Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to help remove excess skin and fat while strengthening the abdominal muscles.

Excess fat and loose skin around the abdomen can have a multitude of causes. Whether you have lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, have gone through a pregnancy, or simply have some sagging skin as a result of the natural aging process, there are safe and effective treatment options available. Loose or sagging skin and stubborn fat that does not respond to adopting healthy practices such as proper diet or exercise does not have to hold you back from looking and feeling your best.

Los Angeles is home to many reputable plastic surgeons, but Dr. Daniel Yamini is one of the best the city has to offer when it comes to cosmetic procedures. Dr. Yamini is an award-winning plastic surgeon who has performed over 6,000 cosmetic procedures and has extensive experience with tummy tuck procedures. He is double-board certified in both plastic and general surgery. The practice Dr. Yamini works at has been serving the Los Angeles area for years and has even helped a handful of celebrities achieve the look they desire through their work!

To schedule a personal consultation, contact our office by calling (424) 424-1462.

About Tummy Tuck Procedures

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that addresses loose, sagging skin and excess fat in the abdominal area while also strengthening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. This comprehensive approach not only improves the appearance of the abdomen but also strengthens the patient’s core. Many individuals pursue this procedure following a period of substantial weight loss, pregnancy, or due to age-related changes that can lead to loose skin and the separation of abdominal muscles. Despite some people’s best efforts to maintain a proper diet and exercise routine, these issues often require surgical intervention beyond lifestyle changes to be effectively addressed.

Tummy tucks come in various forms to suit different needs. A full tummy tuck, also known as a traditional abdominoplasty, addresses the entire abdominal region and is ideal for those with significant skin laxity and muscle separation. The traditional tummy tuck is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States and is largely associated with high satisfaction rates. (1)

A mini tummy tuck focuses on the area below the navel, making it a great option for patients with a minimal to moderate amount of excess skin. An extended tummy tuck targets a larger amount of excess skin, making it a great choice for individuals who have experienced extreme weight loss or are seeking more comprehensive body contouring.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Undergoing a tummy tuck procedure offers a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. Patients often report a multitude of benefits which might include, but are not limited to:

Tummy tuck procedures create a more defined and flatter abdominal area, which contributes to a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing body contour. Strengthening the abdominal muscles through the procedure can also improve posture and reduce lower back discomfort for many individuals. (2)

Beyond the physical improvements, tummy tucks can provide significant mental benefits. Following their recovery, many patients experience a boost in confidence and self-esteem, as the procedure allows them to feel more comfortable and satisfied with their appearance. For some, achieving their dream aesthetic through abdominoplasty becomes a defining step toward an improved quality of life.

Ideal Candidates

A tummy tuck is an excellent solution for individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to get rid of excess skin and fat around the abdominal region. Candidates should be at or close to a stable, ideal body weight and are willing to commit to adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure but rather a way to refine and enhance body contours.

Candidates are often women who experience sagging skin in the abdomen as a result of pregnancy. Individuals who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with loose, hanging skin around their midsection are often ideal candidates. It is best if patients do not plan to have more children after their tummy tuck, as pregnancy can impact the results of the procedure.

Personal Consultation

Your rejuvenation journey will begin with a personal consultation with your surgeon. During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and the motivations behind your decision to undergo a tummy tuck procedure. Your surgeon will take the time to get to know you and assess your current health to determine if an abdominoplasty is the right treatment for you.

This consultation serves as an informative resource, allowing you to address any concerns and ask detailed questions about the procedure, recovery, and long-term outcomes of tummy tucks. Your surgeon will use this time to explain the different tummy tuck techniques, recommending the most suitable option based on your specific needs. Your personalized treatment plan will take into account any additional procedures that may help you achieve your desired results.

To schedule a personal consultation, contact our office by calling (424) 424-1462.

Preparation

Leading up to your procedure, our team will provide you with comprehensive preoperative guidelines to help prepare you for your procedure. These instructions may include guidance on adjusting your medications, refraining from using nicotine or alcohol, and arranging for transportation home as well as at-home care during the initial recovery phase. By closely following these preoperative guidelines, you can optimize your results and minimize the risk of complications.

Patients can choose from the following choices for anesthesia:

Ninety-eight percent 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.

Procedure

Each tummy tuck procedure will vary from patient to patient. Following the administration of anesthesia, Dr. Yamini will carefully make a discreet incision along the lower abdomen. After making this incision, he can remove excess skin and fat. If you have separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), he can tighten the underlying abdominal muscles to restore and strengthen the midsection. In some cases, liposuction may be performed in conjunction with the procedure to enhance results.

Recovery

The recovery process will differ for each individual depending on a variety of factors. Most patients can expect to return to light activities and work within one to two weeks. However, patients should avoid strenuous activities, including exercise and heavy lifting, for several weeks.

Initially, it is common for patients to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These symptoms tend to subside within the following days and weeks. Your surgeon will likely recommend that you schedule several follow-up appointments in the subsequent weeks to monitor your progress, assess your recovery, and answer any questions you might have. Our team is committed to guiding you throughout your recovery.

Results

Dr. Yamini’s expert techniques and personalized approach can be truly transformative. While some changes will be visible immediately after surgery, the full results typically emerge over the following weeks and months as swelling subsides. After healing, patients can expect a flatter, more toned abdomen and an overall enhanced body aesthetic.

Many patients feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance following this procedure. A majority of patients who undergo abdominoplasty procedures report they are satisfied with the results and would undergo the procedure again. (2) It is important to note that patients should continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The results of a tummy tuck are often long-lasting.

Cost of Tummy Tuck Procedures in Los Angeles

How much your tummy tuck procedure will cost depends on the extent of your procedure and whether or not your surgeon performs any additional procedures. Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your personal consultation. We encourage patients to explore the financing options we offer to those who qualify.

FAQ

References

1. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
2. Maria Grazia Mazzocchi, Luca Andrea Dessy, S Di Ronza, Iodice P, Raoul Saggini, Scuderi N. A study of postural changes after abdominal rectus plication abdominoplasty. 2014;18(4):473-480. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-012-1015-1
3. Hammond DC, Chandler AR, Baca ME, Li YK, Lynn JV. Abdominoplasty in the Overweight and Obese Population. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2019;144(4):847-853. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000006018