How Is a Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Performed?

There are several types of Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, procedures. These differ depending on the extent of the abdominal wall tightening and removal of loose skin and stretch marks.

"After I had my children, I was never with my husband when the lights were on because I was embarrassed by the loose skin on my belly. He thought I was imagining my need for this surgery, but finally I showed him what I was talking about, and his eyes got wide as saucers. Even though he didn’t care if I had this surgery, he has been supportive of my need to do it." -- Laura, age 30

Dr. Younai often performs "High-Tension Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty." It is unique in that it not only tightens the abdominal wall but also pulls up and tightens the thighs and the buttocks. By repairing the loosened abdominal muscles, this also narrows the waistline. It removes a majority of the stretch marks by removing the loose skin below the "umbilicus," or navel. Finally, it re-creates the belly button by removing the stretched out skin around it, making it look deeper and tighter.

How is this accomplished? The first step is an incision that extends from hip to hip along lower pubic area. A skilled surgeon makes this incision so that the resulting scar will be hidden under a bikini or by undergarments. The loose abdominal skin is lifted off the abdominal wall and the separated loosened “rectus” muscles (those used in doing sit-ups) are tightened with sutures. This achieves the effect that an old-fashioned girdle would.

In people with excessive fat in the hips and flanks, these areas are suctioned in order to shape the waist and to form the buttocks and flanks. The umbilicus (“belly button”) is disconnected from the abdominal skin, and after removing the loose skin along with its stretch marks, it is reattached to the abdomen. Drains are inserted to remove excess fluid as it accumulates.

The final result is a tummy that is tight and flat, a waist that is narrow and curvy, thighs and buttocks that are firmer, a belly button that is sexy, and an abdomen that is firm and youthful.

How is a Mini-Tummy Tuck Performed?

A Mini Tummy Tuck or Mini-Abdominoplasty is not as extensive as a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, requiring only one hour of surgery as opposed to the three to four hours needed for a Tummy Tuck. Since it does not usually involve tightening of the abdominal muscles, it is reserved only for those who only have limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone. Also, it does not alter the shape of the belly button. A Mini-Tummy Tuck does not involve an extensive undermining and tightening of the abdominal skin, so it can be safely combined with full Liposuction of the abdomen and flank. Therefore, the combination of Mini-Tummy Tuck with Liposuction might be a better choice for those with excessive fat, but limited looseness of the abdomen.

While the incisions for a "full" Tummy Tuck can extend from hipbone to hipbone, those of a Mini-Tummy Tuck are much shorter, usually extending only the width of the pubic area and similar to a C-section scar.

 

Dr. Younai is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with formal training in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, as well as General Surgery at some of the most prestigious university residencies in the United States. As a cosmetic plastic surgeon he has had ample experience in performing tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, Panniculectomy, belt Lipectomy, repair of ventral hernia, body lift, thigh lift, Brachioplasty, upper body lift, and breast lift surgeries on patients who have developed redundant abdominal and trunk skin as a result of pregnancy or massive weight loss/ Bariatric Surgery. At the California Center for Plastic Surgery Dr. Younai will review your treatment options for body contouring and tummy tuck, including pros and cons of each procedure, potential risks and complications, recovery course, pre and post operative instructions, and esthetic outcomes. There are also many before-and-after pictures and high resolution images of abdominoplasty available in our photo gallery.

If you are considering a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles contact us today.Dr. Younai receives patients from the Northern as well as the Southern California region. Some of these cities include Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Burbank, Pasadena, Glendale, Valencia, Palmdale, Fresno, and Oxnard.

Dr. Younai performs his surgeries at the Regency Surgery Center which is certified by Medicare, AAAHC, and AAAASF. This state-of-the-art facility is located in Encino, and near Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village.