Tummy Tuck

Individuals who are unhappy with excess, sagging skin on the abdomen because of dramatic weight loss or a recent pregnancy can achieve a slimmer figure through the tummy tuck surgery. Also known as abdominoplasty, the procedure allows patients to sculpt their midsection for a flatter and more toned appearance. Our surgeons at Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics are skilled in the latest tummy tuck techniques for the most natural-looking results with minimal scarring. Our patients achieve a stunning appearance that not only enhances their beauty, but also their self-confidence. We strive to provide the best tummy tuck Bakersfield, Fresno and Stockton offers, and we strive to give you results you will absolutely love.

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Before Tummy Tuck Surgery

Individuals who are interested in a tummy tuck must schedule an initial consultation with our surgeons before their procedure. During the consultation, our surgeons will determine if the individual is a suitable candidate for tummy tuck surgery. The best tummy tuck candidates are adults who have experienced weight loss and are now closer to their ideal weight, or after the woman’s last pregnancy. This includes those who have undergone bariatric surgery, women who recently had children, and anyone with sagging skin as a result of the natural aging process. Candidates should also have unsuccessfully tried to tone the abdomen through diet and exercise.

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Our surgeons will also discuss the procedure in detail and explain the benefits and risks of tummy tuck surgery during the initial consultation. Because there are many different ways the procedure can be performed, our surgeons will determine which tummy tuck technique is right for the patient's specific needs and goals. They will explain what can and cannot be accomplished and make sure patients maintain reasonable expectations. Patients will also have the opportunity to ask any questions or discuss any concerns they might have. To schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck, contact Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics today. If you are looking for a Tummy Tuck in Bakersfield, Fresno and Stockton, contact us today.

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Preparation for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck surgery is an operation that involves some preparation in order to ensure a swift and successful recovery. It is important for abdominoplasty patients to maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan to strengthen their immune system for a speedy recovery. Patients should also stop taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medications as well as refrain from smoking. The preparation tips outlined here and provided by our surgeons during the initial consultation will help patients enjoy a smooth and rapid recovery from their tummy tuck.

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Tummy Tuck Procedure

During the tummy tuck, the surgeon carefully places incisions so that post-surgical scars will be less noticeable. The surgeon then removes excess skin and fat in the stomach area before tightening the abdominal muscles and suturing them into place. If necessary, the surgeon repositions the belly button to complement the new body shape and uses liposuction to contour the waist and hips for a flatter, more appealing waistline. Finally, the surgeon uses subcuticular sutures that are placed below the skin, allowing patients to benefit from minimal scarring. Our surgeons will place the incisions where they will be hidden by most underwear or bathing suits.

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Procedures such as liposuction, breast lift or augmentation can be performed to complement a tummy tuck procedure and provide more comprehensive aesthetic improvement. Contact our practice to learn more, or to find out about our tummy tuck specials.

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Tummy Tuck Results

Patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery at our practice benefit from a slimmer, more toned waistline and more self-confidence. We offer some of the best tummy tuck results in Bakersfield, Fresno and Stockton. However, the healing process requires much time and patience. Abdominoplasty patients should expect some swelling and discomfort after their surgery. However, prescribed medications can help ease the pain. Patients should stay in bed for a few days and get plenty of rest after their surgery. Our plastic surgeons recommend that patients wear a compression garment and begin walking as soon as possible after their tummy tuck surgery to help with the healing process. Most patients are able to return to work within two to four weeks after surgery. Full results from the operation can be seen after several weeks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between an “abdominoplasty” and a “panniculectomy” surgery?

A panniculectomy is a procedure performed on someone who has a very large fold of skin that is hanging over his or her pubic area. Sometimes this fold is so large that it restricts motion, causes back pain and creates a moist environment where the skin folds over that leads to a rash. The large fold of skin, also called a “pannus”, can occur in people who are very overweight OR people who have lost a large amount of weight. When a panniculectomy is done, only the pannus is removed (the hanging skin). A panniculectomy does not include removal or tightening of any skin above the belly button, any muscle repair, or any contouring with liposuction or otherwise. For these reasons, a panniculectomy is rarely performed for cosmetic purposes since it doesn’t lead to acceptable cosmetic results.

