Is a Santa Monica, CA, Tummy Tuck Right for You?

When should you undergo a tummy tuck? First and foremost, only a qualified surgeon can definitively answer that question for any given patient. There are some generally applicable details, however, that are useful to know about tummy tucks (also called abdominoplasty).

First, abdominoplasty is not a means of weight loss. It can be useful once the weight is lost, but the best abdominoplasty candidates are already in relatively good shape and just have a fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet and exercise. The abdominal wall muscles are tightened during a tummy tuck, making the procedure particularly advantageous to women who, through pregnancy, have stretched their bodies beyond its ability to fully recover. This also makes abdominoplasty one of the most "uncomfortable" procedures, usually requiring a hospital stay during recovery. The extent of scarring depends on how extensive the procedure is. Incisions are made in inconspicuous real estate, but it's safe to assume that if someone cuts your belly open, there will be scarring.

Generally an elective procedure, abdominoplasty shares at least thing in common with all surgery; there is the risk of complication. A frank conversation with your plastic surgeon is an important step toward understanding what you face. Recognized as one of the top aesthetic surgeons in the U.S., Dr. Steven Teitelbaum provides Santa Monica abdominoplasty patients comprehensive care.

Learn more by visiting drteitelbaum.com

Abdominoplasty to Smooth Your Tummy in Carson City, NV

Tummy Tuck in Carson City - If you've been toying with the notion of seeking out a plastic surgeon, you probably already have a "problem area" or two in mind that you want addressed. Perhaps you've finally lost those "extra" pounds and just can't bring yourself to celebrate because, thanks to a loss of elasticity over time, the skin around your middle felt it would be more fun to flop down like a deflated balloon.

A loss of skin elasticity is normal as we age, and so it's less willing to shrink down with the rest of the body once it's been stretched. A tummy tuck surgery is one option for addressing this. By excising loose, over-hanging skin and tightening the abdominal wall muscles, a plastic surgeon can put the finishing touches on your efforts. Much depends on your current physiology and future plans. These kind of details are what makes the consultation with your surgeon so important.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kent Gabriel describes his consultations as "lengthy and informative." By spending "as much time as a patient needs to discuss their situation," Dr. Gabriel hopes that whether or not a patient goes forward with their surgery with him, they will leave the consult with greater understanding.

Learn more by visiting drkentgabriel.com

Body Contouring Procedures Like Liposuction And Abdominoplasty Are Performed To Create A Better Contour

A lipoplasty procedure is performed to remove localized areas of fat that surround the abdomen, upper arms, buttocks, hips, thighs, neck, calves, and knees. Patients who receive liposuction surgery are typically looking to improve the contours of their figure - both out of and in clothing. The cosmetic surgery procedure itself is performed with a thin metal tube that is called a cannula. This tube is inserted underneath the patient's skin and is used to vacuum fat away from specific irregular contours on one's body.

Prior To Your Tummy Tuck, Your Cosmetic Surgeon Will Explain The Risks Associated With The Surgery

A tummy tuck, technically referred to as an abdominoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures available. A tummy tuck is capable of removing excess fat and skin and may also tighten the abdominal muscles to create a tight, smooth, better contoured waistline. Most of the time, the surgery can also restore weakened or separated muscles. A good candidate for a tummy tuck will have excess or loose skin due to pregnancy, weight loss, or loss of skin elasticity from aging or stretch marks. The procedure will often be combined with lipoplasty to the love handle areas providing a better contour to the whole waistline. Also, it is commonly performed along with a breast augmentation procedure and liposuction. These three procedures performed together is often referred to as the "Mommy Makeover." Your decision to have an abdominoplasty performed is extremely personal and you will have to decide if the benefits of surgery will achieve your goals and if the potential complications and risks are acceptable.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Is Usually Performed At An Office Or Hospital

An abdominoplasty procedure is usually performed at a hospital or office with a general anesthesia. You will likely be given medication before the cosmetic surgery procedure so that you feel relaxed. The entire procedure may take between two and five hours. The amount depending of course on the patient's overall condition. There is a possibility that you will be released after a few hours, but you may require a few days in the hospital.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Is Offered By Plastic Surgeons To Rejuvenate A Person's Abdomen

The cosmetic surgeon that you choose will conduct both a careful examination and medical history in order to properly evaluate your overall and general health. Ideally, the tummy tuck patient will have no health problems, and will wish only to remove any excess deposit of loose abdominal skin or fat. Any patient who is on a weight-loss plan should be very close to the target weight they have set before they have the operation performed. Women who are planning any future pregnancies should delay receiving a tummy tuck, as pregnancy stretch the abdomen again.

