Tummy Tuck
Orange County, CA
Everyone who wants to look good knows a sagging belly or love handles usually don’t contribute to that goal. Changes to the body, such as major weight fluctuations, hormone changes, aging, or pregnancy, can cause the midsection to harbor excess fat and skin that can be difficult to remove. To compound the issue, the abdominal muscles can become stretched, which can make working out much more difficult.
A tummy tuck can be the answer to these problems, as it is a transformational body contouring procedure that specifically targets loose skin and abdominal muscles to provide a smoother, more flat midsection. Dr. Joseph Bivens is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience performing tummy tucks with great success, providing patients with exceptional results that look natural and boost self-confidence.
What Is a
Tummy Tuck?
An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that tightens the abdominal muscles, removes excess fat and skin, and creates a slimmed, toned result. A tummy tuck can be performed alone or along with another body contouring procedure, such as a Mommy Makeover or liposuction.
What Are the Benefits of a
Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck can provide results, unlike any other body contouring procedure, as your surgeon can surgically tighten separated abdominal muscles, sometimes called diastasis recti, restoring the abdomen to a flat, toned state. For this reason, tummy tucks are very popular with patients who are experiencing issues after major weight fluctuations or after pregnancy. Other benefits of a tummy tuck include:
- Restored loose or separated abdominal muscles
- Smoothed and tightened skin
- Aligned belly button
- More pleasing contour to the midsection
Am I a Candidate for a
Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck may be beneficial if you have an excess of skin and fat that hangs around your midsection. This belly “pouch” sometimes occurs in patients whose abdominal muscles have been stretched by pregnancy or massive weight loss. Other patients may have stubborn pockets of fat that no longer respond to diet or exercise or find that their skin no longer “bounces back.”
Overall, candidates for a tummy tuck:
- Want to slim and tone their midsection
- Have loose, sagging skin that detracts from their appearance
- May have a section of fat in the abdomen that is resistant to exercise
- Have a “frowning belly button” or a navel that looks misshapen due to excess skin
Additionally, abdominoplasty candidates should be nonsmokers, are generally in good health, and have reasonable expectations for results.
You should also be at a stable weight for this procedure; a tummy tuck is not intended as a weight loss solution, as it involves the removal of excess skin and some pockets of fat rather than a large amount of the patient’s body weight. For best, long-term results, tummy tuck candidates should have met their weight loss goals and are ready to refine their midsection.
What Are My
Tummy Tuck Options?
At Optimal Plastic Surgery, each tummy tuck procedure is unique to the patient and their needs. We offer customized tummy tucks and combination procedures to provide the most natural-looking, effective cosmetic results.
Mini Tummy Tuck
In addition to the traditional procedure, a mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty may be a better fit for some patients. This minimally invasive procedure focuses on loose skin and pockets of fat in the lower-mid abdominal area. With smaller incisions and a less invasive technique, Dr. Bivens can restore a smooth abdomen for patients struggling with a lower “belly pouch.”
Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover is a combination of body contouring procedures that address areas of the body most affected by pregnancy and childbirth. A tummy tuck, as it tightens the abdominal wall and removes stretched skin, has become a standard procedure that is included in Mommy Makeovers. Other popular combinations include liposuction, breast lift, or breast augmentation with lift.
If you have loose skin and pockets of fat around your midsection, and you would like to find out if a tummy tuck is best for you, call Optimal Plastic Surgery today at (657) 444-9291 to schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Bivens.
Before & After Photos
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Your Consultation
Your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Bivens is an important step in the surgical process, as you’ll be able to discuss your goals and concerns for the procedure, as well as listen to Dr. Bivens’ pre-operative instructions.
Dr. Bivens will also be able to examine your midsection to help determine which tummy tuck method will be most beneficial for you. He can also advise you on combining procedures, such as breast augmentation or liposuction. You will also discuss your medical history, the possible risks of a tummy tuck, and what you can reasonably expect from the results.
If you decide to proceed with the procedure and Dr. Bivens agrees a tummy tuck is a good fit for you, he will create a surgical plan that incorporates the specifics of your procedure. This will be customized to your goals, anatomy, health condition, and level of necessary revision. He will then provide you with direct instructions on how to prepare for surgery, which might include pausing certain medications that can interfere with surgery, any lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking), and setting up transportation for after surgery.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Once you are under general anesthesia, Dr. Bivens will make two incisions: one extending from one hip bone to the other, lower towards the pubic area, and another incision close to the navel. Dr. Bivens will then separate the skin from the underlying tissues, tightening the abdominal muscles and suturing them for a narrower waist and firmer midsection.
He will then re-drape the skin back over the midsection, tightening it for a more pleasing contour and excising the rest. The navel will also be reattached to a more natural position. Once he is pleased with the result, Dr. Bivens will carefully close and seal all the incisions and place a dressing over the area.
What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort throughout your midsection following the procedure. You may be given a surgical drain that is placed in your treatment area, which helps remove excess fluid that can accumulate.
As with most body contouring procedures, you may be required to wear a surgical or compression garment, which helps reduce swelling, aids in healing, and helps the skin contract. Dr. Bivens will give you specific instructions on how long to wear the garment.
Since this procedure deals with the abdominal muscles and midsection, you will experience limited mobility for quite some time. It may be difficult to stand at your full height, and you will have a limited ability to bend over. You may need to sleep propped up with pillows or in a recliner chair for the first few weeks.
Most patients can return to work after about one week, depending on the level of physical activity that their jobs require. Dr. Bivens will provide you with detailed instructions that are specific to your surgical plan, and be sure to call Optimal Plastic Surgery if you have any questions or concerns throughout the process.
When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
It is likely you will notice an immediate change in your midsection after surgery, especially if you had an extensive revision, as you should have noticed a slimmer contour. However, swelling, bruising, and your compression garment will make it difficult to see the extent of your early results.
Once the swelling has subsided, you’ll be able to see the smoother planes of your abdomen, and your waist should be more fit and contoured. As your recovery progresses, your results will continue to improve over the course of the following weeks.
Your final tummy tuck results will be a flat, tightened abdomen with smooth, taut skin. Your belly button may be placed in a more pleasing, natural position. Your abdominal muscles will be sutured, resulting in a more firm foundation. Your tummy tuck results will be permanent as long as you maintain them through a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Each tummy tuck that Dr. Bivens performs is unique to the patient and their needs–therefore, the cost will vary. The total price of your tummy tuck will depend on the technique or type of tummy tuck you have (mini or traditional), whether you have combined your tummy tuck with any other procedures, and the type of anesthesia used. Once Dr. Bivens creates a surgical plan for you, we will happily provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
Interested in a
Tummy Tuck in Orange County, CA?
If you are frustrated by excess skin, loose abdominal muscles, and a belly pouch, a tummy tuck may be the ideal procedure for you. Call Optimal Plastic Surgery today at (657) 444-9291 or fill out our online contact form. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and set you up with your tummy tuck consultation.
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