Reverse Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills, CA

OVERVIEW

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure for both women and men. Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz offers numerous types of tummy tuck surgery for individuals with loose skin in the stomach area. There are several factors that can lead to the development of loose skin around the abdomen including pregnancy, a significant weight loss, and aging. Thankfully, there are cosmetic treatments such as tummy tuck surgery that can be performed to remove excess loose skin and create a younger, tighter appearance. While most of these surgeries address the lower abdomen, there are a number of patients who come to our Beverly Hills plastic surgery center because of loose skin and fat in the upper stomach. To correct this, Dr. Schwartz performs what is known as a reverse tummy tuck (upper abdominoplasty). This treatment addresses the upper portion of the stomach, as well as the "bra fat pads" that develop from excess tissue and skin that accumulate below the breasts and are most prominent when sitting. If you believe you may be a candidate for this procedure, we invite you to call our office to learn more.

REVERSE TUMMY TUCK REVIEWS

IDEAL CANDIDATES

A large majority of our patients that seek to have a reverse tummy tuck are those who have experienced a major weight loss. These patients are usually overjoyed by their weight loss, but they often battle areas on the body where loose skin collects. Weight loss of this dramatic nature can result in lax skin in the upper abdomen. In addition, patients who have had a regular tummy tuck may still have lax abdominal tissue that requires the top portion of the abdomen to be addressed.

Ideally, women who are desiring a reverse tummy tuck will not be planning additional pregnancies in the future. This is because pregnancy after a reverse tummy tuck will greatly affect and alter the results of the procedure. Candidates for a reverse tummy tuck treatment need to be at a healthy weight, in good overall health, and have realistic expectations for their results.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Dr. Schwartz performs a reverse abdominoplasty by making an incision under the breasts in the inframammary fold. This allows him access to the internal tissues while at the same time producing a scar that will be hard to see since it resides under the breasts. To perform the reverse tummy tuck surgery, liposuction may be used to remove excess pockets of fat. The muscles in the upper abdomen may be tightened if needed. The excess skin will be removed and pulled and tightened to create a smooth, tighter-looking result.

DURING/AFTER SURGERY

Dr. Schwartz is known throughout Beverly Hills for his Schwartz Rapid Recovery™ - a term that describes a combination of techniques Dr. Schwartz uses during surgery to accelerate the recovery process after the procedure is over. One unique method that sets Dr. Schwartz apart is his use of a gentler form of general anesthesia called TIVA, this stands for total intravenous anesthesia. Patients undergoing a reverse tummy tuck are given an IV with medication. This approach is different as it provides patients with an adequate amount of anesthesia, but at the same time does not require a breathing tube nor does it use anesthetic gases. Patients are asleep during the surgery and breathing on their own. TIVA medications wear off quickly during recovery and are mostly out of the body within a few hours. Patients are coherent faster, wake up feeling less nauseous, and experience an overall smoother experience.

The reverse tummy tuck is performed as an outpatient surgery and generally lasts about 2 – 3 hours. After the patient is properly observed and monitored, they will be released to recover at home. Dr. Schwartz likes to see his patients for a follow-up appointment at his Beverly Hills office the next day after surgery so he can assess the surgical outcome and results. Most patients are out to dinner the next evening and back to work in a week. They are able to begin light exercise in a few weeks and back to full activity at 6 weeks.

EXPECTED RESULTS

After a reverse tummy tuck, even though there will be slight bruising and swelling, patients will notice their results almost immediately. The compression garment should be worn as much as possible in the first few days, but as the swelling completely resolves, patients will get to see the full benefits from their surgery. The upper abdomen will be tighter and smoother, which not only leads to an appealing aesthetic outcome but also an increase in overall comfort. Any visible scar can be concealed under bras and swimsuits. In addition, women with fuller breasts have a greater chance of hiding these scars within the natural, physical contours of the body even without clothing. The results from a reverse tummy tuck will be long-lasting as long as patients continue to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and remain at a healthy, consistent weight.

RECEIVE DESIRED RESULTS

We invite you to call our Beverly Hills plastic surgery office to learn more about the cosmetic treatments we offer and see if a reverse tummy tuck is right for you. If you have loose skin and fat in the upper stomach and it not only causes discomfort but creates an unappealing appearance when you sit or even when you stand, a consult with Dr. Schwartz will help you get one step closer to looking and feeling your best. To learn more, contact Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz to learn more.

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