People who eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a stable weight may still struggle with a flabby belly and weak or stretched abdominal muscles. Let’s face it, an abdomen after pregnancy doesn’t necessarily bounce back to its earlier shape (a flat abdomen) and tone even after hours of effort at the gym. After a massive weight loss, excess skin and “problem areas” may persist. The good news? A tummy tuck can finally tighten those abs and flatten that belly.
What is a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Abdominoplasty, otherwise referred to as a tummy tuck surgery, is a popular cosmetic procedure that removes pockets of fat and excess skin from the abdominal area. The procedure can also tighten the abdominal muscles, which sometimes become stretched and separated. Most tummy tuck patients are women who have given birth or men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight and still struggle with excess skin and heavy belly fat.
Abdominoplasty at LEA in Newport Beach removes excess skin and reduces stretch marks, adjusts the belly button, tightens the muscles, and removes some excess fat with liposuction. The main focus of a tummy tuck is the removal of excess skin and body contouring, not weight loss. To obtain long-term results from a tummy tuck, it is important for patients to sustain an ideal body weight through diet and exercise.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Surgery
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck in Orange County at LEA Plastic Surgery offers patients a range of cosmetic and psychological benefits.
- Restores a flat, pre-pregnancy stomach
- Removes some stretch marks on the lower abdomen
- Tightens weak abdominal muscles, which improves posture
- Restores a lean and toned abdomen for men and women who have recently lost a significant amount of weight
- Tightens and removes hanging skin and excess fat
- Firms sagging abdominal skin for a more youthful appearance
- Increases self-image, self-esteem, and self-confidence
Candidates for Abdominoplasty Procedure
A tummy tuck is recommended for individuals who have recently achieved extreme weight loss and women who have experienced one or more pregnancies. Ideal candidates have a body mass index of less than 30 and should be at an ideal weight before abdominoplasty surgery.
Dr. Ho Taghva doesn’t recommend tummy tucks for every patient in Newport Beach. Individuals who plan to lose a substantial amount of weight or are planning future pregnancies should wait to undergo the surgery to ensure long-lasting results.
The doctor may approve tummy tuck candidacy for healthy men and women, she may recommend waiting, or she may propose less invasive procedures like liposuction as an alternative, depending on the patient’s goals. Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva determines individual tummy tuck candidacy during an initial consultation.
How is an Abdominoplasty Consultation?
Dr. Ho Taghva offers private tummy tuck consultations in Orange County at the LEA Plastic Surgery office. During an abdominoplasty consultation, the doctor completes a physical examination and evaluates the patient’s health history before making an ideal treatment recommendation.
She will also encourage patients to ask questions and share before and after photos from previous tummy tuck patients to help set expectations for the procedure. Approved candidates will receive a personalized abdominoplasty surgical plan.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva performs tummy tuck procedures in Newport Beach at the Medicare-accredited GALEA Center for Advanced Surgery, which holds the highest accreditation level available for outpatient ambulatory surgery centers. The surgical facility is located adjacent to LEA Plastic Surgery.
The doctor conducts abdominoplasty procedures under general anesthesia. First, she makes a long incision extending from hip to hip. Once she has access to the abdominal tissues, Dr. Ho Taghva removes extra skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens the connective tissue (fascia) with sutures.
A second incision is created around the belly button, which is skillfully relocated, and the skin and muscles are repositioned for a toned and smooth appearance. Dr. Ho Taghva may also perform liposuction during a tummy tuck to remove stubborn, excess fat.
Post-Pregnancy Surgical Technique
Dr. Ho Taghva can typically remove stretch marks and excess skin from below the belly button; however, stretch marks outside of this area cannot be corrected with abdominoplasty. For patients who have given birth via C-section, the doctor typically incorporates the existing C-section scar into the tummy tuck scar to reduce final scarring and provide exceptional results.
Mini Tummy Tuck
The mini tummy tuck is a modified abdominoplasty that requires a smaller incision. This surgical procedure only addresses the concerns of loose skin and a protruding lower belly. A separate incision around the belly button is not needed.
