Tummy Tuck in San Diego
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
What Can a Tummy Tuck Achieve?
- A flatter belly
- A firmer abdomen
- A toned appearance
- A slimmer waist
- Restoration of your pre-pregnancy appearance
- Increased confidence and satisfaction with your body
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck in San Diego, CA?
Good candidates for a tummy tuck are patients who are nonsmokers and in good overall health who:
Have excess skin on their abdomen due to pregnancy or significant weight loss
Have a tummy “pooch” that won’t respond to diet and exercise
Stretched or damaged abdominal muscles after pregnancy
Have skin laxity due to the natural aging process
Lower back pain due to weakened abdominal muscles
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
A tummy tuck is typically an outpatient procedure performed using general anesthesia.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is the most common type of procedure, suitable for most women following pregnancy. It is ideal for treating weight loss and age-related laxity, as well as repairing and tightening damaged abdominal muscles. During the surgery, an incision is placed low on the abdomen along the top of the pubic hairline, and a secondary incision is placed around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal muscles, and excess tissue is removed. Loose abdominal muscles are tightened to restore the contour of the abdomen, and your belly button is repositioned in the proper location. The skin is stretched tightly over your abdomen, and the incisions are closed.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is ideal for women with minimal excess skin on their abdomen and little to no muscle damage. It uses a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck and is focused on muscle tightening and improving minor skin laxity below the belly button.
How Should I Prepare for My Tummy Tuck?
Before your surgery, you should have a clear idea of what you wish to achieve through your tummy tuck surgery. During your consultation, you and Dr. Pollack will discuss your aesthetic goals. It is important to know your ideal aesthetic outcome so that both you and Dr. Pollack understand what to expect for your surgery to ensure results that meet your expectations.
What Can I Expect During My Tummy Tuck Recovery?
Once you return home after your tummy tuck surgery, you will need someone to stay with you for the first 24–48 hours to ensure that you are comfortable and on the road to recovery. You will experience some discomfort and soreness for a week or so after your procedure, but this is normal and can be alleviated with prescription or over-the-counter pain medications. Dr. Pollack also offers a long-lasting local anesthetic called EXPAREL® to help keep you comfortable immediately after your procedure.
Swelling and bruising are also expected side effects. Swelling will persist for several weeks after your tummy tuck and return intermittently for up to six months after the procedure. You will wear a compression garment for the first few weeks to help support the treatment area and minimize swelling.
You will likely have surgical drains placed around your incision to help drain any excess fluid present following your surgery. You will be given instructions on emptying and managing your drains, and Dr. Pollack will remove them at one of your post-operative appointments.
After your surgery, you will need to take two to three weeks off of work and spend that time resting. Refrain from any physical activities, though it is recommended that you take short, slow walks several times a day to prevent blood clots and encourage circulation.
You will be able to return to your normal activities two to three weeks after your tummy tuck and gradually return to light exercise at about four weeks. Strenuous exercise and other activities should be avoided for at least six weeks or until Dr. Pollack clears you. After six weeks of recovery, most major swelling should subside, and your final results will become more visible. Residual swelling can take up to six months to resolve. Dr. Pollack and his staff will help you decide when you can return to specific activities and formulate a recovery timeline.
When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
You will see some of your tummy tuck results immediately after your surgery. Your stomach will be noticeably flatter, even with the post-operative swelling. Your results will continue to improve as you heal and the swelling dissipates until you are left with a slimmer, more contoured abdomen. While around 90% of your results are visible by three to six months after your procedure, mild swelling may persist for up to six months.
Your tummy tuck results are long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight. Pregnancy and significant weight gain or loss will affect your results, so it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen after your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery
- What type of anesthesia is used during tummy tuck surgery?
- What should I expect from tummy tuck scars?
- What are the possible complications following tummy tuck surgery?
- How much does tummy tuck surgery cost in San Diego?
- Can I combine other procedures with my tummy tuck?
- Will I lose weight with a tummy tuck?
- Can a tummy tuck help with ventral hernia repair?
- Does Dr. Pollack offer tummy tuck before and after photos?
How Can We Help?
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Dr. Pollack is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is dedicated to providing patients with safe and effective procedures. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of plastic surgery and looks forward to meeting you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Pollack, please call our La Jolla practice at 858-450-9100 today.