March 18th, 2010 admin
Tummy Tuck ( abdominoplasty) is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall as needed. It is performed in an outpatient setting at either Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital in Bethesda Maryland, or INOVA Fairfax outpatient surgery center, in Falls Church, VA. In either case it does NOT require an overnight hospital stay. Anesthesia is provided by the outpatient center to make your procedure comfortable and safe.
As we age, the abdominal muscles can become lax from lack of use or more typically from childbirth. These usually require tightening because they have been stretched and will not respond to exercise alone. In addition, more fat may be present than we would like. This is treated by liposuction at the same time or by actually removing the fat from the undersurface of the area using scissors. Excess skin is removed as necessary to provide a flat stomach. The umbilicus, belly button, is left attached to the abdomen and brought up in it’s natural position.
The procedure takes anywhere from 2 1/2 to 3/12 hours to perform depending on how much work needs to be done. Post operative pain is minimized by injecting the area with a long acting anesthetic, bupivicaine, and/or by placing a “pain pump” that automatically releases small amounts of anesthetic in the area for several days. A drain is placed under the tissue for a few days to remove any unwanted serous fluid from the area to allow it to heal faster. The incision is placed low in the abdomen, so as to be covered by swim wear. It typically heals to a fine line.
Here is a patient’s before and after photos showing the early result. The incision line fades with time.
A video of a typical procedure can be found here along with more information.
WARNING: NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART! This is actual footage of an abdominoplasty procedure.
Most women experience a full recovery in 5 to 6 weeks and are able to return to active exercise in 8 weeks. Tightening the muscles rebalances the forces acting on the lower back and often relieves symptoms of low back pain that patients may have been experiencing. Losing one to three sizes in clothes is typical. Most women report feeling better about themselves and have an increased ability to exercise in general.
More pre and post operative photos can be found here.
All the Best,
Dr. Dean Jabs
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March 15th, 2010 admin
The recent devestation in Haiti has resulted in a huge loss of human life and the injury of thousands of people. Many have sustained soft tissue injuries that will require months to heal. Plastic surgeons from across America have responded by volunteering to help those in need. The demand for help will only increase with time as many of those who have been saved will need multiple operations to insure that they can return to productive lives.
Dr. Richards and Dr. Jabs have been to Haiti in the past on medical missions to help the children suffering from burns, traumatic injuries and birth defects including tumors and cleft lips and palates. There is no poorer place in the western hemisphere. Those who give of themselves to help these people receive far more in satisfaction than they can possibly give.
Plastic surgeons have a media generated reputation for serving only those desiring to improve their appearance. Nothing could be further from the truth. Plastic surgeons from all over the world have put their extensive training in reconstruction to help those less fortunate than themselves. By using advanced techniques the traumatic loss of a limb can be prevented.
It is this tradition of service that makes me proud to be a plastic surgeon.
Dr. Dean Jabs
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March 11th, 2010 admin
Liposuction has evolved dramatically since it’s inception three decades ago. It is still one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures and for good reason. Liposuction has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates. The current improved techniques allows for much better results than what was possible several years ago. Tumescent fluid, internal ultrasound or laser to tighten the skin, small caliper cannulas and power assisting have helped to provide a smooth result with less bruising and swelling. This often leads to a faster recovery after the procedure. Liposuction is not just for women. It is increasingly being performed in men, especially for gynecomastia (male breast enlargement). Before and after photos of these procedures, to include male gynecomastia reduction, can be viewed on our website.
Dr. Richards
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March 3rd, 2010 admin
Spring is just around the corner and it is time to start thinking about getting ready for warm weather clothes. If you have been thinking about getting some help to change your shape now is the time to do it. This is the time of year when we start to see the number of consultations for breast augmentation and liposuction rise. Combine that with spring break holidays and you end up with the surgery centers being crowded.
General information about breast augmentation can be found on our site as well as on Dr. Glatt’s site. about breast augmentation can be found on our FAQ page as well as on:
Another source is Dr Dean Jabs Blog (www.DrDeanJabsBlog.com) which has been dealing with breast augmentation questions lately.
All the best,
Dr. Jabs
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March 3rd, 2010 admin
Blood thinners also known as anti-coagulants, are used to prevent blood clotting. Aspirin is the most commonly used blood thinner.
What are some of the common products?
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Herbal vitamins
- Vitamin E
- Herbal teas (Geeen & Black)
- Fish oil
- Ginko
- Ginseng
- Garlic
- St. John’s Wort
- Diet pills
These supplements and anti-inflammatory medications can cause bleeding problems during and after surgery. Instead, use medication containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
1. Stop taking blood thinners two weeks prior to surgery date.
2. Let your doctor know if you regularly use any of the above.
CSA Staff
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March 3rd, 2010 admin
Our practice offers you a great opportunity to visualize your expectations. Dr. Jabs and Dr. Richards offer computer imaging on most of the procedures they perform. This amazing tool is mostly effective on face procedures such as S-lift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty and otoplasty. Computer imaging gives the patient the advantage to have an idea of their post-operative appearance. We must keep in mind these images are only possible estimates, not the vivid image of the final results.
So, do not wait anymore and call us to schedule your complimentary consultation. Come and see how you may improve your looks by having surgery with one of our surgeons.
Susan,
Cosmetic Surgery Associates Staff
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March 3rd, 2010 admin
Just an FYI as the blizzard of 2010 approaches today…if you call our main office number during regular business hours and you hear the message come on, do not panic. If it is not an emergency, please leave a message after the beep and we will call you back as soon as we can. If it is an emergency, then you can follow the directions and leave a message for your doctor, who will be paged and then call you back.
Thanks for your understanding and patience. Enjoy the snow….again.
Cosmetic Surgery Associates Staff
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March 3rd, 2010 admin
Lately we have been receiving several calls from potential patients wanting additional information about Dr. Jabs and Dr. Richards prior to scheduling their consultation. While the first stop should be our informative and up-to-date website, you may also want to consider the plastic surgery society websites including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Both of our doctors are members of these prestigious societies.They are both a good source of information before or after you schedule your consultation. Most importantly do not hesitate to ask our staff any questions you may have, as we are able to provide the most information about the surgeons, the procedures, the practice and our policies.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Cosmetic Surgery Associates Staff
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