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Prepare to enjoy a flat tummy, a slim waistline, and a youthful attitude! Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can help both men and women troubled by a protruding abdomen that has not responded to diet and exercise. These individuals may also have areas of loose skin coupled with excess fat. With the tummy tuck procedure, our board-certified Sacramento plastic surgeon, Charles Perry, MD, is able to remove skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen while tightening the muscles to slim the waistline, ultimately restoring abdominal contours and producing a more fit look.
We offer both the full and mini tummy tuck surgery at our practice. Mini tummy tuck is a less drastic procedure than the full abdominoplasty, often making it ideally suited for those with a protrusion primarily below the navel. Dr. Perry can meet with you to evaluate your concerns and create a customized treatment plan designed to achieve your personal goals.
For many individuals, no amount of stomach crunches or other rigorous exercise routines are able to effectively restore the appearance of the abdomen. This is likely due to underlying muscles that have become significantly loose or damaged, in addition to an accumulation of excess skin that will not respond to diet or fitness regimens. A tummy tuck can address these concerns, offering benefits such as:
In many cases, even stretch marks primarily located below the navel can also be addressed with tummy tuck surgery. Plus, while this treatment can be a very effective body contouring option on its own, tummy tuck surgery can also be included in a Mommy Makeover for more comprehensive body rejuvenation.
Full tummy tuck surgery is typically excellent for men or women who are of a relatively normal weight for their body type and have a significantly protruding abdomen as a result of aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or other factors. Ideal candidates for mini tummy tuck are those with trouble areas located primarily in the region below the belly button. Like full tummy tuck surgery, a mini tummy tuck may be combined with liposuction when excess fat is also contributing to the concern.
Weight loss and pregnancy are common causes of abdominal protrusion and excess skin along the midsection. Pregnancy, in particular, can stretch the skin and muscle of the abdomen in a way that can only be corrected surgically. These concerns often make individuals good candidates for tummy tuck surgery.
If you smoke, you should quit at least two weeks before full or mini tummy tuck surgery, and abstain from smoking for one to two weeks after surgery. Smoking not only delays healing, but also increases the chances of poor healing. This can result in conspicuous scars and the need for additional surgery.
Dr. Perry can determine your candidacy for full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck surgery during the initial consultation and answer any questions you may have.
**Disclaimer: If you are a smoker, you MUST DISCONTINUE smoking a minimum of 4 weeks BEFORE & AFTER SURGERY. A nicotine test will be administered**
Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are two of the most popular and effective techniques available for body contouring, yet there are a number of distinctions between them. A tummy tuck is designed to address excess skin and muscle laxity in the abdomen. The procedure can repair loose and torn muscles, reduce inelastic skin, and tighten the remaining skin to create a flatter, firmer abdomen with an enhanced contour. Liposuction targets a collection of excess fat in the abdominal region. This treatment extracts the fat cells, but is not capable of addressing loose skin and will have no effect on muscle laxity.
In cases where the abdominal concerns are being primarily caused by excess fat, liposuction alone may be all that’s required to adequately achieve individual goals. In others, a full or mini tummy tuck may be the recommended treatment option. While these treatments can yield impressive results on their own, combining the surgery with liposuction is sometimes recommended to remove stubborn fatty deposits from around the abdomen. During your initial consultation with Dr. Perry, he will determine exactly what is causing the concern and advise you on the treatment option that is most ideal for your needs.
In addition to liposuction, a number of surgical procedures can be performed alongside abdominoplasty to satisfy multiple aesthetic goals at once. Depending on your particular case, these treatments may include body contouring surgeries such as an arm lift, thigh lift, or Brazilian butt lift, or you may wish to enhance the appearance of your breasts with an augmentation or mastopexy. Additionally, tummy tuck surgery is often included in a Mommy Makeover for a comprehensive body rejuvenation.
There are essentially two options when it comes to abdominoplasty: a full tummy tuck and a mini-tummy tuck. With this in mind, one option will be recommended over the other based on each patient’s needs, goals, and the specific concerns they are experiencing.
A full tummy tuck is generally the preferred technique in cases where there are severe degrees of excess, inelastic skin and lax musculature affecting the upper abdominal area above the navel and the region below the navel. Full tummy tuck surgery requires a rather extensive incision from one hip to the other, and the navel will be relocated. In a mini tummy tuck, the incision is shorter, and the navel is not repositioned. This procedure addresses protrusion below the navel. Just like in a full tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed and muscles are tightened, but on a smaller scale than a full tummy tuck.
To find out which type of tummy tuck is best for you, it is best to be examined by Dr. Perry so that he can determine the severity of your concerns and whether a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck is the more suitable option for your goals.
