Both men and women with excess abdominal fat and skin can benefit from an abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck." Those desiring a narrower waist and tighter abdomen are good candidates providing they are a healthy and safe candidates.
Belly overhang is the result of pregnancy, weight fluctuation or genetic predisposition. An 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.
Candidacy at a glance
Many tummy tuck patients…
- Have tried diet and exercise to trim their midsection with no significant results
- Have bellies that have slowly increased with age
- Suffer from stretch marks or sagging skin due to pregnancy
- Are not planning to get pregnant again or to lose a lot of weight
- Are in good overall health, both physically and mentally
- Have aligned their expectations with information gleaned from consultation
- Are seeking out a tummy tuck as part of a Mommy Makeover or other comprehensive body contouring package
Benefits of Abdominoplasty:
- Tightens six-pack muscles that have become separated as a result of pregnancy
- Combats dense, stretch marks gained during childbearing
- Can be performed just a few months after giving birth
- Trims, tones, slims and sculpts the stomach for a more youthful aesthetic
- Improves self-image and self-confidence
- Improves the fit of clothing, including swimwear and eveningwear
- Provides a safe, long-lasting solution to the problem of abdominal bulging
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Where will my surgery take place?
Tummy tuck surgery takes place in the Bay Area’s premier outpatient facility, The San Mateo Surgery Center. This peaceful, private setting is accredited by the AAAASF and boasts world-class diagnostic tools and surgical equipment in addition to groundbreaking technology and software. Our waiting areas, surgery suites and recovery arenas are all designed with your comfort, safety and well being in mind. Each member of our team, from the receptionist to your board certified anesthesiologist, is standing by to ensure a pleasant, rewarding patient experience and exemplary results.
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Abdominoplasty Recuperation
The patient can expect to leave the outpatient surgery center after a short period in the recovery center. A support garment will be worn to aid in swelling, bruising and healing. As with most major surgeries, patients may experience minor pain and discomfort after treatment, but these are easily combated with prescription medications that the doctor will discuss as part of your complete aftercare regimen.
While the rate of healing will vary from person to person, on average, recovery usually takes 7 to 10 days and work is typically resumed within 2 weeks. While patients should be walking around the same day as surgery, any lifting or strenuous activity should be avoided for the first 6 weeks. Scar healing will be discussed thoroughly with our patients, as well as recommendations for medical grade products to optimize scar maturation. Continued adherence to a healthy diet and exercise plan will ensure that your fabulous new waistline maintains its shape long term.
Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover is a wonderful combination procedure aimed at helping women to regain their pre-pregnancy figure and self-confidence. The Mommy Makeover procedure usually includes abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation and breast lift, and facial rejuvenation through injectables or dermal fillers. Our team can discuss the details of a Mommy Makeover during your consultation, just ask.
Ask Our Team
Can I have an abdominoplasty if I intend to have children?
If I exercise after having a baby, won’t that get me back to a pre-pregnancy shape?
I have heard of a non-surgical tummy tuck. What is that?
My stomach hangs over my pubic region ever since I lost weight. Can a tummy tuck pull this up and tighten it?
Can I have an abdominoplasty if I intend to have children?
You can have liposuction and/or a tummy tuck prior to having children, but if you get pregnant you will likely lose the benefits you have gained.
If I exercise after having a baby, won’t that get me back to a pre-pregnancy shape?
It depends on your body. Some women are fortunate to resume near pre-pregnancy shape while the majority of women complain that they cannot return to their “previous” body proportions. While exercise will help strengthen the muscles stretched open during pregnancy, it cannot replace the effectiveness of surgery for damaged or loose skin.
I have heard of a non-surgical tummy tuck. What is that?
A new form of light-based energy uses laser heat to tighten excess skin. This does not address minor fat pockets but can improve very mild sagging.
My stomach hangs over my pubic region ever since I lost weight. Can a tummy tuck pull this up and tighten it?
What you are describing may necessitate a procedure called a panniculectomy to reduce significant skin and fat hanging below the abs. This degree of skin sag is often experienced by those who were or are morbidly obese. Gastric bypass patients often need this type of body contouring for overall hygiene as well as aesthetic considerations
As leading tummy tuck San Francisco surgeons, Dr. Liu and his team take pride in helping their patients achieve their desired body contour. We also have extensive experience with facelift, liposuction, breast augmentation and rhinoplasty procedures for patients from San Francisco, San Jose and San Mateo.
