Breast Reduction | Reduction Mammaplasty

Breast Reduction, although actually a reconstructive surgical procedure, is used to correct marked breast enlargement, out of proportion to body size, and causing significant back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as a tendency to rashes and yeast infections in the folds under the breasts. The cause varies but is generally associated with genetic pre-disposition, hormone fluctuation (e.g. puberty, pregnancy, or menopause), or marked weight variation. Breast Reduction is a surgical method of size reduction of the breasts, relieving the weight burden, and usually producing an improvement in breast shape. Mastopexy or Breast Lift is a similar but distinct technique, designed to cosmetically restore a youthful breast shape and tissue firmness, but not remove any breast tissue. Insurance has traditionally covered the cost of Reduction Mammaplasty surgery (but not cosmetic Mastopexy), however, many HMO's and similar discount insurance schemes have found it convenient to deny this service by falsely labeling it "cosmetic surgery". Be aware that if you are trapped in one of these limited service insurance plans you have the legal and contractual right to appeal denials of necessary Reconstructive Plastic Surgery services. Every state has an Insurance Commission which oversees operations of such insurance schemes, and they are usually responsive to consumer healthcare complaints. Pre- and post-operative photos of several representative patients are displayed below.

Case 1 : A 23 year old woman with large breasts out of proportion to her 125 pounds underwent Breast Reduction to correct the disproportion.


breast reduction image Before and after photos of Breast Reduction are shown with a one year result. Note the deep shoulder grooves due over-sized bras. Also note how minimal the scars appear at this point. Relief of back, neck , and shoulder pain was complete, and virtually immediate. breast reduction side viewSide views of the same Reduction Mammaplasty result. Scars are located beneath the breast around the nipple/areola, and down the front of the breast in the shadows.

Case 2 : An otherwise healthy 24 year old female with very large breasts was seen for Breast Reduction surgery.
breast reduction case 2Before and after surgery photos are shown, at which time she is completely healed, and has achieved total relief of back, neck and shoulder pain that was solely related to her breast size. Significant breast asymmetry was corrected at the time of surgery as well. Scars will fade with time.


Case 3 : A 35 year old professional woman with very large breasts causing back, neck, and shoulder pain, rashes beneath the breasts, and neck muscle tension headaches.


breast reduction image


Photos before and three months after Breast Reduction Her symptoms were promptly relieved by this outpatient surgery.

breast reduction case 5

Side views before and after surgery. She returned to work at 10 days post-op.


Source : advanced-art.com

Related Posts :




Breast Lift | Mastopexy

Breast Lift, or Mastopexy, is similar to Breast Reduction, except only the excess skin is removed, saving breast tissue volume and compacting it to restore breast shape and feel. Scars result, but are positioned to minimize visibility. With time the scars will fade, and flatten, usually producing a pleasing youthful result. Examples of mastopexy are presented below with post-op photos at about 3 months. Breast Lift or Mastopexy is usually performed in my Office Surgical Suite under Local Anesthesia with Sedation, minimizing cost .

Case 1 : A 26 year old with a history of one pregnancy underwent a Mastopexy or Breast Lift in the Office Operating Suite.

Before and after photos 3 months after a Breast Lift. Scars are placed around the areola, down the front of the breast, and in the fold beneath. Other techniques require only a scar around the areola, but necessitate a longer adjustment period until the skin relaxes to achieve the more youthful shape.

Lateral before and after views of result of Breast Lift or Mastopexy. Note that the scars are not at all visible from this viewpoint, and the nipples now project in the correct direction. A mid "C" cup size was restored.

Source: advanced-art.com

Related Posts :
Breast Implants and Augmentation
Before After Pictures of Breast Augmentation
Different Cases of Breast Augmentation with photos
Breast Implants/Reduction Gone Wrong

Breast Implants | Reduction Gone Wrong

Case1: I just had breast reduction surgery done. My doctor failed to tell me that he removed my nipples during surgery. So here it was 4 weeks later, after seeing him 2 times a week, a scab came off one of my nipples after taking a bath and there was no nipple. I screamed! Where is it? Where is it? Oh my god, my worst nightmare! He didn't even tell me that he removed them. I am so angry at my doctor. I have lost a big part of what makes me feel like a woman. Its only been a few days since I found out that they are gone and while searching the internet, I can't find anyone else this has happend too. I asked him why he took them off and he said he thought it was the best thing to do at the time. I am so confused and sad over this. Does anyone know why a Dr. Would remove your nipples and keep the areole?

