Tummy Tuck
Bye-Bye Belly
Why Choose Plastic Surgery Associates for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck in Northern California is an effective treatment that can help you regain confidence in the way you look and how you feel.
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Ready for a tighter tummy? A variety of factors can result in a sagging stomach that leaves behind loose and wrinkled skin. We understand it can be annoying and frustrating — tummy tuck surgery is usually the key to overcoming this. If you are bothered by the stretched-out skin in your abdominal region, whether it is significant or not, plastic surgery by Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson in Santa Rosa, CA can help you get the body you dream of. We invite you to call Plastic Surgery Associates for more information.
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Tummy Tuck Before & Afters
Tummy Tuck at a Glance
- Procedure: Removes excess skin and fat, tightens abdominal muscles
- Benefits: Flatter, firmer abdomen, improved body contour
- Downtime: Typically 2-4 weeks before returning to normal activities
- Duration: Results can be long-lasting with proper diet and exercise
- Candidacy: Ideal for those with excess abdominal skin and weakened muscles
About the Tummy Tuck
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens the underlying muscles. This procedure is designed to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. At Plastic Surgery Associates in Santa Rosa, CA, we offer different types of tummy tucks to suit your individual needs:
- Full tummy tuck: Addresses issues both above and below the belly button
- Mini tummy tuck: Focuses on the area below the belly button
- Extended tummy tuck: Includes the flanks and lower back for more comprehensive contouring
The primary purpose of a tummy tuck is to help patients achieve a flatter, more toned abdominal area when diet and exercise alone aren't enough to address loose skin and weakened muscles.
How It Works
What is involved in the tummy tuck surgical technique?
One technique that distinguishes Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson is their ability to do a tummy tuck without drains! They have lectured about their technique across the USA and Europe. Not having drains leads to a faster recovery, less pain, and less for your caretaker to do after surgery. Abdominoplasty is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. There are numerous surgical options that come into consideration when this surgery is performed by Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson, which is customized according to the individual’s current condition. To start, the incision type is determined based on the quantity of excess skin. Some individuals with an abundance of loose skin might benefit best from an extended tummy tuck.
This abdominoplasty technique makes the incision along the lower abdomen from hip to hip, just on top of the pubic zone. Some individuals who are concerned with minimal skin wrinkling may be better candidates for a less invasive technique. Men and women who receive this treatment still benefit from an abdominoplasty but will simply have a less expansive scar. Regardless of the technique used, all abdominoplasty procedures at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa involve the excision of hanging skin and liposuction.
Down (With) The Drain
What is Drainless Abdominoplasty?
At Plastic Surgery Associates, we pride ourselves on offering the most advanced techniques in plastic surgery. One of our standout offerings is the drainless abdominoplasty, a technique that Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, and Dr. Culbertson have perfected and shared with colleagues across the USA and Europe.
Traditional tummy tucks often require the placement of drains to remove excess fluid during recovery. Our surgeons use advanced suturing techniques to close the space where fluid typically collects, eliminating the need for drains. This method, combined with our expertise in tissue handling and surgical precision, allows for excellent results without the inconvenience of drains.
Our drainless technique offers several advantages:
- Faster Recovery: Without drains, patients typically experience a quicker and more comfortable recovery process.
- Reduced Pain: The absence of drains means less discomfort during the healing period.
- Simplified Aftercare: Caregivers and patients don't have to worry about managing drains, making the post-operative period less stressful.
Lower Risk of Complications: Eliminating drains can reduce the risk of drain-related infections or issues.
Why Choose Drainless Abdominoplasty?
Opting for a drainless tummy tuck at Plastic Surgery Associates means you're choosing a more comfortable recovery experience without compromising on results. Our patients consistently report high satisfaction with this advanced technique, appreciating the simplified recovery process and excellent outcomes.
By adding this section, you highlight a unique selling point of Plastic Surgery Associates and demonstrate the practice's commitment to advanced, patient-friendly techniques. This information can be very appealing to potential patients who are researching tummy tuck
From Pooch to Perfection
What conditions does a tummy tuck address?
A tummy tuck effectively addresses several conditions:
- Excess or loose abdominal skin
- Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Stubborn fat deposits in the abdominal area
- Post-pregnancy abdominal changes
- Significant weight loss resulting in sagging skin
- Abdominal scars from previous surgeries
- Stretched skin and muscles due to aging
Sculpt Your Core
What areas of the body can a tummy tuck address?
