BEFORE	AFTER

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the mid to lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of a protruding abdomen by flattening it and creating a smaller waistline.

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are men and women who are in relatively good health but are bothered by the loose abdominal skin following weight loss from dieting and exercising or from gastric bypass surgery. The surgery is also helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond their ability to return to normal. The surgery can also help obese patient removes the excess skin and fat in the anterior abdomen to allow for easier participation in exercise program.

If you desire a flatter abdomen or to look more attractive in your slacks and form-fitting clothes, then a Tummy Tuck may be the procedure for you.

Dr. Bui will meet with you in a personalized private consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Please contact our Anaheim office at 714-535-2553 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Complete tummy tuck surgery usually takes three to four hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial or mini-tummy tucks may take an hour or two.

For a full tummy tuck, a long incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. The skin flap is then mobilized, stretched, and the extra skin and fat are removed. A new hole is cut for navel, which is then sutured in place. Finally, an optional pain pump can be placed to help with pain control after surgery, temporary drainage tubes are inserted under the skin, and the incisions closed. An abdominal binder is applied.

With a mini tummy tuck, the incision is shorter and no incision is made around the navel. Although fat from the entire anterior abdomen will be removed, only the excess skin below the navel is removed and there is no tightening of the abdominal muscles.

For the first few days, your abdomen will feel very tight and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort that can be alleviated with prescribed medication.

Dr. Bui will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressing. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. The drains will be removed in the office between day 5 and day 14 depending on the amount of drainage. The scar will smooth out and fade between six and eighteen months.

It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. The length of time it takes to recover will depend on your individual circumstance. Most patients can return to work after two weeks, but some do take three to four weeks to rest and recuperate.

Exercise usually can be resumed after six weeks.

Tummy tucks, whether partial or complete, produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. In most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

If you have been desiring a flatter abdomen, please call our office at (714) 535-2553 to schedule your personalized consultation.

Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Anaheim, California (CA). Anaheim is in Orange County and is easily accessible from the Los Angeles area.