Tummy Tuck Marin County
Toned, Taut, and Confident
Why Choose Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa for Your Tummy Tuck?
Diet and exercise are the first line of defense against stubborn fat in the midsection. Unfortunately, healthy habits are no match for sagging skin, stretched abdominal muscles, and fat deposits that refuse to budge. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, provides a sculpted abdomen, helping you reverse changes that often result from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging. A flat, firm stomach has the power to enhance your entire silhouette, improve your comfort, and transform your confidence. Our board-certified plastic surgeons bring decades of experience, exceptional skill, and personalized care to every treatment. We tailor each procedure to meet your unique needs, ensuring you receive VIP-level care that translates into exceptional results.
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Tummy Tuck Before & Afters
Tummy Tuck at a Glance
- Purpose: Removes excess skin and fat, tightens abdominal muscles
- Benefits: Flatter, firmer abdomen, improved body contour, enhanced self-confidence
- Downtime: 2-4 weeks
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
The Art of Abdominoplasty
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to create a firmer, flatter abdomen. During the procedure, the surgeon tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall and carefully removes excess skin. Often, we incorporate liposuction into the tummy tuck procedure to address pockets of stubborn excess fat. This procedure is especially beneficial for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, women who developed laxity in the abdomen as a result of pregnancy, or individuals with loose skin or separated abdominal muscles caused by aging. By addressing the abdominal wall, a tummy tuck not only improves the contour and appearance of the midsection but also enhances core stability and posture.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa leverage their extensive experience to deliver personalized care, ensuring a result you are sure to love. Patients can choose from different types of tummy tucks, including a full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or extended tummy tuck, depending on their specific needs and goals.
THE MINI TUMMY TUCK
Some patients have a lesser amount of loose skin and fat in the lower abdominal area and do not require extensive muscle tightening. These patients may be candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Also known as a partial abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen below the navel and involves a smaller incision compared to a full tummy tuck. This approach offers a quicker recovery time while still achieving a smoother, firmer lower abdomen.
THE EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK
An extended tummy tuck, or extended abdominoplasty, goes beyond the traditional tummy tuck, addressing loose skin and excess fat in the abdomen, hips, and flanks and tightening the abdominal wall muscles. This comprehensive approach is ideal for individuals who have experienced considerable weight loss, multiple pregnancies, or drastic changes with aging, which can result in extensive skin laxity and fat deposits around the midsection and lower back. Patients who benefit most from an extended abdominoplasty typically have a large amount of excess skin and fat that extends beyond the abdomen to the sides and lower back. With our surgeons’ expert techniques, patients achieve a dramatic improvement in body contour and a smoother, more balanced silhouette.
THE DRAINLESS TUMMY TUCK
A drainless tummy tuck, also known as a "no-drain abdominoplasty," is an advanced surgical technique that eliminates the need for post-operative drains. The key difference lies in the use of progressive tension sutures, which are placed internally to close the space between the abdominal tissue and the muscle wall. These sutures help reduce fluid accumulation, eliminating the need for drains. The benefits of a drainless tummy tuck include reduced risk of infection, increased patient comfort, faster recovery times, and improved aesthetic results. Without drains to manage, patients find the recovery process less cumbersome and more comfortable overall.
Concierge-Level Care
What is the Tummy Tuck procedure like?
On surgery day, you will receive general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Your surgeon will make an incision, typically from hip to hip, just above the pubic area. A full tummy tuck may involve an additional incision around the navel to address excess skin in the upper abdomen. Your surgeon will then repair and tighten the abdominal muscles, remove excess fat, and precisely trim away any extra skin. Finally, they will reposition the navel and close the incisions with sutures, using advanced techniques to minimize scarring. The entire procedure usually takes 2-3 hours.
A Sleek Transformation
What conditions does a Tummy Tuck address?
Excess Skin: Removes sagging, loose skin that often results from significant weight loss or pregnancy.
Stubborn Fat: Eliminates localized excess fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Weakened or Separated Muscles: Repairs and tightens abdominal muscles that have become separated or stretched, often during pregnancy (a condition called diastasis recti).
Stretch Marks: Minimizes stretch marks, particularly those located on the lower abdomen.
Surgical Techniques Tailored to You
What Areas Can a Tummy Tuck Address?
A tummy tuck primarily focuses on the abdominal area, including the upper and lower abdomen. It improves the overall contour and appearance of the midsection by reducing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. An extended tummy tuck can also address the flanks or love handles, providing a more comprehensive body contouring solution.
Confidence Meets Comfort
What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
Enhanced Appearance: A tummy tuck results in a flatter, firmer abdomen, improving the overall contour of your midsection and enhancing your body proportions.
Improved Confidence: By achieving a more toned and attractive abdominal profile, many patients experience a significant boost in self-confidence and body image.
Better Posture: A tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic surgery, but it also comes with functional benefits. Tightening the abdominal muscles can improve posture and reduce back pain caused by weakened or separated muscles.
Long-Lasting Results: Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly will help you enjoy the results of a tummy tuck for years to come.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are individuals in good overall health who are close to their ideal body weight. You should have realistic expectations about the outcomes and understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Women who are not planning any future pregnancies and individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight often benefit most from a tummy tuck. It's important to time your abdominoplasty after you have achieved a stable weight so as not to compromise the results of your procedure.
Exceptional Post-Surgery Support
Tummy Tuck Recovery
After your tummy tuck surgery, you will need to limit your activity levels for several weeks to allow your body to heal properly. Most patients can return to light activities within 1-2 weeks, but you should avoid all strenuous activities, including heavy lifting, for at least 4-6 weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific recovery instructions on caring for your incisions, managing discomfort, and recognizing early signs of complications. You will wear a compression garment for a prescribed period of time to help minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.
Make sure to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully, attend all post-operative appointments, and contact them any time you have questions.
Celebrate Your Sculpted Self
Tummy Tuck Results
Expect to see an immediate improvement in the contour of your abdomen after your tummy tuck surgery. However, it may take several months for the swelling to fully subside and the final results to become apparent. The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. With proper care, you can enjoy a flatter, more toned abdomen for many years.
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Tummy Tuck
Frequently Asked Questions
The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can affect the results, so it's best to consider the timing of your surgery carefully.
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process, but our surgeons place incisions in well-concealed areas, such as along the bikini line, to minimize their visibility. Over time, the tummy tuck scar typically fades and becomes less noticeable with proper care. Silicone scar strips and treatments like laser therapy can also help scars blend in.
Yes, a tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction , breast augmentation , or a mommy makeover. Combining procedures can provide more comprehensive, harmonious results and streamline the recovery process.
Most patients need to take 2-3 weeks off work to allow for proper healing. If your job involves strenuous activities or heavy lifting, you may need to take additional time off or modify your duties temporarily.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are comfortable and pain-free throughout surgery.
Preparing for your tummy tuck procedure involves following your surgeon's pre-operative instructions, which may include stopping certain medications, avoiding smoking, and arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying hydrated can also support a smooth recovery.
As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. However, choosing a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon like the providers of Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa minimizes these risks.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, and any specific concerns. They will evaluate your abdominal area, explain the procedure in detail, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Absolutely. Men who have excess abdominal skin or weakened abdominal muscles due to weight loss or aging can benefit from tummy tuck surgery. The procedure can help achieve a firmer, more contoured midsection, enhancing a masculine physique.
Interested to find out which treatment is right for you?