This treatment does not address significantly stretched, sagging muscles or skin. A full tummy tuck may be recommended to strengthen the abdominal wall and treat lax muscles and upper belly fat, or sagging skin higher up on the abdomen.
Abdominoplasty Recovery Process
Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva provides each patient with post-surgical recovery instructions to ensure comfort, minimize complications, and encourage healing. Patients should anticipate some initial swelling, bruising, and soreness, plus changes in sensation during tummy tuck healing.
Most patients return to work and other normal activities within one to two weeks, depending on the extent of their custom abdominoplasty procedure in Newport Beach. A fitted compression garment is worn to encourage healing, and drains may be placed to prevent fluid buildup. The stitches dissolve over time, and skin glue, tape, and dressings may hold the newly-adjusted skin and muscles in place.
Patients are asked to walk slightly hunched over and remain in a somewhat flexed position at the waist for about two weeks after surgery because the muscles will be tight. A pillow can be placed under the knees while in bed to keep pressure off of the incision. The abdomen will begin to relax as the healing process takes place. Patients can resume more strenuous activity at around six weeks.
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- Nicole L.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva?
Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva is a highly-recommended plastic and reconstructive surgeon with many years of experience. She specializes in body contouring and plastic surgery like the Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck procedures, and breast augmentation. Dr. Ho Taghva has many positive reviews from previous patients and offers the following credentials:
- Board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Received additional post-residency training in Korea for Asian Aesthetic Surgery
- Experienced in a diverse range of surgeries including both Western and Asian rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, breast lift, full facial rejuvenation, facelifts, and endoscopic brow lifts
- Understands both Western and Asian cultural background
- Highly skilled in cosmetic surgery and provides natural-looking changes that match each patient’s goals, add beauty, and bring facial harmony while preserving unique aesthetics
- Keenly attuned to the delicate complexities of the nose and facial features
Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva is a highly-recommended plastic and reconstructive surgeon with many years of experience. She specializes in body contouring and plastic surgery like the Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck procedures, and breast augmentation. Dr. Ho Taghva has many positive reviews from previous patients and offers the following credentials:
Frequently Asked Questions about Abdominoplasty
Some possible risks may include scarring, wound healing problems, changes in skin sensation, blood clots, fat clots, aesthetic issues that require revision surgery, infection, and bleeding. Most complications are rare. The doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of abdominoplasty in Orange County with you during your consultation. Tummy tuck risks are significantly reduced when the surgery is performed by a board-certified tummy tuck surgeon like Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva.
Dr. Ho Taghva will provide you with instructions during your consultation. You may need to temporarily adjust or stop taking certain medications. It is vital to avoid aspirin, aspirin products like Excedrin, Midol, and anti-inflammatory drugs at least two weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising. Tobacco can slow down the body’s ability to heal, so you should stop smoking six weeks before the surgery. Ask a close friend or family member to bring you to and from the operation and to stay with you for a night or two while you recover. Be sure to arrange for someone to care for your children for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
When can I return to work and what is the recovery like?
Most patients return to work within one to two weeks, but you will not be permitted to return to strenuous activities for four to six weeks after the surgery. Gentle walking is encouraged. You should consistently wear the fitted garment under your clothing to help support your new contours.
Surgical drains may require maintenance, and you will need to sleep in a slightly flexed position for two weeks after the surgery. The recovery process will go much more smoothly if you have realistic expectations and comply with all aftercare instructions, including reduced activity for up to 6 weeks.
Abdominal contouring may require different approaches, depending on your situation. Dr. Ho Taghva will evaluate your needs by asking the following questions:
– Is there too much loose skin?
– Is there too much fat?
– Are your muscles stretched?
– Did your muscles separate during pregnancy?
Dr. Ho Taghva will discuss these issues and examine you to decide which approach is needed. If there is too much fat, liposuction may be performed during your procedure. Removing excess skin alone may be accomplished with a smaller incision, depending on the other issues present. If your muscles are separated, some muscle repair will be needed, but the incision can still be short depending on your skin and the extent of the stretched muscles.
If you live near Newport Beach, CA, LEA Plastic Surgery offers tummy tuck among its services, and is conveniently located at 20360 SW Birch Street Suite 180 Newport Beach, CA 92660
