Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA
A Tummy Tuck refers to the surgical procedure called an abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty is an operation designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. It also is used to tighten the abdominal muscles which have become loose and weak with time.
An abdominoplasty is a great option for patients that have gained an excess of fat and loose skin in the abdomen, which can not be treated with liposuction alone. Most patients are women who have had multiple children. In these cases, the muscles of the abdomen, which were weakened with pregnancy, can also be tightened.
We also treat male patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or those that deal with weight fluctuations.
Here are some of the benefits of a tummy tuck:
- A flatter, more toned abdomen
- Improved self-confidence and body image
- Increased physical activity and fitness level
- Reduced back pain
Contents
Recovery
The recovery process is different for everyone, but within a day after your VASER-Assisted Liposculpture, you should be up and walking around.
Excess tumescent fluid will most likely drain from the access points for the first day or two. This fluid may be blood tinged as well.
You may shower on the second or third day following surgery. Depending on the number of areas treated, you may need to be out of work and away from your usual activities for the first week.
Over the next 2-3 weeks, your treated areas may remain very sensitive and strenuous physical activities should be limited. You will need to wear a special compression garment for up to a month to help ensure a good contour to your treated areas. You may resume exercise two weeks post-surgery.
Results
The results of your VASER-Assisted Liposculpture are usually best seen after six weeks, and you will have continued changes out to four months.
Your treated areas should look great and retain their sculptured appearance for as long as you maintain a healthy diet, exercise program, and body weight. To assist in maintaining your new physique, we provide a diet and a personalized exercise program developed by Dr. Matlock.
FAQ
How can I
prepare for a consultation with DR. Matlock?During the initial patient consultation, the doctor identifies the patient’s desires for the VASER-Assisted Liposculpture and the possible areas for liposculpturing. The goals of the patient for undergoing this procedure must be realistic and aligned with the doctor’s recommendations. There must be absolute clarity that the patient understands what can and cannot be done.
After this, the discussion centers on the number of areas that need to be treated to achieve the desired body shape, as well as the amount of fat required to perform the VASER-Assisted Liposculpture.
During your consultation with Dr. Matlock, you can expect to:
Discuss your body goals and aspirations.
Prior to your initial consultation, think about the goals you’d like to achieve. What specific concerns do you have with your body and why? Be prepared to discuss the details of your medical history, so that Dr. Matlock can prepare a customized treatment plan just for you. This also allows Dr. Matlock to maximize your one-on-one time during the consultation.
Discuss your medical history.
The consultation will be inclusive and cover your medical problems, the reasons why you are seeking a consultation, and a physical examination if you are local. If this is a virtual consultation, we will ask you to share these details so Dr. Matlock can review them prior to speaking with you.
Discuss pricing and scheduling information.
During the consultation, we will discuss pricing and coordinate scheduling when you are interested in moving forward in undergoing this procedure. We will also create a comprehensive treatment plan so you get the best results!
How long does it take to schedule this surgery?
We understand the travel and scheduling limitations for our patient that are either out-of-state or traveling from another country. We make sure to prioritize scheduling flexibility for traveling patients so that they can make arrangements (including hotels, flights, friends or family members to accompany them, hiring a private duty nurse if traveling alone, or making arrangements at an aftercare facility, if necessary).
Dr. Matlock’s concierge team can assist you with arrangements for sourcing and scheduling private nurses and/or aftercare facilities if needed.
If you are ready to move forward immediately after your consultation, we do everything possible to accommodate your desired date(s). Please be advised, Dr. Matlock performs surgeries on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
We recommend two of the following options:
Option 1*
Tuesday: Schedule your pre-operative appointment
Wednesday: Schedule your surgery
Monday: Schedule your post-operative appointment
Arrive at our office early on Tuesday for your pre-op
Option 2*
Friday: Schedule your pre-operative appointment
Monday: Schedule your surgery
Friday: Schedule your post-operative appointment
*Lab work must be done at least two weeks prior to surgery. We give patients the option to complete lab work in our office or with their primary care physicians.
What can I Expect during my surgery?
Surgery Center
Dr. Matlock’s state-of-the-art surgery center is located right next door. The surgery center measures 5000 ft.² and has three operating rooms, a six-bed recovery area, and three pre-op rooms.
Anesthesia
Patients can choose from the following choices for anesthesia: local, local with IV sedation, twilight, or general. 98% of patients request general anesthesia. This decision is between the patient and the anesthesiologists. The anesthesiologist will call the patient the day before the procedure to answer all questions concerning anesthesia care.
Pre-Op
In the pre-op room, you will be prepped by the operating room RN and anesthesiologists. Dr. Matlock will then use a surgical marker on the skin to delineate exactly what is to be done during the VASER-Assisted Liposculpture procedure.
What can I expect post-surgery?
You should expect some bruising, swelling and pain after your procedure. It is normal to experience numbness, specifically around the treated areas; this will go away in time.
We will prescribe pain medication to control any discomfort. If you begin to have severe pain post-surgery and during your recovery period, please contact us immediately.