A Compression Garment Will Be Recommended By Your Plastic Surgeon After Suction Lipectomy

After liposuction surgery, the patient will be able to go home with a compression garment that covers the areas that have been treated. Compression of the areas where liposuction has been performed is recommended for about a month since it will help reduce swelling after the procedure. Once the soreness and pain decrease, it's frequently more comfortable to wear spandex or lycra exercise pants. Initial discomfort from the liposuction surgery will be easily controlled through the use of oral medication. Swelling and bruising will typically subside in two to four weeks with final results taking shape over two to three months.

Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction Performed By A Plastic Surgeon Allows For A Safer Removal Of Fat

Plastic surgeons use UAL which allows for a safer removal of a larger amount of fat than what a standard liposuction procedure allows. The increase in safety is due to the smaller amount of blood removed with UAL. This means that UAL procedures can be very useful to someone who is moderately overweight even though it is not a weight loss procedure. Ultrasound assisted liposuction was created to improve the proportions and contour of the treated areas, resulting in a more flattering figure or physique.

Commonly Involved Areas Of Liposuction Include Upper Arms, Trunk, Abdomen, Waist, And Thighs

You are likely a good candidate for liposuction surgery if you have an excess amount of subcataneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction may also be something you desire if you would like to change the contours of your body. The most commonly involved areas for liposuction are the upper arms and armpits, the anterior part of the neck, male breasts/chest, waist, hips, thighs, abdomen, trunk, ankles, and calves. Most patients who receive liposuction are near normal weight and desire a permanent change in their contour.

Cosmetic Surgeons Will Perform A Mini Tummy Tuck On Those Who Have Subtle Excess Fat And Skin

Los Angeles plastic surgeons usually perform a mini tummy tuck procedure on people who have subtle excess fat and skin in the lower region on their abdomen. It can also be performed to remove previous surgical scars (such as a C-section). The scars are often much smaller than the traditional abdominoplasty or tummy tuck scar, and are well concealed within the bikini line. Additionally, the abdominal muscles can be tightened to improve the lower abdominal bulge. Only a small percentage of patients are good candidates for the mini tummy tuck procedure.

A Word About Abdominoplasty in Lindon, Utah

Abdominoplasty in Utah - A tummy tuck operation involves making an incision that falls along the natural creases of the lower abdomen, usually correlating with the bikini line. The skin is then lifted away from the abdomen, creating a flap. Depending on the patient's unique situation, the navel may be moved, fat may be suctioned away, and excess skin is excised, or cut away. Scarring is minimized as much as possible by the incision's being located in a natural crease, and by the application of vitamins and adhesives, but a scar is to be expected whenever there is an incision.

Utah cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Kimball Crofts, reminds patients that planned future pregnancies and certain medical conditions can make an abdominoplasty unsafe. The best way to know for sure if you are a good candidate for this procedure is in a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Has Little Risk

Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

Perform Other Plastic Surgery Procedrues at the Same Time as a Tummy Tuck

Patients often have multiple procedures at the same time. The most common include breast augmentation, breast lifts, tummy tuck, and/or liposuction. This saves both time and money since costs are often reduced when multiple procedures are combined. Additional procedures would also include facial cosmetic surgery or those related to weight loss such as thigh or buttock lifts.

Tighten the Muscles of the Abdominal Wall with an Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty , known more commonly as a "tummy tuck ," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

If you're considering abdominoplasty, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon.

Abdominoplasty Provides a Sleeker, Stronger Abdominal Wall

The tummy tuck procedure tightens the muscles to provide a sleeker, stronger abdominal wall and to make the waist smaller. Loose, lax skin often compromised by stretch marks, is removed. You will be up in a day or two after surgery, but activity may be restricted for three or four weeks while tissues firm and heal. Most plastic surgeons' patients return to work within a couple of weeks.

Remove Excess Skin and Fat from the Middle and Lower Abdomen with an Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty , known more commonly as a "tummy tuck ," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

If you're considering abdominoplasty, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon.

Improve the Contour and Appearance of your Abdomen with a Tummy Tuck

Many factors can effect the contour of your abdomen. Childbirth can stretch abdominal tissues to an extent un correctable with exercise, excess fat deposits can produce undesirable bulges or fullness, and loose skin following childbirth or weight loss can result in an unattractive abdomen.

Abdominoplasty is a procedure which improves the contour and appearance of the abdomen by contouring or reshaping the underlying muscle framework, and removing excess fat and loose skin.

