatment that addresses multiple cosmetic problems brought on by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Mommy makeover procedures include tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift and breast augmentation.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Krau, please call (305) 861-6881 or email his Miami office today.

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Will Tummy Tuck Alter or Remove My Tattoo?

How tummy tuck surgery changes a tattoo depends on the size and location of the tattoo, and the amount of skin and fat that need to be removed. It’s difficult to comment on a specific case without a thorough in-person evaluation with Dr. Krau.

Usually, tummy tuck involves removing a large amount of skin from the lower abdomen. For patients with tattoos on the lower abdomen, removing the skin may remove a large portion or all of the tattoo. This may be beneficial if the patient no longer likes the tattoo or a problem if the patient wants to keep the tattoo intact.

Sometimes, tattoos remain intact after tummy tuck but simply shift closer to the underwear line, or look more stretched-out than normal.

Patients whose tattoos are partially removed during tummy tuck can either leave the area as-is after surgery, or have the tattoo redone. However, there are some potential complications of having the tattoo redone, as Dr. Krau will explain below.

Adding a Tattoo to Cover a Tummy Tuck Scar

Adding a tattoo to cover a tummy tuck scar is a personal preference and up to the discretion of the patient. However, Dr. Krau gently warns patients to carefully consider this option. Camouflaging a scar with a tattoo may actually call more attention to the scar. Also, scarred tissue does not hold the ink color as well as healthy skin. In fact, not only is tattooing fragile scar tissue difficult, it can also cause the scar to thicken or the tissue to develop an infection. Finally, scars tend to fade significantly over time, so young scars (less than a few years old) may become less of a concern after a few years.

If you have a tattoo on your lower abdomen and would like a better idea of how tummy tuck will alter it, Dr. Krau would be happy to consult with you. Please call or email our practice today to book your appointment.

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Dr. Ary Krau meets many women struggling with diastasis recti at his Miami plastic surgery practice. Read on as he explains the condition and discusses how he can fix it.

Understanding Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is a condition affecting the abdominal muscles that often occurs postpartum. It is especially common among mothers over the age of 35 and mothers who give birth to multiples.

Due to the pressure of the growing uterus and pregnancy hormones that soften and relax connective tissue, the right and left side of the abdomen can spread apart at the linea alba, or the fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen. While minor separation is nothing to worry about, a split that is larger than 2 centimeters wide is problematic. Diastasis recti can cause a pooch or bulging in the stomach that makes a woman look pregnant even months after she has delivered.

Time can help diastasis recti; as the hormone levels return to their pre-pregnancy levels, the connective tissue starts to contract. Corrective exercises and physical therapy can also help restore muscle strength and function. However, exercise routines should be approved and supervised by a doctor or fitness trainer to avoid exercises that can actually exacerbate the problem.

Tummy Tuck for Diastasis Recti

More serious cases of diastasis recti may be corrected through tummy tuck surgery.

During the operation, Dr. Krau makes a horizontal incision on the lower abdomen, just above the bikini line. Through the incision, he repairs the separated abdominal muscles, stitching them together in a corset-like fashion. Dr. Krau also removes excess skin and pockets of fat on the lower abdomen, and relocates the belly button higher on the abdomen if needed. Finally, he pulls down the remaining skin from the upper abdomen over the open area and stitches it into place.

After healing from the surgery, the abdomen should look flatter and firmer. Any bulging or pooching should be gone. The scarring from the incision is low enough to be concealed underneath a bathing suit or underwear, and should fade considerably.

Learn More about Tummy Tuck Surgery

To learn more about tummy tuck for diastasis recti and whether you are a candidate for the procedure, please call or email Dr. Krau today.

The post Do I Need to Have Tummy Tuck for Diastasis Recti? appeared first on Ary Krau MD.

Understanding the Tummy Tuck Procedure

Tummy tuck surgery is designed to remove abdominal fat deposits and excess skin left over from dramatic weight loss, previous abdominal surgery or (often multiple) pregnancies. The procedure can also tighten weakened or separated muscles of the abdominal wall.

During a consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon, he will determine your candidacy for tummy tuck. The discussion will include a review of your overall health (physical and psychological), any health conditions, whether you smoke, and the possibility of a future pregnancy and your goals of surgery. These factors are all considerations for your candidacy. The surgeon will discuss the details of the procedure, as well as the risks and complications, to give you a comprehensive idea of what to expect.

The Cost of Tummy Tuck

Another portion of the consultation will include a discussion of tummy tuck cost. Tummy tuck costs vary across the country, as well as from patient to patient. Because each patient is a unique individual, costs will be different for each person based on their needs and goals for the procedure. It is important to remember that the price your surgeon quotes should include not only the plastic surgeon’s fee but also the fee for the surgical facility and anesthesiologist. All costs should be revealed up front and there should be no surprises in your bill. Having this information at the time of consultation, before committing to surgery, should help you make a sound decision regarding your procedure.

Contact Dr. Ary Krau

For more information about the tummy tuck procedure and a customized quote, please schedule your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Krau by calling (305) 861-6881 or via email.

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Tummy tuck is a serious operation that requires a lot of planning. If you are considering having tummy tuck and have questions about how to prepare and what to expect, you may find plastic surgeon Dr. Ary Krau’s “Tummy Tuck Survival Guide” helpful. Here are some of his top tips.

Before Surgery

Recruit help. Make arrangements for someone to stay with you for a few days after your surgery and help with household chores and childcare. Even if you are Super-Mom in regular life, you will need to let people take care of you as you recover from surgery.