Reply: I'm sorry to say but this is really stupid. The fact that he removed you nipples I mean. It is true that the nipple and areola are removed from the skin during such surgery but they are placed afterwards. Your doctor not placing your nipple back is definetly wrong...I believe you can sue him for that. It is not professional. Furthermore he is not allowed to do anything without your approval unless it is a life threatening situation. And it wasn't in your case. What? What if he had done a mastectomy? Would he have motivated that he felt like doing that? Maybe he was tired and wanted to go home early? This can't be. You can't allow that. Talk to him and ask for reasons to why he has done this. Sue him if not and with the money go to a real doctor and try to have your nipples made. I believe it can be done. I just don't know how much you will feel afterwards. Good luck!

Case2: My name is kristina and I am 28 from california. I had a breast reduction 3yrs. Ago and suffered many complications. My surgeon was supposed to remove the nipples during the surgery and re-apply them st the end of the procedure. He claims that 15min. Before surgery I told him to do it keeping the blood flow attached during surgery (which I didn't). I chose the first method sice it had the greatest chance of survival for me. To make a rather long story short. Within the first two weeks I had lost both nipples and my insisian was seperating (about 8in. On one side and 6in. On the other)and much of my remaining tissue was falling out and dying off.
I now have no nipples, no remaining breast tissue, severe pain from the nerve damage, depression and lots of mental issues surounding all of it. I am currently in the middle of a case against the doctor who denies any responsibility, and claims it is because I did not take extra viamin c for the first two weeks after surgery. We are heading to trial this month and although having a financial win would be nice, I just want to make him suffer a little and make him understant and feel helpless like me for just a moment.




consult with your Dr. because it can go wrongCase3: About 4 hours after the surgery, my right breast began blowing up like a balloon. After calling the doctor's office 3 times, they finally agreed I should come back in.
The doctor said he couldn't wait for his anesthesiologist to get back to the office. He needed to open my breast back up asap to relieve the pressure. I can't tell you how horrifying it was. I gushed about a pint of blood when he pulled out the stitches. He said several large blood clots had formed and he needed to redo the surgery.
After about 1 hour of paging his anesthesiologist (who never returned), he called the hospital and told them send one over. (just across the street) the anesthesiologist did not want to put me back to sleep unless I was in the hospital. The plastic surgeon finally talked him into it. I was scared stiff....But way too out of it already to object.
A couple days after he said the blood flow was not good to my nipple and I almost lost it. He wanted to do another surgery immediately to remove it. I said no. I told him that I wanted to wait and that if any more surgery was to be done that I wanted it done in the hospital. The extra day saved my nipple from being removed permanently.
My breasts are still extremely sensitive a year & a half after surgery. The scaring isn't too bad, but when I lift my arm, there is a noticable dent under my breast. They are also mostly numb....Even tho I get terrible itching from nerve damage.
I've contemplated a law suit......Mainly due to the trauma of removing the stitches without anesthesia. And i'm also a cup size smaller than what I asked for. I have also suffered from some depression since.



Case4 : I had a breast reduction. A year and a half ago. They didnt really warn me about the whole nipple process...Well they cut them down, and they completely screwed up my nipples also. One is bigger than the other, the shape is out uneven, and they just look horrible. Im looking ot get mine fixed soon, its just been hard for me to want to undergo another plastic surgery when everythin with my breast reduction went wrong.



