Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Huntington Beach, South Gate, Lake Forest, & Fontana, CA
Why Do I Have a Floppy Tummy?
A floppy tummy can exist in both men and women. A floppy tummy typically begins during childhood or after pregnancy. A floppy tummy can be due to an increase in fat around the intestines or fat beneath the skin; in addition to stretched skin, the rectus abdominal muscles and connective tissue fascia are stretched beyond its natural retraction ability. This is why no matter how many crunches or planks you perform, the tummy remains “floppy.”
What Can Be Done to Correct a Floppy Tummy?
Two procedures can be performed; liposuction or abdominoplasty. Some patients may benefit from both procedures. Liposuction is the removal of fat with either a laser or cannula suction device. Flank (lovehandles) liposuction may be performed either before or after abdominalplasty in certain cases. Liposuction of the tummy may be performed concurrently when a patient undergoes abdominoplasty.
Who Needs a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is performed on patients requiring hernia repair, or who require a significant removal of fat and skin. Our surgeons are experts in combining the complex repair of a protruding abdominal hernia or colon stoma take-down with an abdominoplasty.
Is a Tummy Tuck an Office Procedure?
No, general anesthesia is required. The surgery typically takes up to 3-4 hours. You may spend one to two nights in the hospital. Pain is described as moderate, and is controlled with both oral and intravenous pain medications.
When Can I Return to Work?
You may return to work in one week, but no exercising for up to three months. You can expect moderate swelling to persist for up to 6 weeks, with complete resolution of the swelling at about 12 months. Numbness of the tummy and the scar is typical and may persist for 12 months.
Should I Lose Weight Before My Tummy Tuck?
Yes, weight management is essential before and after abdominoplasty. The tummy tuck results are best when you are at your ideal weight. Weight loss after a tummy tuck can result in another floppy tummy requiring further surgical or non-surgical treatments. Weight gain after a tummy tuck will result in loose skin.
Where is the Incision?
Abdominoplasty means that your surgeon will remove most of the fat (debulk) and excess skin between the belly button and pubic hair line in a horizontal oval or elliptical shape. Any hernias will be repaired and the fascia with the abdominal muscles will be tightened with permanent sutures.
A new belly button will then be created and positioned. The incision will leave a scar that falls along the natural crease near the bikini line. The thickness, color, and length of the scar will vary from person to person. Best results are obtained if you abstain from all nicotine products and avoid secondhand smoke for at least six weeks before and after surgery. We ask that you stop taking aspirin three weeks before and after the surgery.
Occasionally drains may be placed during surgery to prevent fluid collections (seromas) under the skin flap. Drains are usually removed in a few days, but iIn some cases they may be left beneath for several weeks following surgery. You will be instructed how to care and empty the drains. You will be required to wear a compression garment, either an abdominal binder or post-op body suit girdle for four to six weeks after surgery to prevent seromas and to provide abdominal support during healing. We will encourage you to wear a body compression girdle for up to twelve months.
Rectus Muscle Plication (RMP)
RMP is the suturing of the abdominal muscles to firm, tighten, and contour the abdomen. Diastasis hernias may also be repaired by RMP. Not all abdominoplasty patients are candidates for RMP.
Are There Risks?
Abdominoplasty is surgery, and as with any surgery there are risks. The risks associated with abdominoplasty include, but are not limited to:
- Seroma is the most common risk. If a seroma occurs, your surgeon may aspirate the fluid in the office using a needle and syringe. Occasionally a drainage tube may placed during surgery to help reduce this risk.
- Hematoma, a collection of blood under the skin.
- Infection
- Skin death and wound dehiscence. Smoking, diabetes, alcohol, and excess weight increase the risk of skin death and wound opening. Depending on the size of the skin death or wound dehiscence, skin or wound may heal on its own within weeks or require another surgery to correct.
- Numbness in the abdominal area, and sometimes, in the upper thighs is common for up to 12 months