Tummy Tuck
San Francisco

If you have experienced transformational weight loss or have been through the experience of pregnancy and motherhood, you may have ended up with persistent loose skin and sagging abdominal muscles that will not go away—even with a healthy diet and exercise!

What Is A Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your abdomen*. This is achieved by first removing excess skin and fat from this area. Then, your stomach muscles are pulled tight around the abdominal cavity to produce a tighter, slimmer midsection*. A tummy tuck is ideal for people who have lost large amounts of weight or those who might otherwise struggle with a stubborn “pouch” of loose, lax skin around the belly area because of significant stretching*. Healthy mothers who do not plan on getting pregnant again are considered among ideal candidates for a tummy tuck*.

During a consultation for a Tummy Tuck San Francisco plastic surgeon, Dr. Miranda may recommend a tummy tuck as part of a package or series of procedures designed to achieve a larger aesthetic goal. In the case of women who have been pregnant, a tummy tuck may be paired with a diastasis recti repair operation to suture closed abdominal muscles that have separated. A breast lift, breast reduction or breast augmentation can be added for a comprehensive “mommy makeover” package. Liposuction is often performed before, during or after a tummy tuck to enhance results*. Check out PPSG’s blog to learn more about all of our aesthetic procedures. *results may vary

Tummy Tuck San Francisco

Extended Tummy Tuck

Extended Abdominoplasty, also known as extended tummy tuck, reaches beyond just the front of the body. The extended procedure is for patients who would like to address their sagging belly as well as their lateral flanks (the “love handle” area) and back, which may also need work to appear consistent with the rest of the body’s tight new profile*.

Ideal candidates for the extended procedure have much more loose skin and muscle hanging from their trunk because of large weight loss or pregnancy issues. Age and genetic factors also play a role in the severity of excess skin. Sometimes several pounds of skin and tissue must be removed to achieve the desired result*.

Extended Tummy Tuck Vs. Full Tummy Tuck

  • Skin and muscles on the sides and back of the body are also tightened 
  • Requires a larger incision around the hips 
  • Achieves a more “balanced look” across the torso

Panniculectomy

PPSG offers a variety of options for a San Francisco tummy tuck such as a procedure called panniculectomy. Like the classic tummy tuck, a panniculectomy is intended to reshape the contours of the abdominal region beyond the scope of mere diet and exercise*.

Patients who are obese or who have recently undergone transformational weight loss may derive great benefit from a panniculectomy*. A panniculectomy is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. It is a surgery in which the panniculus is removed. The panniculus is a dense curtain of excess subcutaneous fat that can form as a result of obesity. The panniculus may also be composed of loose skin resulting from dramatic weight loss.(1)

Diastasis Recti Repair

Diastasis recti repair is often incorporated into a tummy tuck. The procedure’s aim is to repair the rectus abdominis—muscles in the middle abdomen that can separate during pregnancy or as the result of severe obesity. During your abdominoplasty in San Francisco, your doctor will stitch the muscles back together, like lacing up a new pair of sneakers. Diastasis recti repair will narrow and taper the waist*. In women, the procedure contributes to an “hourglass figure*.” In men, it helps to sculpt the “six-pack” ab muscles*.(2)

What To Expect At Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

The full abdominoplasty begins with a horizontal incision above the pubic area but below where the waistbands on most bathing suits tend to lie. A second, smaller incision encircles the navel to free it from the underlying and surrounding tissue.

A typical tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia. Starting at the horizontal incision, the skin is pulled upward, revealing the stomach muscles. Your plastic surgeon will pull the stomach muscles tight with a series of sutures.

Then, like pulling down a curtain, the skin is drawn tight back over the abdominal area. Excess skin and fat tissue are removed.(3) Next, your doctor makes a small circular incision for your belly button. This will be its new home. The lower incision is stitched closed. Finally, bandages are applied.

What Are The Benefits Of A Tummy?

  • A better waistline
  • A stronger, firmer abdominal core
  • Firmer stomach muscles that may relieve back pain
  • The procedure may eliminate stretch marks and lower-abdominal scarring

Discover The New You At Pacific Plastic Surgery Group

You have done all the hard work already. You lost a significant amount of weight. Or, you have given birth to children. (Or both!) But the sagging skin and loose muscle left behind is unaffected by diet or exercise. Let the skilled, compassionate professionals at PPSG help you complete the last, most satisfying part of your transformation journey*. Dr. Edward Miranda is one of San Francisco’s top plastic surgeons. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Tummy Tuck Aftercare

Abdominoplasty can produce dramatic, even life-changing results*. Plan on one to two weeks of downtime immediately following the surgery. Recovering patients are very often required to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and to encourage safe healing. The stitches will be removed within the first two weeks. It is recommended that you avoid standing up straight during this time.

Pain, tightness and bruising of the affected area are common and to be expected*. You will require the assistance of a friend or loved one during the initial recovery as your range of motion will be limited*. Emotional support is important, too. Choose a “recovery buddy” with whom you have a close, comfortable relationship and make sure they’re available to assist you while you get better.

Your recovery buddy can help motivate you to stand up and move about regularly which will increase circulation and boost healing*. It is important to keep moving to encourage blood flow and promote healing. You will be given personalized aftercare instructions from Dr. Miranda and the staff at PPSG. You will return for follow-up appointments to make sure you are experiencing your ideal recovery*.

Take good care of yourself to minimize scarring and shorten your recovery time. Our compassionate staff and dedicated team of healthcare professionals at PPSG are available to you during the recovery portion of your journey. Dr. Miranda and his team will monitor your recovery progress and help you look forward to your preferred results*. While it may take time to enjoy your final result, remember–a slimmer more confident you awaits*!

Tummy Tuck FAQS

References

  1. Sachs, D., & Murray, J. (n.d.). Panniculectomy. StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499822/ 
  2. Mommers, E. H. H., Ponten, J. E. H., Omar, A. K. A., Reilingh, T. S. D. V., Bouvy, N. D., & Nienhuijs, S. W. (2017). The general surgeon’s perspective of rectus diastasis. A systematic review of treatment options. Surgical Endoscopy, 31(12), 4934–4949. doi: 10.1007/s00464-017-5607-9 
  3. John-Paul, J.-P., & Casaubon, J. T. (2018). Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/.

Schedule your consultation at Pacific Plastic Surgery Group in San Francisco, where we pride ourselves on our results and quality patient experience.

77 Van Ness Ave, Suite 302, San Francisco, CA

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