Case5 : I had a reduction done due to health reasons and it turned out to be awful. I to want to get the problem fixed but am scared now! I have two different size breast now and the nipple thing well I have lost part of one of mine do to an infection I recv. It took me on the third call to get them to see me back at the doctors office telling them that I didnt like I was seeing. I have nipples that point in different directions and I am a hell of alot smaller then what I had asked for. I went from a "ddd" to a "a" on one side and a "b" on the other side.....Talk about depression well that has happened to me ...Someone needs to get these doctors!!!



Case6 : I had a breast reduction done may 2006. I thought it was going to be the most wonderful thing I had ever done for myself. Boy was I wrong !!!! The surgery it self was bad enough, then to have bad results? My nipples ( though I still have sensation in then) sit extremely high. I ask my Dr. About my nipple placement, and his answer was that I had "bottomed out". I don't know exactly what that means, but a week later he performed additional surgery in his office under local anesthetic and removed a strip of skin( no tissue) to pull the nipples down. Not only would I not get completely numb, but I left his office with almost 90 stitches. The nipples are still all screwed up, and I am very flat. I wanted to be pain free and I am, now it is a mental pain. I look like a freak !!! I am looking into having more surgery (by a different Dr.) to correct this. I hope all goes better this time.



Case7 : I recently had a breast reduction and I have the same things going on. I was not aware at all that my nipples would be removed. When the procedure was done, the doctor told me that the blood flow was not good to my right nipple. He told me that he was unable to reattach the nipple, and that I only had the one on my left still on! I was furious, and the only thing he said was that he could take it off or leave it there. There was no way to reattach it. He also told me that there's around a 75% failure rate of these procedures. It's not very safe at all and usually women are not only dissatisfied with the results, they usually bear a large amount of pain afterwards. I am not happy and I'm currently trying to bring this to court. There is no reason for this. If only they would have told me this stuff beforehand, I would never have had it in the first place. None of this was worth getting my breasts smaller.

Ladies!! Collect as much information as you can, study the different cases where this procedure has changed the lives of women in negative way, don't mess up your breast, I guess you know how precious they are else you wouldn't be doing a surgery on them. May God bless all who Implant or Reduce their breast.
Source: plasticsurgeryphotos.blogspot.com

Wanna know more about Breast Augmentation? See these posts :
Breast Implants and Augmentation
Before After Pictures of Breast Augmentation
Different Cases of Breast Augmentation with photos
Other Related Posts :
Breast Lift or Mastopexy
Breast Reduction

Before After Pictures of Breast Augmentation

breast implants before after


augmentation before after pic
before after pic

breast augmentation before after image
before after pic

Related posts :

Breast Implants and Augmentation

Risks of Breast Augmentation

More Images : Before After Cases of Breast Augmentation with Pictures

Other Related Posts :
Breast Lift or Mastopexy
Breast Reduction

Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos

Breast Augmentation involves surgical placement of Saline Implants in a submuscular space to enhance breast size and shape. I prefer to place saline breast implants beneath the pectoralis muscles in most cases to limit implant edge visibility, and the tendency to show visible wrinkling of the breast implant if it is closer to the skin surface. Further, placement beneath the muscle moves the implants to a position where there is minimal interference with future mammography and breast diagnostics. I usually accomplish sub-muscular placement of breast implants via the axillary (arm-pit) approach, thus avoiding the potential for heavy scarring on the breasts, and further, limiting the potential for injury to nerves to the skin and nipples. This approach provides a very natural contour, while allowing a substantial breast size increase and an earlier return to activity with no breast incision to protect. Apart from just achieving enlargement of the breasts, Breast Augmentation Mammaplasty can also be used to adjust the shape, size and volume of uneven sized breasts (asymmetry), and as an adjunct to correct certain breast deformity or deformities, as well as to facilitate reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy.

