Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery, is a popular body contouring procedure to create a flatter and more youthful abdomen. The procedure will also strengthen the muscles of the abdominal walls, which get typically stretched and weakened due to weight gain or pregnancy.
At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about all aspects of tummy tuck procedure and help them make an informed decision. Board certified plastic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD provides tummy tuck and other cosmetic procedures to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA , and other cities and towns in this part of the state.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty may be more appropriate for candidates who have moderate amount of excess tissue and skin below the navel area, or if they only want to get rid of the overhanging portion of the abdominal tissue. The procedure involves lifting the abdominal tissue above the rectus muscle up to the navel’s position.
To create a flatter abdominal contour, the surgeon will pull down the excess tissue and trim it away. A mini tuck will not involve manipulation of the belly button. The procedure may be performed using general or local anesthesia with mild sedation, and can be completed in one to two hours.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck or traditional abdominoplasty may be recommended if the patient has excess skin and tissue above the navel region, or if the abdominal wall muscles are weak or sagging. The procedure will involve lifting of the abdominal tissue above the rectus muscle up to the level of the breastbone.
This technique allows correction of the excess tissue in the entire anterior abdomen. The surgeon will also reposition to the belly button to a new raised level to make it appear nature. To create a flat contour, the excess tissue will be pulled down and removed. The surgeon will also tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall in case of laxity.
Dr. Tsai performs full tummy tuck surgery in a surgical center adjacent to his office. Patients can return home the same day after the surgery. The procedure is performed using general anesthesia. Temporary drains will be placed under the skin in the incision areas to prevent excess fluid collection.
Recovery and Scarring
Just like any other body contouring procedure, the tummy tuck surgery will result in some scarring. While the scar will travel from hip bone to hip bone, the reliable and cordial Dr. Tsai will create the incisions discreetly in a way that the scar remains hidden in the underwear line. This will make the scar inconspicuous even in minimal clothing.
At the time of initial consultation, Dr. Tsai will closely engage with the patient to understand their cosmetic needs and their abdominal anatomy. Based on the patient’s feedback, he will create a customized abdominoplasty surgery plan.
Drain tubes will be removed in about one to two weeks, and the patient can return to their normal routine in less than two weeks. Profound, perspicacious, and cosmetic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and other neighborhoods and suburbs in this part of the southwest for tummy tuck surgery.
For more information on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and treatments by Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon, Roger Tsai, MD please click here or call us at 310.276.1190. Taking patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and other surrounding cities.