Tummy Tuck in Los Alamitos, CA

For both men and women, loose skin and pockets of fat within the abdominal region can be frustrating despite efforts to get rid of it. Significant weight loss, childbirth, and aging are the primary reasons why an individual may not be able to reclaim a slim and tight stomach. Tummy tuck surgery removes loose skin and excess fat and tightens the muscles in the abdominal wall. Los Alamitos, CA plastic surgeon William P. Aiello performs tummy tuck surgery based on the individual's cosmetic goals. This procedure at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center allows men and women the opportunity to have a redefined physique, better body contour, and more confidence. Read more about how an abdominoplasty can eliminate excess fat and skin, as well as tighten the stomach muscles, and then contact us to schedule your consultation.

Tummy tuck surgery can be offered to both men and women. If you battle loose or wrinkly skin in addition to pesky pockets of fat in the abdominal region, this body contouring procedure can help restore a slimmer and more toned physique.

Dr. Aiello advises that you be at a normal weight before undergoing this treatment. Tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for weight loss — it addresses loose skin and the abdominal wall. Also, if there is too much existing intra-abdominal fat, it can make the surgery riskier and make it more difficult for Dr. Aiello to tighten the abdominal wall. 

Women interested in abdominoplasty should be past childbearing to make sure the results are not compromised.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Aiello will examine your abdominal muscles. Loose, flaccid abs are common among mothers and weight loss patients, and a weakened core can cause poor posture and make you look more overweight. Dr. Aiello gauges your muscle strength beforehand to have a baseline for tightening at surgery.

Abdominoplasty is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. It involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening of the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. There are numerous surgical options that come into consideration when Dr. Aiello performs this surgery, and each one is tailored for the individual's current condition.

To start, the incision length is determined based upon the quantity of excess skin. Some individuals with an abundance of sagging 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 have minimal skin wrinkling or very small "pooches" 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 method, all abdominoplasty procedures at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center involve the excision of hanging skin and tightening of the abdominal muscles.

When your abdominoplasty surgery is completed, you will be carefully examined and sent home wearing a compression device to help control swelling. Standing upright and walking will be difficult for a while so you should take it easy for several days. Standing becomes less painful once the abdominal muscles adjust and the incision heals. You can generally resume a normal routine in about two weeks. Workouts can begin after about two months, though Dr. Aiello may give you permission sooner. Your abdomen will feel some discomfort and tightness, but you will feel healthy and normal again once healed.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?
At the time of your consultation, Dr. Aiello will be able to estimate your costs as the type of abdominoplasty is decided, which technique will be used, which anesthesia you will need, and other factors. To ensure you get beautiful results from an experienced plastic surgeon, Ocean Plastic Surgery Center makes it easier to afford your tummy tuck by taking several payment methods and giving you information on low-interest financing.

Why was I told I also need liposuction?
A form of liposuction is generally incorporated during the procedure to remove remaining stubborn fat. A tummy tuck can eliminate excess belly fat and skin from the front of your abdomen, but most patients will also need liposuction to remove excess fat from an adjacent area. The hips are what truly define the waistline and enhance the overall outcome of the tummy tuck procedure. If no liposuction is done with a tummy tuck, patients often complain that they do not have the overall results they envisioned. Other common areas liposuctioned during a tummy tuck are the upper abs and pubis. 

Can I get a "mini" tummy tuck?
“Mini” or modified abdominoplasties are actually rare. They are for patients who are very fit, have great muscle tone, and have a very small area of excess skin or stubborn fat in the lower abdomen. The majority of patients we see require a standard abdominoplasty (mommy makeover patients) or an extended abdominoplasty (dramatic weight loss patients). It’s important to be realistic about your body and your surgery outcome expectations.  Unfortunately, short incision techniques for any procedure (“mini” anything) are not effective at producing maximum outcomes. 

What will my scars look like?
Incisions for your abdominoplasty will vary based on which technique is used. During all tummy tucks, Dr. Aiello uses the thinnest incisions needed to minimize scarring. However, all tummy tucks produce scarring, which, depending on the extent of the surgery, can extend from hip to hip. You will be advised at your consultation what you can expect in your specific case. Just be prepared! Following your tummy tuck, it is important to adhere to your scar management instructions so your sutures heal properly and eventually blend into your natural skin.

Will a tummy tuck eliminate my stretch marks?
It can! Many people have stretch marks on their lower bellies, especially after pregnancy and weight loss. Tummy tuck surgery is an effective solution as it completely eliminates excess skin on the lower abdomen, where much of the stretched-out skin is. Although it may not remove all of your stretch marks, you should see a dramatic improvement in this area.

Will I have drains after my tummy tuck?
Many plastic surgeons, including Dr. Aiello, have moved away from using drains for most tummy tuck patients. However, the surgical technique for a drainless tummy tuck, called "quilting" or "progressive tension sutures" is more complex and takes about 20 – 30 minutes longer in the operating room. That is easily recouped when you consider there is no maintenance by medical staff or patient and family members in dealing with the drains! You may need to have some aspiration if there is a seroma accumulation but not any more frequently than if you had drains.

A variety of factors can result in a sagging abdomen with loose and wrinkled skin. We understand it can be a daily struggle, and tummy tuck surgery is usually the key to overcome this. If you are bothered by the stretched-out skin in your abdominal region, tummy tuck surgery by Dr. Aiello in Los Alamitos, CA can help you get the body you dream of. We invite you to call Ocean Plastic Surgery Center for more information.