Case 1 : Six month result Transaxillary Sub - pectoral Augmentation Mammaplasty with 375cc smooth saline implants in a 33 year old woman with chest wall and breast size asymmetry. This achieved large "C" to "D" cup size with no visible scars.
breast augmentation case 1

Age: 33 Ht: 5'7" Wt: 130 lbs. Implants: Mentor Type: Smooth Saline Volume: 375cc Size: 36C/D


Case 2 : At right are pre-op and 6 week post-op photos of a 24 year old woman with slight asymmetry. At six weeks, there is still some early fullness of the upper breast which will fade with time, as the skin and muscle stretches, and the implants settle into position. Implant volumes of 350cc right, and 325cc left were used to improve volume symmetry. The next photos below show this patient's axillary scars.

breast augmentation case 2

Age: 24 Ht: 5'5" Wt: 125 lbs. Implants: Mentor Type: Smooth Saline Volume: 325/350cc Size: 34D


Trans-Axillary Breast Augmentation

Trans - Axillary Breast Augmentation. Right and left axillary views at 6wks show almost complete disappearance of the scars in the natural folds beneath the arms.


Case 3 : 31-year old woman 3 months after Trans-axillary Breast Augmentation. A "D" cup size was achieved with 425 cc saline breast implants. This patient's axillary incision scars are shown at the top of the next page.

breast augmentation case 3

Age: 31 Ht: 5'4" Wt: 120 lbs Implants: Mentor Type: Smooth Saline Volume: 425cc Size: 34D


Case 4 : Results at 7 years after Trans-axillary breast augmentation in a 19 year old woman shows stability of the sub-muscular result with none of the long-term sag which tends to occur with implants above the muscle.

breast augmentation case 4

Age : 19 (at surgery) Ht : 5'6" Wt : 125 lbs Implants : Mentor Type : Textured Silicone Volume : 350cc Size : 34C


before after picture of same patient after 7 years


Before and after (7 yr) views of the same patient as well as a view of the axillary scar at 7 years (hidden in a fold)

picture of same patient after 12 years

The same patient seen at 12.5 years after trans-ax augmentation, at age 31 and after a recent pregnancy, shows the stability of the augmentation result using the trans-axillary technique.


Case 5 : Six week post-op Augmentation result in a 43 year old woman with loss of volume after 2 pregnancies. Implants are 375cc smooth saline -filled placed via the Trans-axillary sub-muscular mammaplasty technique.

breast augmentation cas 5

Age: 43 Ht: 5'3 Wt: 123 lbs Implants: Mentor Type: Smooth Saline Volume: 375cc Size: 34D


Source: plasticsurgeryphotos.blogspot.com

For more information on Breast Augmentation and related images see these posts on Breast Implants and Augmentation and Before-After Pictures of Breast Implants

There are cases where the surgery have gone wrong too. See this post on Breast Implants/Reduction Gone Wrong

Other Related Posts :
Breast Lift or Mastopexy
Breast Reduction

Breast Implants and Augmentation

From a very early age, women are subjected to ideals regarding the size and shape of their breasts. Modern media – glossy magazines and movies - tell us how big and what shape they should be. Many women consider and eventually have breast implants in order to conform to these opinions but while there are advantages to having this done there are still some concerns and many questions that need answering.

Not all cosmetic surgery is carried out on women who simply want bigger breasts. Many face psychological problems because the size or shape of each breast is different. Breast cancer sufferers consider breast-rebuilding treatment to try and get their lives back on track.

Gone are the days where the only surgical procedure available for women was breast enlargements. There are numerous surgical procedures for various areas of the body although the breasts remain a firm favourite for women. You can now have breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, breast implants, a breast lift and a breast reduction.

You should always consider every view and get the full facts before you consider any surgery, least of all cosmetic surgery.


breast augmentationFor most forms of breast implants a small incision of approximately 1.5 inches is made in the fold under the breast, around the areola or in the underarm. For saline implants, a pocket is then created and the implant inserted. Once inserted the implant is then inflated with the saline solution.

More information about the surgery.
The procedure itself usually takes between an hour and two hours and dressing and bandaging is worn for the proceeding 24 to 48 hours. After this a support bra is worn for around 3 weeks although patients can normally be up and moving within 24 hours of the operation. It is advised that strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about a month after surgery.

You will suffer bruising and swelling around the breasts that should disappear with time, and also a firmness in the breasts that will disappear with time. You will more than likely feel a little discomfort for several days following the procedure; if this discomfort continues you should consult the clinic where you underwent the operation.

