Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) in Palos Verdes, CA
Tummy Tuck, also known as "Abdominoplasty"
A flat abdomen replete with six-pack is elusive and difficult to achieve with 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.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck 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.
Who Can a Tummy Tuck Help?
Post-pregnancy
Abdominal skin and muscles stretch during pregnancy to make room for your growing baby. For some women, this affects the elasticity of the skin and muscles, making it difficult to return to their toned pre-baby appearance.
Many women find that they have developed a stomach "pooch" from weakened abdominal muscles coupled with a hanging skin fold in the lower abdomen.
Solution:
Mini Tummy Tuck
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
After Weight Loss
When we gain weight, especially if we keep it on for a while, our skin becomes permanently stretched. Many men and women find that after dramatic weight loss, they are left with excess skin that obscures their new, thinner body shape.
Solution:
High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck
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 Can a Tummy Tuck Do for Me?
Tighten Loose Skin
In many cases, no amount of diet or exercise can tighten loose skin that has lost elasticity. A tummy tuck eliminates excess skin and tightens the remaining skin to achieve a smoother and firmer abdomen.
A firm abdomen can allow for a wider variety of clothing to fit better.
Tone the Abdominal Muscles
A tummy tuck brings loose abdominal muscles back together and sutures them in place. As the muscles are tightened, more defined abs are created.
Along with improving the abdominal appearance, toning the muscles helps strengthen your core. A stronger core can help you feel more fit and improve your posture, and better posture can reduce backaches and other chronic pains.
Remove Excess Fat
Excess belly fat can mask the new abdominal contours created after tightening the abdominal muscles. Liposuction treatment can be performed during your abdominoplasty to remove stubborn fat deposits. This can create a slimmer silhouette and restore your waistline.
If desired, fat removed through liposuction can be used for fat transfer to the breasts, buttocks, or face.
Help You Lose Weight
You can carry extra weight in the form of loose skin and fat. Removing excess tissue helps you shed those unwanted pounds and may help you reach your final weight-loss goal. Feeling lighter and looking better can inspire you to live a healthier lifestyle and maintain your results.
Reduce Stretch Marks
If stretch marks are located in the lower abdomen, most will be removed by a tummy tuck. If they are distributed more widely, then some will remain, but most patients will see a noticeable improvement in their appearance.
Tummy tuck surgery dramatically reduces the total number of stretch marks since those on the excised skin are eliminated permanently. Any remaining stretch marks are shifted downward after the surgery.
Increase Your Confidence in Your Body
The most important benefit of tummy tuck surgery is that it helps people find happiness in their bodies once again. All the physical improvements come together to change how you look and feel about yourself.
Feeling comfortable with your body can help you feel more confident in yourself. This, in turn, helps improve other aspects of your life by making you more positive and outgoing. Many patients feel more confident when looking in the mirror and more comfortable in social and business interactions.
What to Expect After Tummy Tuck Surgery
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Tummy Tuck Surgery?
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.
Will I Be in Pain After an Abdominoplasty?
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.
Will I Have Scars After a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery can result in 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 umbilicus (belly button).
High lateral tension tummy tucks will leave a more extensive scar that can run from hip to hip. 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.
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.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. BoydTummy Tuck Before & After Photos
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery
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 recreation of a waist.
Most weight-loss patients agree that the amount of skin removed is worth the extensive incision.
A stronger core helps support the lower spine. The spinal support straightens the back and can relieve painful pressure.
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, your Dr. Boyd will advise you on the best time to discontinue wearing your compression garment.
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.
Patients with multiple trouble areas or concerns often choose to combine their abdominoplasty with another body contouring surgery, such as arm lift surgery or Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. It may also be 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.