Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Who is a candidate?
Both men and women with excess abdominal fat and skin can benefit from abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck." Those desiring a narrower waist and tighter abdomen are good candidates providing they are not smokers or have poor circulation. Belly overhang is the result of pregnancy, weight fluctuation or genetic predisposition. Abdominoplasty is intended for people of relatively normal weight. It is not the answer for a huge overhang of skin. Those who intend to lose significant weight should postpone having a tummy tuck until their weight is within a satisfactory range.
How is it done?
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the mid and lower abdomen. An incision is made near the pubic hairline from hip to hip. It is placed low enough to be undetectable in bikini attire. If necessary, sagging or separated vertical muscles in the abdomen are tightened with permanent internal sutures. Abdominal fat may be treated with surgical excision at the time of surgery. Skin and tissue are pulled down over the existing navel and excess skin is removed. Abominoplasty is considered a major aesthetic surgery and takes up to 5 hours.
Recuperation
The patient can expect to stay overnight in the recovery center. A support garment will be worn and drainage tubes will be placed to aid in swelling, bruising and healing. Recovery usually takes 7 to 10 days and work is typically resumed within 2 weeks. Stitches will be removed in 7 to 14 days. Scar maturation can take up to twelve months.
Other Options
- Liposuction.
- Other body lift procedures may be performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty including
buttock lift, or thigh lift.
A word about financing…
Abdominoplasty can be made very affordable through our partners at CareCredit. Visit them at www.carecredit.com. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or assist you with the necessary paperwork.
Insurance Notes:
Abdominoplasty is considered a purely aesthetic procedure and as such is not covered by insurance.
Ask Dr. Beck
Q:How long does the procedure take?
A:It depends upon the area treated. Generally speaking, an hour for lips and six for a full face (when combined with a facelift procedure). Buttock fat grafting takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.
Q:How is fat grafting different from other fillers?
A:Synthetic fillers are temporary. It is used to build lasting structural changes in the face and body. It is biocompatible, versatile, stable, long lasting and natural appearing.
Q:Why would I do fat grafting instead of a facelift?
A:New fillers actually fill out the face rather than lift it. Gravity is not the enemy of youth—rather a loss of volume and tissue underneath the skin. Facelifts are still indicated for some patients, but fat grafting is very specific to area: brow, midface, or eyelids.
Q:Is fat grafting always successful?
A:Successful fat grafting is dependent upon the nature of the fatty tissue, the methods of harvesting, transfer and placement, and the preparation of the patient. Fatty tissue is complex and delicate and easily damaged. It takes complete precision because of the millimeters involved in facial elements. Fat is very small and grafting is a painstaking procedure as it is injected in layers to adhere together.
Q:Which is better if I want buttock augmentation: a buttock implant or fat grafting?
A:Buttock implants have the potential of moving or sliding in the pocket where they are placed. Fat grafting is particularly attractive to most people because you are taking fat from fatty regions of the body and using this to contour the buttocks. Best of both worlds! Once the fat lives in its new location, fluid collections and mobile implants are not a concern.
As a leading tummy tuck San Francisco surgeon, Dr. Beck takes pride in helping his patients achieve their desired body contour. He also has extensive experience helping facelift, liposuction and rhinoplasty San Francisco, San Jose and San Mateo patients.
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66 Bovet Road Suite 101
San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: (650) 570-6066