What are the possible side effects of breast implant surgery? breast enlargementCurrent research shows no heightened risk of systemic disease or breast cancer in patients, however, as with all surgery there are risks attached. Unfavourable scarring may occur leaving nasty marks around the incision area or around the implant. Infection may occur as with any surgery. Bleeding, excessive firmness, rippling, deflation, asymmetry and a change in nipple sensation may also be encountered but breast augmentation has the highest satisfaction rate of any cosmetic surgery.


What implants are used?
Currently, in the United States, saline implants are used for breast augmentation; these are a silicone rubber shell filled with saline (salt water) during surgery. They are available in a wide choice of shapes and sizes. breast saline implantsIf a patient has significant problems and saline implants would not be the best solution then gel implants may also be used. The advantage of saline implants that if you are one of the unlucky 1% of people who’s implants deflate, the body absorbs the salt-water solution and the implant deflates at a rate that means the body can cope with the amount of salt water being absorbed.


How much will breast augmentation cost?
Obviously this will differ dependant on exactly what procedure you want, the incision type your require and where you have the procedure done. It is obviously not advised to plump for the cheapest option as this may lead to using an inefficient surgeon and complications with the procedure. As a very rough guide you can expect to pay between $4000 and $10000 for breast augmentation. There are probably cheaper and more expensive options available, but I wouldn’t advise either. The price you pay also takes into account the availability of plastic surgeons in that area and the qualifications and expertise of the potential surgeon. If you are certain you want breast implants but feel that the price is a little too high for your budget, you will be pleased to hear that many surgeons will offer credit agreements to spread the cost over time. You should always be very careful when picking a clinic or surgeon. Make sure they are professionally certified and be aware that this is a prime example of you get what you pay for; the price you pay is usually indicative of the qualifications, experience and expertise of your surgeon. Do not be afraid to ask your surgeon for testimonials from satisfied clients; any professional worth his salt will be able to supply them and will be only to pleased to do so. At the end of the day, you must have confidence in your surgeon. And the only way to achieve that, is to do your research.
©2005 Jenna Keys About The Author: Jenna Keys


See before after pictures of Breast Implant and Augmentation and several cases with pictures

Wanna know Risks on Breast Augmentation? See this post on Breast Implants/Reduction Gone Wrong

Other Related Posts :

Breast Lift or Mastopexy

Breast Reduction

Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty Pictures

tummy tuck before after image
abdominoplasty before after picture
abdominoplasty before after
abdominoplasty before after
tummy tuck before after photo
before after tummy tuck photo
before after tummy tuck

Wanna know more on this?
Go to Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty. There are plenty of risks involved in a Tummy Tuck surgery, (read this post on Tummy Tuck Gone wrong).
More on before after pictures of tummy tuck

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Gone Wrong

Despite its immense popularity, there are many cases where tummy tuck has gone wrong. Here are some cases that I've found on the internet.

Case 1.
It's almost three weeks since I have my tummy tuck and liposuction along with a breast augmentation the recovery for the bust augmentation It was okay, but, the recovery for the tummy tuck it was a different story, the first two weeks it was so painful, that my husband had to take care of me the whole first week day and night, "thanks god" that he is retired from his job, other way he can be kind of sleepy on his job. the second week I have to managed to take care of myself, because he was tired of me, ringing the bell every time I have to go to the bathroom and not to be able to move my body... you see every single movement It was a pain even do I was taking the medications. to me It was something that has to be done, with my body, and for almost two years I was saving money for the tummy tuck operation. I was so disgusted every time I see myself in the mirror with the tummy. that I decided to go ahead with the surgery and I think the it was worthy all the pain, and money I spend. I did that, after finding the right pl, with his credentials, because after all is your life and health you putting in risk, after several consultations with some others doctors finally I found my Dr. thank-you Dr.Efrain Gonzalez for been so patient with me "you are the best surgeon".