During pregnancy, enlargement of your uterus causes significant stretching of the tissues of your abdomen. After delivery, you can exercise to recover the tone in the muscles themselves, but the fascial tissues which interconnect the muscles may have been stretched, and fascia does not respond to exercise. Stretching or looseness of the lower abdominal tissues can allow bulging of your lower abdomen which you may not be able to correct with exercise.

After significant weight loss, as fatty tissue is decreased beneath the skin of your abdomen, your abdominal skin may become much looser, and sometimes actually hang downward. Skin also does not respond to any type of exercise, but excess loose skin can be removed during abdominoplasty.

Even in individuals who are not overweight, localized deposits of fat can occur in areas of the abdomen, producing undesirable contours. If fat deposits are the only contour problem, they may be correctable with suction lipoplasty alone, but if stretched musculature or loose skin are present, abdominoplasty is necessary to achieve the best contour.

So abdominoplasty does three things: it reshapes the underlying framework of the abdomen to improve shape and contour, it removes excess fat deposits which may be present, and it removes excess loose skin to improve the overall contour, appearance and shape of the abdomen.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Removes Excess Skin From The Abdomen

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

Recovering From a Tummy Tuck

The recovery step of the process is often the most important. Following the directions given to you by your surgeon is vital. After the procedure, dressings and bandages may be applied to the incisions, and a compression garment may be used to minimize swelling and to support the abdomen as it heals. Within a few days after the abdominoplasty a return to normal, light activities will be possible. In a couple of weeks, you can return to work aside from heavy lifting and rigorous exercise.

The Best Candidate For A Tummy Tuck

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. 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. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the tummy tuck surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.

An Abdominoplasty Removes Loose Skin and Fat

An abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is a commonly performed surgery that tightens weak or stretched muscles and removes excess skin, creating a flat and toned abdomen. An abdominoplasty is an body contouring plastic surgery operation in which the loose skin and fat of the abdominal wall, particularly around the navel, is removed by elevation of the skin and fat, pulling it inferiorly and excising the excess. It is particularly effective in removing stretch marks from the lover abdomen, but it must be understood that not all stretch marks can be eliminated. The navel is reinserted into the skin after the tightening procedure.

The First Step in Receiving a Tummy Tuck

The first consultation allows you to meet with your plastic surgeon and staff to discuss your needs and concerns. You will learn about your surgery, the risks and complications, recovery time and look at before and after pictures. Your discussion with him or her covers all aspects of the surgery and you will discuss with him or her your expectations of the surgery. Your plastic surgeon will be able to examine your body and talk about the procedures necessary to meet your expectations.
During the consultation, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve from abdominoplasty. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. He or she will individualize your treatment plan with you and discuss with you what type of abdominoplasty will give you your best results (ie. mini-abdominoplasty vs. full abdominoplasty vs. extended abdominoplasty).
You will have before pictures taken, which allows the physician to plan your surgery and also allows computer imaging to be done and viewed at a later date. After meeting with your surgeon you will have the opportunity to meet with the nurse and review pre-operative and post-operative care necessary for the surgery. You plastic surgeon's assistant will discuss fees and schedule your surgery at a time convenient to both schedules.

The Difference Between a Full and Mini-Tummy Tuck

During abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes an incision that extends from hip to hip along the lower pubic area. A skilled plastic surgeon makes this incision so that the resulting scar is hidden under a bathing suit or by undergarments. The plastic surgeon then lifts the loose skin off of the abdominal wall, and tightens and repairs the loosened "rectus" muscles – the muscles that normally give the abdomen its strength – achieving the effect that an old-fashioned girdle would.
During Mini-Abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes an incision that generally spans only the width of the pubic area, and that is similar to a C-section incision. In both procedures, patients with excessive fat in the hips and flanks may have liposuction in these areas to contour them, but not in the areas of the abdomen that are being stretched because this could cause damage to the blood circulation in those areas, leading to scarring or even skin loss. The result of a tummy tuck is an abdomen that is tight and flat, a waist that is narrow and curvy and thighs and buttocks that are firmer.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Gets Rid of Your Protruding Belly

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes loose hanging abdominal skin and tightens weakened abdominal wall muscles. Because even diligent diet and exercise cannot fix these problems, each year more than 80,000 American women and men undergo tummy tuck surgery. Women and men who have a protruding belly, loose hanging abdominal skin and weak abdominal muscles are candidates for a full tummy tuck.
Mini-abdominoplasty, also known as a mini-tummy tuck, is reserved for those who have only a limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen, or above the public bone. Also, Mini tummy tuck does not usually involve the tightening of abdominal muscles. Therefore, it is sometimes combined with liposuction for patients with excessive fat, but limited looseness of the abdomen.

