A tummy tuck, medically referred to as an abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed around the world. A protruding abdomen can be difficult to live with. This may occur if weight loss left you with sagging skin, if the abdominal muscles have weakened, or if pregnancy has gotten the best of your midsection. These flaws may have never been an issue in the past, but as your body continues to age, there is no telling how well it will respond to high intensity exercise routines or dieting. An abdominoplasty can help patients achieve a flatter, trimmer midriff by tightening the abdominal wall muscles and targeting excess fat.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A tummy tuck is performed as an outpatient procedure. Depending on the overall condition of the patient, body contouring of the stomach may require a two to five hour procedure and the patient will later be released to return home the same day. During the procedure, the surgeon will have the patient put under local or general anesthesia to ensure that they do not experience any pain or discomfort during the treatment.
TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
After the body is successfully under anesthesia, Dr. Talebzadeh will make the tummy tuck incisions. The first incision will be made on the lower abdomen at the bikini line and another incision will be made to remove the navel from the surrounding tissue.
Once the skin is separated from the abdomen, the exposed muscles will be tightened and positioned with sutures to improve the overall appearance.
After the abdominal muscles are positioned, the removal of excess skin is performed. In certain cases, the tummy tuck is performed in conjunction with liposuction procedures to remove a larger abundance of fat cells from above the abdominal wall. Once the excess skin is removed, the navel is repositioned to the appropriate region of the belly. Once this is complete, the abdominal skin is draped back and stitched together, and dressings will be applied to allow the incisions to heal.
PARTIAL TUMMY TUCKS
It is important to note that one can also choose to undergo a partial abdominoplasty. The difference between a partial and complete abdominoplasty is that in the partial procedure a smaller incision is made, the skin and fat of the lower abdomen are detached from the muscle fascia less than in the complete procedure, and only sometimes is the belly button stalk divided from the muscle below. In addition, liposuction is commonly utilized to contour the transition zone.
Who is an ideal candidate?
A tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have excess fat, sagging skin, or weakened abdominal muscles but are otherwise physically healthy.
During your initial consultation, our staff will review and discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and goals for this procedure. It is important that you be as detailed as possible so that we can ensure realistic expectations and determine that this procedure is the right one for you.
What is the recovery process like?
It is important to note that tummy tucks are considered a major surgery that requires a significant amount of recovery time. Please follow your doctor’s instructions and call our office if you have any questions during your recovery process.
Following your procedure, your abdomen will feel sore and tender. Compression garments or elastic bandages will help minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals. The tubes placed in the incisions will drain away fluid, depending on the type used you may have to empty it throughout the day to assist in the healing process.
Your sutures and tubes will be removed within a week or two. Though you should avoid lifting, bending, straining, or performing strenuous activities it is important that you get up and move around throughout the day.
We recommend patients ask family members or a close friend to help during the first week or two of recovery as you will need help with the basics. It can take up to three weeks before your body is well enough to resume normal activities, and at least 6 weeks before you can perform any aerobic or high-energy activities.
What can I expect for results?
The full extent of your results will become apparent six months following the procedure once the swelling subsides and your abdomen fully heals. The tightened abdominal muscles will result in a flatter, more toned stomach.
Minimal scarring is expected and may take several months to fade, the level of scarring will vary based on the patient’s overall skin tone and quality. The results of this procedure are permanent but can be diminished if the patient experiences significant fluctuations in weight.
Tummy tuck surgery can produce dramatic results that tighten and slim your abdomen and remove excess skin so that you can restore your toned and sculpted figure.
SET UP YOUR TUMMY TUCK SAN DIEGO CONSULTATION TODAY
By removing the sagging skin and by tightening the abdominal muscles, you can improve your body contour and boost your self-confidence. Even if you are at a stable weight and just want to remove the excess skin caused by sudden weight loss from your belly, you should consider receiving a tummy tuck in San Diego/Chula Vista. Eastlake Cosmetic Surgery is ready to book consultations online or over the phone so feel free to contact us if you want a slimmer midsection today.