Fees for tummy tuck are not covered by health insurance. Surgical fees include the cost of anesthesia, lab tests, medications, surgical supplies, surgery center charges, and more. If complications develop, additional charges will be incurred; however, if the complication poses a health risk, your health plan may cover hospitalization, anesthesia, and/or secondary surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery leaves a scar. In the case of a full tummy tuck, the scar will extend from hip bone to hip bone. A mini tummy tuck leaves a less extensive scar. While this scar is designed to be hidden by swimsuits and similar garments, it will not fully disappear.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia, or a local anesthesia plus a sedative. Tummy tuck, especially mini tummy tuck, is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, so you should be able to go home the day of surgery.
A full tummy tuck is performed through a long incision that extends from hip to hip. Dr. Perry will also make an incision to free the navel from its underlying tissue, preparing it to be moved upward. Our surgeon will draw your abdominal muscles together and stitch them carefully into their new position, creating a flatter abdomen and slimmer waistline. Next, Dr. Perry will excise extra skin and reposition the navel. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures, and drains are placed to aid in the healing process.
Whereas more traditional abdominoplasty techniques often use drains to clear fluid from the surgical site, Dr. Perry has found that a “drainless tummy tuck” can create a more comfortable recovery process. The drainless tummy tuck method involves the use of quilting sutures, which are sewn down the abdominal wall. This often leaves less space for fluid buildup and decreases mobility on the aponeurotic layer, thereby limiting the chances of seroma or hematoma formation. Once you have been evaluated during the consultation, Dr. Perry can talk with you about whether a drainless tummy tuck approach can be utilized for the procedure.
The recovery process from a full tummy tuck surgery can be somewhat variable for each patient; however, most patients can expect swelling and bruising in the abdominal area to last for several days after the procedure. Discomfort during the healing process can be alleviated with medication. While Dr. Perry will provide you with specific recommendations based on your individual needs, patients often require a minimum of two weeks of recovery at home following this procedure. A compression garment will be provided to help facilitate the healing process. Strenuous activities and exercise should not be undertaken for at least six weeks after tummy tuck surgery.
You can find more detailed information on what to expect in the days following tummy tuck surgery by viewing the post-operative instructions in the section below. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The tummy tuck procedure can produce results that last for many years. However, it is very important to ensure that you follow all post-operative recovery instructions and take steps to ensure you regularly maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. By minimizing weight fluctuations, taking care of your body and your skin, and living a healthy lifestyle, you can greatly increase the chances that the results of a tummy tuck last long into the future.
It is definitely possible for patients who receive a tummy tuck procedure to have a successful pregnancy after the treatment; however, Dr. Perry generally advises women to wait until they have no plans to have children in the future before undergoing tummy tuck surgery. This is because pregnancy can stretch or tear the muscles of the abdomen and produce excess, sagging skin in the area. If pregnancy occurs after a tummy tuck has already been performed, it can ultimately compromise the results and necessitate a secondary abdominoplasty if the patient wants to restore the outcome from the initial procedure.
To make your tummy tuck experience a positive one, we have prepared this comprehensive list of instructions. We recommend that you read these guidelines over as soon as your surgery day is scheduled. On your surgery day, print out the instructions and bring them with you.
Tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck surgery, just like any surgical procedure, carry some risks. Patients should know that one or more complications are possible.
While infection is unusual after tummy tuck surgery, the rare development of an infection would require treatment using antibiotics or drainage, possibly requiring a prolonged hospital stay.
If you follow aftercare instructions and don’t smoke, you can expect excellent healing and scar resolution after tummy tuck surgery. However, poor healing, especially if you smoke, is always a risk, possibly leading to the formation of conspicuous scars that may require a second surgery to treat.
The exact results of tummy tuck surgery can never be predicted. For this reason, patients should maintain realistic expectations and not anticipate perfection. Even with realistic expectations, tummy tuck surgery may yield an unsatisfactory result. Additional surgery may be required to improve upon sub-par results and can be completed six months to a year after the original surgery, when healing is complete and the final results have emerged.
All types of anesthesia involve risk and the possibility of complications, injury, and even death. In rare cases, patients have experienced allergic reactions to suture material, surgical tape, and other products used during tummy tuck surgery. Reactions such as these are impossible to predict and may require additional treatment.
The total cost of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure typically falls between $10,000 and $12,000 here at Chrysalis Cosmetics, depending on whether it is a mini tummy tuck, a standard tummy tuck, or an extended tummy tuck. This estimated price range includes all costs associated with the procedure.
The price of abdominoplasty can vary from one patient to another based on factors that are unique to each individual’s customized treatment plan. The extent and complexity of the treatment, the technique utilized, whether other procedures (such as liposuction) are part of the tummy tuck procedure, fees for the surgeon, anesthesia, and operating facility, and other components will be taken into account for the final price. You will be provided with a cost estimate that includes all expenses associated with the tummy tuck procedure once your treatment plan is developed during the initial consultation. We will be happy to talk with you about the comprehensive variety of payment methods we accept at Chrysalis Cosmetics, which include plastic surgery financing arrangements available from reputable companies. Through these third-party lending agencies, qualified applicants can choose from a vast selection of payment plans to help make paying for tummy tuck surgery more convenient for their budget.
