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Procedures Body Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck

Procedures Body Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, also referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the abdominal area. Both mini and full tummy tucks can be performed. Generally, if there is loose skin above the belly button, a full tummy tuck will be necessary. Tummy tuck procedures are performed in our La Jolla office under general anesthesia and usually take about three hours to complete. They restore a firmer and more youthful abdominal contour following pregnancy, weight loss, and normal aging.

Tummy Tuck in La Jolla / San Diego

Who should consider abdominoplasty?

After pregnancy, women are often left with loose skin and abdominal wall laxity that do not return to their pre-pregnancy state. Men and women who have loose abdominal skin or fatty deposits that remain after substantial weight loss can also benefit from an abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty removes the loose skin and tightens abdominal muscles, resulting in a smoother and flatter abdomen. However, it is not a substitute for weight loss. You should be as close as possible to your ideal weight and in good health before considering a tummy tuck.

Before & After
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Who should not consider abdominoplasty?

If you are a woman who is considering having additional children, it is usually recommended that you wait until you’re finished having children. During a tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles are tightened, and it is possible for these muscles to become stretched again with a subsequent pregnancy.

If you are planning on losing a significant amount of weight, it is recommended to wait until you are as close as possible to your weight loss goal before considering an abdominoplasty.

If abdominal fat is your primary area of concern, liposuction may be a better procedure for you to consider. Abdominoplasty is best suited to remove excess, sagging skin in the abdominal area, while liposuction is designed to remove stubborn fat deposits in areas with good skin tone.

FAQs

How Should I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

There are some general surgical steps you will need to take prior to having your tummy tuck performed. If you smoke, you will be instructed to quit at least four weeks prior to the procedure since nicotine can severely increase the risk of surgical complications and the integrity of your healing. You will also be told to stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and certain herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding during or after your surgery.

What Should I Expect from a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

A tummy tuck can be broken up into four different steps: anesthesia, incisions, tightening and closure.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used most commonly and is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist with many years of experience. This type of anesthesia ensures you are as safe and comfortable as possible during your procedure.

Incisions

In order to allow for the appropriate amount of skin removal, a horizontal incision will need to be made, typically placed low around your bikini line so that it can be easily hidden. In full tummy tucks, an additional incision around the belly button is required.

Tightening

Some women experience a condition known as diastasis recti after pregnancy, which is a separation of the midline abdominal muscles. This can lead to core strength issues as well as aesthetic concerns. If the condition is present, Dr. Umansky will repair the separation with sutures. Excess tissue is removed as appropriate, and then the remaining skin is re-draped over the abdomen to create a more taut appearance. A new opening for the belly button is created, and it is secured with sutures.

Closure

Both Drs. Umansky often use a “drainless” approach when performing abdominoplasty, which makes for an easier recovery process. They also close the incisions with attention to detail and buried sutures to provide the best possible scar.

What Should I Expect During Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Usually, a compression garment is placed after the procedure. Immediately after surgery, it is normal to feel some pain and discomfort. While the pain that is associated with a tummy tuck is sometimes manageable with just over-the-counter drugs, prescription medication will be provided by Dr. Umansky.

Bruising and swelling are normal and usually begin to subside within the first week, but may take several months to resolve completely. Walking is encouraged on the evening of the procedure and for the first two weeks afterward. More strenuous activities that involve the core musculature typically require six weeks to resume. You should always wait to resume activities until you are cleared by your surgeon.

The scars are closely managed after surgery by Dr. Umansky to ensure the best possible results. Topical silicone gel is usually recommended for the best outcome. Sometimes, the scars may require laser treatments to improve their appearance.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect from a Tummy Tuck?

You can expect to notice an immediate and drastic improvement in the tightness and contour of your abdominal area. The results that you achieve will be permanent and very significant. Future weight gain or the natural aging process can affect the results. We generally recommend that women are done with child-bearing before having a tummy tuck performed since much of their improvement can be lost with an additional pregnancy.

Can I Combine My Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures?

Many procedures can be combined with tummy tucks, such as liposuction, SmartLipo, Brazilian Butt Lift, vaginal rejuvenation, breast lift, breast augmentation, and breast reduction. By combining surgical treatments, there are cost savings and the benefits of having only one recovery period. The overall results that can be achieved are much more dramatic.

Tummy tucks are often part of a combination of surgeries referred to as a “Mommy Makeover.” This approach focuses on restoring a pre-pregnancy body in a woman whose body has changed with pregnancy and nursing. Along with tummy tucks, breast procedures are very common, as well as liposuction and Brazilian butt lifts. Both Drs. Umansky have extensive experience performing Mommy Makeovers.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The price of your tummy tuck will depend on whether a mini or a full tummy tuck is performed. During your initial consultation, we will be able to provide you with an exact price for your tummy tuck.

Premier Tummy Tuck Surgery at Umansky Plastic Surgery

If you are ready to schedule a consultation or set up an appointment to learn more about how a tummy tuck can help restore your body confidence, give our office a call at (858) 281-4560. Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form below to have a team member get back to you at a more convenient time. We look forward to being your trusted partner through the entire tummy tuck process.