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Abdominoplasty

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Tummy Tuck Procedures at Youthful Images

Many people, despite being fit and healthy, struggle with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that diet and exercise can’t resolve. Factors like pregnancy, significant weight loss, genetics, and aging can contribute to this issue. At Youthful Images, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Patrick Felice and Dr. Charles Karcutskie, offer tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures to tighten and tone your midsection, providing natural-looking, rejuvenated results.

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OUR RESULTS

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen while tightening the muscles to create a firmer, flatter midsection. Liposuction can also be incorporated for precise contouring. This procedure is especially beneficial for those who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or the effects of aging, which can lead to stretched skin and weakened abdominal muscles unresponsive to diet and exercise.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty at Youthful Images with Dr. Patrick Felice, MD and Dr. Charles Karcutskie, MD offers several advantages, including:

  • Removal of excess fat and skin for a flatter abdomen
  • Tightening of abdominal muscles for improved tone
  • Enhanced contouring with optional liposuction
  • Increased self-confidence and body image
  • Long-lasting results with a healthy lifestyle

Candidates for a Tummy Tuck

Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty are men and women with:

  • Excess, hanging skin in the abdomen
  • Stretched or loose abdominal muscles
  • Stretch marks in the abdominal region
  • Significant weight loss or post-bariatric surgery changes Candidates should be in good health, at or near their ideal weight, and have realistic expectations. Smokers must quit at least two weeks before surgery and not resume afterward.

What to Expect During Your Abdominoplasty

During your consultation, Dr. Patrick Felice, MD and Dr. Charles Karcutskie, MD will discuss your cosmetic goals, conduct a physical evaluation, and review your medical history. Using VECTRA® XT 3D imaging technology, they will help you visualize potential results, ensuring alignment on expected outcomes.

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery

To prepare for surgery, avoid blood thinners for two weeks prior and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. Our staff will provide personalized recommendations and ensure you undergo necessary blood tests or medical clearances. Detailed pre-surgical instructions will be given during your consultation.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

On surgery day, you’ll be warmly greeted and guided through the preoperative process by our team. Dr. Patrick Felice, MD and Dr. Charles Karcutskie, MD typically use a modified approach combining the benefits of mini and full tummy tucks. A horizontal incision is made along the lower abdomen to tighten muscles and remove excess skin. Liposuction can be added to enhance contouring, and the belly button can be repositioned if needed. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about two hours.

Tummy Tuck Recovery & Results

Post-surgery, you’ll wear a compression garment to reduce pain and swelling. Sutures are removed after one week, and most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within seven days. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least one month. Swelling will gradually subside, revealing a smoother, flatter abdomen with improved contour and skin elasticity.

FAQs About Tummy Tuck Surgery

What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?

A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area, including muscle separation and belly button repositioning. A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen.

Will there be visible scarring after a tummy tuck?

Yes, but scars are placed inconspicuously and will fade over time with proper care.

What are the potential risks and complications?

Risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and anesthesia reactions. These will be discussed during your consultation.

Can a tummy tuck help me lose weight?

A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure but removes excess skin and fat, leading to a slight weight reduction.

How long do the results last?

Results can be long-lasting with a healthy lifestyle. Factors like aging and pregnancy can affect results.

Are there non-surgical alternatives?

Non-surgical options exist but may not be as effective for excess skin or muscle laxity.

Can I combine other procedures with a tummy tuck?

Yes, combining procedures like a breast lift or augmentation can enhance overall results, often referred to as a “mommy makeover.”

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patrick Felice, MD and Dr. Charles Karcutskie, MD, contact Youthful Images today at (860) 242-0505. We look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.