Case 2.
I paid for a tummy tuck and it went terribly wrong.I was left with a 6 by 7 and a half inch hole in my stonache.The doctor that preformed the surgery then passed me off to another doctor without explanation.This has been going on for over 4 months and i'm still not closed up yet.I'd like to sue or at least get my money back.

Case 3.
I had a tummy tuck close to seven months ago. As soon as I had the surgery it did not result in what the doctor had said it should be. He has caused my stomach to look abnormal and disfigured. I have keloid scars and the incision is very high. I know that this forum is for people who have been injured through negligence by their physicians, and I have not been injured, but I have been disfigured. I have consulted with other physicians who said I need to have a new tummy tuck surgery. This is so unfair, I spent thousands of dollars on this, went down for recovery time which was extremely painful, and now I need to pay more money to get this fixed. I do not trust the physician who by the way is a board certified plastic surgeon, to do a revision on me since he keeps on contradicting himself whenever I ask him about this problem he caused. He will not compensate me for my loss, and wants to perform the surgery again, but I refused.Do I have a legal case? I live in Illinois, but had the surgery done in Munster, Indiana because it costs less. Does anyone out there know if I am able to receive compensation for this major problem I'm going through?I have asked three law firms so far, and noone will take on this type of case since I am not injured. Please give me some advice if you know of any.

One of the Certified Surgeons explains the risks of having a Tummy Tuck like this :

All surgery has some potential risks, including the risks of bleeding, reaction to the anesthetic, and infection. Scars are to be expected, but they will become lighter and flatter with time. Smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. This could result in larger scars, and a second surgery. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how to resume physical activity.

So, folks do a research about it or you may want to consult with your doctor before you do the abdominoplasty. (PS : any comments on this post will be highly appreciated)

Related Posts :
Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty
More Images: Tummy Tuck Pictures
Tummy Tuck Pictures II

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Pictures - Before and After

abdominoplasty before after
tummy tuck before after image

tummy tuck before after


tummy tuck before after image Tummy Tucks and Liposuction

You want to banish those love handles, or eliminate stretch marks, remove the fats on the neck. Liposuction will do it, you think. Before you add liposuction cost to that annual gym membership and killer bathing suit, tack on a tummy tuck. Liposuction can't tighten loose love handles or post-pregnancy stretch marks or loose skin due to rapid weight loss, for example also post-pregnancy or pre-high school reunion.

Many plastic surgeons recommend getting a tummy tuck rather than (neck) liposuction body sculpting, since liposuction reduces abdominal fat and not the inner girdle that expands with pregnancy. However, opinion is divided: Some surgeons do a mini tummy tuck and tumescent liposuction, while others favor liposuction over surgical abdominoplasty to restore youthful appearance. Often, tummy tucks are done to tighten lax skin after liposuction. Frequently, surgeons combine the two with liposuction abdominoplasty or a mini tummy tuck on the lower abs that involves liposuction to remove excess fat. Ask your plastic surgeon for her recommendations. Remember that liposuction makes you feel as though you've hit the gym two times over. If you have separate procedures, schedule some recovery time in-between the liposuction and tummy tuck. However you think you look, your physical health is more important than getting rid of love handles and stretch marks.
Related Posts :

Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty
Risks of Tummy Tuck
For more pictures: Go to Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Pictures

Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty | Stomach Lift

Are sit-ups just not giving you the taut tummy you desire? If you've got a little too much flab or excess skin in your abdomen that won't diminish with diet or exercise, you may want to consider an abdominoplasty, popularly referred to as a "tummy tuck".

This procedure flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall.

But be cautioned: This is a major surgery, so if you're considering it, take the time to educate yourself, thoroughly analyze your own situation and do not rush to make the final decision.

A tummy tuck should be the last resort for people who have exhausted all other measures, and the procedure should not be used as an alternative to weight loss.


tummy tuck procedure
Who Are the Best Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who are in good general health overall.
It should not be confused with a liposuction (the cosmetic surgery used to remove fat deposits), although your surgeon may elect to perform liposuction as part of a tummy tuck.

