SCULPT A SLIMMER, FLATTER BELLY WITH AN ABDOMINOPLASTY FOR THE PALM DESERT, INDIO, AND LOS ANGELES AREAS
Abdominoplasty surgery—also known as a tummy tuck—remains popular at our Palm Desert practice in 2022 thanks to its ability to sculpt a flatter and more flattering abdomen by repairing weakened muscles and removing fat and loose skin. While we tend to give nicknames—like “muffin top”—to the stubborn fat that clings to the stomach area, many women and men who wish they had a firmer, better-defined belly simply call the bulge a problem.
The midsection is a challenging area to contour, especially by reducing excess fat, because genetics and hormonal factors can make fat especially “stubborn” in this area. In addition to that pesky fat, there may also be sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging can further have significant impacts on the appearance of the stomach area. Unfortunately, exercise, diet and other lifestyle changes may not be enough to re-shape it. Happily, a tummy tuck can address all of these problems.
Cosmetic Surgery Institute takes a two-step approach to tummy tuck surgery: We combine liposuction for fat removal with surgical techniques for tightening the muscles and getting rid of excess skin. This method results in firmer body contours and a flatter torso.
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that improves the shape and appearance of the stomach area. It involves contouring and defining the abdomen. But what does a tummy tuck do?
The surgery physically changes the look of the abdomen by removing excess skin and excess fat. For some patients, the remaining skin can also be repositioned to create the tightest, smoothest appearance possible. The procedure can also involve strengthening the abdominal wall.
Combining all of these strategies together into a tummy tuck makes the stomach appear flatter and more sculpted.
Note that a tummy tuck is not the same thing as liposuction, which is a different type of body contouring procedure performed to remove excess fat from various regions of the body. That said, liposuction will often be included in a tummy tuck.
It’s important for each patient to learn about their options in order to make the best body contouring decision possible and feel confidence in their choice.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK?
There are several reasons why patients might choose to have tummy tuck surgery. Typically, they are tired of dealing with excess fat, loose skin, and weakened connective tissue on the stomach. While these issues can develop for a range of reasons, they are commonly caused by significant changes in weight, pregnancy, abdominal surgery, aging, and your natural body type.
Tummy tuck surgery typically focuses on any of three physical issues: 1) excess belly skin. 2) isolated pockets of unwanted fat. 3) abdominal muscles that have separated due to being pushed apart by a growing baby or weight gain.
A tummy tuck can be customized to cater to each individual’s specific needs. The surgery may focus on any or all of these elements, depending on the patient.
There are also some tangential benefits of a tummy tuck. Aside from addressing cosmetic concerns, this surgery also can have functional benefits, including reducing lower back pain, correcting diastasis recti, strengthening the core muscles, improving posture, and correcting ventral hernias. In addition, a tummy tuck can also have emotional and psychological benefits, such as boosting self-image.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?
Our patients will frequently ask us: “How do I know if I am a good candidate for a tummy tuck?” We work with each patient as an individual, starting with a consultation to determine which treatment, procedure, or combination of efforts would be best. People might choose to have a tummy tuck if they have excess skin or fat on the stomach or weakened lower abdominal muscles.
Good tummy tuck candidates are women and men whose lack of a flat belly is caused primarily by lax skin—often the result of pregnancy, rapid weight loss, or age. The procedure can involve fat reduction, but abdominoplasty patients should be at or very near their ideal weight—and able to maintain that weight long term—at the time of the surgery. This is because future weight fluctuations can alter the cosmetic results of a tummy tuck.
Candidates should also be in general good health, both physically and mentally. They should be following a diet and exercise regimen. Anyone with a pre-existing condition that could impact their tummy tuck procedure will be advised to choose a different approach.
A tummy tuck isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone. Patients might want to make a different choice if they are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, could consider pregnancy in the future, have a severe and chronic illness, have a body mass index that’s higher than 30, have an unstable weight. are smokers, or have significant scar tissue from a previous surgery on the abdomen. If you are planning to have children, it’s recommended that you postpone the tummy tuck procedure until you’re sure you’re done with pregnancies. A growing fetus can weaken abdominal muscles all over again and stretch out belly skin so that it’s loose once more.
*Individual patient results may vary.
Want more advice about a tummy tuck in Palm Desert? Request a consultation online or call (760) 837-0364 to learn more about your options in Palm Springs, Indio, and the greater Los Angeles area.
HOW DOES WEIGHT LOSS IMPACT THE ABDOMEN?
Adults typically have a fixed number of fat cells, which change in size but not number when weight is gained or lost. This is one of the reasons why it is not really possible to target a specific area with weight-loss efforts—a reality that patients with a flabby or bulging belly know all too well.
Even for patients who find weight loss to be successful, the overlying skin does not always contract to conform to the new contours. Like a stretched-out shirt, belly skin can hang loose and sag instead of creating a slim and sleek line. This problem is more common for people who have gained and lost weight very rapidly, because the skin can’t “keep up” with the body’s contour changes. It also more frequently impacts aging skin that has lost its elasticity.