Currently, there are no known alternatives to a tummy tuck that can produce the same kind of results without surgical intervention. Many articles and “tips” available online claim that certain exercises or devices (such as the Tummy Tuck Belt®) can achieve effects that are similar to an abdominoplasty; however, this is simply not possible. A tummy tuck surgically repairs and tightens abdominal muscles and excises loose, inelastic skin. The procedure then redrapes the remaining skin to create a flatter contour in the abdomen. There is no non-surgical device or exercise that can accomplish those goals. With that in mind, patients may have particular concerns that can be successfully addressed by a procedure other than a tummy tuck. For instance, if the abdominal concerns are primarily being caused by excess fat, liposuction surgery may be the only treatment necessary to meet the patient’s needs. If the excess fat collection in the abdomen is not too severe, a non-surgical option such as CoolSculpting® may be recommended. Dr. Perry will be happy to answer any questions you may have about alternatives to tummy tuck surgery and help you determine whether those options can sufficiently achieve your goals.
Tummy tuck surgery is certainly capable of eliminating stretch marks, depending on their precise location in the abdomen. If stretch marks are present on the skin under the navel, and that area of skin is targeted for excision during the tummy tuck surgery, they will be removed along with the excess skin. Stretch marks that appear in abdominal areas of skin that will not be fully removed during the tummy tuck procedure will likely remain after the procedure is complete. During your consultation, Dr. Perry will evaluate your abdominal skin and determine whether stretch marks can be removed.
It is normal to experience post-operative swelling after a tummy tuck. This is the body’s natural response to surgery. In many cases, the swelling will reach its most abundant level within the first four to six weeks following the procedure. During this time, wearing the prescribed compression garment in accordance with Dr. Perry’s recovery guidelines can help control swelling. Minimizing foods and beverages that are high in salt (or avoiding them altogether) can also help reduce swelling as salt may exacerbate inflammation.
A seroma is characterized by a build-up of fluid beneath the skin that typically looks like a lump or an isolated area of swelling. This condition is a potential side effect of tummy tuck surgery due to the fact that tissue is manipulated and removed during the procedure. In many cases, seromas are quite small and diminish on their own within a few weeks; however, larger seromas can cause pain, excessive bleeding or fluid drainage, and other complications, and will need to be immediately examined and treated.
It is important to let Dr. Perry know if a seroma is concerning you in any way. A seroma accompanied by conditions such as a fever, chills, and/or a heartbeat that is irregular may signify a seroma-related infection and will necessitate urgent medical care.
Please note that Dr. Perry employs the drainless tummy tuck method whenever possible, which can reduce the chances of seroma by allowing less room for fluid to build up in the abdomen.
Medical insurance policies do not usually offer coverage for tummy tuck surgery. It is very uncommon for medical insurance to provide benefits for elective cosmetic enhancement procedures. However, Chrysalis Cosmetics provides patients with numerous options to make paying for treatment as convenient as possible. These include acceptance of many major credit cards and plastic surgery financing plans through agencies such as CareCredit®, United Medical Credit, PatientFi®, and others.
Tummy tuck surgery can be a very safe procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Perry, who has performed many of these treatments very successfully. It should be noted that all surgical procedures come with certain risks—you can learn more about risks associated with tummy tuck surgery in the sections above, and Dr. Perry will go over them in detail with you during the consultation. Dr. Perry places patient safety at the very top of his priority list during all stages of tummy tuck treatment.
There are not too many dietary restrictions after a tummy tuck; however, incorporating certain foods and limiting others can be helpful during the recovery process. Individuals should generally avoid foods high in salt and sugar, and consumption of processed foods should be minimized. In the first few days, patients will be advised to maintain a relatively “light” but healthy diet and drink lots of clear liquids, especially water. Then, a greater selection of foods can be introduced as recovery progresses, followed by a normal diet routine. Once patients are able to resume their regular diet, it is important to keep it healthy and try to reduce weight fluctuations so that the results of tummy tuck surgery can last as long as possible.
The tummy tuck procedure itself should not produce excessive pain or discomfort since general anesthesia is utilized. During recovery, some degree of discomfort and swelling can be expected, but this can often easily be relieved with medication, and these side effects should continue to dissipate as the treatment area heals.
Yes. Although the two treatments are sometimes confused because they both involve reducing excess skin affecting the abdominal area, they are performed for different reasons. Abdominoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and is designed to remove excess skin and tighten underlying abdominal muscles. A panniculectomy is a medical procedure designed to address a large amount of excess abdominal skin that can cause numerous physical conditions, including rashes, chafing, chronic irritation, and others. Additionally, unlike an abdominoplasty, a panniculectomy does not involve tightening abdominal muscles.
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Whatever your age, don’t let a protruding abdomen hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest! To learn more about this procedure, or to schedule a consultation, contact our cosmetic surgery practice today.
*Individual Results May Vary