Our Newport Beach tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that offers a solution for women and men with excess skin and loose muscles in the abdominal area. Through surgical removal of excess skin and retightening of the tissue encasing the abdominal muscles, this procedure can help you achieve a firmer, flatter, tauter abdomen.
What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
Like a tummy tuck, liposuction can also be used to slim down the waistline, which is one reason why so many patients are confused about the differences between the two procedures. Although both lipo and a tummy tuck are body contouring surgeries, liposuction can only remove fat and cannot help with loose skin or repair separated muscles. A tummy tuck does include the removal of extra skin along with fatty tissue, on top of tightening both skin and muscle. A tummy tuck is a much more involved surgery compared to liposuction, although either procedure can deliver positive results in the right candidate.
Will a tummy tuck get rid of my stretch marks?
In many cases, stretch marks that are visible on the front of the tummy and below the belly button may be removed during a tummy tuck. However, the question of whether this will occur depends primarily on the location of your stretch marks before surgery. Stretch marks present on skin that is excised during your abdominoplasty are removed, while those that are visible on the sides of your abdomen or above your belly button will likely remain, although they may be shifted in position somewhat. The improvement of stretch marks can vary greatly among different individuals. Dr. Savalia can discuss the issue in more detail with you during your consultation.
What should I expect during my consultation?
Your initial consultation at Newport Beach Center for Plastic Surgery in Orange County will mostly consist of you and Dr. Savalia getting to know each other so he can better understand your goals for an abdominoplasty and what you hope to see in your results. He will also examine your abdomen to determine the amount of skin laxity present and whether your abdominal muscles have separated. Finally, you will talk about the benefits and risks associated with a tummy tuck, and he will give you more information about what to expect during your surgery and recovery.
When will I see results?
You should notice a difference immediately after surgery, although you’ll also see some initial swelling. You will most likely feel some discomfort at first, particularly along your incision, although this can be improved with some oral medication. Dr. Savalia may ask you to wear a special compression garment to help your body conform to its new contours, to control swelling, and to help keep you more comfortable. He takes care to place your incision low enough that it is covered by normal clothing, underwear, and swimsuits. You should have a good idea of your new shape after several weeks, and final results should be visible by six months after surgery.
Is this procedure right for me?
A tummy tuck, technically referred to as an abdominoplasty, is ideal for those men and women who notice loose skin and extra tissue around their belly that does not go away with diet or exercise. Tummy tucks can also repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that can occur following pregnancy or as a result of weight gain. The best candidates for a tummy tuck should be at or near a healthy target weight, as a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. It is also important to be in good health, mentally and physically, and to have realistic expectations about your results.