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What is the difference between a mini-tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

A mini-tummy tuck is performed for someone whose only concern is a small fold of skin near the pubic area. The typical mini- tummy tuck candidate is of a normal weight (body mass index under 25), has no loose skin above the belly button, and has no need for any muscle repair. Very rarely are people candidates for a mini-tummy tuck, since these concerns are usually present. Although it may sound like a “mini” procedure, in reality there is little difference in the operating time, incision length and recovery between a mini-tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck. The full tummy tuck also includes some liposuction of the waist area, contouring of the area above the pubis, and a few other techniques to truly create a sculpted look. The best way to know if you are a candidate for a mini tummy tuck is to see a plastic surgeon who can honestly tell you after examining you.

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What methods are used to minimize the scar after a tummy tuck?

Some people express concern about the scar healing process with a tummy tuck. Beautologie plastic surgeons do everything possible to minimize the scar and make it barely visible at the time of the surgery. This includes: placing the scar as low as possible so it is hidden below underwear (typically the scar is lower than a C-section scar), making the scar as short as possible to remove all the loose skin present, and using three or more meticulously sewn layers of sutures under the skin to firmly hold the incision together while healing. These techniques usually lead to a scar that is barely visible after it has been given enough time to fade. Usually scars require a year or longer to achieve their final result, but during this time Beautologie provides all of it’s patients with intense scar care products such as Scar tape. We also make sure that we follow the healing process with the patient during follow up visits, as we can also intensify scar treatment with silicone gel tape, lasers, injections, and more. If a patient still does not scar well, despite adequate care and treatment of the incision, it is usually due to a genetic predisposition to scarring. In these cases we can sometimes revise the scar surgically if needed.

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How is the belly button created at the time of the tummy tuck?

The belly button, or umbilicus, is not created “new” at the time of the tummy tuck. It is actually the same belly button, brought out through a new incision. The umbilicus is attached to the muscle under the abdominal skin. The skin around the umbilicus is usually stretched and hangs over it in people that want a tummy tuck. The umbilicus is separated from this skin, and then the tightened upper abdominal skin is stretched over the belly button. The belly button is then taken out through this skin with a new incision (much like a button being brought out through a button hole). The surgeons at Beautologie spend a significant amount of time on this step of the operation because we know the importance of having a nice umbilicus.

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Do patients loose a lot of weight during the tummy tuck? What happens if I gain weight or get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

It is important to know that the tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. In fact, immediately after the tummy tuck a patient may weight MORE than they did preoperatively due to the swelling that occurs during recovery. It takes 6 months or longer for the swelling to resolve, after which the patient may only notice a few pounds of difference from their preoperative weight. During the surgery, typically less than 5 pounds of tissue is removed, but the difference looks like the patient has lost 10-20 pounds because of the contouring that is achieved.

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It is extremely important for patients to have a healthy diet and exercise program after their cosmetic surgery procedure, whether it is a tummy tuck, liposuction, or other body contouring procedure. There is a psychological tendency to get stuck in “recovery mode” where the patient doesn’t move much and feels like they can eat more freely because of the procedure. The opposite is true. We recommend that patients return to the gym after one month (and being cleared by their doctor) and to weight themselves at least weekly to monitor their weight. Diet should be monitored closely using a diet log or a calorie counting app. If a person does gain weight after the surgery due to inactivity and a careless diet, it will go to the intra-abdominal area (under the muscle) creating a “barrel belly” or “beer belly” and also distribute itself to other areas where fat is present (thighs, neck, face, etc.).

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Regarding pregnancy, we recommend doing the tummy tuck surgery only after you have finished having children. Although having a child after a tummy tuck is possible, it will thin the skin and possibly cause loosening of the skin and muscle again. There is no harm to the child if you happen to get pregnant after the tummy tuck, and most people end up maintaining their results, but we still do not recommend it if you are definitely planning to have another child.

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