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  • Youthful Images Aesthetics
    120 Simsbury Road Avon, CT 06001
  • 860-242-0505

Opening Hours

Monday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
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Sclerotherapy is a treatment for spider veins. These tiny visible veins are injected with a very fine needle, using a sclerosing agent. This instantaneously makes the veins obliterate and become invisible.
SculpSure is a device that can provide noninvasive fat burning and body contouring. It works by using 1060nm laser that targets fat cells to cause lipolysis, or destruction of the fat cells. It is the first FDA-cleared device for noninvasive body contouring.
Accufit is a muscle toning system that uses external electrical pulses to stimulate muscle contraction. It has the same effect of doing a strenuous workout, all without leaving the chair. The benefits are that the electrical signals can provide stronger muscle contraction than what is typical in a traditional workout. Results can be seen in as few as 4 treatments, but many patients make it a regular treatment.
Using our Platelet Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) technology, we offer scalp injections that aim to initiate growth of hair. By using the growth factors provided by PRFM, inactive hair follicles can be reactivated and stimulated to grow hair again. This has been shown to give great results. This is a key portion of nonsurgical hair restoration offered at Youthful Images. PRFM can also be used in conjunction with our hair transplantation procedures. For more information about hair transplantation procedures that we offer.
Using our Clarity II laser, we are able to perform hair removal where ever a patient may desire. We guarantee results. We also have the ability to adjust our setting, allowing this treatment to work on any skin type, which is something that is not always possible with certain lasers.
Nonablative laser treatments can have many targets. Whether it is small wrinkles, pigmented spots, vascular lesions, or scars, these lasers can helps improve it all. Our device, the Clarity II laser, has the ability to be adjusted based on the treatment type and skin type. We are able to treat any skin type by adjusting settings, allowing use to be completely inclusive of treatments.
The CO2 laser is one of the best lasers to help reverse aging. It works by targeting water, inducing just enough damage to the skin to allow your body to rejuvenate the skin by enhancing collagen production, softening and smoothing skin. It provides excellent results in treating fine lines that no surgery can improve. It works very well when done independently, but can be even more beneficial when combined with surgical treatments. Depending on the goals, the CO2 laser can be used with a few different intensities to target different issues.
Microneedling is a treatment that uses a series of extremely fine needles to make numerous micropunctures in the skin. Our device, the Dermafrac, provides a gentle suctioning force to rid the skin of the imperfections, while simultaneously providing microinjections of either selected serums or platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM). This allows your skin to build more collagen and improve skin quality. By using selected serums or PRFM, growth factors or directed vitamins can help enhance these results.
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that uses a very fine abrasive surface to “scrub” off the very superficial layer of cells of the skin. This helps take away the most superficial blemishes and skin irregularities, allowing the skin to initiate a rejuvenating process. This can be done on it’s own or in combination with microneedling.
Jawline contouring is a board category of treatments. In addition to using fillers to contour by adding volume, Botox can be used to inject the masseter muscle, a large muscle at the angle of the jaw that can be very large in some people. By injecting this with Botox, it can inactivate the muscle and help it decrease in bulk, allowing a slimmer facial width. This can provide additional relief in people that have issues with teeth clenching, as relaxing this muscle relieves that pressure.
Excessive Sweating can be treated using simple Botox injections. Botox, unlike its use in facial injections, works to paralyze the sweat glands rather than muscles. By injecting certain areas, the sweat glands become inactivated temporarily. These results can typically last around 6 months but can be shorter or longer depending on multiple factors. Areas of use can vary based on the patient, but typical locations include axilla (armpits) and the palms.
Sculptra is an injectable treatment that stimulates your own body to locally increase volume. It contains a compound called poly-L-lactic acid, which essentially forms a framework for your body to lay more collagen fibers. Studies have shown an increase in type I collagen, the main type that exists in our body. This fills out volume, smooths skin, and provides an overall more youthful appearance.
Platelet Rich Fibrin Matrix is a unique treatment with multiple modalities. It all begins with a simple blood draw. From there, your own blood is spun at a high speed in a centrifuge to separate the blood cells from the plasma, or fluid portion of the blood. In this fluid, there are many platelets, which release powerful growth factors. This plasma is then isolated and then the fibrin cross-linking that naturally happens during clotting is activated. This PRFM can then be used in multiple techniques, including volumizing injections, hair restoration injections, microneedling applications, and more. The benefit of PRFM over traditional Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections is that by utilizing the naturally occurring fibrin matrix reaction, it allows the platelets to remain in the tissue for 5-7 days. Typical PRP is only present for about 24 hours before the body washes it away. This additional times means multiple additional days of growth factor release. Research has shown this, along with much improved results.
Fillers are injectables that are used to restore volume. The most frequently used are based with a compound called hyaluronic acid. This can be formulated with various “stiffness” for the various uses. Based on the location to be injected, it can be used to fill in deep lines or creases, volumize areas of loss, balance out asymmetries, and much more. The compounds are naturally broken down by your body over time, typically lasting between 1-2 years, depending on multiple factors.
Botox is a neuromodulator, meaning it works by paralyzing muscles. The purpose of these injections are to paralyze specific areas of muscles, frequently in the face, in order to eliminate unwanted lines and creases. These typically last 3-6 months and are one of the most common treatments done in any medspa.

