Baltimore Plastic Surgeon Offers Three Varieties of Tummy Tuck Techniques

BALTIMORE, MD--(Marketwire - Jan 29, 2013) - Dr. James E. Vogel, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baltimore, offers a wide array of procedures at his private practice, including breast augmentation, hair transplantation, liposuction, and facelift. However, 25-35% of Dr. Vogel's patients come to him for tummy tuck procedures. Dr. Vogel offers three types of tummy tuck techniques to ensure the results of the surgery meet each patient's expectations.

Mini Tummy Tuck: The mini tummy tuck, or mini abdominoplasty, is a procedure for individuals who retain stubborn fat in the lower abdomen, as well as excess skin. According to Dr. Vogel, the ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is a patient whose waistline concern is below the belly button. After surgery, mini tummy tuck patients experience benefits including:

• An improved waistline
• A tightened and trimmer lower abdomen

Full Tummy Tuck: The full tummy tuck, or full abdominoplasty, is a procedure for patients who retain excess skin and fat above and below the belly button. Dr. Vogel says many candidates for this procedure also opt to tighten the muscles of the abdomen, adding that during pregnancy, these muscles are frequently stretched beyond a patient's ability to strengthen them. After surgery, full tummy tuck patients experience benefits including:

• A flatter stomach region
• A trimmer waistline
• Better fitting of clothing

Extended Tummy Tuck: The extended tummy tuck, or extended abdominoplasty, is a procedure for patients who require skin tailoring beyond the scope of a full tummy tuck in order to contour the waistline. The ideal candidate for an extended tummy tuck procedure is a patient who has recently experienced dramatic weight loss, whether through bariatric surgery or through diet and exercise, says Dr. Vogel. After surgery, extended tummy tuck patients experience benefits including:

• Firmer body/skin tone
• A flatter abdomen
• A trimmer waistline

The three forms of tummy tuck surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures, and the surgical time for each procedure typically ranges from 3-5 hours. Dr. Vogel generally gives patients epidural and IV-sedation anesthesia to enhance the treatment. The average recovery time for these procedures spans from 7-21 days depending on the particular procedure.

Dr. Vogel says he offers these three, distinct tummy tuck methods to help customize the procedure for each of his Baltimore plastic surgery patients. With tummy tuck procedures making up such a large portion of his practice, Dr. Vogel is committed to working with patients to achieve their individual goals.

About James E. Vogel, MD, FACS

Dr. James Vogel is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baltimore, MD. He earned his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and studied plastic surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to serving as an Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, he has been voted a "Top Doctor in Baltimore" by Baltimore Magazine. He holds surgical positions at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Northwest Hospital Center.

Dr. Vogel is available for interview upon request.