Tummy Tuck in San Diego
Tummy tuck surgery can enhance the appearance of the midsection and strengthen weak rectus muscles. After pregnancy or dramatic weight fluctuations, the abdominal skin and underlying musculature do not always go back to their original condition. Relentless exercise and strict dieting cannot correct folds of excess skin or damage to the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck simultaneously addresses excess skin and muscle laxity to revamp your figure and produce comprehensive results. This procedure is entirely customizable, so tummy tuck surgery is tailored to each patient’s unique goals and desires. Patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery at Coastal Plastic Surgery enjoy a smoother, more pleasing midsection and heightened self-confidence.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the midsection by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles.
Whether due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging, loose abdominal skin and stubborn fat deposits can be a source of frustration and self-consciousness. Tummy tuck surgery offers a path to a firmer, flatter, and more toned abdomen, helping many regain confidence in their appearance and feel more comfortable in their skin.
The results of a tummy tuck in East County, San Diego, should be a smoother, tighter abdomen with increased self-esteem.
What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Many women struggle with the loss of skin elasticity due to age, weight loss, or the aftereffects of pregnancy. Abdominoplasty offers several benefits, including:
Firmer and Smoother Tummy
Pregnancy, massive weight loss, and the natural aging process can cause a person’s abdominal skin to lose elasticity and firmness. Many strive to correct belly laxity with diet and exercise, but these at-home methods have their limitations. Tummy tuck surgery removes the excess tissue and tightens the remaining skin to create a smoother, more youthful surface. When the skin stretches and the underlying tissues retract, skin that has lost its elasticity begins to sag and wrinkle. Diet and exercise can help reduce the effects, but the only real solution is removing excess skin. A tummy tuck will do that, leaving behind a tighter and smoother abdomen.
Tighter Abdominal Muscles
A common side effect of pregnancy or significant weight loss is diastasis recti, a condition characterized by a protruding belly caused by weakened or separated abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck can repair and tighten the core muscles, producing a permanent corset effect and a flat stomach.
Slimmer Body Contours
Not only does tummy tuck surgery remove folds of excess skin and strengthen the core muscles, but it also produces slimmer body contours. During the skin excision portion of tummy tuck surgery, some unwanted fat can also be removed. To achieve the most striking, sculpted tummy tuck results, Dr. Batra often performs this procedure with liposuction to remove unwanted fat deposits for a more sculpted belly and a slimmer, more youthful appearance.
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is performed using a traditional approach. This technique involves creating two incisions. The first incision extends from hip to hip along the lower abdomen. The second incision encircles the belly button.
A full tummy tuck:
- Repairs weakened rectus muscles
- Removes excess skin from the navel to the bikini line
- Creates a new belly button
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is most appropriate for patients requiring less correction to attain the abdominal aesthetic they desire. This approach involves creating one shorter incision along the bikini line.
A mini tummy tuck:
- Repairs weakened rectus muscles
- Removes excess skin below the navel
- Does not alter the belly button
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is recommended for patients who have an abundance of excess skin that may have resulted from significant weight loss or pregnancy. This approach involves creating one circumferential incision around the midsection.
An extended tummy tuck:
- Repairs weakened rectus muscles
- Removes excess skin circumferentially
- Lifts the skin around the hips and thighs
- Does not usually alter the belly button
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of the correction needed and whether additional surgeries are performed concurrently.
Dr. Batra will create one of the three previously determined incisions and separate the skin from the abdominal wall. He will tighten the rectus muscles, redrape the skin, and remove excess skin and fat to create a smoother, more contoured appearance before closing the incisions with sutures.
Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures?
Yes, tummy tuck surgery can be combined with other body contouring procedures to achieve comprehensive results. Common surgeries that may be combined with a tummy tuck include:
- Liposuction to remove excess fat deposits and further sculpt the abdomen and waistline.
- A breast augmentation or breast lift to enhance the appearance of the breasts and achieve overall body proportionality.
- An arm lift or thigh lift to address excess skin and fat in other areas of the body, particularly after significant weight loss.
- A Mommy Makeover to help women regain their pre-pregnancy bodies by combining tummy tuck surgery with cosmetic breast procedures (such as a breast augmentation and/or breast lift surgery) and other body-contouring procedures (such as liposuction) in one surgery.
What Can I Expect During My Tummy Tuck Recovery?
The customized nature of tummy tuck surgery requires a unique recovery plan for each patient. Your surgeon will create a custom recovery plan for you depending on the amount of correction needed and the surgical techniques used during your procedure.
Before you are discharged, our surgeon will provide instructions for recovery, including how to care for your dressings and drains if placed. You will need to be driven home by a friend or family member.
Recovery from tummy tuck surgery varies from patient to patient. It generally involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area, but these symptoms are easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Patients are often advised to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and assist with the healing process. Residual swelling and discomfort should subside after a couple of weeks.
Patients are typically advised to take at least one to two weeks off from work. Most normal activities can be resumed after two to three weeks, but vigorous exercise and heavy lifting must be avoided for at least six to eight weeks.
When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
Your midsection will continue to improve over the months following your procedure. You will be able to enjoy the results of your tummy tuck surgery for many years as long as you maintain a healthy weight and have no pregnancies after the procedure. Weight gain and pregnancy can alter the outcome of your tummy tuck and necessitate revision surgery.
Why Choose Coastal Plastic Surgeons in San Diego, CA, for Your Tummy Tuck?
Every patient should be completely confident in their tummy tuck surgeon based on the surgeon’s experience and proven results. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with ample knowledge and expertise is essential to ensure the best possible results. Dr. Batra at Coastal Plastic Surgeons in San Diego, CA, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing tummy tuck surgeries and is highly qualified to help you reach your body contouring goals.
Coastal Plastic Surgeons is committed to providing a positive tummy tuck experience. Our state-of-the-art facility offers advanced abdominoplasty techniques with compassionate care. Call us at (858) 365-3558 to learn more or schedule your tummy tuck consultation.
