Tummy Tuck
Significant weight loss is a major achievement and something to be proud of. However, many men and women are left with loose, excess skin that gets in the way of fully enjoying the results of their weight loss. For women who have been pregnant, stretched or separated abdominal muscles can create a protruding belly that’s virtually impossible to address through diet and exercise alone.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular option for men and women in the Sacramento area to help them tighten and slim their waistlines after weight loss or pregnancy.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons are leaders in body contouring surgeries like tummy tuck surgery in the Sacramento area. They have performed over 2,300 tummy tuck procedures with beautiful results. All of our surgeons have experience with the “drainless” tummy tuck technique for improved comfort and convenience after surgery.
We invite you to see for yourself why so many men and women like you have chosen The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry for body contouring.
*ACTUAL PATIENT
Why Choose Us
- Our plastic surgeons not only perform a large number of tummy tucks every year, but The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry is well-known as a trusted cosmetic surgery practice with an established reputation in the Sacramento community.
- Long-term relationships are important to us. Not only are we proud to have patients who continue coming back to us for their cosmetic procedures over the years, but the majority of our office staff has been with us for many years as well.
- The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry understands that moving forward with cosmetic surgery is far from a casual decision, and we work closely with each and every patient to ensure that you’ll feel happy with your results.
Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
If you are bothered by fat deposits or loose abdominal skin but are in relatively good shape, you may be a candidate for tummy tuck surgery. This procedure is often recommended as part of a mommy makeover for women whose abdominal muscles and skin have been stretched through one or multiple pregnancies.
Men and women who have succeeded in losing a significant amount of weight are often eager to reshape their abdomen. While a tummy tuck is a good choice for some, others may be candidates for a different type of mid-body surgery after weight loss. Your surgeon will talk with you more about which option could be best for you.
Ideal candidates should be at or close to their ideal weight and size before having tummy tuck surgery. Losing significant weight after your surgery may affect your final outcome and can result in more loose skin.
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Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty surgery can include a number of benefits, both cosmetic and functional. Below are just a few of the most notable reasons why men and women in the Sacramento area and beyond seek a tummy tuck:
- Removes loose, sagging skin that hangs over the waistline
- Tightens stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Sculpts a flatter, more toned stomach
- Improves posture
- Improves discomfort caused by chafing of loose skin
- Improves mobility and flexibility hindered by loose skin
- Increases self-confidence
- Helps to foster the formation of healthy eating and exercise habits long-term
Your Consult
During your tummy tuck consultation, your surgeon will carefully listen to your goals, evaluate your trouble areas and will provide a customized surgical recommendation based on your unique needs. In some cases, your plastic surgeon may recommend combining procedures, such as liposuction or a breast lift, with a tummy tuck to achieve your desired results.
During this time, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about abdominoplasty, and your surgeon will explain what you can expect before, during and after your procedure. You are encouraged to take some time to consider all of the information discussed during your consultation before deciding if a tummy tuck could be right for you.
Tummy Tuck Options
Our tummy tuck surgeons are highly skilled and experienced at performing a range of tummy tuck techniques tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. A few of the abdominoplasty options that you could discuss during your consultation include a full , a mini, or an extended tummy tuck.
All of the tummy tucks we perform are intended to be “drainless” tummy tucks, as they offer a more comfortable recovery for the patient. A drainless tummy tuck uses a special method of layered suturing to avoid fluid buildup and eliminate the need for post-surgical drains. Recovery is typically simpler and more comfortable with the drain-free tummy tuck technique, but there are instances which drains are required and your surgeon will discuss with you if your case is believed to be one of them.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full or classic tummy tuck is the most popular type of tummy tuck because it can address loose skin and excess fat in both the upper and lower abdomen. Many people who have lost a significant amount of weight or who are experiencing separated muscles after pregnancy are good candidates for a full tummy tuck.
The incision for a full tummy tuck is longer than that of a mini tummy tuck, as this allows greater access and the ability to address a larger treatment area. Our plastic surgeons carefully place this incision so that it will be easily hidden under a small bikini. A full tummy tuck also requires the repositioning of the belly button.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck only addresses the lower abdomen, or the area under the belly button. If you have a smaller amount of loose skin or stubborn fat that is isolated to this area, a mini tummy tuck might be appropriate for you.
This technique uses a shorter incision and does not reposition the belly button. However, results are not as comprehensive as those with a full tummy tuck, as the upper abdominal area is unable to be addressed with a mini tummy tuck.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is the same as a full tummy tuck, except the incision is extended beyond the hips and towards the lower back, in order to remove more skin and fat and provide a more comprehensive body contouring result.
Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck
Your plastic surgeon will go over tummy tuck preparation guidelines with you prior to your procedure to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. These instructions may include steps like:
- Stopping certain medication or supplements that can thin blood
- Quitting the use of ALL nicotine products, at least 6-weeks prior to your procedure
- Maintaining a stable weight and eating healthy foods
- Arranging for time off work to recover
- Arranging for extra help at home and with children or pets
- Stocking up on recovery essentials and meal prepping in advance
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Abdominoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2 hours to complete. Unless not required, liposuction of the abdomen is included as part of the tummy tuck procedure.
Your plastic surgeon will begin by creating an incision in the lower pelvic area, through which he or she can repair your abdominal muscles. Once your muscles are tightened and the excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is pulled tight for a slimmer, more toned-looking midsection. Your incision is sutured and your procedure is complete.
Recovery & Results
Although your individual experience may vary, most patients feel comfortable enough to return to work after 10 to 14 days of recovery at home and gradually return to more strenuous activity over the following 4 to 6 weeks. After your procedure, you will need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and aid in healing. Because our surgeons perform drainless tummy tucks, the recovery period is significantly smoother than with older abdominoplasty methods.
Your results continue to take shape over the next several months as you continue to heal and the residual swelling subsides. It can take six months or more for your final tummy tuck results to fully develop, so be patient as your body continues to heal and change. Continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to help maintain your results, as weight gain could have a negative impact on your final look.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a tummy tuck cost in Sacramento?Tummy tuck costs in Sacramento will vary, depending on the specifics of your procedure. At your consultation, we will be able to provide you with a more accurate cost estimate based on your goals. Please also ask us about our tummy tuck financing options if you are interested in learning more about available payment plans.
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Will insurance cover a tummy tuck?Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of a tummy tuck, which is considered an elective procedure. We also do not work with any insurance companies and are completely out of network.
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What is the weight requirement to get a tummy tuck?Our surgeons recommend being within 20 pounds of your ideal weight before moving forward with a tummy tuck.
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What happens to my belly button during a tummy tuck?A new opening is made in your skin for your existing belly button. So while the outer skin around it changes, your belly button itself stays in the same place on your body.
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Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?A tummy tuck can remove any stretch marks that are located in the areas of loose skin that is removed. However, not all stretch marks can necessarily be addressed during this procedure.
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Will I walk hunched over after the procedure?Yes, for the first week after a tummy tuck, expect to walk hunched over.
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Is recovery painful?Some discomfort and tightness are normal, but pain is usually manageable with medication. Most people feel significantly better within the first 1 to 2 weeks.
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How long are compression garments worn after a tummy tuck?You will be required to wear compression garments for the first 4- 6 weeks following a tummy tuck.
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