A tummy tuck primarily focuses on the abdominal area, from just below the breasts to the pubic region. It can also address the flanks (love handles) in the case of an extended tummy tuck
Transform Your Tummy
What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
- Improved abdominal contour: Achieve a flatter, more toned stomach
- Enhanced core strength: Tightened abdominal muscles can improve posture and support
- Removal of excess skin: Eliminates hanging skin that can cause discomfort or hygiene issues
- Reduced appearance of stretch marks: Some stretch marks on excised skin are removed
- Improved fit of clothing: Enjoy a wider range of clothing options
- Increased self-confidence: Feel more comfortable in your own skin
- Potential reduction in back pain: Tightened abdominal muscles may alleviate some back issues
- Long-lasting results: With proper diet and exercise, results can be maintained for years
The Abs You've Always Wanted
Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?
Find Out If You’re A Candidate For Tummy Tuck Surgery In Northern California. Our team of expert plastic surgeons can perform this procedure quickly and effectively. Tummy tuck surgery in Northern California can be offered to both men and women.
If you have loose or wrinkly skin in addition to pesky pockets of fat in the abdomen, this body contouring procedure can help you regain a slimming and more toned figure. We advise that you be at a normal weight before undergoing this treatment. Tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for weight loss — it focuses on loose skin. A form of liposuction is generally incorporated during the procedure to target fat. If your abdominal area has good skin laxity, but you still are not satisfied with how your tummy looks and feels, you could consider liposuction. Women interested in abdominoplasty should be past childbearing to make sure the results are not compromised.
What to Expect After The Treatment
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Sometimes liposuction is needed at the same time to achieve an optimal result. When abdominoplasty surgery is completed, you will have a long-acting local anesthetic to help you in your recovery. A compression garment is recommended starting 48 hours after surgery. Standing upright and walking will be challenging for a while so you should take it easy for several days. Walking becomes less painful once the abdominal muscles adjust and the incision heals.
Recovery
You can generally resume a normal routine within two weeks. Workouts can begin around 6 – 8 weeks or earlier if you are given permission by Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson. You may experience some discomfort and tightness, but you will feel healthy and normal again once healed.
The Look You’ve Always Wanted
Tummy Tuck Results
Initial results: You'll notice a flatter abdomen immediately after surgery, although swelling will obscure full results 1-3 months: Most swelling subsides, and your new contours become more visible 6-12 months: Final results settle in, with scars continuing to fade
LONG-TERM RESULTS:
- Tummy tuck results can be long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle
- The removed fat cells and excess skin will not return
- Natural aging may affect results over time, but proper care can help maintain your new contour
TO MAINTAIN YOUR RESULTS:
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine
- Maintain a stable weight
- Attend follow-up appointments as recommended
- Consider non-invasive treatments for touch-ups if needed
At Plastic Surgery Associates, we're committed to helping you achieve and maintain your desired abdominal contour through expert surgical techniques and comprehensive aftercare.
Testimonials
"The results have been huge for my self-esteem and my self-image. I can now move my body in ways I couldn’t before with the loose skin I had after my weight loss. I love my body now. I love myself. Before I’d wear baggy clothes, and now I wear clothes that fit. For the first time in 20 years, I have a flat stomach. I’m so proud of the results. I do yoga, and my recovery was so easy, nothing like what I was expecting."
Tummy Tuck
Frequently Asked Questions
A typical tummy tuck procedure takes 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously.
While a tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks on the excised skin, it cannot eliminate all stretch marks. Those above the belly button may remain.
Yes, many patients combine a tummy tuck with other procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction for more comprehensive body contouring.
Most patients can resume light exercise after 4-6 weeks, with full unrestricted activity typically allowed after 8-12 weeks, following your surgeon's specific instructions.
While there will be a scar, our skilled surgeons at Plastic Surgery Associates use advanced techniques to minimize scarring and place incisions where they can be easily concealed by clothing or swimwear.
While it's safe to become pregnant after a tummy tuck, we recommend waiting until you've completed your family, as pregnancy can affect your results.
Interested to find out which treatment is right for you?
