California Tummy Tuck

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Abdominoplasty improves the body contour by tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall and removing excess fatty tissue and skin. While a narrower, flatter abdomen is the goal, it’s still important that patients have realistic expectations. Abdominoplasty should not be viewed as a substitute for weight loss. When determining if an individual is a good candidate for abdominoplasty, Dr. Abergel will consider certain factors such as age, obesity and smoking habits.

Before Surgery

During the initial consultation, we will evaluate your overall health by conducting a careful examination and taking a complete medical history. The ideal candidate is free of health problems. You may be advised to postpone the surgery if you are on a weight loss plan until your target weight has been achieved. Likewise, women planning future pregnancies may be advised to postpone surgery as pregnancy can lead to additional abdominal stretching.

You will have photographs taken both before and after your procedure and you will be prescribed antibiotics to take before surgery to prevent infection. You will be advised to stop taking aspirin-containing drugs to minimize the risk of excess bleeding and to bathe with an antiseptic soap for several days before your surgery.

The Surgery

General anesthesia is typically used for abdominoplasty surgery, and you may also be given medication to help you relax beforehand. Depending on the patient’s overall condition and the extent of the surgery, the procedure may take anywhere from two to five hours to complete. After surgery, you may require a few days of hospitalization or you may be released within just a few hours.

The most common technique for abdominoplasty involves a U-shaped incision located across the pubic area from below one hipbone to the other. Another small incision will be made around the belly button. Once the incisions are made, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall and raised up to the hipbone in order to expose the loose tissue over the muscle of the abdomen. The doctor will then tighten loose, stretched out muscles with sutures and remove excess skin and fat. The skin is pulled back over the abdomen, the belly button is reconstructed, and the incisions are sutured. To eliminate fluid build-up, drains may be inserted. The treatment area is also covered with firm elastic bandages.

The Recovery

Patients may experience some discomfort after surgery. This can be controlled with pain medication. Some swelling can also be expected after abdominoplasty. You will be instructed on showering and changing the dressings until the surface stitches are removed, which occurs within five to seven days after surgery. A support garment may also need to be worn for a period of time.

The length of recovery will depend on the individual patient’s condition before surgery. Recovery is generally faster in patients with stronger abdominal muscles. Patients should plan on recuperating for two to four weeks before returning to work. Some amount of scarring can be expected, though it will begin to fade in as much as nine to twelve months.

Q - What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure which can correct a protruding abdomen. The abdomen may protrude as a result of weak abdominal muscles, weight gain or pregnancy, and obesity can cause the skin to lose its elasticity. If the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched, these conditions may not be responsive to diet and exercise. During surgery, the body contour is improved by removing excess fatty tissue and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall.

Q - How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a facelift?
Dr. Abergel will consider certain factors such as age, obesity and smoking habits when evaluating whether or not you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Ideally, patients should be free of health problems, in relatively good shape, and looking only to remove an excess fat deposit or loose abdominal skin. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss and patients should be realistic in their expectations. The procedure should be delayed for women planning future pregnancies and for patients on a weight-loss plan until their target weight has been nearly achieved.

Q - What happens during a consultation for a tummy tuck?
During the consultation for a tummy tuck, we will take a complete medical history and conduct a thorough examination in order to evaluate your overall health. Dr. Abergel will consider factors such as your age, obesity and smoking habits to determine if the tummy tuck is right for you.

Q - Is there anything I need to do before surgery to prepare for my tummy tuck?
You will be prescribed antibiotics which you will need to take prior to your surgery to prevent infection. You will also need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin in order to minimize the risk of excess bleeding. For several days before your surgery, you will need to bathe with an antiseptic soap.

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