Renaissance Medical Center for Aesthetic Surgery in Beverly Hills – Tummy Tuck ( Abdominoplasty) Procedures

An excess of skin and fat on the abdominal wall is often seen on women following pregnancy, and on both men and women who have had major weight gain and loss. This redundant skin and fat may remain despite regular exercise activity and reasonable diet, and can be a source of embarrassment and frustration. Thanks to modern medical technology and procedures, however, you no longer have to simply accept it. At our Beverly Hills practice, Dr. Orringer offers abdominoplasty — also known as a tummy tuck — for patients looking to flatten and smooth their stomachs.

The Abdominoplasty Procedure

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal wall and tightens separated muscles, particularly following pregnancy. Unlike liposuction, where scars are usually small because skin is actually removed, much larger scars result when abdominoplasty is performed. The length of the scar(s) will be determined by the nature of the amount of tissue removed. Patients with considerable skin excess will trade a scar from hip to hip and a scar around the belly button for noticeably improved body contour.

Patients with limited skin excess and only muscle laxity below the belly button may have a scar that is only somewhat longer than a C-section or hysterectomy scar, and those patients may have no scar around the belly button. This procedure is known as a “mini-abdominoplasty.” Tummy tuck scars are designed to be hidden below underwear and bathing suit lines, allowing the improved contour to be seen, without the distraction of a scar. During your consultation at our Beverly Hills office, Dr. Orringer will discuss with you whether a full abdominoplasty or mini- tummy tuck would be best for your situation.

The Consultation

During your initial visit to our Beverly Hills office to prepare for your abdominoplasty, Dr. Orringer will typically spend 45 minutes to an hour discussing your medical history and goals with tummy tuck surgery. The examination will evaluate your current body contour, degree of skin and fat excess, muscle and skin tone, and skeletal changes. Any patient more than 50 percent above their ideal body weight should consult a weight loss specialist in addition to Dr. Orringer. Although it is designed to improve the abdominal contour, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. In addition, female patients should postpone having a tummy tuck until they have completed child-bearing. Smokers must cease smoking for at least one month prior to their abdominoplasty surgery and must maintain cessation for at least one month following surgery to avoid any problems with healing.

Every individual has specific goals and unique anatomical considerations. The detailed consultation will address these important issues.

back to top

The Surgery

The abdominoplasty surgery is performed at the state-of-the-art Surgery Center of Santa Monica. This modern accredited facility is located two blocks north of Saint John’s Hospital and just west of our Beverly Hills office. During your tummy tuck, anesthesia is administered by board-certified anesthesiologists. The morning of surgery, Dr. Orringer will design the abdominoplasty incision with you, taking into account your preferred style of underwear and bathing suit. Incisions that centrally are just above the pubic hair and extent laterally upward in a French Cut style are popular. Areas for body contouring, such as the upper midline, will be marked as well.

At surgery, excess skin and fat of the abdominal wall will be removed and the muscle tightened. While some stretch marks may remain, considerable reduction is usually achieved. The amount of redundant skin and fat will be decreased and the muscles tightened. Though a perfect hourglass figure will probably not be obtained with tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Orringer will sculpt the abdominal wall as much as possible. When you visit our Beverly Hills office, a customized booklet that further discusses the abdominoplasty procedure, its risks, and what to do before and after your surgery will be provided for you.

back to top

The Recovery

While the abdominoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia, Dr. Orringer will place local anesthesia during the procedure, as well, to assist with pain control early after surgery. Patients usually spend one to two nights at Serenity, a warm, comfortable facility geared for the care of the postoperative plastic surgery patient conveniently located near our Beverly Hills office. Pain after tummy tuck surgery is usually well-controlled with oral analgesics. However, stronger pain medication may be given intravenously if necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk around on the night of surgery, if possible. Pneumatic pumps will be used on the legs in an effort to prevent blood clots until you are able to walk.

Dr. Orringer will see you the day following abdominoplasty surgery. Most patients can return to light work activity within 10 to 14 days, though driving should be avoided until oral narcotics are no longer required for pain control. Exercise activity can progress, as directed by Dr. Orringer, until the sixth week. At that time, normal exercise activity is usually permitted. The tissues feel firmer than normal for at least a month. Most swelling has subsided by three months. Scars will typically continue to fade for two years.

back to top

What are some of the particular concerns regarding tummy tuck surgery?

While our Beverly Hills abdominoplasty patients are usually quite pleased with their improved contour, certain considerations must be taken into account before proceeding with tummy tuck surgery. Because of actual skin removal, a permanent scar will result. While it tends to lighten and fade for at least two years, the scar is permanent. With extensive skin and fat removal, the scar will be lengthy. With full abdominoplasty, a scar around the belly button is present, as well. A patient must be willing to accept the scars as an acceptable trade-off for potentially improved contour. In most cases, stretch marks are reduced, but some often remain. In addition, marked narrowing of the waist and the appearance of an hourglass figure will most likely not be seen. Some temporary and often permanent loss of sensation to areas of the abdominal wall, particularly from the scar to the belly button near the midline, is present. Overall, abdominoplasty is a major procedure that carries with it significant potential benefit and risk.

back to top

Making the Decision

Every surgical procedure has inherent benefits, risks and limitations. Dr. Orringer wants you to feel comfortable asking any and every question that you may have at your initial consultation, preoperative visit to our Beverly Hills office, or at any time that we can assist you in determining whether a tummy tuck is right for you. If you think that an abdominoplasty may help you achieve your personal goals, please contact our office today.

back to top