A Tummy Tuck may be the Answer to Your Problems

A tummy tuck is performed by first carefully marking the patient while they are standing. Careful pre-operative marking is essential to guiding the surgery to success. The procedure begins just above the pubis, by lifting the skin off the muscle from the pubic bone up to the bottom of the ribs. This releases the skin to allow the lower abdominal excess to be removed and the upper abdominal skin to be stretched downward to fill in the space from where the skin is removed. It also allows the surgeon to easily visualize the stretched out, thinned or separated muscles and to tighten them. Although the procedure does require an incision, many plastic surgeons' experience and intimate understanding of the patient’s anatomy and body contours will allow the scar to be well hidden in a bikini bathing suit or even skimpy underwear. Like all procedures, Abdominoplasty does carry risks, including the risk of infection, bleeding and the risk from anesthetics. It is important to note that under the care of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, great care will be taken to avoid or minimize these risks.

A Tummy Tuck can Restore your Abdomen to it's Former Self

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This type of surgery can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. This procedure produces a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

Get Rid of Sagging Abdominal Skin with a Tummy Tuck

The skin over the abdomen area can become stretched out after childbirth or weight loss. This skin does not retract to its original tightness and can be loose and saggy. The abdominal muscles also have stretched out and have not regained their normal position, giving the appearance of a "pot belly" no matter how many sit-ups a person does. An abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" will correct both of these problems. The excess skin is removed and the muscles are tightened to firm up the abdomen and provide better contour.

Get Rid of that Excess Fat with a Tummy Tuck!

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

If you're considering abdominoplasty, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon.

Abdominoplasty Provides a more Youthful Look

Most Board Certified Plastic Surgeons offer both traditional and Endoscopic assisted abdominoplasty to remove excess skin, stretch marks, and fat from the abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This reshaping and contouring of your figure provides a flatter, smoother, and more youthful look.

Considering Abdominoplasty?

Considering a tummy tuck by a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon? Ever wonder where the old you has gone? Ever just wish that you could have that old body shape back? Perhaps because of pregnancies, weight loss or just the aging process, you have seen a dramatic change in the shape of your abdomen. Some of those changes may include loose or hanging skin of the lower abdomen, rashes or hygiene problems developing under that fold of skin, protrusion of the abdominal muscles due to weakening or stretching of those muscles or an accumulation of excess fat. If these are the issues that are troubling you, then a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty may be the answer.

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. It is also known as a tummy tuck.
Because any surgical procedure carries certain risks and possible complications, you should discuss the procedure in detail with your plastic surgeon.

Restore a Thinner and Fitter Look to your Body

An abdominoplasty can help individuals restore a thinner and fitter looking contour to their bodies. The tummy area is made smaller to better match the body of the patient. Board certifed plastic surgeons accomplish this by removing excess fat and skin in the abdominal area and tightening the underlying muscle tissues. This not only helps to restore the physical appearance of the patient, but also restores self-confidence and respect to the patient.

Preparing For Your Tummy Tuck

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.
Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.

Abdominoplasty: The Surgery to Remove Excess Fat

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is surgery to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen. Abdominal muscles that have been weakened or separated can also be corrected with a tummy tuck. The most common causes of loose or sagging skin on the stomach are heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery and significant fluctuations in weight. This procedure is common among patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and have excess abdominal skin.

Did you know that an abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction to help achieve optimal body contouring results?

The Main Goals of a Tummy Tuck

The main goals of a Tummy Tuck are to remove the excess, loose skin and fat of the lower abdomen and to tighten the abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty offers the best chance to have as flat an abdomen and as narrow a waist as possible. The procedure unlocks the potential that is there. In Los Angeles, Tummy Tucks can make all the difference in feeling and looking like your old self. A Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon has extensive experience in this surgery having performed well over 1500 Tummy Tucks.

Abdominoplasty Procedures in California

Also called a "tummy tuck", abdominoplasty can remove excess skin and fat, stretch marks, and scars on the lower abdomen. It corrects unwanted changes that are left after weight loss or childbirth. The procedure also tightens the abdominal muscles and decreases the waistline.

Abdominoplasty does not involve entering the abdomen itself, only more superficial areas of the body. The incisions for this procedure extend from just below the pubic line to the belly button.

The Best Candidates for Abdominoplasty

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. 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. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. Contact a board certified plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck in California.