Women who have muscles and skin stretched by multiple pregnancies may find the procedure useful to tighten those muscles and reduce that skin. A tummy tuck is also an alternative for men or women who were obese at one point in their lives and still have excessive fat deposits or loose skin in the abdominal area (see more on Body contouring after major weight loss).

Who Should Not Consider a Tummy Tuck?

If you're a woman who is still planning to have children, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you're through bearing children. Here's why: During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened. Future pregnancies can separate these muscles.

Are you still planning to lose a lot of weight? Then you do not want to consider a tummy tuck.
It's important to note that a tummy tuck can cause prominent, permanent scarring. If this is something you don't want, you may want to reconsider. Your doctor will discuss all these options with you when you go for the consultation.

How a Tummy Tuck is Done ?

Depending on your desired results, this surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. The complexity of your particular situation also will determine whether you have it completed as an in-patient or outpatient procedure.

You will receive general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep during the operation. It's important to have someone with you who can drive you home. If you live alone, you also will need someone to stay with you at least the first night after the surgery.

There are two options for a tummy tuck. You and your surgeon will discuss your desired results, and he or she will determine the appropriate procedure during your consultation.

I. Complete abdominoplasty
Your abdomen will be cut from hipbone to hipbone in this procedure, the option for those patients who require the most correction. The incision will be made low, at about the same level as your pubic hair.

Your surgeon will then manipulate and contour the skin, tissue and muscle as needed. Your belly button will have a new opening if you undergo this procedure, because it's necessary to free your navel from surrounding tissue. Drainage tubes may be placed under your skin and these will be removed in a few days as your surgeon sees fit.

II. Partial or mini abdominoplasty
Mini-abdominoplasties are often performed on patients whose fat deposits are located below the navel and require shorter incisions.

During this procedure, your belly button most likely will not be moved. Your skin will be separated between the line of incision and your belly button. This type of surgery may also be performed with an endoscope (small camera on the end of a tube). The procedure may only take up to two hours, again, depending on your own personal situation and the complexity of your needs.

How to Prepare For Tummy Tuck Surgery?

If you smoke, you will have to stop for a certain period as determined by your doctor. It is not enough to just cut down on smoking. You must stop completely for at least two weeks prior to surgery and for two weeks after. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

Make sure you eat well-balanced, complete meals and do not try to diet excessively before the surgery. Proper nutrition plays a key role in healing properly.

If you take certain medications, your surgeon may instruct you to stop taking these for a certain period before and after the surgery. Your surgeon will determine this as part of your pre-operative consultation.

Before undergoing the surgery, you'll need to get your home ready for your post-operative care. Your home recovery area should include:

Plenty of ice packs
Supply of loose, comfortable clothing that can be taken on and off very easily
Petroleum jelly for incision sites
Telephone within reaching distance
Hand-held shower head and bathroom chair

You know yourself best, so make sure you set up the safest, most comfortable recovery area before you undergo the surgery to meet your personal needs.

What Are the Complications and Side Effects of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

As expected, you will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your doctor can prescribe a painkiller if needed and will instruct you on how to best handle the pain. Soreness may last for several weeks or months.

You may also experience numbness, bruising and overall tiredness for that same time period.
As with any surgery, there are risks. Remember, this surgery affects a very crucial part of your body. Though they're rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap or blood clots. You may carry an increased risk of complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes or heart, lung or liver disease.

You may experience insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin. If you do heal poorly, you may require a second surgery.

As we mentioned before, the scars from a tummy tuck are fairly prominent and though they may fade slightly, they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you've completely healed to help with the scars.

Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery
Whether you're having a partial or complete tummy tuck, your incision site will be stitched and bandaged. It's very important that you follow all your surgeon's instructions on how to care for the bandage in the days following surgery. The bandage used will be a firm, elastic band that promotes proper healing. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain.

