What is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

If you have been pregnant or lost weight, you may have sagging skin, accumulated fat, and stretch marks in your abdominal area. These problems typically resist all efforts to eliminate them with a healthy lifestyle. The only way to remove loose abdominal skin is a surgical procedure called a tummy tuck. This procedure restores a flat, firm abdomen that can make you feel more confident about your body. 

What is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Abdominoplasty is a procedure that targets concerns with the abdominal area. Your tummy tuck in Newport Beach can address many issues, but the most common include:

• Removing and tightening loose skin
• Eliminating excess pockets of fat
• Removing stretch marks
• Restoring a well-positioned, attractive belly button
• Repairing stretched or separated abdominal muscles

After a tummy tuck, the abdominal area looks dramatically tighter. Each tummy tuck is a customized procedure that considers your amount of loose skin, fat, and other issues. This body contouring surgery can make you feel confident enough to wear different clothes and try new things. 

*Individual Results May Vary

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck in Newport Beach is performed under general anesthesia by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will make an incision below the bikini line to access sagging skin and fat. Individuals with moderate skin laxity and some excess fat may benefit from a mini tummy tuck, which uses a smaller incision than the standard version. An extended tummy tuck extends the standard incision around the sides for greater lift and skin removal benefits. 

During the procedure, your Newport Beach surgeon will remove a section of skin and fat and then lift and tighten the skin. They may use liposuction to shape the waist, hips, or abdomen to sculpt an aesthetically pleasing shape. This is sometimes referred to as Lipoabdominoplasty. They will also repair abdominal muscles that have become stretched or separated, especially during pregnancy. Repairing these muscles eliminates the loose, saggy appearance of the abdomen and restores a stronger core. A Tummy Tuck and Liposuction are popular procedures that are selected as part of a Mommy Makeover. However, they can be beneficial for both men and women.  

What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Our patients choose to have abdominoplasty for many reasons. The vast majority find that the procedure was more than worth it and that they enjoy significant life changes as a result. 

Restores Confidence

Have you spent years hiding your stomach area? After your tummy tuck, you may feel ready to show it off! Your clothes will fit better, making you feel more attractive and comfortable. The removal of that frustrating saggy skin can feel like a weight lifted. Enjoy wearing a swimsuit, crop top, or body flattering dresses that you would have never considered before! 

Lets You Do More

You may have hesitated to participate in activities like swimming due to your abdomen. After your tummy tuck, you will feel comfortable engaging in more activities and feel less self-conscious taking your shirt off at the swimming pool or beach. If you live in Southern California, Arizona, or other warm climate, this can be a huge lifestyle change! 

Improves Quality of Life

A tummy tuck can improve your quality of life in several ways. Tightening your core can improve back pain while improving your appearance. The procedure can eliminate skin irritation that often occurs under sagging abdominal skin. You may experience many other personal benefits as well. 

What is Recovery Like After a Tummy Tuck?

You will need a friend or family member to take you home after your tummy tuck. We recommend having them stay with you for at least the first 24 hours, especially if you have children to care for. You cannot lift any weight or move in ways that strain your incisions for several weeks. Most people can return to low-activity work after one to two weeks. You may be able to resume your exercise routine and other strenuous activities after about six weeks. You will receive specific post-procedure instructions at your consultation. We offer both virtual and in-person consultations with our board certified team in Newport Beach. 

How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?

How long your tummy tuck lasts depends on you and your body’s natural aging process. Leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding significant weight changes will help your tummy tuck results last a lifetime. Our body contouring experts can provide recommendations for getting the most out of your procedure and maintaining your results. 

Can I Have Other Procedures With a Tummy Tuck?

Your surgeon can perform other procedures while you get your tummy tuck. You can have liposuction performed almost anywhere on your body for example, from your thighs, to your hips, and even up to your neck. Some people combine a tummy tuck with breast augmentation or breast lift procedures. A tummy tuck also forms a core part of a typical mommy makeover. You can also combine a tummy tuck with other types of body lifts, such as a thigh lift or arm lift, if you have significant loose skin elsewhere.