Take time off work. Request at least two weeks off from work to recover. Three weeks is optimal. If your job is physically demanding, you may need additional time.

Prepare your home. Make sure you have all of your recovery supplies on hand; after surgery you won’t be able to drive to the store or run errands. Get your bedroom or living room ready. Fill your prescriptions and stock your fridge with healthy, easy-to-prepare meals. Set out some loose, baggy clothing. Queue up your favorite entertainment or buy a few magazines to flip through.

Day of Surgery

Don’t eat or drink anything that morning. You can take a small sip of water for medications and to brush your teeth.

Wear loose, baggy clothing to the surgery center. Your shirt or jacket should have a zipper in the front to easily slip over your bandages and abdominal binder.

Have a loved one drive you home after surgery. You will not be able to drive for a few weeks, and you will need someone to escort you home from surgery and help you get into a comfortable position for recovery.

After Surgery

Take pain medication as prescribed. Dr. Krau will prescribe pain medications and instruct you as to when and how much to take. Keep a written log or set an alarm on your phone so you don’t skip a dose. This helps you stay ahead of pain and discomfort.

Keep Milk of Magnesia on-hand. Some patients become constipated after surgery because of the pain medication. Taking a stool softener or Milk of Magnesia can be a lifesaver. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits and drinking plenty of water is also helpful.

Do not weigh yourself. For about a month after surgery, you will have swelling. Don’t even think about climbing on the scale.

Stay positive. Many patients describe emotional highs and lows after surgery. Expect to feel some emotions during your recovery, but remind yourself to stay positive. In a few weeks your body will start to look amazing and you can enjoy your results.

Talk to Our Miami Plastic Surgeon

For more information about tummy tuck and how it can improve the appearance of your abdomen, please contact the office of Dr. Ary Krau today by calling (305) 861-6881.

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About the Tummy Tuck Incision

Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” surgery, requires a horizontal incision that extends from one hipbone to the other. Although the incision is significant, Dr. Krau strategically places it in the lower abdomen / upper pubic region, where it can be easily concealed by the underwear or bikini line. Please browse before and after gallery to see Dr. Krau’s exceptional work.

Caring for Your Abdominoplasty Scar

Certain factors, including skin tone or lifestyle habits such as smoking, can influence how well a scar heals.

That being said, you can do your part to minimize the look of your abdominoplasty scar by:

• Keeping your incision site out of the sun for at least six months. Going out in the sun without proper protection, such as clothing or a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, for as little as 20 minutes can cause a scar to become red and puffy. Once this happens, it is very hard, if not impossible, to improve the scar’s appearance.
• Allow the incision site to heal fully by resting as much as possible and avoiding any strenuous activity that could tug at the scar.
• Make sure to keep the incision site clean. Use warm, soapy water to wash it and then use a clean towel to gently pat it dry.
• Don’t wear snug-fitting clothing that can rub against and irritate the incision site.
• Once your doctor has told you it is safe to do so, you can try gently massaging the abdominoplasty scar to loosen the underlying scar tissue. Using the pads of your fingers, massage the scar in an up-and-down and side-to-side motion.

Finally, contact Dr. Krau immediately if you notice signs of infections, including severe pain around the incision site, a red and swollen incision site, discharge from the incision site and / or a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Learn More About Abdominoplasty

If you are considering undergoing tummy tuck surgery, we invite you to find out more about the procedure.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Krau to learn more about abdominoplasty, please contact his office by calling (305) 861-6881.

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Liposuction

If you have good skin elasticity and are at or just slightly above your ideal body weight, but are bothered by excess fat around your waist that hangs over the top of your pants, you might be an appropriate candidate for liposuction. With liposuction, Dr. Krau can remove stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise from around your waist (or nearly any area of the body). The result is a sleeker waistline and no more muffin top.

Tummy Tuck Surgery

If you suffer from muffin top, and your skin has lost its elasticity and is no longer able to shrink down to a smaller size and shape — perhaps due to pregnancy, massive weight loss or the aging process — tummy tuck surgery might be a more appropriate treatment option for you. With tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Krau removes loose excess abdominal skin and tightens the underlying musculature, for a fitter, firmer abdominal contour.

The Perfect Combo- Tummy Tuck with Liposuction

If liposuction is properly incorporated into the tummy tuck procedure, the skin flap can be pulled down and redraped without sacrificing the major blood supply originating through the abdominal musculature.  This not only made the procedure much safer, but the results are superior as it allows for better contouring and shaping of the abdomen.  Therefore, liposuction in combination with tummy tuck is not only desirable, but mandatory. See results

About Body Contouring Procedures

With either procedure, it is important that patients are at a body weight that they feel they can maintain after surgery, in order to preserve the aesthetic effects of the body sculpting procedure.

With liposuction, the fat cells that are removed will not grow back, but gaining a significant amount of weight can cause the remaining ones to grow larger or new ones to develop.

Likewise, gaining a substantial amount of weight following tummy tuck surgery can counteract the slimming results of the procedure. For this reason, women who plan to get pregnant in the future are advised to wait until they are finished having children to undergo tummy tuck surgery.

Say Goodbye to Muffin Top

If you are ready to say goodbye to your unsightly muffin top, Dr. Krau invites you to learn more about your body contouring treatment options.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ary Krau to learn more about liposuction, tummy tuck surgery or the perfect combo, please contact his office by calling (305) 861-6881.

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