Tummy Tuck San Francisco
Tummy Tuck surgery improves abdominal and mid-torso contours by excising excess skin and fat and in some cases tightening of the abdominal muscle girdle. This procedure may vary from a minimal skin excision below the belly button (mini abdominoplasty) to a circumferential incision removing several inches of excess skin circumferentially around the body.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the main risk or trade off of a Tummy Tuck?
A: An incision is required to remove the lax (loose) abdominal skin, resulting in a scar. In most cases, the scar will be minimally visible and can be hidden in the bikini area of the body. Full maturation (fading size and color of the scar) can take up to 2 years. Temporary healing problems such as swelling, firmness, numbness, fluid collection or drainage are usually short lived. Due to the fact that the abdominal muscles usually need to be tightened, there may be a period of abdominal cramping or tightness, which limits normal activities.
Q: What determines how long the scar will be?
A: In most cases, all of the skin between the belly button and pubic area is removed. The belly button is reconstructed at a new position and dramatic changes in abdominal contour are achieved. If however, there is only laxity of the skin in the lower abdomen, there is a smaller excision with a minimal scar. In many cases the same laxity exists in the posterior trunk as the tummy and therefore a circumferential abdominoplasty (body lift) is required. Again, the scar is hidden within the bikini area, but the tissue on the waist, back, and even buttock can be tightened at the same time if desired.
Q: If one has had a C-section or hysterectomy and has an ugly scar can it be corrected?
A: Yes. Indented, widened, or raised C-section or hysterectomy scars are very common. The scar itself can easily be corrected at the time of the tummy tuck and the same decisions as to what type of procedure is needed will apply.
Q: Is it necessary to stay overnight after a Tummy Tuck?
A: Our patients have the option to stay one night in our outpatient facility. However, most patients can safely return home within hours after surgery if they have adequate home care.
Q: Can you do Liposuction at the same time as the Tummy Tuck?
A: Yes. Almost all abdominoplasty procedures benefit from liposuction at the same time, often including hips or thighs. With conservative liposuction, there is a much better balance between the tightened tummy and the laxity of the hips or thighs. Again, the key is individualizing the procedure for your anatomy which is best determined by having a consultation.
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