Has pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, prior surgery, or even hereditary factors left you with extra skin on your abdomen or weak abdominal muscles? If so, you could be an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery near Grand Rapids, MI. Many men and women have found their abdomen protrudes, sags, or folds over their waistline, even with proper diet and exercise. This can be frustrating, especially when you have worked hard to achieve a flat, well-toned abdomen and don’t see those results. Now is a great time to see if a tummy tuck is the right choice for you. Dr. Steven Ringler is a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in drainless tummy tuck techniques that still provide a safe tummy tuck recovery and an abdominal profile that is smooth and firm.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is also referred to as an abdominoplasty. It is a procedure designed to reduce excess skin and tissue in order to create a flat and redefined waistline. How much skin is removed, the location of the skin removal, and whether weakened abdominal muscles are repaired varies from person to person. Because of this, incision sites and lengths also vary. Tummy tuck surgery near Grand Rapids, MI is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis, and tummy tuck recovery usually takes one to two weeks with restricted activity beginning the day after surgery.
A Different Approach to Tummy Tuck Recovery
Dr. Ringler has extensive experience performing tummy tuck surgery near Grand Rapids, MI. He uses various techniques based upon the needs, body type, and goals of his patients, but prefers a drainless approach as a safe and effective method to a speedy tummy tuck recovery. “The drainless tummy tuck approach has allowed for the elimination of surgical drains post-operatively for most Michigan patients. These plastic surgical drains are typically employed to reduce seroma, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen post-operatively.” The two primary drainless techniques include:
The Progression Tension Suture Technique: “Dr. Ringler’s preferred type of tummy tuck uses progression tension sutures to secure the abdominal skin flap to the underlying connective tissue called fascia, thereby distributing tension over a larger area. This technique eliminates the space where the seroma formation would typically occur and provides excellent results. Because there is no room for the seroma to develop, there is no need for surgical drains. Typically, our Michigan patients recover more quickly with increased comfort and mobility and have fewer post-operative concerns with this approach.”
The Avelar Tummy Tuck: “This tummy tuck is named after Dr. Juarez Avelar, who pioneered the technique in Brazil in the 1990s. Back then, there were more complications when tummy tuck and liposuction were performed in combination. Dr. Avelar developed a tummy tuck that kept the fat and skin from being separated from the fascia, ensuring that the blood vessels remained intact throughout the procedure. With this technique, the risk of seroma (the accumulation of fluids) is minimized and blood flow to the tissues remains intact – which allows liposuction to be safely added. By eliminating the need for outside plastic surgical drains and improving blood flow, your recovery is quicker and more comfortable, with fewer complications.”
Another way Dr. Ringler helps to accelerate healing in his patients is through SofPulse. “SofPulse uses targeted microcurrents to transmit gentle pulses to the tissue, which can reduce swelling and speed up the natural recovery process.” – https://www.stevenringlermd.com/body-procedures-grand-rapids/surgical/tummy-tuck/
A Mini Tummy Tuck
Still unsure whether tummy tuck surgery near Grand Rapids, MI is the best match for your personal circumstances? Dr. Ringler offers one more additional surgery option – a mini abdominoplasty. “A mini-tummy tuck is the correction of limited excess skin confined to the central portion of the lower abdomen. It requires an incision at or just above the pubic region, which may be shorter in length than the one required for a full tummy-tuck.” – https://www.stevenringlermd.com/body-procedures-grand-rapids/surgical/tummy-tuck/
As for non-surgical procedures that reduce fat or cellulite, Dr. Ringler offers:
- CoolSculpting
- Exilis Ultra
- Emsculpt
- Cellutone
To learn more about your tummy tuck options with Dr. Ringler, watch this educational video.
Complementary Procedures to Tummy Tuck Surgery Near Grand Rapids, MI
Some women choose to combine a tummy tuck with other procedures such as liposuction, breast lift surgery, and breast augmentation. This is commonly known as a “mommy makeover”. Pregnancy often causes irreversible changes to a woman’s body, making it near impossible to get back that pre-baby body. A “mommy makeover” is designed to target multiple areas of the body all at once to achieve a full body transformation. In turn, many women discover a “mommy makeover” boosts their confidence, increases their self-esteem, and improves their overall quality of life.
A Private Consultation with Dr. Ringler
It is vital to be prepared and know the facts before pursuing any cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure. Receiving tummy tuck surgery near Grand Rapids, MI is a big decision, and should be carefully thought out and planned. Dr. Ringler takes the time to educate his patients about their options and determine what route best fits their body and goals. If you are ready for a change, schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Ringler. Call 616-328-8800 today.
