Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Sacramento
What Can a Tummy Tuck Correct?
Weakened Abdominal Muscles
Pregnancy tends to stretch and weaken the abdominal muscles. A condition called diastasis recti occurs when the abdominal muscles become separated, causing an unsightly bulging. A tummy tuck corrects muscle separation and weakness, eliminating a protruding belly.
Excess Abdominal Skin
Pregnancy, significant weight loss, and aging often lead to saggy, excess skin around the midsection. Sagging belly skin can be unsightly and can even lead to skin irritation and infection. Tummy tuck surgery addresses this issue through excision and repositioning of the remaining abdominal tissues.
Stubborn Fat Deposits
Many people are plagued by body fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Patients who struggle with stubborn fat deposits can benefit from tummy tuck surgery. During a tummy tuck, excess skin is removed, muscles are tightened, and persistent fat is removed via excision or liposuction.
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Tummy Tuck Patient Before & After
*Results of surgery will vary from individual to individual
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Outstanding and professional care by Dr. Mabourakh and staff! I couldn’t be more pleased and praise Dr. Mabourakh for all of his efforts! The staff and Dr. Mabourakh could not have been more attentive to my after care needs, especially nurse Heather, to which I was so grateful. Thank you for everything!
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Mabourakh will evaluate your health, determine the severity of your condition, and carefully assess the quality of your skin. Dr. Mabourakh will give you thorough descriptions of the procedure, your alternatives, and the potential risks.
Complete Tummy Tuck
When doing a complete tummy tuck, Dr. Mabourakh performs liposuction for contouring of the abdomen and hips. Once the contouring is complete, the abdominal muscles are tightened with three layers of closure, producing a firmer abdominal wall and a narrower waistline. The skin flap is then pulled down, and the extra skin is removed. Next, the discreet incision is closed with several layers of absorbable sutures, and dressings are applied. With Dr. Mabourakh’s unique approach and drainless tummy tuck technique, drains are no longer required; therefore patients experience less pain, discomfort, and hassle.
Mini Tummy Tuck
If your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a mini tummy tuck. With partial abdominoplasty, Dr. Mabourakh uses a similar approach to the complete tummy tuck, with one significant difference. Since the mini tummy tuck targets the stubborn area below the navel, relocation of the belly button is not required. During a mini tummy tuck, a discreet incision is made below the bikini line. The muscles are tightened, and the remaining skin is redraped and closed with several layers of sutures. This is also a drainless procedure.
Liposuction
Many patients obtain the best results when they combine their mini or complete tummy tucks with liposuction of the midsection and other areas of the body. Liposuction removes unwanted fat deposits from the midsection and surrounding areas to precisely sculpt the contours of the body. Liposuction removes fat cells permanently, and any subsequent accumulation of fat tends to distribute more evenly instead of collecting in those problem zones.
Concerns
Request a ConsultationRecovery
Tummy tuck recovery time can take between two and four weeks. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home from surgery and assist them for the first 24 hours, as routine activities may be difficult. Bending and lifting are restricted to a minimum, and exercise is not permitted. Patients can resume regular exercise about six to eight weeks after surgery.
Scars
Abdominoplasty does produce a permanent scar that, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip. Patients can expect it to take several months to a year or two for the scar to begin fading. While they may never disappear completely, tummy tuck scars will not show under most clothing or even under bathing suits.
Cost
The cost of tummy tuck surgery will vary depending on the extent of the procedure and your surgical techniques used. Dr. Mabourakh’s office will provide you with a surgical quote for your surgery at your consultation.
Pain
General anesthesia is used during surgery, which will keep you pain-free. After surgery, some degree of discomfort is expected but can be minimized by the prescribed pain medication.
Complementary Procedures
Tummy tuck can transform your silhouette with a smoother, tighter abdomen, but men and women tend to struggle with loose skin and stubborn fat in other body areas. This procedure can be combined with other body plastic surgeries, such as arm lift, thigh lift, or liposuction, to provide dramatic results.
