Tummy Tuck Procedure
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Most people choose to undergo the surgery after pregnancy, or after a large weight loss. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Men and women who have had a large weight loss resulting in excess abdominal skin and folds will also benefit from this procedure. It can also be beneficial to men or women of normal body weight and size who just want to get rid of some excess abdominal skin. Tummy Tuck surgery can change the contour of your abdomen by restoring a firm, toned appearance that often can’t be achieved through exercise or diet alone. You can and should, lose the majority of abdominal fat through these methods; however the loose skin left over after taking these measures will not disappear or tighten on its own.
What are the Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
There are two basic types of Tummy Tucks:
- Mini Tummy Tuck
- Full Tummy Tuck
If loose skin and muscle are confined to the lower abdomen, a Mini Tummy Tuck may be all that is necessary. The advantage of a mini tuck is a shorter scar and easier recovery. In addition, it is usually not necessary to reposition the belly button with a mini tuck. If muscle and skin are loose throughout the entire abdomen, then a full tummy tuck is ordinarily recommended. Although this necessitates a longer incision across the lower abdomen as well as an incision around the navel, it offers greater improvement than can be achieved with a Mini Tummy Tuck alone.
Please click here to view our before & after gallery.
What does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Involve?
Abdominoplasty takes approximately 2 to 5 hours to perform; the patient is placed under general anesthesia. Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. For women who have had cesarean sections, the new scar can be blended into this one to minimize scarring. The length of the incision, which extends laterally toward the pelvic bones, depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. If you need a large amount of fat or skin removed, sometimes a second incision around the belly button is required. For men or women who have lost a significant amount of weight however, it may be necessary, to have a small vertical incision to correct horizontal skin laxity, though the upper scar will be minimal. The contour of this incision will vary somewhat according to the structure of your abdomen and the style of bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. We always try to keep the incision within your bathing suit lines.
What is the Recovery Process after abdominoplasty surgery?
After surgery, a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. An overnight stay at one of the hospitals in the San Jose area may be necessary. Recovery time ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months. Abdominoplasty leaves a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip, although it is low enough to be concealed by a bikini. Maintaining weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise provides long-lasting results.
Risks Of Abdominoplasty
In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, risks associated with abdominoplasty include the following:
- Asymmetry
- Unsightly scarring
- Loose skin
- Numbness in skin sensation
- Need for revisional surgery
Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery may find that their old scars look more raised, have stretched or are more noticeable in general. Undergoing a scar revision may minimize their prominence.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Before your initial consultation, be sure to browse our photo gallery or previous patients who have a similar body type to yours, or similar problem areas. Before and after photos will give you a good idea of typical results. Keep in mind that scars improve greatly with time.
During your first consultation, Dr. Rosenthal will review your medical history to decide if the surgery is a good fit for you right now. She will examine your abdomen while you are standing as well as lying down and assess your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in your abdominal region. Dr. Rosenthal will also evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles in order to determine the best course of action for your surgery. Our goal is to restore your youthful figure and have you be thrilled with the results.
“I had an amazing experience with Dr.Rosenthal! She was extremely professional and I am in love with the results. She is super knowledgeable and answered any question I could possibly have. Her front desk staff is also amazing and made me feel very comfortable. I could not have picked a better surgeon. I am absolutely speechless at how amazing the results are.” – Angelica D.
Schedule a Consultation
To meet with a specialist to discuss a Tummy Tuck procedure and how to prepare for an abdominoplasty, call our office line at (408) 559-4700 or fill out an online registration form and our office will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for choosing Dr. Regina Rosenthal!