Meet the doctor
At Cosmetic Surgery Institute of Palm Desert, we approach each patient with imagination and artistry in mind.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and health care professionals offer the latest treatments for beauty and aesthetic enhancements in a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
Meet the doctor
At Cosmetic Surgery Institute of Palm Desert, we approach each patient with imagination and artistry in mind.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and health care professionals offer the latest treatments for beauty and aesthetic enhancements in a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
WHAT IS THE COSMETIC SURGERY INSTITUTE APPROACH TO TUMMY TUCK?
Dr. Mo Zakhireh understands the importance of addressing the body in an artistic manner. That’s why he takes great care to tailor every tummy tuck procedure to the patient’s body type and use incision patterns that correlate with natural anatomical lines. With a combination of technical skill, strategic planning, and artistic vision, he can achieve highly individualized results for every body shape.
There are three basic types of tummy tucks: mini, traditional, and extended.
MINI TUMMY TUCK
The mini tummy tuck requires only short incisions and is best for individuals who are physically fit but may have a small amount of excess skin or fatty deposits in their lower abdomen.
TRADITIONAL TUMMY TUCK
A traditional tummy tuck, the most common approach, involves an incision that runs between the pelvic bones and removes a larger amount of skin or fat from the midsection, in addition to repairing the abdominal muscles. There may also be an incision around the belly button. This procedure is typically beneficial for people who have lost weight or women who have had children.
EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK
An extended tummy tuck corrects sagging skin in the abdomen as well as on the hips, sides (flanks), and lower back. This approach is generally recommended for people who have excess fat and skin in these areas, often after major weight loss due to bariatric surgery or successful lifestyle changes.
Because Dr. Mo Zakhireh typically performs liposuction in addition to tummy tuck surgery, our patients enjoy an average weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds after their procedures. Removing the extra fat in addition to tightening the abdominal wall and removing excess skin enables Dr. Mo to sculpt a leaner, more attractive waistline and create dramatic results. Additionally, many of our patients have found that tightening the abdomen leaves the stomach less room to expand, so they feel fuller faster and lose more weight after their surgery.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE?
Your procedure will take place in the safety of our fully accredited, state-of-the-art facility. General anesthesia is usually recommended for this procedure, but local anesthesia with sedation may be appropriate for smaller-scale options.
The surgeon first places the incisions in the appropriate location based on your surgical plan. Skin and muscle are then separated, and fat reduction is performed using a very fine cannula. Dr. Mo takes his time in order to remove as much excess fatty tissue as possible. The muscle walls are tightened, and extra skin is removed to create a flattering contour. Finally, the belly button is repositioned to a natural location.
Once all of the desired changes are made, Dr. Mo will close the incisions.
WHAT IS TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY LIKE?
Our patients often wonder: “What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?” We recommend that they wear special compression garments after their surgery to minimize swelling and support the abdomen as it heals. In addition to prescribed painkillers, Dr. Mo may recommend natural anti-inflammatories such as arnica, bromelain, and turmeric to help alleviate bruising and swelling.
Staying mobile after tummy tuck surgery is important because activity can decrease the risk of blood clots—but be careful not to overdo it. Any activity that increases your heart rate has the potential to worsen swelling and cause other complications. It’s all about balance! Take short, easy walks as soon as you feel ready, but avoid more rigorous exercise until your surgeon says it’s OK. Most tummy tuck patients are able to return to work or their typical daily schedule within one to two weeks.
Tummy tucks have a high satisfaction rate, and most people are pleased with the outcome from the surgery. The results from a tummy tuck are long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight. You will need to exercise and maintain a proper diet to best preserve your tummy tuck results.
CAN HERNIA TREATMENT BE COMBINED WITH A TUMMY TUCK?
We perform both tummy tuck surgery and hernia repair at Cosmetic Surgery Institute, and we can combine the procedures in most cases. Because hernia repair is typically considered a medically necessary procedure, we can bill if your insurance policy is a preferred provider organization that allows treatment by physicians outside of your network.
The tummy tuck, however, is rarely covered by medical insurance. We can help you work with your insurance carrier to determine your specific coverage before deciding on any specific course of action.
WHICH TREATMENTS ARE COMPLEMENTARY TO A TUMMY TUCK?
Tummy tuck surgery is often a great complement to procedures such as a breast lift or breast augmentation. By making cosmetic adjustments to the entire torso, we can help you to maintain a natural-looking proportion.
Many of our patients also benefit from laser treatments to reduce the appearance of surgical scars. During your consultation, Dr. Mo and you can discuss the potential benefit of adding another procedure to your tummy tuck.
Patients dealing with sagging and lax skin elsewhere on the body can consider Ultherapy® for nonsurgical tightening. Results are not as dramatic as a surgical facelift or neck lift, but the treatment can induce collagen growth for better-defined contours and smoother skin on the face, neck, and décolletage.
Contact Palm Desert′s Cosmetic Surgery Institute to arrange a consultation for a tummy tuck in Palm Desert. Request a consultation online or call (760) 837-0364.
THE TIME IS NOW
The best time to take the first step on your path to transformation is now. Reach out to us today so together we can start on your journey toward a beautiful new look for you.