Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure that can remove excess skin and fat while tightening underlying muscles to slim the midsection and reduce a protruding stomach. Tummy tuck surgery can benefit both men and women looking to enhance their body contours, increase self-confidence, and regain a youthful figure.
What Can a Tummy Tuck Correct?
Tummy Tuck Options
Full Tummy Tuck
Full tummy tuck surgery is ideal for patients with excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity in both the upper and lower abdomen. Your surgeon will make an incision along your bikini line directly above the pubic area and a second incision around the belly button. The skin will be separated from the muscles up to the rib cage. The vertical muscles of the abdomen will then be stitched together to provide a tighter abdominal wall. The skin will be pulled tight, and excess skin and fat will be removed. A new opening will be created for the belly button and stitched into place.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck addresses excess skin, fat, and minimal muscle laxity below the navel using a single incision along the lower abdomen (a second incision to around the belly button is not needed). The skin will be separated from the underlying tissues up to the belly button, and excess skin and fat tissue will be removed. Once your abdominal muscles are tightened, the skin will be draped back over the abdomen, and the incision will be stitched together with sutures.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck procedure is best suited for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. It targets excess skin throughout the abdomen, across the hips, and around the back. An extended incision will be made low in the pubic area that extends around the hips and onto the back as needed to remove excess skin. This procedure contours and slims the belly and hips for a more toned physique.
Concerns
Recovery
After your surgery, an abdominal binder will be given to you for support as you heal. You should be up and about in one to two days, but still take it easy as you recover. It could take weeks before you feel back to normal. Light exercise, such as walking, is recommended to help you feel better and heal faster.
Scars
Every effort is made to hide scars in the bikini area, and scarring will fade over time. Following your aftercare instructions and keeping your incision out of direct sunlight will aid in healing.
Cost
The cost of tummy tuck surgery depends on many factors, such as:
- Length of the procedure and technique used
- Patient’s needs and aesthetic goals
- Anesthesia fees
- Operating room fees
- Geographical location
Never sacrifice quality for price when choosing your surgeon. We offer financing options for qualifying patients.
Pain
Swelling and pain in the abdomen are normal. Any discomfort you experience can be handled with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
General anesthesia will be used during your procedure.
Your amount of abdominal fat, skin, and muscle laxity are taken into account when deciding on the best tummy tuck surgery technique for you.
Tummy tuck surgery can remove sagging abdominal skin, excess fat deposits, loose or stretched abdominal muscles, and stretch marks on the lower abdomen to improve the appearance of the midsection. This procedure often helps restore confidence and helps patients look and feel great.
An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck wants to remove excess skin and fat from their abdominal area. They may have been experiencing excess fat or skin around their stomach due to a pregnancy, genetics, extreme weight loss, or aging.
Additionally, candidates should be:
- In generally good health
- Non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure
- Understanding of the expected results and have realistic expectations
- Within 25 pounds of their ideal weight
Women who plan on getting pregnant again should postpone their tummy tuck until after.
During your initial consultation, the doctor will review your medical files and examine you to ensure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
No, a tummy tuck surgery isn’t meant to be a weight-loss solution; it’s a toning solution that can also deal with excessive skin. While the surgery will remove fat from the abdomen, the procedure will not remove excessive fat amounts. Patients who are interested in a tummy tuck should generally be within 25 pounds of their goal weight.
Yes, a tummy tuck offers long-lasting results. However, it should be noted that if you gain weight, it can impact your results. This is why it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine after your tummy tuck procedure.
The procedure’s time will vary from patient to patient, but generally, it’s between two and four hours.
Usually, a tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure. There might be some situations where patients are asked to do the procedure and spend one night in the clinic or hospital.
If you are released after surgery to spend the night at home, you will need to arrange a ride home and someone to monitor you during the first night. Additionally, it will be helpful to have someone at home during the recovery period to help you with tasks, such as cleaning and cooking.
Tummy tuck surgery is commonly performed with other body contouring techniques like liposuction, body sculpting after massive weight loss, and Mommy Makeover surgery (which combines body and breast enhancement surgeries).
Patients interested in body contouring in San Juan Capistrano, Newport Beach, Corona, or Encinitas should reach out to AesthetiCare Cosmetic Surgery Institute for more information.