People who have tried diet and exercise but still can’t get rid of excess fat or skin in the stomach area know the frustration of working hard at cultivating a tight abdomen without seeing results. Motherhood in particular can stretch the skin of the stomach, which some women may find displeasing. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Marwan Khalifeh performs tummy tucks as a solution to these complaints. The procedure surgically removes unwanted skin and fatty tissue to smooth and flatten the abdomen. The tummy tuck is one of the most popular treatments in Dr. Khalifeh’s practice.

There are several types of tummy tuck, including the traditional tummy tuck, the extended tummy tuck, and the mini tummy tuck. The traditional tummy tuck treats both the middle and lower abdomen, while the extended tummy tuck is typically for patients who have lost large amounts of weight and thus need a much larger amount of skin removed. The mini tummy tuck is for those who experience stubborn excess fat and skin only in the area below the navel.

Candidates for the tummy tuck are women who have stopped having children and are bothered by excess, overstretched skin; those who have lost a large amount of weight and need excess skin removed; and people who have had problems with abdominal fat that is unresponsive to diet and exercise. A consultation with Dr. Khalifeh will help determine the best course of treatment for your needs. Dr. Khalifeh holds consultations in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Frederick, Maryland, with easy access to all Northern Virginia and metro Washington, D.C. areas.

Dr. Khalifeh performs tummy tucks at his accredited ambulatory surgery center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, or at Sibley Memorial Hospital, in Washington D.C. Patients are put under either general or twilight anesthesia, and surgery generally takes four to six hours. The incision is typically made from hip to hip, though the mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision. In addition to the removal of unwanted skin or fat, the abdominal muscles are tightened.

Recovery generally takes one to two weeks, and patients should not return to work until two weeks post-surgery. Additionally, patients must abstain from exercise and other strenuous activity for at least one month. The first drain will be removed one week after surgery, and the second two weeks post operation. Stitches are removed after one week. Possible complications may include blood clots (thromboembolism), however Dr. Khalifeh’s patients are put on Lovenox, a blood thinner which significantly lowers the clotting risk, making the surgery very safe.

Call today at (301) 244-0148 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Khalifeh.