Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is an increasingly popular plastic surgery for patients wanting a thinner, flatter abdomen. Sometimes obtaining flat and firm abs through diet and exercise is impossible, due to a variety of factors. Even people with average body weights can suffer from a protruding, saggy, and loose abdomen. Dr. Gary Takowsky in Beverly Hills, CA can help you get an attractive, healthier looking body with a tummy tuck.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery flattens and tones your abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, while tightening your ab muscles. Abdominoplasty is a common option for people combatting the effects of aging, genetics, pregnancy, previous surgeries, or fluctuations in weight. Tummy tuck surgery is often performed at the same time as liposuction and breast augmentations, a treatment known as a “mommy makeover.” Your tummy tuck procedure at Gary Takowsky, M.D. will be tailored to your unique body type, in order to help you reach your image goals.
Are You a Tummy Tuck Candidate?
Before deciding to get tummy tuck surgery, you should consider why you want the surgery. Plastic surgery should always be done for yourself, and not succumbing to someone else’s desires. You will be an ideal abdominoplasty candidate if:
- Your expectations are realistic
- You feel self-conscious or bothered by your abdomen
- You are a non-smoker
- You are generally healthy and at a stable weight
- You have no plans for future pregnancies
What to Expect During Tummy Tuck Surgery at Gary Takowsky, MD
The extent of your tummy tuck surgery will depend on your unique body composition and goals. Some abdominoplasties are more complex than others. It is a good idea to know how the procedure works and what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Your Abdominoplasty Consultation
Before beginning tummy tuck surgery, you will attend an initial consultation. During the initial consultation, Dr. Takowsky will assess the level of fat in your abdomen, as well as your skin and muscle mass. If you have good muscle tone or areas of fat below the belly button, you might consider getting a mini-tummy tuck or only getting liposuction.
During this time, it is important that you communicate all of your concerns, goals, and health history. You will also learn about the risks and limitations of you tummy tuck, as well as discuss costs, financing, and payment options.
During this time, it is important that you communicate all of your concerns, goals, and health history. You will also learn about the risks and limitations of you tummy tuck, as well as discuss costs, financing, and payment options.
What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy surgery generally takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia. First, there will be an incision made from hipbone to hipbone, directly above the pubic area. Then, a second incision is made, freeing your navel from the tissue.
After the incisions are made, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall, all the way to your ribs, lifting a skin flap to expose your vertical muscles in your abdomen. The abdomen muscles are tightened and stitched into a new position, creating a firmer abdominal wall and narrower waistline.
Next, the skin flap will be stretched down, the excess skin will be removed, and your navel will be repositioned. In mini-abdominoplasties, the initial incision is smaller, and the navel will not be repositioned. The skin will only be separated between the incision line and the navel. After your surgery, you will be bandaged and a temporary tube will be inserted to drain excess fluids.
After the incisions are made, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall, all the way to your ribs, lifting a skin flap to expose your vertical muscles in your abdomen. The abdomen muscles are tightened and stitched into a new position, creating a firmer abdominal wall and narrower waistline.
Next, the skin flap will be stretched down, the excess skin will be removed, and your navel will be repositioned. In mini-abdominoplasties, the initial incision is smaller, and the navel will not be repositioned. The skin will only be separated between the incision line and the navel. After your surgery, you will be bandaged and a temporary tube will be inserted to drain excess fluids.
Recovering from Abdominoplasty Surgery
Recovery time of abdominoplasty will vary from patient to patient, depending on the lifestyle and extent of the surgery. For the first few days after your surgery, your abdomen will be swollen, and you will most likely feel some discomfort and pain. Dr. Takowsky will prescribe medication to help minimize the discomfort. To help minimize risk of infection or complications, you will be asked to spend the night at the surgery facility for the first night, then you will be able to go home in the morning.
Full recovery can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months. It is important to take care of yourself by eating a balanced diet for better healing. You should also avoid heavy lifting and arduous exercises, until instructed by Dr. Takowsky. Your abdominoplasty will most likely leave a permanent scar. However, it is usually low enough to be concealed in a bikini.
Full recovery can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months. It is important to take care of yourself by eating a balanced diet for better healing. You should also avoid heavy lifting and arduous exercises, until instructed by Dr. Takowsky. Your abdominoplasty will most likely leave a permanent scar. However, it is usually low enough to be concealed in a bikini.
Having Realistic Goals for Tummy Tuck Surgery
It is important to remember that tummy tuck surgery should not take the place of diet and exercising. While the results of your abdominoplasty will be permanent, the success of your procedure can fall by the wayside, if you continue to have significant fluctuations in you weight.
If you’re planning on losing a significant amount of weight or planning future pregnancies, you might postpone your surgery. It is also important to remember that tummy tuck surgery cannot combat stretch marks. However, stretch marks might be removed or improved, if they are located in the area where excess skin is removed.
If you’re planning on losing a significant amount of weight or planning future pregnancies, you might postpone your surgery. It is also important to remember that tummy tuck surgery cannot combat stretch marks. However, stretch marks might be removed or improved, if they are located in the area where excess skin is removed.
Choosing Dr. Gary Takowsky for Your Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills, CA
When it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck surgery, it is important to pick an experienced surgeon you can trust. Make sure that you choose a board certified plastic surgeon with a proven track record of success, and positive before and after pictures.
At Gary Takowsky, MD, we believe in patient-centered care and want your plastic surgery process to be as individualized and successful as possible. With over 30 years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Gary Takowsky in Beverly Hills can help you achieve flatter abs with minimum risk. Schedule a consultation with us today at 323-676-0222.
