About Our Tummy Tuck Procedure
Loose skin on the tummy can be addressed with a tummy tuck. Otherwise, it may cause issues with a person’s confidence and comfort. This procedure can help patients get a tighter, sculpted, and more defined abdominal area. For more details about tummy tucks in Orange County, the Plastic Surgery Institute of California can provide the answers that patients are looking for.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Loose muscle tissue, sagging skin, and stubborn pockets of fat usually develop due to significant weight changes, aging, genetics, pregnancy, or childbirth. After pregnancy, women’s muscles tend to get loose and pulled apart from each other, a condition called diastasis recti. They sag, developing bulges.
Unfortunately, diastasis recti cannot be addressed by exercise, since working out cannot reconnect the separated muscles. Exercise is also ineffective for loose skin and stubborn fat.
A tummy tuck is a procedure performed for a fitter and trimmer abdominal region. The abdominal area is surgically contoured to give it more definition and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Your surgeon will remove excess fat and skin using liposuction and skin excision. They will also tighten the abdominal-wall muscles with internal sutures.
Good Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
Patients who need a reliable and proven method of getting rid of excess skin on their tummies would be good candidates for a tummy tuck. Patients should ideally be in good health prior to this procedure. It would also be recommended to quit habits like smoking to help facilitate a shorter recovery.
Your Consultation
Scheduling a consultation is important for patients who are interested in a tummy tuck, since it will allow them to get the results that they want. The visit will involve questions about the patient’s medical records and if they are currently on any medications. Patients can also take this chance to ask their own questions and bring up concerns.
The Procedure
A tummy tuck usually lasts one to five hours. You will be administered general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation to keep you comfortable. An incision will be made on the abdomen, from one hipbone to the other. It is positioned between the belly button and pubic hairline. Another incision may also be made around the belly button.
After this, the skin will be lifted to get to the abdominal muscles and fatty tissue deposits. Excess fat will be removed through liposuction. The abdominal muscles will be sutured to pull them together, making them tight and toned. Any excess skin will be removed with a scalpel. The incisions will be stitched closed with sutures.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Some minor discomfort and soreness can be expected during the recovery period following a tummy tuck. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities of any kind as they are healing. A post-surgical garment must be worn, and patients must take time off from work.
Contact Us to Learn More
Get the help of an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck in Orange County. Our surgeons can help you get the toned and defined abdominal area you want for improved body contours. Contact us today to book your consultation.
Dr. Mazin Al-Hakeem
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