If you are an exceptionally physically active person, beware: You will have to severely limit strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. Your doctor will advise you on this as you go through the process. You may need to take up to one month off of work after the surgery to ensure proper recovery. Again, your doctor will help you determine this based on your personal situation.
Return to Living
Generally, most people love the new look after they've undergone this procedure. However, you may not feel like your normal self for months after the surgery. You've gone through a tremendous amount to make this happen, both emotionally and physically, and it's very important that you follow proper diet and exercise to maintain your new look.

Does Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck?

Be warned: Insurance carriers generally do not cover elective, cosmetic surgery. But, your carrier may cover a certain percentage if you have a hernia that will be corrected through the procedure, or your anterior muscles are abnormally spread.

It's extremely important that you begin communicating with your insurance company early on, and that you discuss your insurance concerns with your surgeon. In most cases, your surgeon will write a letter to your insurance carrier, making the case for medical necessity, if it applies to you.

It's also very important to realize that insurance may only cover certain portions of the surgery, so make sure you get details. With any cosmetic surgery, this may affect future insurance coverage for you and your premiums may increase.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery.


See related before after images on Tummy Tuck Photos and Abdominoplasty Before and After. See this post on Tummy Tuck Gone Wrong

50 Cent Shocking Weight Loss Pictures

50 cent or 25 cent. I'm a bit confused people. Look at this picture of him that he posted on the twitter page. 50 cent weight loss twitteromg!! that's scary. He lost this 50 pounds (nearly 25 kg) of massive weight for his role as a cancer diagnosed star high school footballer in the movie "Things Fall Apart". 50 cent - real name Curtis Jackson, the rapper normally weighed 215 lbs. But after the nine weeks on a liquid diet, he's now 160 pounds and appears gaunt. I like the fact that he is very committed to this role.
50 cent skinnyHe said to one of the popular magazines, "I had so much muscle on me that it was hard for me to lose definition even as I got lighter and slimmer. I started running to suppress my appetite. Towards the end it was really difficult. It was like, if I don't get close enough to what my best friend looked like to me at that point before he passed, then I'm not doing the story any justice". After reading this, respect for you 50 cent.
50 cent before after weight loss pictureInspired by De Niro, Hanks and Bale, he told the Associated press, "I actually got on the computer. When it started getting difficult, I was looking to see what their experience was like and I got a chance to see all of the interviews they had at different time periods when they were doing promotion for the projects."
50 cent things fall apart pictureRobert De Niro lost 35 pounds (nearly 16 kg) for his role as Travis Bickle in the movie "Taxi Driver", a 1976 classic by Martin Scorsese. While Tom Hanks shed the same amount of weight for his Oscar-winning role as a gay lawyer with AIDS in 1993 classic "Philadelphia". Christian Bale went on losing 65 pounds (nearly 29kg) of weight for his emaciated appearance in the 2004's "The Machinist". Check out these weight loss pictures of Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks and Christian Bale. Have ur say!! robert de niro taxi driver
tom hanks weight loss in philadelphiachristian bale in the machinist (see more Weight Loss Pictures of Celebrities)

Drew Carey's Shocking Weight Loss Pictures

Shocking, yeah that's right! Drew Carey's weight loss pictures have shocked every fans. Not only fans but it has inspired many weight loss strugglers. "The Price is Right" host said to people.com that he lost 80 pounds by being on strict "no-carb" diet. Well here are the massive and shocking before and after weight loss pictures of the comedian.
drew carey before after

Drew Carey's before and after weight loss picture

"No carbs", he said. "I have cheated a couple times, but basically no carbs, not even a cracker. No bread at all. No pizza, nothing. No corn, no beans, no starches of any kind. Egg whites in the morning or like, Greek yogurt, cut some fruit." carey before losing weightCarey also said, besides no-carb diet, drinking water only and cardio helped me a lot. "I don't drink anything but water," he added. "No coffee, no tea, no soda." "I like being skinny. I was sick of being fat on the camera," he told people.com. "I just got sick of it."
drew carey before and after weight loss pictureAlthough the 52 year old comedian used to have Type II Diabetes, he told the mag, "I'm not diabetic anymore. No medication needed." Good for him.
(see more on before and after weight loss pictures of celebrities)