Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) before and after photos
Contour Threadlift

BODY CONTOURING | abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

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Abdominoplasty, or a "tummy tuck," is cosmetic surgery designed to correct a protruding abdomen resulting from weak abdominal muscles, weight gain or pregnancy. Obesity and pregnancy causes the skin to lose its elasticity. These conditions may not respond well to diet or exercise if the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched beyond natural repair.

With an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and excess fatty tissue and skin are removed to improve the body contour. The goal is a narrower, flatter abdomen. Realistic expectations are important, therefore, Abdominoplasty, whether a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck, is not a substitute for weight loss through proper diet and exercise.

Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon and tummy tuck specialist Dr. Hopp considers age, obesity and smoking habits when evaluating a candidate for a tummy tuck.

Dr. David Hopp, Tummy Tuck Dr. David Hopp, Tummy Tuck
Age: 38 Height: 5' 7" Weight:154
Age: 38 Height: 5' 7" Weight:154
 

Before Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) Surgery

Dr, Hopp and his Beverly Surgicenter staff will review your complete medical history and conduct a careful examination to evaluate your general and overall health. Ideally, the abdominoplasty patient has no health problems, and wishes only to remove an excess deposit of fat or loose abdominal skin. Patients on a weight-loss plan should be close to their target weight before having their tummy tuck operation. Women planning future pregnancies should delay their abdominoplasty, as pregnancy may promote further abdominal stretching.

Photographs will be taken before and after abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery.

Antibiotics will be prescribed prior to your abdominoplasty surgery to prevent infection. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin. You will also be advised to bathe with an antiseptic soap for several days prior to your tummy tuck surgery.

The Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) Procedure

Abdominoplasty is performed at our Beverly Surgicenter using general anesthesia. You may be given medication beforehand so you will feel relaxed. The abdominoplasty surgery may take 2-5 hours, depending on the patient's overall condition. You may be released after a few hours, or you may require a couple days of hospitalization.

The tummy tuck procedure is most commonly performed by making a U-shaped incision below one hipbone, across the pubic area and under the other hipbone. A second incision is made around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up to the hipbone, exposing loose tissue covering the abdominal muscle.

Loose, stretched out muscles are tightened with sutures, and excess skin and fat are removed. The skin is lowered over the abdomen and the navel is reconstructed. The incisions are then sutured together. Drains are often inserted to eliminate fluid buildup, and firm elastic bandages are applied to the area.

Recovery: What to Expect after your Tummy Tuck

You may experience some discomfort immediately following your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery that can be controlled with pain pills. Some swelling is normal. You will be given special instructions for showering and changing your dressings until the surface stitches are removed in 5-7 days. You may also be required to wear a support garment.

The speed of recovery depends on your physical condition prior to tummy tuck surgery; those with stronger abdominal muscles usually recover faster. Allow at least 2-4 weeks to recuperate before returning to all normal activities.

Some scarring is also normal. It often takes 9-12 months before the scars begin to fade.

Though the recovery period for a tummy tuck is longer than that of other cosmetic surgery procedures, the rewards are great for a patient previously distressed by a protruding abdomen and loose skin. Those who follow a proper exercise routine and healthy diet, before and after their tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) will benefit the most.