Tummy Tuck

All adults have a basically fixed number of fat cells. These cells will change in size over time, but not grow or shrink in number when weight fluctuates. 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 patients who successfully lose significant weight often find that the skin does not want to contract to sit snugly over the new contours. Like a stretched-out shirt, lax belly skin can hang loose and sag instead of looking slim and sleek. This problem is more common for people who have gained and lost weight very rapidly, because the skin essentially can’t keep up with the body’s contour changes. The problem also more frequently impacts aging skin that has diminished elasticity due to age-related loss of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin.

HOW DOES COSMETIC SURGERY INSTITUTE HANDLE TUMMY TUCK SURGERIES?

Dr. Mo Zakhireh understands the supreme importance of addressing each patient’s body in an artistic manner. That understanding is why he takes great care to custom-tailor every tummy tuck procedure to the patient’s unique body type. In particular, he uses incision patterns that correlate with natural anatomical lines in order to hide the eventual scars as best as possible. 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 tuck surgeries: mini, traditional, and extended.

MINI TUMMY TUCK

A mini tummy tuck uses only short incisions and is ideal for patients who are physically fit and generally trim, but who still have a small amount of excess skin or a bit of a fatty bulge in their lower abdomen. The work is limited to the area below the navel.

TRADITIONAL TUMMY TUCK

A traditional tummy tuck, the most common approach performed by plastic surgeons—including Dr. Mo Zakhireh—uses an incision that runs between the left and right sides of the pelvis. This incision allows for the removal of a larger amount of skin or fat from the midsection. It also creates access for repairing separated abdominal muscles. The traditional or full technique can also involve an incision made around the belly button in order to allow for the creation of a “new” navel once the skin is pulled tight. This technique tends to best benefit patients who have lost significant weight or who have undergone one or more pregnancies that stretched out their
belly skin.

EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK

What is known as an extended tummy tuck corrects significant sagging skin on the abdomen, as well as on other nearby features, including the hips, sides (flanks), and lower back. This approach is typically recommended for patients who have excess fat and skin in these areas
around the midsection—a problem that can develop major weight loss due to bariatric surgery or successful lifestyle changes.

Because Dr. Mo Zakhireh typically performs liposuction in addition to tummy tuck surgery, the Cosmetic Surgery Institute’s patients often enjoy an average weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds following their procedure. Suctioning out the excess fat in addition to tightening the abdominal wall and excising redundant skin enables Dr. Mo to sculpt a leaner, more attractive waistline and create pleasantly dramatic results.

Many of our patients have also discovered another ongoing benefit of the tummy tuck surgery: 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 SURGERY IN PALM DESERT?

Dr. Mo will perform your personalized procedure in the safety of Cosmetic Surgery Institute’s fully accredited, state-of-the-art facility in Palm Desert. General anesthesia is usually recommended, but local anesthesia with sedation may be appropriate for smaller-scale surgical approaches, such as a mini tuck.

The first step involves Dr. Mo making the necessary incisions in the appropriate location based on your agreed-upon surgical plan. He will next separate the skin and muscle, then loosen and remove fat with a very fine cannula, which is a tube used as a wand to break up fat cells, then suction them out. Dr. Mo takes his time on this step in order to remove as much excess fatty tissue as possible. If the abdominal muscles have separated, he will repair and tightened the wall, then remove any extra skin in order to create a more flattering contour. Finally, he will “reposition” the belly button to create a natural-looking belly.

Once all of the desired changes are made, Dr. Mo will close the incisions.

WHAT DOES TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY INVOLVE?

The Cosmetic Surgery Institute’s abdominoplasty patients often wonder: “What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?” We recommend that patients wear special compression garments after their surgery in order to minimize swelling and support their abdomen as it heals. In addition to any painkillers that may be prescribed, Dr. Mo sometimes recommends using natural anti-inflammatories such as arnica, bromelain, and turmeric. These can all help to alleviate bruising and swelling so that the ultimate results of the surgery can be enjoyed sooner.

Staying mobile after tummy tuck surgery is important because physical activity—even limited activity like walking—can decrease the risk of blood clots. It is important, however, to be careful not to overdo it. Any physical activity that increases your heart rate has the potential to worsen swelling and cause other complications, so remember that when it comes to post-tummy tuck recovery, it’s all about balance! Take short, easy walks as soon as you feel ready, but wait to engage in more rigorous exercise until our team says it’s safe to resume the activity. Most tummy tuck patients are able to return to work or their typical daily schedule within one to two weeks.

Tummy tucks are known for having a high satisfaction rate, and most people are pleased with the outcome of the surgery. The results from a tummy tuck are especially long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight by exercising regularly and maintaining a proper diet.

CAN HERNIA TREATMENT BE COMBINED WITH A TUMMY TUCK?

Dr. Mo Zakhireh performs both tummy tuck surgery and hernia repair at Cosmetic Surgery Institute. For most patients, these surgeries can be combined. Since hernia repair is typically considered a medically necessary procedure, we can bill your insurance if your provider is a preferred organization that allows treatment by physicians outside of your network.

With this in mind, however, it is important to remember that a tummy tuck alone is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is rarely covered by medical insurance. We can help you work with your insurance carrier to determine your specific coverage before deciding on any particular course of action.

WHICH TREATMENTS AT COSMETIC SURGERY INSTITUTE ARE COMPLEMENTARY TO A TUMMY TUCK?

Tummy tuck surgery often “pairs well” with other figure-contouring procedures, such as a breast lift or breast augmentation. By making cosmetic adjustments to the entire torso, we can help you to maintain natural-looking proportions that will keep one particular change from obviously standing out.

Many of our patients also benefit from laser treatments to reduce the appearance of surgical scars after their procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Mo can discuss the potential benefit of adding another procedure or treatment to your tummy tuck.

Patients dealing with sagging and lax skin elsewhere on the body can consider Ultherapy^® for nonsurgical tightening. The results from this treatment are not as dramatic as a surgical facelift or neck lift, but it can induce collagen growth for better-defined contours and smoother skin on the face, neck, and décolletage.