Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, stands as one of the most effective body contouring procedures available. It is designed to address both excess abdominal skin and stretched or separated abdominal muscles. By tightening the underlying muscle wall, the surgery restores core function and strength while creating a more defined and slender silhouette.

Making the decision to undergo surgery is a significant one, and our goal is to provide you with clear, comprehensive information to help you feel confident and supported. This guide will explain the different types of abdominoplasty, help you understand who makes a good candidate, and detail what you can expect from the surgery and recovery process.

Understanding the Abdominoplasty Procedure

A tummy tuck is more than just skin removal. It is a transformative procedure that repairs the abdominal wall, known as the rectus abdominis muscles. These muscles can become separated (a condition called rectus diastasis) due to pregnancy or significant weight changes, leading to a weakened core and a protruding abdomen. The surgical tightening of these muscles is essential for achieving a flatter, well-toned midsection.

To achieve the best possible contour, liposuction is often performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck. This allows for the removal of stubborn fat from adjacent areas, such as the hips and flanks, ensuring a smooth and harmonious transition for your entire torso.

Renuvion Skin Tightening: Enhancing Your Results

For patients seeking optimal results, Renuvion skin tightening can be added to abdominoplasty. Renuvion is an advanced technology that uses a combination of helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to gently tighten and firm the skin from within. This treatment specifically targets areas where skin elasticity is reduced, providing a smoother and more contoured appearance. By integrating Renuvion with a tummy tuck, we can address both excess skin and underlying tissue laxity, leading to more refined and natural-looking results. Many patients appreciate this added step for its ability to enhance skin tone and minimize sagging—further boosting confidence in their new shape.

Advancements in Recovery: The Single Drain Technique

To promote a more comfortable and efficient recovery, we are proud to use a single drain technique during abdominoplasty. Traditionally, multiple drains were placed after surgery to manage fluid buildup, which could sometimes be cumbersome for patients. The single drain method simplifies care by reducing the number of devices needed, helping you move more freely during your recovery. In addition, this method is associated with less discomfort and a lower risk of drain-related issues, allowing for a smoother and more reassuring and streamlined healing process.

Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to abdominoplasty. Your procedure will be tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic goals. We are here to advise you on the best option to help you achieve your desired outcome safely.

Full Abdominoplasty

A full abdominoplasty is the traditional technique and is best suited for individuals with moderate to significant skin excess, often resulting from multiple pregnancies or major weight loss.

• Incisions: The procedure involves a horizontal incision made from hip to hip, placed low enough to be easily concealed by undergarments. A second incision is made around the navel to reposition it after the excess skin is removed.

• Procedure: This approach provides the access needed to remove a significant amount of skin and fat, perform comprehensive muscle tightening, and create a natural-looking belly button.

• Best for: Patients who need extensive correction on both the upper and lower abdomen.

Mini Abdominoplasty

A mini abdominoplasty is a less invasive alternative designed for patients who have minimal excess skin located primarily below the belly button but still have stretched abdominal muscles.

• Incisions: This technique uses a much smaller incision, slightly longer than a standard C-section scar, placed low on the abdomen. There is no incision around the belly button.

• Procedure: Through this smaller opening, the underlying muscles are tightened, and a small amount of skin is removed to create a well-toned lower abdominal contour.

• Best for: Patients who are close to their ideal weight but struggle with a small lower belly "pouch."

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck is indicated for patients who have lost a massive amount of weight and have excess skin that extends beyond the abdomen to the flanks and lower back.

• Incisions: The incision from a traditional tummy tuck is extended around the sides of the body toward the back to address the additional skin.

• Procedure: In some cases, a vertical incision may also be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. This is known as a "Fleur-de-lis" tummy tuck and provides the most dramatic contouring results.

• Best for: Post-bariatric patients or anyone who has experienced significant weight loss with resulting skin laxity around the entire midsection.

Who is a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

The best outcomes from any cosmetic procedure are achieved when the patient is a suitable candidate. For abdominoplasty, ideal candidates are healthy individuals who have realistic expectations for their surgical results.

Key Considerations for Candidacy

• Overall Health: You should be in good physical health and at a stable weight. A tummy tuck is a body contouring tool, not a weight-loss method.

• Smoking: Smoking is a contraindication for this procedure, as it significantly increases the risk of complications during the healing process. We require patients to be non-smokers or to have quit for at least one month prior to surgery to minimize health risks.

• Future Pregnancies: It is still possible to have a healthy pregnancy after a tummy tuck. However, pregnancy can re-stretch the skin and muscles, potentially compromising your surgical results and creating the need for a revision procedure.

• Realistic Expectations: Understanding the procedure, recovery, and potential scarring is crucial. Our team is here to ensure you have a clear picture of what can be achieved.

It is also important to note that abdominoplasty involves the removal of lower abdominal tissue. This tissue is sometimes used for autologous breast reconstruction. If you might consider this type of procedure in the future, it is a vital point to discuss during your consultation.

The Surgery and Recovery Process

Feeling prepared for your surgery and recovery is a key part of a positive experience. Here is what you can generally expect.

How is Abdominoplasty Surgery Performed?

All abdominoplasty procedures are performed in an operating room under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety. Your surgeon will make the incisions based on the agreed-upon surgical plan. After tightening the muscles and removing the excess skin and fat, the incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures. To aid the healing process, small drainage tubes will be placed under the skin for several days to prevent fluid buildup.
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What is the Recovery Like?

The initial downtime for an abdominoplasty is typically three to four weeks, during which your activities will be restricted.

• First Week: You will feel tightness in your abdomen and may need to walk with a slight bend at the waist. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort, which is most pronounced in the first week, especially after muscle repair. Bruising and swelling will be at their peak.

• Weeks 2-4: Swelling will gradually subside. Most patients feel ready to return to desk work and light daily activities within this timeframe.

• After 4 Weeks: Strenuous activities and heavy lifting must be avoided for at least six weeks, or until you are cleared by your surgeon. Following all post-operative instructions is essential for a safe and successful recovery and to achieve the best possible result.

​​​​​​​If you’re ready to explore your options, consult with Dr. Han Hoang, a board-certified, UCLA-trained plastic surgeon, to create a customized plan tailored to your unique needs.

📞 Call us at 714-584-3507
 📧 Email us at hanhoangmd@gmail.com