Tummy Tuck in Orange County
Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that can provide a flatter abdomen. If you have loose skin and protruding tissue on your abdomen, a tummy tuck at UC Irvine may help.
In Orange County, the plastic surgeons of UC Irvine offer unmatched expertise in tummy tuck surgery. When it comes to abdominoplasty, Dr. Aly is recognized by his peers as an authority. He has performed hundreds of procedures, performed surgical demonstrations at national and international plastic surgery meetings, studied many different surgical techniques, and published numerous articles on the subject.
Reasons to Choose a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty can be beneficial for both men and women who are bothered by sagging abdominal skin, protruding tissue and stretched abdominal muscles. Aesthetic goals of the tummy tuck include:
- Tighter, firmer skin on tummy
- Narrower waist
- More youthful abdomen/navel
- Reduction of stretch marks
Optimal results will differ with each patient, which means a different variation of the technique may be necessary. If you choose abdominoplasty at UC Irvine, our plastic surgeons will tailor your procedure according to your individual tummy tuck goals.
FAQ About Tummy Tuck in Orange County
Here are some frequently asked questions about tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) at UC Irvine in southern California. Please call or email our offices if you would like additional information about this procedure.
Who can undergo abdominoplasty?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which can occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, UCI plastic surgeons are often able to adjust your tummy tuck technique to reduce the risk of blood supply compromise that maybe posed by the previous scarring.
How do I prepare for tummy tuck surgery?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications. If you smoke, plan to quit at least two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least six weeks after your surgery. Do not go on a stringent diet before surgery. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.
Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home and assist with your care for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.
How is the tummy tuck performed?
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial or mini-abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.
Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into a different shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
Next, the surgeon separates the skin and the underlying fat, which is called a "flap", from the abdominal wall up to the ribs, to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position.
The skin and fat flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed, similar to stretching a loose bed sheet over the end of the bed and cutting off the extra bed sheet. A new hole is cut for the navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
The technique described here is the traditional tummy tuck technique, and as mentioned above, there are many variations of this technique that are adjusted by the UCI plastic surgeons to adapt to a particular patient's needs. For example sometimes liposuction is combined with the abdominoplasty to create better contour.
What should I expect after my tummy tuck?
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Sometimes patients are instructed to wear a garment to help reduce your swelling and reduce the risk of seromas (see below). Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.
What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?
Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. Seromas, fluid collections that develop under the area that was operated on, can also occur after abdominoplasty. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.
Why should I choose UC Irvine for my tummy tuck?
The plastic surgeons of UC Irvine offer unparalleled expertise for tummy tuck surgery in Orange County. Our practice is directed by Dr. Al Aly, is a world-renowned expert on the subject of body contouring cosmetic surgery with knowledge and experience in the latest abdominoplasty techniques utilized from around the world. If you choose UC Irvine, you can be confident that you will receive individualized care in your tummy tuck – instead of a one-size-fits all approach.
Are there different techniques for tummy tuck surgery?
Although most patients benefit from the full, traditional abdominoplasty, there are several different variations of the procedure. If stubborn fat resides on the back, flanks or tummy, a lipo-abdominoplasty or extended tummy tuck may be appropriate. If loose abdominal tissue is isolated to a small area, a mini tummy tuck (partial abdominoplasty) may be recommended. Patients who have only loose skin may benefit from a panniculectomy instead. You can discuss these alternatives during your consultation at UC Irvine.
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery in Orange County, please call 714-456-3077 to inquire about a consultation. You can also email us, or view a map to our southern California plastic surgery office.