Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) in South Bay, CA
A flat abdomen replete with a six-pack is elusive and difficult to achieve with a traditional diet and exercise. Excess skin and fat contribute to undefined abdominal contours that can prevent you from having the firm, toned tummy you desire.
A loose and sagging midsection can detract from your natural beauty. Your clothes may not fit properly, or you may wear loose styles to hide a muffin top or stomach rolls.
Dr. J. Brian Boyd is a respected plastic surgeon, a professor of surgery at UCLA, and an author of books and journals in the field of plastic surgery. With decades of specialized experience, he helps patients achieve the body aesthetic they desire.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that can eliminate excess skin and fat, and tighten the abdominal muscles. This creates a leaner, firmer abdomen that can restore your confidence in your body.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
There are many benefits to tummy tuck surgery, both aesthetic and functional. These include:
- Skin tightening
- Abdominal muscle repair
- Removal of excess fat
- Moderate weight loss
- Reduced stretch marks
- Wider variety of clothing options
- Increased confidence
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
If you desire a slimmer waistline or struggle with weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), you may be eligible for a tummy tuck. Candidates may be post-pregnancy, post-weight loss, or have age-related skin laxity.
Ideal candidates are those in good health, who do not smoke, and who have realistic expectations.
To find out if you are a candidate for a tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd. Call us today at (310) 597-4734.
What Is Discussed During My Tummy Tuck Consultation?
The first step in your journey to a smooth, slim waist is to consult with Dr. Boyd. This allows you to share your goals, ask questions, and learn more about the tummy tuck procedure, recovery, and results. During your consultation, you and Dr. Boyd will discuss:
- Your goals and expectations for a tummy tuck
- Your medical history
- Surgical techniques
- Possible surgery combinations
- How to prepare for surgery
- What to expect from recovery
- Your questions and concerns
Dr. Boyd will also perform a physical examination, record your measurements, take photos, and create a surgical plan. Your consultation is your opportunity to ask questions and address concerns, so be prepared with questions and a clear idea of your aesthetic goals.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient plastic surgery procedure performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Boyd utilizes various techniques to tailor your tummy tuck to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, you and Dr. Boyd will discuss the following options.
Traditional (Full) Tummy Tuck
A traditional tummy tuck involves an incision from hip to hip as well as around the navel. Excess fat and skin below the navel are removed, and the underlying muscle is repaired as needed. To finish, the abdominal wall is tightened, the belly button is relocated, and the incision is closed.
Benefits:
- Treats both excess skin and lax abdominal muscles
- Incisions are placed in discreet locations that are easily concealed under clothing, underwear, or a bathing suit
- Ideal for patients who don't need the extensive correction of a high lateral tension tummy tuck but still have a significant amount of excess skin
Mini Tummy Tuck
Less invasive than a traditional tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck uses only one incision in the pubic region. This incision is usually lower, shorter, and easier to hide below the bikini line. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the incision is closed. Diastasis recti is repaired endoscopically if necessary. This procedure is limited to slim individuals with a small “pooch” and an unusually high belly button. It is not simply a menu item that anyone can select! Dr. Boyd will explain whether you are, or are not a candidate.
Benefits:
- Utilizes a small incision placed along the lower abdomen above the pubic area
- Pulls together and tightens the abdominal muscles
- Removes excess skin and re-drapes the remaining tissue to highlight the new contours of the abdomen
High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck
The skin naturally loses elasticity as we age, making it difficult to maintain a toned abdomen even with diet and exercise. Patients with age-related skin laxity may also have weak abdominal muscles.
Benefits:
- Addresses excess skin that has accumulated around the upper, mid, and lower abdomen
- Narrows the waist
- Tightens loose or stretched abdominal muscles to create a leaner appearance
- Provides improvement to the hips and thighs
- Eliminates unnecessary weight in the form of extra skin and fat
What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
Your tummy tuck recovery time may vary based on the type of abdominoplasty you underwent.
In general, you will experience some bruising, redness, and swelling. A compression garment worn for the first several weeks will help improve circulation and promote healing during your tummy tuck recovery. You should rest for the first few days after your procedure, taking care to avoid any strenuous activities.
Depending on the physical nature of your job, you should be able to return to work within two to three weeks. You can resume your regular exercise routine after four to six weeks with Dr. Boyd’s permission.
What Results Can I Expect From a Tummy Tuck?
Skin and fatty tissue are permanently removed during the tummy tuck procedure. Most patients achieve long-lasting results.
However, you are subject to additional weight fluctuations and the natural aging process. Living a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and exercise is important to maintain your tummy tuck results.
Schedule your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. J. Brian Boyd, our board-certified plastic surgeon, in Palos Verdes today.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost of tummy tuck surgery begins at $10,500. This tummy tuck price includes surgical, anesthesia, and facility fees.
However, the cost of a tummy tuck is somewhat variable and determined on a patient-by-patient basis. It depends on the technique used, the extent of correction required, and the estimated duration of the surgery.
Dr. Boyd will discuss your options during your consultation and provide you with a personalized tummy tuck cost quote. This will ensure there are no surprises when it comes time to pay for your surgery.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
General anesthesia is used during tummy tuck surgery to promote patient comfort and safety.
Typically, patients who have undergone massive weight loss have excess skin above the belly button (navel) as well as below it. The longer incision allows for more extensive removal of tissue from the abdomen, and the angle of the lateral excisions permits recreation of a waist.
Most weight-loss patients agree that the amount of skin removed is worth the extensive incision.
Repair of a divarication results in a stronger core that helps support the lower back. Weight reduction from the anterior abdomen helps the back to straighten and can relieve painful pressure on the spine.
No, liposuction is only used if you desire fat removal to further enhance your contours. Skin removal and muscle tightening may be enough to provide the abdominoplasty results you desire.
Most patients wear their compression garment for one month following their procedure. The garment helps minimize swelling and improves circulation. However, Dr. Boyd will advise you on the best time to discontinue wearing your compression garment.
Patients with multiple aesthetic concerns often choose to combine their abdominoplasty with another body contouring surgery, such as arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) or Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. It is frequently combined with breast surgery (lift, reduction, or augmentation) in what is termed a "Mommy Makeover." During your consultation, Dr. Boyd can review the best plastic surgery options to meet your needs.
As with any surgical procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort during the first few days after tummy tuck surgery. Any associated pain can be controlled using prescribed oral medication. The discomfort should only last for a few days.
Tummy tuck surgery will result in some scarring. The extent of the scarring depends on the technique used for your procedure. Mini abdominoplasty usually results in a smaller scar in the lower abdomen; however, this procedure is not appropriate for those with a lot of redundant skin or those with a low-placed navel (belly button).
High lateral tension tummy tucks will leave a more extensive scar that can run from hip to hip or beyond. The scar from a traditional abdominoplasty lies between these two. Incisions are usually placed in locations that can easily be concealed with underwear or swimwear. All tummy tuck scars will fade over time.
For patients who are displeased with their scars over time, scar revision surgery is available.
Interested in a Tummy Tuck in South Bay, CA?
Dr. Brian Boyd is a highly esteemed, board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic body contouring procedures. If you are considering a tummy tuck, we invite you to consult with Dr. Boyd to get your questions answered and learn about your options. Schedule a consultation today by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 597-4734.