Body Contouring Creates Slimmer-looking Core Tailored to Your Shape

The new year is upon us and you can make 2019 a transformative year by slimming and tightening your core with one of three popular abdominal procedures offered by Naples, Florida-based Gardner Plastic Surgery. Whether by tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or Smartlipo®, Dr. Paul M. Gardner or Dr. Leo M. Baccaro can help you contour your midsection to achieve a slimmer, well-toned abdomen. Each procedure represents a different level of invasiveness, but all three typically lead to noticeable results that boost self-confidence and body positivity. Read on to learn which procedure might work best to reshape your new you in the new year!

Tummy Tuck at Gardner Plastic Surgery

Also known as an “abdominoplasty,” the tummy tuck is designed to create a firmer abdominal profile by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying stomach muscles. The procedure is especially effective for those who have developed a protruding belly with excess layers of loose skin on their stomachs due to dramatic weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging or heredity.

Tummy tucks at Gardner Plastic Surgery are performed on an outpatient basis and patients are generally able to return to normal daily activity after about two weeks of recovery. The procedure begins with administration of anesthesia as needed to secure the patient’s comfort. The surgery’s focus point is an incision placed low within the “bikini line”. The incision length and angling is dependent upon the amount of excess skin. A second incision is hidden within the belly button. Excess skin is trimmed, the underlying muscles tightened, and then the remaining skin is pulled back together and sutured. When needed, or for even more dramatic slimming and toning, Dr. Gardner or Dr. Baccaro may recommend that liposuction of the stomach and/or love handles be combined with the surgery.

Mini Tummy Tuck Provides Less Invasive Refinement

The mini tummy tuck at Gardner Plastic Surgery is a popular option for those seeking a tightened torso, but not in need of the full tummy tuck. Designed for those who have localized fat deposits in the abdomen, along with moderate skin sagging and weakened lower abdominal muscles, the mini tummy tuck relies on smaller incisions, less skin removal, and limited muscle tightening. As with the full tummy tuck, your cosmetic surgeon may recommend that the procedure be combined with liposuction. Recovery times are generally shorter than needed for the full tummy tuck, though plan on two weeks just to be sure.

Smartlipo® Offers Minimally Invasive Option

For a minimally invasive option to tummy tucks, some patients might want to consider Smartlipo®, a revolutionary combined laser-liposuction procedure that provides targeted, high-definition sculpting of the midsection. Approved by the FDA in 2006, Smartlipo® relies on a medical-grade laser to precisely destroy fat cells through small targeted incisions in the abdomen. The destroyed and liquefied fat cells are then gently suctioned out of the body. Along with killing the fat cells, the laser energy serves to tighten the skin through coagulation, and encourages renewal of collagen in the targeted areas, which further helps tighten and tone the areas treated. With smaller incisions and less impact to the skin and body, recovery from Smartlipo® generally means minimal downtime.

Learn More With a Consultation at Gardner Plastic Surgery

If you would like to learn more about these procedures and discuss how Gardner Plastic Surgery can help you sculpt and tone your midsection in 2019, Dr. Paul Gardner or Dr. Leo Baccaro would be happy to speak to you in a one-on-one consultation. Our surgeons have a keen eye for aesthetic contouring and the Gardner Plastic Surgery team has extensive combined experience helping our patients obtain the slimmed down, well-toned physiques they seek. Contact Gardner Plastic Surgery today at 239.566.2611 to schedule your initial consultation.