Tummy Tuck

Pregnancy, weight loss, and the process of aging can cause loose, sagging skin and weakened muscles in the abdomen. A tummy tuck in Los Angeles can help you achieve the stomach you desire when diet and exercise have not been effective.

What Is A Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the belly and tighten abdominal muscles to create a flatter, fitter, more toned appearance. This procedure is often included in a “mommy makeover” performed to restore a woman’s figure after pregnancy. It is also commonly performed on both men and women after massive weight loss or when the aging process has left them with a sagging or protruding belly.

Tummy Tuck Before & After

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Before

After

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck in Orange County may be appropriate for adults with loose hanging skin on the abdomen and weakened abdominal muscles. This may include:

Women who have gone through one or more pregnancies. Pregnancy can leave a woman with weakened muscles, loose skin, and excess fat on the belly. Without surgical assistance, the skin and muscles often will not bounce back after childbirth.
Men and women who have lost massive amounts of weight naturally or through bariatric surgery: After massive weight loss, many people are left with large amounts of loose, hanging fat and skin around the midsection. A tummy tuck can remove excess fat and skin and firm and tighten the belly to create a more attractive appearance that reflects your weight loss efforts.
Older people who have weak stomach muscles and sagging abdominal skin: It is an unfortunate fact the muscles weaken, and skin loses elasticity with aging. A protruding belly with excess fat and hanging skin can make you look older and less fit than you are. Tummy tuck surgery can restore a flatter, firmer, more youthful appearance to the abdomen.

Tummy Tuck by CARA Plastic Surgery with Dr. Kahng

Woman wearing loose fitting pants and pulling the slack

What is the Tummy Tuck Procedure?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is performed under general anesthesia. It requires a horizontally-oriented incision between the belly button and the pubic hair. Through this incision, the surgeon elevates the loose skin/fat and tightens the abdominal muscles, and then pulls down the excess skin/fat and removes it, which corrects a protruding belly to leave the midsection flatter, smoother, and better toned.

Dr. David Kahng at Cara Plastic Surgery & Laser Center has extensive training, experience, and a reputation for surgical excellence. The procedure is performed at our facility that AAAASF accredits for patient health and safety.

Schedule a consultation if you're interested in a tummy tuck in Orange County, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas.

What Does Tummy Tuck Recovery Entail?

Most patients will take around 2 weeks off from work after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Physical activity will be limited, and you must stay bent at the waist. A drainage tube will be in place to help rid the body of excess fluids and blood. You will also need to wear a compression garment for around 6 weeks after your tummy tuck surgery. This will help to dial down your swelling and keep your new lean, sculpted shape intact.

Can Tummy Tuck Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?

A tummy tuck is a significant component of a mommy makeover, a combination procedure designed to rejuvenate your physique after childbirth.

By combining procedures, a woman can lower overall costs and downtime. A tummy tuck can also be well-combined with liposuction, which is used to trim away excess fat, creating slimmer, more streamlined contours. A tummy tuck can be performed with a thigh lift, an upper arm lift, or a butt lift. These procedures can help to deliver comprehensive changes in the figure, elevating your self-image & confidence.

How Should You Prepare for a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Before your tummy tuck surgery, we will provide a list of medications and supplements to avoid that have blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory qualities, such as aspirin or vitamin E. These can cause excess bleeding and bruising and interfere with the procedure and healing process. If you smoke, quit at least two weeks before your tummy tuck surgery. Smoking inhibits circulation and increases the chance of infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. Smoking can also negatively affect the healing process and increase the risk of scarring.

Don’t drink alcohol ahead of time, as it weakens the immune system. Instead, drink more water to hydrate your body, which improves the procedure and recovery process. Arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home and help you as you’re going through the initial healing period. Have healthy foods and snacks prepared so that you can nourish your body easily without exerting yourself. Another important step is to have your prescriptions filled ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry about that during your healing process. Finally, don’t eat or drink anything from midnight onward on the day before your surgery.

What Results Should Be Expected After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The final results after a tummy tuck is transformative, achieving a dramatically more sculpted, toned abdominal area. Once your healing process is complete, after four to six weeks, you will be able to enjoy a slimmer waistline, a more toned, tight, and flat abdomen, and a smoothly sculpted abdominal contour.

Excess, sagging skin is gone, and your muscles are tighter and stronger. The excess, sagging skin is completely removed, and the muscles are surgically tightened with sutures. Your scar will be low on your abdomen–a straight, thin line between your hip bones. This will fade with time and become a white line that can be easily concealed with a bikini bottom or underwear.

Your results will restore your abdominal area to its firm, youthful shape and achieve an attractive contour that helps to boost confidence and self-esteem.

What Are Some Common Risks And Complications Related To Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Dr. Kahng does everything possible to minimize your risks during surgery by practicing conservative, precision-based techniques. However, one cannot completely eradicate surgical risk. The doctor will go over the potential risks and complications with you during your private consultation so that you can make an informed and empowered choice to move forward with your abdominoplasty.

Risks associated with tummy tuck surgery include:

Anesthesia risks
Seroma (the accumulation of excess fluids below the skin’s surface)
Poor wound-healing
Infection
Scarring
Tissue damage or death
Reduced sensation in the skin