Tummy Tuck
Overview
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may be an excellent option to Orange County residents facing the frustration of abdominal bulges, loose skin, and fat pockets that do not improve with healthy diet and exercise. Although weight gain can cause the abdomen to protrude, you may not regain your natural contours when you shed the excess pounds, because irreversible stretching of tissue has occurred. For the same reason, many mothers continue to experience protruding abdomens long after giving birth.
When the protrusion results from weakened muscles and stretched tissues, diet and exercise have little effect. A tummy tuck flattens the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, as well as tightening the muscles. Your surgeon will discuss the precise location of the incision, which is usually concealed easily beneath bathing suits or undergarments.
The procedure
A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure, performed under general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. It takes about three hours to complete. First, the surgeon creates a precise incision, located immediately above the pubic area. The length of the incision depends on the amount of tissue that will be removed.
In some cases, a secondary incision is located in the navel area, allowing for the removal of a greater amount of tissue. The skin between the two incisions is removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned to the lower incision. The location of the navel itself will not change, but the shape will be altered slightly. If there are stretch marks on the abdomen, they may be reduced or removed during the procedure. For women who have had a C-section, those scars can usually be incorporated into the tummy tuck incision.
Following the surgery, you will rest in the recovery room until you are awake and alert enough to go home. The surgery site will be bandaged, and have a drain tube to prevent the accumulation of fluid, and you will be wearing a supportive garment.
Results
The majority of patients are quite pleased with the new contours created by a tummy tuck procedure. Depending on the extent of the procedure, you may lose from five to ten pounds and one to four clothing sizes. You will notice a looser fit to your clothing and a slimmer profile. With healthy habits and weight management, you can maintain your new body contours. Additionally, many patients have noticed that future weight increases do not seem to recreate the disproportionate accumulation in the abdomen that they had experienced before.
Cost
Contact the office for pricing for all procedures.