Tummy Tuck Torrance, CA

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgery that can augment loose, stretched stomach skin and muscle. The procedure carefully and precisely removes excess skin, tightens muscles and, along with liposuction, can substantially reduce stubborn fat. Your results will include significantly enhanced mid-body contours that can improve the look of your entire body.

The treatment is well-understood and safe and your surgeon can easily tailor it to your specific body needs. A tummy tuck also pairs exceptionally well with other procedures that enhance the mid-section and the body for truly comprehensive results. For example, many patients frequently have liposuction with their tummy tuck to boost their contours and get the most from their surgery.

Your tummy tuck surgery will provide you with many specific and lasting benefits, which include:

• A smoother, flatter stomach
• Improved skin tone
• Tighter muscles
• Reduced fat, through liposuction
• The elimination of stretch marks
• A naturally and attractively repositioned belly button

You do not have to have severe symptoms to have tummy tuck surgery. If other treatments have failed to give you the level of rejuvenation you need, a tummy tuck may be the answer.

In general, a good candidate for a tummy tuck surgery will meet most of the following criteria.

• You have significant skin and muscle laxity in the abdominal area
• You have excess fat in your mid-section despite a healthy lifestyle
• Other treatments cannot give you the amount of you rejuvenation you desire
• The physical appearance of your abs is a continual concern
• Sensitivity about your look is limiting your activities, harming your relationships or affecting your wellbeing
• You are comfortable having an invasive surgery
• You have the time to dedicate to recovery
• You have reasonable expectations about the results the surgery can provide

However, the best way to determine if you should have a tummy tuck is to schedule an in-person examination with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Verbin. Your consultation will accomplish several goals. First, it will allow you to explain your aesthetic goals and what you hope the surgery will accomplish. Second, it will give your surgeon the opportunity to examine your concern area thoroughly and review your medical history. Afterward, Dr. Verbin can explain all your options in detail and answer any questions you may have about them. Finally, once you feel confident you have all the information you need to make your decision, you and Dr. Verbin can plan your course of treatment together.

Most patients will have one of two primary options to select from — a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck. The severity of your symptoms and the amount of rejuvenation you want will guide your choice of surgery. The two variants of the procedure have a single, primary difference, the length of the incision.

If you have a significant amount of loose skin to be removed, a full tummy tuck will better serve your needs. During your surgery, Dr. Verbin will make two incisions, one which extends beneath the navel and along the pubic hairline and another that travels upwards and encircles the navel; the second incision will allow Dr. Verbin to reposition your navel, attractively. After the incisions have been made, sufficient excess skin will be excised so that you can once again enjoy smooth, flat abs.

If you have less skin that needs to be removed, you may be a good candidate for a mini or modified tummy tuck that uses a shorter lower incision. A mini tummy tuck can still provide substantial benefits for patients who need less rejuvenation but still have unwanted, excess skin, which they would like to improve. Because a small incision will require less recovery time, you can also enjoy your results faster. Dr. Verbin can help you choose the best surgery for your needs and goals during your consultation.

A tummy tuck is major surgery. To reduce your risks and boosts your results, you can do several things in advance of your procedure to help ensure your desired outcome.

• You should quit smoking, if you do, for six weeks before and after your surgery. Smoking can negatively impact your healing incisions.
• You must discontinue all blood-thinning medications and supplements prior to surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
• You will want to fill all your pain and antibiotic prescriptions before your surgery, so you have your medications handy when you return home.
• Preparing your home prior to surgery will also be crucial. Having clean dressings, towels, entertainment items and pre-made meals will allow you to focus on healing and boost your results.

Dr. Verbin will make it a top priority to make sure you understand how to get the best results possible through a successful recovery. He will spend ample time with you during your consultation and before surgery to ensure you have all your questions answered so you are fully prepared.

Regardless of which variant of the procedure you have, your abdominal musculature will be tightened, much like a corset, and any muscle separation or herniation will be corrected. The muscle and skin layers will be sutured back together, leaving any scars below the bikini line. A pain pump infusion system (Accufuser) will be left in place for the initial three to four days after surgery to minimize your post-operative discomfort. Dr. Verbin will conclude your surgery by closing your incisions with sutures.

Recovering from major surgery, such as a tummy tuck, will take time, but it is very manageable, especially if you are well-prepared in advance. Dr. Verbin will leave a single drain in place for the first week to help minimize excessive fluid build-up and you will be required to wear an abdominal compression garment for the first four weeks. Both of these features will help make you more comfortable and increase your safety.

You should begin walking immediately after surgery, as well as, and you will be encouraged to do light exercise after the first week. By staying mobile, you can help maintain healthy blood flow to your surgical areas and promote healing. You can plan on returning to work typically two to three weeks after your surgery. You should continue to avoid heavy exertion, however, for up to six weeks to avoid straining your incisions. Always listen to your body when undertaking new activities, and when in doubt, asks Dr. Verbin for his advice. He may ask you to come into the practice for a follow-up.

A tummy tuck can substantially enhance your abdominal area. But a single procedure cannot give you total rejuvenation. The good news is that a tummy tuck pairs exceptionally well with a variety of procedures that can help boost your rejuvenation and results. For example, many patients include liposuction in their tummy tuck treatment to enjoy the most fat reduction possible. Female patients may also want to consider having a mommy makeover, which includes a tummy tuck, along with breast procedures, such as a breast augmentation, lift or reduction, depending on their needs. You do not need to have multiple procedures to enjoy a beautiful new look with substantially improved contours. But for patients who demand the most comprehensive results, additional procedures can complete their look and provide many years of satisfaction.