Tummy Tuck Overview
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is designed to help reshape and slim down the abdominal region, thighs and flanks. Dr. Sanders is a peerless Los Angeles plastic surgeon who has helped numerous tummy tuck patients achieve a flatter tummy. By tightening their abdominal wall muscles and removing excess skin, he is able to create beautiful silhouettes and improved patients’ self-image. In the paragraph below, he explains the tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Sanders is also proud to offer his patients the drainless tummy tuck procedure at his office located in Encino.
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Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Many patients look for different alternatives to achieve a flatter and core contoured abdomen and increase their confidence. A tummy tuck can provide these patients with many more benefits.
Flatter and Firmer Abdomen
For those who wish they could get rid of their “love handles” or “spare tire,” a tummy tuck may be the perfect solution. Through a tummy tuck, patients can streamline the midsection of their body, achieving a more trim and athletic appearance.
Improved Posture
Weak abdominal walls, combined with excess fat around the gut, can often lead to a slouching posture. For men and women who are ready to stand straight and proud, a tummy tuck can fortify the muscles in the abdominal wall, leading to an improved posture and a more flattering silhouette.
Repaired Abdominal Muscles
There are many reasons why the abdominal wall muscles can weaken and even separate; one of the most common is pregnancy, in which the rectus muscles may separate. A tummy tuck can repair the abdominal wall, leaving you feeling much stronger in the midsection of your body.
Natural Results
A tummy tuck can offer completely natural-looking results, allowing patients to achieve a flatter midsection without completely losing natural abdominal contours. This procedure represents a straightforward way to slim down if nutrition and exercise prove to be insufficient. Dr. Sanders’ patients are pleased by the natural-looking results they attain through the tummy tuck procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate?
During a consultation, Dr. Sanders can determine whether a tummy tuck is right for you. However, there are some general guidelines to consider as well.
It Is Generally Ideal For
A tummy tuck is a good option if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations
- Have excess skin and fat in the abdomen
- Have weakened abdominal muscles
- Have a BMI of less than 33
The most important aspect is to be in good overall health to receive the necessary anesthesia.
It Is Not-So-Great For
A tummy tuck procedure might not be the best option if you:
- Are planning on having children in the future
- Are planning on losing more weight
- Have serious health conditions
The recovery process is essential with a tummy tuck, so you have to be able to take time off to rest.
How Old Do I Have to Be?
A tummy tuck has no real age restrictions. Rather than age, your overall health and whether you are planning to have more children are key.
Why People Choose Dr. Sanders for a Tummy Tuck
One of the most important reasons people choose Dr. Sanders for their tummy tuck procedures is that he offers drainless tummy tucks for some patients. Drainless tummy tucks do not require drains because sutures hold the various layers of tissue together.
This technique prevents the buildup of fluids that would otherwise require drain tubes. Drainless tummy tucks may shorten the recovery time As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sanders has years of experience performing these procedures and promoting natural-looking results.
This procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, helps remove excess skin and fat, as well as unsightly stretch marks, from the abdominal area. As part of a tummy tuck, he can also tighten the abdominal muscles if necessary by pulling them together and stitching them into position for a more toned appearance.
The entire procedure usually takes about three hours, depending on the amount of fat removed and muscle tightening (if any) being performed. The surgery is performed with the patient under sedation, and the incision is kept as short as possible and positioned so that it can be hidden within clothing lines. Dr. Sanders’ surgical technique results in an extremely natural-looking belly button, which is brought out through the skin at its original position. The procedure is usually done without the use of drain tubes, and pain pumps are usually used during recovery to minimize any discomfort that the patient might experience.
Before & After Tummy Tuck Photos
A tummy tuck can offer transformative yet completely natural-looking results for those looking to lose excess flab around the middle of their body. For evidence of just what a difference a tummy tuck can make, take a look at this before and after gallery, featuring images of some of Dr. Sanders’ past patients.
Tummy Tuck Techniques
Each tummy tuck technique has its own set of benefits and downsides. During your consultation, Dr. Sanders will make sure to take into account your needs and expectations before recommending the approach for you. Keep reading to learn more about each type.
Mini Tummy Tuck
The mini tummy tuck is the least invasive of these procedures and offers the most minimal scarring; it is a good option for those who need a smaller amount of excess fat and tissue removed below their belly button. Mini tummy tucks can be performed with shorterincisions just above the pubic area and without any need to reposition the belly button.
Standard Tummy Tuck
A standard tummy tuck focused on toning and contouring the entire abdominal area. As with a mini tummy tuck, an incision is made just above the pubic area, but this incision will be longer, spanning from hip to hip. The standard tummy tuck involves reshaping and strengthening the underlying muscular layer. Note: Dr. Sanders is pleased to offer some patients a drainless tummy tuck option.
Extended Tummy Tuck
For patients who wish to have skin from the sides of the abdomen removed, the extended tummy tuck may be the right option. Specifically, an extended tummy tuck will address the entire abdominal region as well as the sides.a. The usual standard tummy tuck incision is extended to the side of the abdomen to allow for skin removal in that area. Muscle tightening and liposuction are also performed.
