The tummy tuck incision placed above the pubic hairline is designed to be easily hidden. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs. Dr. Aboolian tightens underlying muscle and tissue, narrowing the waist and strengthening the abdominal wall. Skin is removed and redraped; a new opening is cut for the navel and sutures close the incisions.

While a tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction to extract a limited amount of fat, obese patients are not good candidates. Plastic surgeons recommend that you reach a stable and healthy body weight before surgery. For results that last as long as possible, it is best to wait until after childbirth to undergo an abdominoplasty. Those considering tummy tuck should also stop smoking in order to minimize the risk of complications.

Plastic Surgery Can Help Sculpt a Taut Abdomen

Abdominoplasty minimizes skin and fat from the tummy area, while repairing the muscles of the abdominal wall.* Surgery requires about two to seven hours of operating time, depending on certain variations in the procedure (see below).

Before surgery, Dr. Aboolian will mark the areas planned for subtraction of tissue. The incision (and scar) from the abdominoplasty is hidden in the bikini line, unless a vertical scar is planned, and can be of varying length (see below).

General anesthesia is administered, often with muscle relaxation for repairing the abdominal muscles. The incision(s) are made above the pubic hairline. Dr. Aboolian uses special sutures to tighten and repair the muscles. Skin is excised, lifted and redraped to create a smoother, flatter abdomen. The belly button is reshaped and in some cases, it is relocated to a lower position on the tummy.*

Hernia Repair

At times patients undergoing tummy tuck will also have a hernia, which may be diagnosed before surgery or during surgery. Such hernias involve the belly button most commonly post pregnancy or other parts of the abdomen in those with previous abdominal surgery. Dr. Aboolian repairs such hernias and will discuss it with you during your consultation. Some insurance companies may cover hernia repair.

Variations of the Tummy Tuck

There are different techniques in abdominoplasty that may be recommended for you based on the amount of skin laxity and desired results.

The different types of abdominoplasty include:

1. Mini-tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty).
2. Full abdominoplasty with or without a vertical scar.
3. Extended abdominoplasty with or without a vertical scar.

Patients with skin laxity localized to below the belly button may benefit from a “mini” tummy tuck, which involves a shorter horizontal incision not reaching the hip bones and therefore lesser tissue subtraction; there are no scars around the belly button. Patients with more skin laxity may be candidates for a full tummy tuck which involves a longer horizontal scar in addition to a scar around the belly button.

Extended abdominoplasty is reserved for patients who have excess skin/fat of their waistline and are looking to have a flatter tummy and waistline; the horizontal scar in such candidates is extended past the hip bones towards the back. Patients who are candidates for either full or extended abdominoplasty may also benefit from a vertical midline scar of various lengths depending on the amount of skin laxity and the desired cosmetic result.

Liposuction of the waist and maybe other body parts is almost always combined with the various tummy tucks discussed. Such variations in technique will affect the surgery time which may be up to seven hours, recovery time, and risks involved. Dr. Aboolian will discuss all such options with you during your consultation and recommend the procedure that will give you the desired result.*

What to Expect After Your Tummy Tuck

After surgery, you will be wrapped in gauze and a special elastic compression garment. Dr. Aboolian will provide post-operative instructions that should be closely followed. To control discomfort, he will prescribe a pain medication for your recovery period. Recovery time is approximately six to eight weeks, and it varies for each patient. Be sure to ask our Beverly Hills tummy tuck surgeon about how to reduce swelling after a tummy tuck as well. The doctor will monitor your condition during post-operative visits. The first visit is usually planned within the first week of surgery, when drains and some sutures are removed. For optimal results, you will be advised to wear the compression garment for six weeks. Should you have any others questions about what you can and cannot do after surgery, such as what to eat after a tummy tuck and scarring, as examples, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Andre Aboolian.

Results of Your Tummy Tuck

It may take some time to appreciate the final outcome of your tummy tuck.

The outcome also varies in each patient, but in general, there are several aesthetic goals that plastic surgeons aim for in every tummy tuck procedure:

• Tighter, firmer skin on the tummy
• Fewer stretch marks or scars
• Improved muscle tone and visible contour
• Unobstructed navel

Possible Complications

As a relatively extensive surgical procedure, there are complications that can occur with tummy tuck. Possible adverse events include hematoma, seroma, scarring, infection, tissue loss, bleeding, intra abdominal hypertension, DVT and pulmonary embolus. You might be wondering how long does swelling last after a tummy tuck or how to reduce any swelling. Ask Dr. Aboolian for more information if you are concerned about tummy tuck risks or side effects, including any questions about scars after surgery and tummy tuck scar removal.

Tummy Tuck Surgery After Weight Loss

The lower abdomen often experiences some of the worst stretching in overweight individuals. After bariatric surgery, patients who experienced massive weight loss will often find loose folds and flaps of skin on their tummies. Fortunately, with tummy tuck surgery, this excess skin can be minimized to offer an improved contour. Dr. Aboolian regularly performs tummy tuck surgeries on bariatric patients who want to look as healthy as they feel. With help from a tummy tuck doctor, weight-loss surgery patients have improved self-esteem and confidence in their bodies.

If you are interested in the cost of tummy tuck surgery after weight loss, you can discuss your financing options with a member of our friendly staff. Some of the financing options that we offer include cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and financing plans such as CareCredit.

Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills

Find out if tummy tuck surgery is right for you during a consultation with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Andre Aboolian MD, FACS. The consultation provides an opportunity to ask specific questions and get answers from a recognized body contouring expert and highly qualified plastic surgeon.

If you are ready to feel confident, beautiful, and transformed, call us today at (310) 888-8862 to learn about Beverly Hills tummy tuck surgery.