If you’ve ever tried to get a “six-pack,” then you probably know it can feel like an uphill battle. Hours at the gym, restrictive diets, and persistence can fall short, leaving you feeling discouraged and still without that coveted muscular appearance. Sometimes, a person’s body type just isn’t naturally inclined to visibly reveal the strength of their abdominals.
What is Abdominal Implant Surgery?
Abdominal implant surgery is a cosmetic procedure that uses silicone implants to create the appearance of defined abdominal muscles. Patients can choose from either six or eight implants to create the “six-pack” or “eight-pack” look. Abdominal enhancement is a popular option for people who have tried to achieve the look naturally through diet and exercise, but have been unable to get their desired amount of definition.
Benefits of Abdominal Implants
For most patients, abdominal implants not only improve the appearance of the stomach and abdominal area, but they provide significant benefits to confidence and self-esteem. People who go through the abdominal implant surgery often feel sexier and more confident in revealing clothing, such as bathing suits.
The majority of abdominal implant patients are men, and the surgery can also help these patients feel more masculine and comfortable in settings like the gym. Some men also feel that abdominal implants help their career in industries that focus heavily on appearances.
Are You a Candidate for Abdominal Implant Surgery?
Candidates for abdominal implant procedures are men and women who have been unable to achieve their desired levels of abdominal definition through strength training. Patients should ideally be at or near their goal weight, and should at least be at a stable weight before undergoing the surgery. For safety reasons, patients need to be in good health and either be a nonsmoker, or commit to quitting smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery.
Finally, it is important that candidates for abdominal implants have realistic expectations and understand that maintaining the results of the procedure requires dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Although implants are considered to be relatively permanent, their appearance can fluctuate if weight is gained or lost.
Only you and a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Steinbrech can determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Your Abdominal Implants Consultation
Before your abdominal implant surgery, you will need to meet with Dr. Steinbrech to ensure you are a candidate and to discuss your goals. During this meeting, Dr. Steinbrech will go over your medical history and review any medications you may be taking. He will ask you about your goals and discuss the options you have for achieving those goals.
The consultation is not only the perfect opportunity to get more information about the surgery and get everything you need to make the decision that’s right for you, it’s also a great way to get to know Dr. Steinbrech and his staff. Establishing rapport with the doctor will help you feel confident as you move through this process. Be sure to ask any questions you have and express any concerns you may have thought of so Dr. Steinbrech can address them and provide customized feedback.
The Abdominal Implant Procedure in New York
Before the surgery can begin, anesthesia is administered. Abdominal implants are placed with the patient under general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation. Once the patient is comfortable, two incisions are made as discreetly as possible. Through these incisions, silicone implants are placed (either six or eight, depending on the patient’s goals and surgical plan). The incisions are placed
Sometimes, abdominal implants are placed at the same time as a tummy tuck is performed. When this is the case, the implants can be inserted through the tummy tuck incisions. Once the implants are placed, the incisions are closed and the surgery is complete.
Recovery and Downtime after Abdominal Implant Surgery
Following abdominal implant surgery, patients will need to take some time off from work and other responsibilities to rest and heal. Dr. Steinbrech may give patients a compression garment to wear to help with healing and contouring of the area. During the first few days, patients should rest and expect some swelling and bruising. After three days or so, light activity may be resumed. Any discomfort can be alleviated by taking prescribed medications. Patients should follow Dr. Steinbrech’s instructions carefully to promote optimal healing. After about a week, most patients can get back to work (as long as the work is non-strenuous) and many other normal activities. Vigorous exercise and other strenuous activity will need to be postponed for several more weeks.
FAQs ABDOMINAL IMPLANTS IN NEW YORK
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with abdominal implants. However, board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Steinbrech reduce risks by evaluating candidacy carefully and drawing on their experience to promote patient safety.
Some risks associated with abdominal implants can include anesthesia complications, bleeding, infection, unfavorable scarring, and a poor aesthetic outcome. These risks are unlikely when the surgery is performed by an expert plastic surgeon and the patient follows all instructions carefully.
Abdominal etching is a popular procedure that removes excess fat from the abdominal area and defines the abdominal muscle by surgically “etching” lines with liposuction to increase natural definition. Abdominal implants, by contrast, use silicone implants to enhance the existing abdominal muscles. Implants produce a more dramatic appearance, and can be a better option for patients with very little body fat.
Yes, patients can work with Dr. Steinbrech to design a combination procedure that safely reaches their goals. Abdominal implant surgery is often combined with a tummy tuck, making the placement of the implants more convenient and helping patients to achieve a tight and defined midsection. However, implants can be combined with other surgeries as well, depending on the patient’s needs.
Any significant change in the body can potentially change the appearance of permanent implants like abdominal implants. Gaining weight can compromise the results of the surgery, which is why patients should be prepared to maintain their results with diet and exercise. However, gaining weight after implants does not pose a danger to patients.
Like many cosmetic implants, abdominal implants are made of silicone. While breast implants often need to be replaced, abdominal implants are smaller and are generally less likely to need replacement. This is an issue you should ask Dr. Steinbrech about during your consultation, as replacement or removal can be necessary, but is typically unlikely.
Many patients who undergo abdominal implant surgery are dedicated to their workout routines and are typically anxious to get back to the gym. However, it is important to prioritize safety and be sure that you have fully healed before resuming your normal exercise regimen. Dr. Steinbrech typically recommends that patients wait at least 4-6 weeks before resuming vigorous exercise.
Abdominal implants are soft and flexible, and they are made to move with your body. Although your results may come more quickly than those from gym workouts, the implants should look natural and attractive.
No, abdominal implants are designed to be flexible and to move with your body. You should have no issues working out, laughing, coughing, or pursuing any normal activity you can think of. After a while, you might even forget they’re there!
The best treatment for you depends on your needs and expectations for surgery. If you have excess fat in the stomach and want some natural-looking enhancement, but not dramatic definition, then etching may be a good choice for you. If you want a dramatic six or eight pack and/or you have little body fat, implants may be a better option. You and your plastic surgeon will talk over the options and make a decision based on your individual goals and body type.
If you live in the states of New York or California, Douglas S. Steinbrech, MD offers abdominal implants among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
How can I choose the best plastic surgeon for my surgery?
Abdominal implants are a specialized procedure, and it is important that you go to an expert to ensure a natural-looking and successful outcome. Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is known for his expertise in plastic surgery, specializing in male plastic surgery and procedures like abdominal implants. It is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon you feel you can trust.
To schedule a consultation with abdominal implant expert Dr. Douglas Steinbrech in New York, NY, call (646) 949-0580 today, and take your first steps toward a sexy, sculpted stomach.