Drainless Tummy Tuck
Dr. Sanders performs some of his tummy tucks without the use of drains in a drainless tummy tuck procedure. During the drainless procedure, the doctor stitches the abdominal skin down to the underlying layer of muscle, eliminating the gap between skin and muscle that is left in a traditional tummy tuck. This minimizes fluid buildup after surgery and eliminates the need for drainage tubes. These tubes, sometimes used in traditional tummy tuck surgery, may be uncomfortable and require emptying twice a day. The drainless tummy tuck procedure avoids these issues.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
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How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The price of tummy tuck surgery varies based on the needs of the patient and the type of tummy tuck surgery performed. During your consultation with Dr. Sanders, he will provide you with a price estimate that is based on your individual needs. At that time, you may also wish to ask Dr. Sanders about the financing options that he offers, which create an affordable monthly payment method with low to zero interest.
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Does insurance cover tummy tuck costs?
No. Most tummy tuck procedures are considered cosmetic and are therefore ineligible for insurance coverage. Unless the tummy tuck is going to resolve a medical issue, it’s considered a cosmetic procedure.
A small number of cases that involve the repair of hernias or addressing irritation from overhanging skin may be covered in part by health insurance.
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Are there any risks involved?
Any surgical procedure may involve some measure of risk, especially if you smoke or have poor circulation. Dr. Sanders can discuss any concerns with you during your consultation.
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Does tummy tuck surgery leave a scar?
Yes, tummy tuck surgery typically requires a long, thin horizontal incision at the lower abdomen. Fortunately, the tummy tuck incision is strategically placed low enough on the abdomen that any scarring is concealed by most underwear or bathing suits.
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Is tummy tuck surgery painful?
No. The operation itself is not painful (anesthesia is administered prior to starting surgery). Most tummy tuck patients experience some mild and temporary discomfort, tenderness and swelling after surgery. Dr. Sanders prescribes medicine to help soothe discomfort during the recovery process. He also uses a pain pump for the first three days after surgery that minimizes the need for oral pain medication.
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Can I have a baby after tummy tuck?
Yes, you can have a baby after tummy tuck surgery, but it will likely undo the improvements from your tummy tuck. Medically speaking it’s safe to become pregnant after tummy tuck, but for aesthetic reasons, it is not advised. Pregnancy stretches out the abdominal skin and muscles, reversing some of the effects of tummy tuck. Pregnancy can also lead to weight gain and the accumulation of stubborn fat pockets on and around the abdomen.
For these reasons, Dr. Sanders advises tummy tuck patients to postpone abdominoplasty until they are finished having biological children.
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Does tummy tuck treat stretch marks?
It depends. If the stretch marks are located on the lower abdomen, where excess skin is removed, a tummy tuck can improve their appearance. However, stretch marks on the upper abdomen are usually not removed by tummy tuck (although they may improve in appearance).
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Where Will My Tummy Tuck Scars Be Located?
Unfortunately, there’s no way around it — all patients will have scars from their tummy tuck procedure. With that said, Dr. Sanders will do everything in his power to minimize the appearance of these scars. The first step in accomplishing this is making the incision low enough on the belly that it will be covered by underwear or a bathing suit. The main incision will go horizontally across the lower abdomen, and the length of the incision depends on how much excess skin is removed. If there is significant skin excess in the cross-wise direction,, a second vertical incision extending upward from the pubic area may be required.
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Are There Any Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
While the main benefit of a tummy tuck is improved appearance, there may also be medical benefits from the procedure. These include:
- Reducing stress urinary incontinence. After giving birth, some San Fernando Valley women have problems holding their water. A tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat that are placing downward pressure on the bladder and creating these problems.
- Improving posture. After giving birth or losing a lot of weight, women might have stretched stomach muscles, which can lead to poor posture. A tummy tuck helps the abdomen revert back to its normal shape, improving posture.
- Correcting abdominal hernias. A tummy tuck allows the surgeon the opportunity to deal with these issues.
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Can I Get a Tummy Tuck If I Have Had a C-Section?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to have a tummy tuck after having a C-section. In fact, many women use a tummy tuck to correct problems they are having with stomach muscles that may have been traumatized during a C-section. Interested patients need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanders to assess their appropriateness for surgery.At surgery, the doctor will also remove the woman’s existing C-section scar so as to avoid additional scars from the surgery.
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How Long Will My Results Last?
The results of a tummy tuck \may be permanent if you take the time to follow all post-op requirements and maintain your weight.
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Is Getting a Tummy Tuck Really Worth It?
A tummy tuck helps you achieve a smoother and firmer abdomen, providing aesthetic results while strengthening your core. The benefits make the procedure ideal for addressing a range of concerns.
Recovering from Tummy Tuck
You will spend your first night at a nearby recovery center and then go home the following day. For two weeks, we encourage minimal walking, but after that, driving and limited walking are fine. Patients may return to a desk job. By the fourth week, most patients are back to aerobic exercise, and after six weeks, patients are getting back to all forms of activity.
Excellence in Performing Tummy Tucks in Encino
Achieving a flat tummy and a contoured physique can still be challenging even when you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A tummy tuck will help significantly in that regard. In Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Sanders takes pride in providing exceptional services so you can look and feel your absolute best. For more information on tummy tuck surgery, please contact Dr. Sanders’ office in Encino to schedule a consultation.