Chantale M.

Chantale joined Youthful Images in November 2021 as one of our Front Office Coordinators. She started her career as a dedicated Human Resources professional with a passion for fostering a positive work culture and facilitating employee development. After years of experience in HR operations, she took her first steps into the field of aesthetics and has found a new home at Youthful Images. This opened the opportunity to get her foot into the door to learn from an amazing team of highly educated and experienced professionals. Chantale enjoys her work responsibilities as a Front Office Coordinator but the most rewarding part of her job is making patients feel welcomed, have an amazing experience, and seeing and hearing them achieve their aesthetic results.

When Chantale is not at work she loves to garden, ice skate, be active in fitness, practice her French language skills, and travel the world. Last, but not least, she enjoys being a fur mom to her Chihuahua named Coco Bijou.

Joan O.

Joan joined Youthful Images in December of 2011. A native of Rhode Island, she moved to San Diego in 1982, where she graduated from the Cabrillo School of Nursing with a Certificate in Medical Assisting. She also attended National University with an emphasis in Business Administration. She returned to New England in 1993, making Connecticut her home. She has worked in a variety of medical practices, including Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Hand Surgery, and an Ophthalmologic Surgery Center. At Youthful Images, Joan is one of your first points of contact. She also assists in managing daily workflow, practice management, and coordinating patient appointments.

Melisa Selimovic, RN, BSN

Melisa is a registered nurse at Youthful Images whose position includes performing non-surgical services such as Botox, Filler, PRFM, lasers, facials, and more. She also assists Dr. Felice and Dr. Karcutskie with office visits and will scrub or circulate within our operating room on surgical days. Melisa graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2022. Before joining Youthful Images, she worked in the Emergency Department. She has always had a passion for aesthetic nursing and thinks it’s important to uplift others and to create a welcoming environment for all her patients. During her free time she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors in warm weather.

Kelsey Parker, RN, BSN

Kelsey is a Registered Nurse at Youthful Images whose position includes performing non-surgical services including Botox, filler, PRFM, microneedling/microdermabrasion and laser therapy, as well as coordinating and managing the hair restoration practice. On surgical days, you can expect to see Kelsey circulating or scrubbing in our operating room. Kelsey graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UConn in 2018, in addition to earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Hartford in 2015. Kelsey has worked in various fields of nursing during her career including postpartum nursing, labor and delivery, and circulating in various orthopedic surgeries. Kelsey’s passion for making others feel and look their best led her to Youthful Images in 2021. She strives to provide a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and fulfilled. Her passions outside of work include hiking with her two dogs and husband, as well as spending time watching her newborn baby grow and learn.

Ali Putman, MHS, PA-C

Ali is a physician assistant at Youthful Images, providing a wide range of nonsurgical treatments such as Botox, filler, platelet rich fibrin matrix, and laser treatments. She was born and raised in Connecticut. She received her Bachelor of Health Sciences from Quinnipiac University in 2016 and went on to graduate from their Physician Assistant program in 2018. She spent the first 3 years of her career in the emergency department and urgent care setting before transitioning to the field of aesthetics, joining Youthful Images. In her spare time, Ali enjoys baking and spending time with family and friends.

Nancy Russo, RN, BSN, NE-BC

Nancy graduated from Barry University in Miami, Florida. She joined Youthful Images in 1997 as Clinical Administrator, prior to which her background had been in oncology, nurse consulting and hospital administration. She has been a Board Certified Nursing Executive since 1998 and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery Nurses, the CT Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers/Patient Safety Organization as well as the National Association of Professional Women. Nancy is responsible for daily operations, patient education and oversees patient care, as well as assisting patients through the surgical process. She is also an active member of the operating room team. Nancy’s role is to ensure the highest level of care is maintained throughout the surgical process.