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Herein, the experts describe the top five invasive and top five noninvasive cosmetic procedures and how they rate in the First State.
Dr. Peter Coggins, a surgeon in Greenville, says about 80 percent of his patients undergo fat grafting, which is one of the most popular noninvasive cosmetic procedures in the United States. Here, Coggins performs a liposuction procedure. Photograph by Jared Castaldi
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Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
A tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles to create a smoother, firmer stomach profile.
How it’s done A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and navel. The surgeon will repair weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess fat, tissue and skin.
Why it rates Liposuction will likely not meet the expectations of a mother of three whose skin and muscles were stretched during her pregnancies. “We need to talk before surgery about whether she needs a tummy tuck instead of liposuction,” Saunders says. “The results will be different. Tummy tucks are popular because it delivers what you’re trying to achieve.”
Malek agrees. He often combines a tummy tuck with liposuction to create a contoured waist. The rewards have a price. “Of all the [listed] procedures, it’s the most painful, with the longest recovery,” Saunders says. Recovery can take two weeks or more. Mini-tummy tucks, once highly publicized, are rare, Lonergan says. “Most patients are better off with a full procedure.”
Risks Scarring, wound separation, asymmetry and recurrent skin looseness.
Recovery You may wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen. Doctors may place a temporary small, thin tube under the skin to drain excess blood or fluid. Balakhani uses compression boots during and 48 hours after surgery to help prevent blood clots.
Cost $3,000 to $8,000, depending on hospital fees and how much work is performed.
Page 6: Noninvasive Procedures - Botulinum (Botox, Dysport)
