Who Is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Candidates for tummy tuck surgery should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about their results. Other criteria that may make you qualify for this procedure include:
- Having excess skin
- Having loose or weakened abdominal muscles
- Having stubborn deposits of fat
- Feeling dissatisfied with your stomach’s appearance
- Wanting to eliminate stubborn fat and excess skin
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Andreasen to determine if tummy tuck surgery is right for you.
Planning Your Tummy Tuck
Establishing Your Goals
Choosing to undergo tummy tuck surgery can be a highly personal decision. Not only do people choose tummy tuck surgery for aesthetic reasons, but they may undergo the procedure for medical conditions like abdominal wall separation as well. A tummy tuck can treat multiple belly issues that prevent you from looking and feeling amazing. To help you better visualize your desired results, compile photos of your ideal body shape. We will tailor your tummy tuck to your body type and wants. Dr. Andreasen will help guide you through the decision process to ensure we reach your aesthetic goals.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Dr. Andreasen is a leading body surgeon in the Inland Empire. He understands both the emotional and physical needs of his tummy tuck patients, and he knows the best solutions to meet those needs. During your consultation, Dr. Andreasen will evaluate your body type, medical history, and goals. He will balance these factors to recommend the best options for your procedure. After a body evaluation, Dr. Andreasen will make his recommendations, which may include combining procedures to ensure he achieves the body contour you desire.
Creating Your Ideal Look
The right technique to be used for your procedure will depend on your abdominal issues. Issues beyond muscle and skin laxity may need to be treated by combining another procedure with your tummy tuck. Liposuction can treat excess fat, but other body contouring procedures may be considered to enhance the overall shape of your body. You will work closely with Dr. Andreasen to determine which technique(s) and procedure(s) will best meet your wants and needs.
“Thank you so much for all your help in making this very important decision. Your staff was very welcoming and so sweet. Your honesty is very refreshing and I look forward to soon scheduling my surgery!”
"I have had a few people tell me to check out other doctors with cheaper costs but am not interested at all. I am very insecure when it comes to certain parts of my body and i felt very comfortable and sure that I wanted you to do this surgery."
"I had gone too 2 diffrent locations , this place made me automatically made my mind up I had two recommendations from this place and I love the work they did on them , staff is very nice as well as the surgeon I love this place very pleased with my procedure."
Individual results may vary
How Should I Prepare for My Tummy Tuck?
If you and Dr. Andreasen decide that you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, you’ll be provided with preoperative instructions to help prepare you for your procedure. You may be required to get a lab test or medical evaluation sometime before your tummy tuck appointment. If you smoke, you’ll be instructed to stop smoking at least six weeks before and after your surgery to avoid potential risks and complications. You may also need to make adjustments to your medications, especially if you are taking drugs that increase bleeding. It is also important to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery to ensure that you are healing alright.
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
Standard Tummy Tuck
An incision runs along the lower pubic area, and a secondary incision is made around the navel.
- This technique treats both muscle and skin laxity, recontouring the abdominal area.
- Addresses issues for a variety of candidates, including those with laxity following weight loss, after pregnancy, or due to aging.
- With a standard tummy tuck, we can reposition the navel in a more pleasing and natural location on the abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A small incision is placed low in the bikini line, similar to the incision used during a C-section.
- This technique is ideal for treating people with muscle laxity but little excess skin or localized excess skin in the lower abdomen.
- Many mini tummy tuck candidates are women who experience abdominal looseness after pregnancy.
- The limited nature of the mini tummy tuck makes it ideal for improving an abdominal pooch without leaving extensive scarring.
Extended Tummy Tuck
A longer incision is created along the lower pubic area that extends around the hips.
- This technique is best suited for people with folds of excess skin around the abdomen and hips.
- Many people consider the extended technique following dramatic weight loss.
- The resulting scar may be more pronounced but is considered a necessary trade-off for the transformative results that are achieved.
What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
You will experience bruising and swelling after your surgery. A special compression garment is worn throughout your recovery, and you will be required to rest for several days following your procedure. Most patients can return to work after two weeks and resume their regular exercise routine after one month. Your abdomen may still feel tender around this time, but excess swelling should subside after six weeks.
When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
There will be a noticeable difference in your abdominal contours immediately after surgery. However, the treatment area will be swollen, which will prevent you from seeing your full results. Most patients notice that their swelling fully subsides around six months after surgery. In general, you can expect it to take six months to a year to see your final tummy tuck results.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost of your tummy tuck will vary depending on a number of factors. The extent of correction, surgical fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees will all affect the final cost of your tummy tuck. Dr. Andreasen will provide a detailed quote during your consultation. Financing options are available to qualifying patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is tummy tuck surgery painful?
General anesthesia is used during your surgery to ensure your safety and comfort. You may feel discomfort following your procedure due to the tightening of your muscles and skin. Oral pain medication is prescribed to help control post-operative discomfort.
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Will I have scars after my tummy tuck?
The visibility of your scarring will depend on incision placement and your body’s natural healing ability. Dr. Andreasen uses incision techniques to help minimize scar development. Most scarring is either inconspicuous or will fade over time.
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Should I combine my tummy tuck with liposuction?
Liposuction can be added to any tummy tuck technique to treat stubborn deposits of fat. Liposuction may be used to define specific areas of the abdomen, revealing more toned and defined contours. Liposuction of the hips can create more attractive curves, and slimmer legs can be achieved when it’s used along the thighs. Liposuction incisions are usually limited and not very visible, making it the ideal fat removal technique to use with your surgery.
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What if I have children after my tummy tuck?
While surgery won’t prevent you from having children in the future, subsequent pregnancies are not recommended. Pregnancy can alter the quality of your tummy tuck results and may require additional surgery to correct.
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Can a tummy tuck improve the appearance of my navel?
Many women dislike how their belly button shape changes as a result of their pregnancy. During a tummy tuck, we can improve the shape and position of the navel so it appears more natural and attractive.
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What are the potential complications associated with tummy tuck surgery?
Like with any surgery, bleeding and infection are some of the most common risks. Additionally, some rare complications may occur, such as seromas and poor wound healing.
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What procedures can be combined with my tummy tuck surgery?
A tummy tuck is considered one of the foundational procedures included in a Mommy Makeover. After pregnancy, your breasts can face volume loss and laxity issues similar to those in the abdomen. If you are considering tummy tuck surgery after pregnancy, breast enhancement procedures may be combined to achieve the overall body shape you desire.
After major weight loss, people often have excess and loose skin issues in their abdomen and other areas. Additional body contouring procedures like a thigh lift, buttock lift, and arm lift can be combined with your tummy tuck to achieve better body contour.
Dr. Andreasen is the premier plastic surgeon in the Inland Empire of SoCal
Troy J. Andreasen, M.D.
3333 Concours St Bldg #3
Ontario CA 91764
Phone: 909-291-4900
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