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The Skinny on Tummy Tucks

May 7, 2019 | Body

For Beverly Hills, CA individuals who have recently experienced a significant weight loss, had a baby, or fallen victim to the so-called “middle-age spread”, the struggle to get rid of excess fat and skin around the midsection is real. Despite following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, it can seem as though this area of the body is impervious to the power of traditional methods for firming up and slimming down. Those looking to shed their problematic belly pooch, annoying love handles, or unflattering loose skin and tummy rolls may want to consider having a tummy tuck. Also known as abdominoplasty, it is one of the most effective ways to achieve a flatter, more-toned physique.

During tummy tuck surgery, extra fat and skin that has accumulated in and around the abdominal area is removed. Muscles in the region can be tightened to lend a contoured appearance to the stomach. Meanwhile, the belly button can be restored and repositioned to appear more aesthetically pleasing. Tummy tucks are one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, and with good reason. Patients often experience dramatic improvements to their size and shape as well as their self-confidence following the surgery, especially those who have lost large amounts of weight, which has resulted in sagging skin, as well as mothers who struggle to regain their pre-pregnancy figure.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz of Beverly Hills, CA, is a leading expert in tummy tuck surgery, capable of performing procedures and securing results that are highly customized to every patient. Given his vast experience in the field, he is extremely knowledgeable about the various styles and complexities of abdominoplasty and is able to confidently and successfully determine which procedure will provide the most benefit and best results for each patient.

Tummy tucks are designed to improve and enhance the lower and upper regions of the abdominal area. The former is located below the belly button and generally is reserved for traditional tummy tuck procedures. The latter, meanwhile, is the area below the breasts and above the belly button, which benefit from a procedure known as a reverse tummy tuck. Depending on the type of surgery selected, most abdominoplasty begins with an incision that is made in the lower region. Excess skin may be excised and liposuction performed to remove fat. The abdominal muscles will be tightened to create a flatter, more-contoured appearance and, if necessary, the belly button will be repositioned for a more natural, proportionate look.

TRADITIONAL TUMMY TUCK

Also referred to as a standard or full tummy tuck, this procedure is most commonly performed on healthy patients who want to flatten areas directly below the belly button. It is also frequently included as part of the popular “mommy makeover” procedure. A horizontal incision is made between the hips and liposuction is used to remove excess fat. During this tummy tuck method, loose and excess skin is removed and the underlying abdominal muscles are pulled tight. Not every patient will need their belly button addressed during a traditional tummy tuck procedure, however, in some cases, the belly button is repositioned so it looks proportionate. Following about a two-week-long recovery, most patients can expect to resume their normal activities.

EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK

When large amount of excess skin and fat result following extreme weight loss, an extended tummy tuck may be in order. This technique is considered a more invasive procedure than a traditional tummy tuck as it involves the entire lower abdomen as well as the hips and a portion of the lower back. The incision for this method usually extends past the hip, whereas during a traditional tummy tuck the incisions are between the hip bones. Liposuction is used to extract fat and contour the hips and some of the lower back before the belly button is repositioned and the surgery completed. The recovery for an extended tummy tuck is similar to a traditional one, but generally takes a bit longer to make a full recovery.

FLEUR DE LIS TUMMY TUCK

This procedure is ideal for Beverly Hills patients who have successfully lost a large amount of weight, but are left with a substantial amount of unwanted skin. The name of this tummy tuck is derived from the shape of the incision utilized to remove a panel of skin. The peak of the incision is located adjacent to the breast bone, while the lower portion reaches across the stomach, toward the hip bones. Once this excess skin panel is removed, the underlying muscle is shaped and the remaining skin is pulled down to create a contoured appearance. During this technique, the belly button is almost always reconstructed. This method of abdominoplasty is considered an after weight loss plastic surgery. It addresses the top and lower aspects of the midsection and does require more incisions. However, the results can be dramatic for weight loss patients struggling with excessive amounts of loose skin.

MINI TUMMY TUCK

If a bit of loose skin around the middle is a patient’s primary concern, a mini tummy tuck may be the way to go. Less invasive than a traditional tummy tuck and usually requiring only twilight sedation, the results of a mini tummy tuck tends to be more subtle and address the area directly below the belly button. For patients in Beverly Hills, CA, who are otherwise fit but wish to banish a belly pooch or some pesky loose skin that can occur due to aging, Dr. Jaime Schwartz uses a small incision to remove extra skin and tighten the muscles. This surgery is less invasive, offers a recovery period of about a week, and a small, minimal scar.

The transformative results of a tummy tuck are often dramatic, altering the shape and size of the body in ways that may be visible almost immediately after surgery. Despite these rapid results, it is crucial that patients to keep in mind the results will only remain effective if they take the proper steps, such as pursuing a healthy diet and exercise regimens, that will do much to ensure a long-lasting outcome.

Dr. Jaime Schwartz of Beverly Hills, CA, encourages patients to make sound lifestyle choices in order to maintain their new-and-improved figure as well as to appreciate all of the benefits afforded by the tummy tuck procedure. If you’re wondering whether you are a candidate for this life-changing cosmetic surgery, you are invited to contact our office and schedule an appointment to learn more.

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