Women may combine tummy tuck with breast surgery and labiaplasty for a “mommy makeover.” Men can address multiple concerns at once with tummy tuck, male breast reduction, arm lift, and other procedures for a “macho makeover.” Dr. Mabourakh can help you determine if combination plastic surgery is the best way to achieve your cosmetic goals at once during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need to quit smoking before undergoing tummy tuck surgery?
If you smoke, plan to quit at least three weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Dr. Mabourakh will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, supplements, and medications.
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What are the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
The risks of tummy tuck surgery are temporary or rare but include the following:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Swelling
- Numbness of abdominal skin
- Pain
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Should I wait until I’m done having children to undergo tummy tuck surgery?
Yes. Women who plan future pregnancies should wait before opting for a tummy tuck. Pregnancy can cause the muscles to separate and the skin to stretch out again, reversing the effects of the tummy tuck.
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Do I need to lose weight before my tummy tuck?
While the ideal tummy tuck patients should be at or near their goal weight before considering surgery, it is not recommended to go on a stringent diet just before surgery. It can compromise your immune system, making it harder to heal.
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Why should I choose Dr. Mabourakh for my tummy tuck surgery?
Dr. Mabourakh has over 20 years of cosmetic surgery experience and is committed to achieving excellent results for his patients. He is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and The American Board of Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and he is a fellow of The American College of Surgeons. Go to RealSelf.com to see how our many patients give us positive reviews.
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Do I have enough skin for abdominoplasty?
Candidates for tummy tuck need to have enough loose skin for our board-certified plastic surgeon to stretch the tissues from the navel to the pubic hairline for the traditional abdominoplasty. Patients with minimal loose skin may benefit from mini abdominoplasty instead. Schedule a consultation to discuss your tummy tuck options with Dr. Mabourakh.
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How soon after pregnancy can I have a tummy tuck?
Women must wait six to 12 months after giving birth for plastic surgery. The uterus and abdomen need time to shrink to their natural state for the best results. This timeframe allows women to return to their normal weight or close to it because it’s best to be within 20 pounds of your goal size before tummy tuck. Breastfeeding mothers must wait six months or longer after they wean to give the body (and breasts for mommy makeover procedures) time to adjust.
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Does tummy tuck get rid of stretch marks?
Depending on the location of your stretch marks, tummy tuck may reduce or eliminate the appearance of the striped scars. The traditional abdominoplasty removes loose skin from the lower abdomen, so stretch marks under the belly button may be excised with the excess skin.
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Can tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?
Yes, the full tummy tuck is a recommended treatment for muscle repair of the rectus abdominis muscles that stretch from the ribs to the pubic bone. Diastasis recti happens when these muscles that form the “six-pack abs” stretch and separate during weight gain or pregnancy. Dr. Mabourakh tightens and repositions the abdominal muscles for a flatter abdomen.
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Does abdominoplasty improve pelvic floor function?
Researchers have found abdominoplasty can improve low back pain and urinary incontinence. Strengthening the abdominal muscles during the procedure also strengthens the pelvic area. Tummy tuck tightens the soft tissues, which provides more support for the pelvic floor and bladder, improving some of the associated problems, such as bladder leakage.
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How many pant or dress sizes will I lose after tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. However, the skin removed often allows patients to wear dresses or pants one to three sizes smaller. You may weigh close to the same but experience a much better fit in your clothes because the loose tissue is gone. -
Do men have tummy tucks?
Yes, many men improve their body shape with abdominoplasty. Typically, men who’ve lost a lot of weight and had a “beer belly” struggle with loose skin and diastasis recti. Men who have had bariatric surgery or lost massive amounts of weight after healthy lifestyle changes want to feel comfortable in their bodies, and tummy tuck can provide a flatter, tighter abdominal appearance. Some men combine the procedure with male breast reduction for a more masculine chest and abdomen.