Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, the procedure commonly called tummy tuck, creates a slimmer waist by addressing problems that appear in the midsection, typically after pregnancy or changes in body weight. Tummy tucks can be performed alone or in conjunction with other body contouring procedures. By repairing stretched muscles and removing excess tissue from the abdomen, the tummy tuck creates a flatter, firmer abdomen. Wondering if we have any specials on tummy tucks? Check out our specials page to stay up-to-date on what we are offering.

Is Tummy Tuck Right For You?

If your abdomen is protruding due to excess tissue, the tummy tuck may be an ideal solution. Here are some basic guidelines to determine if you are a good candidate.

Good candidates have:

• A stable body weight
• Loose skin/tissue of the tummy
• Stretch marks in lower abdomen
• Stretched abdominal muscles

While abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction to remove a limited amount of fat, obese patients are not good candidates. Plastic surgeons recommend that you reach a stable and healthy body weight before surgery. For results that last as long as possible, it is best to wait until after childbirth to undergo an abdominoplasty. Those considering tummy tuck should also stop smoking in order to minimize the risk of complications.

The Procedure: How Surgery Creates a Flatter Abdomen

Abdominoplasty removes skin and fat from the tummy area, while repairing the muscles of the abdominal wall. Surgery requires about 2 to 7 hours of operating time, depending on certain variations in procedure (see below).

Before surgery, Dr. Aboolian will mark the areas planned for removal of tissue. The incision (and scar) from the abdominoplasty is hidden in the bikini line, unless a vertical scar is planned, and can be of varying length (see below).

General anesthesia is administered, often with muscle relaxation for repairing the abdominal muscles. The incision(s) are made above the public hairline. Dr. Aboolian uses special sutures to tighten and repair the muscles. Skin is excised, lifted and redraped to create a smoother, flatter abdomen. The belly button is reshaped and in some cases, it is relocated to a lower position on the tummy.

Hernia Repair

At times patients undergoing tummy tuck will also have a hernia, which may be diagnosed before surgery or during surgery. Such hernias involve the belly button most commonly post pregnancy or other parts of the abdomen in those with previous abdominal surgery. Dr. Aboolian repairs such hernias and will discuss it with you during your consultation. Some insurance companies may cover hernia repair.

Variations of the Tummy Tuck

There are different techniques in abdominoplasty that may be recommended for you based on the amount of skin laxity and desired results; the choices include:

1. Mini-abdominoplasty
2. Full abdominoplasty with or without a vertical scar
3. Extended abdominoplasty with or without a vertical scar

Patients with skin laxity localized to below the belly button may benefit from a "mini" abdominoplasty, which involves a shorter horizontal incision not reaching the hip bones and therefore lesser tissue removal; there are no scars around the belly button. Patients with more skin laxity may be candidates for a full tummy tuck which involves a longer horizontal scar in addition to a scar around the belly button. Extended abdominoplasty is reserved for patients who have excess skin/fat of their waist line and are looking to have a flatter tummy and waits line; the horizontal scar in such candidates is extended past the hip bones towards the back. Patients who are candidates for either full or extended abdominoplasty may also benefit from a vertical midline scar of various lengths depending on the amount of skin laxity and the desired cosmetic result. Liposuction of the waist and maybe other body parts is almost always combined with the various tummy tucks discussed. Such variations in technique will affect the surgery time which may be up to 7 hours, recovery time, and risks involved. Dr. Aboolian will discuss all such options with you during consultation and recommend the procedure that will give you the desired result.

What to Expect After Your Tummy Tuck

After surgery, you will be wrapped in gauze and a special elastic compression garment. Dr. Aboolian will provide post-operative instructions that should be closely followed. To control discomfort, he will prescribe a pain medication for your recovery period. Recovery time is approximately 6 to 8 weeks, and it varies for each patient. The doctor will monitor your condition during post-operative visits. The first visit is usually planned within the first week of surgery, when drains and some sutures are removed. For optimal results, you will be advised to wear the compression garment for 6 weeks.

Results of Your Tummy Tuck

It may take some time to appreciate the final outcome of your tummy tuck. The outcome also varies in each patient, but in general there are several aesthetic goals that plastic surgeons aim for in every tummy tuck procedure:

• Tighter, firmer skin on the tummy
• Fewer stretch marks or scars
• Improved muscle tone and visible contour
• Unobstructed navel

Possible Complications

As a relatively extensive surgical procedure, there are complications that can occur with tummy tuck. Possible adverse events include haematoma, seroma, scarring, infection, tissue loss, bleeding, intra abdominal hypertenstion, DVT and pulmonary embolus. Ask Dr. Aboolian for more information if you are concerned about tummy tuck risks or side effects.

How to Proceed

Find out if tummy tuck surgery is right for you during a consultation with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Andre Aboolian MD, FACS. The consultation provides an opportunity to ask specific questions and get answers from a recognized body contouring expert and highly qualified plastic surgeon. Email us or call 310-888-8862 to speak with our patient coordinator.