Tummy Tuck Surgery
Some people have adopted healthy habits and reaped the benefits in many ways, but they may still be frustrated at certain physical results. Many patients find themselves struggling with stubborn fat or a protruding belly as they age due to pregnancy, weight loss, or genetics. While a consistent diet and strict exercise routine can help some people eliminate unwanted fat, unfortunately, this may reach a plateau. Thankfully, Dr. Henry can perform tummy tuck surgery.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that addresses excess fat that has accumulated around the abdomen and waist to help patients achieve the slim, toned figure they have yearned for.
Dr. Henry and her team of specialists will provide you with several options to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Tummy Tuck Surgery Benefits
Slimmer Contours
Where diet and exercise seem to fail, tummy tuck surgery can help address loose, sagging skin around the midsection, stubborn abdominal fat, and stretch marks to produce a more slim and attractive figure.
Tightened Abdominal Muscles
Weak abdominal muscles as a result of pregnancy or significant weight gain can be corrected with tummy tuck surgery as the underlying muscles on your abdomen are tightened to provide you with an aesthetically pleasing tummy.
Improved Self-Esteem
Tummy tuck surgery will not only restore your midsection to its former appearance, but it can boost your self-esteem and confidence while also providing you with more clothing options so you will look and feel great.
Am I a Candidate for Tummy Tuck in San Francisco, CA?
Ideal candidates should be in good overall health and committed to staying in shape to maintain their results. Patients should be within the normal range of their body weight; additionally, they should not plan to become pregnant.
Schedule a ConsultationTypes of Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck is a highly customizable procedure, and during your consultation, Dr. Henry will make recommendations based on your aesthetic goals and individual anatomy.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
Also called a standard tummy tuck, this procedure involves an incision from hip to hip as well as around the navel. This allows for access to the abdominal muscles, which can be repaired in the case of diastasis recti, or separated abdominal muscles. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the belly button can be repositioned if desired. Patients who are post-pregnancy or post-weight loss benefit from this procedure, as well as those who want a tighter core in general.
Mini Tummy Tuck
This technique involves a shorter incision low on the abdomen and no incision around the navel. It is mainly used to target a lower belly “pooch,” often resulting from pregnancy, weight gain, or general aging. The abdominal muscles and belly button are typically not manipulated with a mini tummy tuck. Patients who have a smaller amount of excess fat and skin below the navel tend to benefit most from this procedure.
Extended Tummy Tuck
For those who desire contouring of more than the front of the abdomen, the extended tummy tuck takes the standard incision and extends it past the flanks. This enables Dr. Henry to tighten the skin and remove fat on the sides of the waist as well. Patients who have undergone significant weight loss and desire more skin tightening than a standard tummy tuck can achieve stunning results with this technique.
What Happens During Tummy Tuck Surgery
Consultation
Dr. Henry will evaluate the condition of your abdomen to create a customized surgical plan that will address your personal concerns and help you reach your aesthetic goal.
Technique
Tummy tuck surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. During your procedure, an incision will be made above the bikini line, and Dr. Henry will trim loose, hanging skin from the treated area. She will also tighten the abdominal muscles and remove stubborn or irregular fat deposits. Some tummy tuck surgeries may also involve repositioning the navel while eliminating the appearance of stretch marks when extra skin is removed.
Combination
Tummy tuck surgery can be combined with breast lift surgery, liposuction, and post weight loss surgery to improve the overall appearance of your body.
What To Expect During Recovery
Following your tummy tuck surgery, you should plan on taking two weeks off from work to allow your incisions to heal.
Right after surgery, you will be moved to a recovery area for observation before being released to a friend or family member to drive you home. Rest is most important in the first few weeks. Swelling and bruising are expected but should resolve after a few days. During the first week after surgery, gentle movement, such as walking around the room, is recommended to prevent blood clots.
It is important that you have someone to help you accomplish tasks around the house that you may be too sore to complete on your own. You will also need to wear a compression garment and empty any surgical drains to prevent fluid from building up. You should be able to return to work two weeks after your procedure.
Dr. Henry will provide you with detailed instructions to follow during your recovery period. To avoid complications and achieve the best results, follow these instructions carefully and keep your follow-up appointments. Read our recovery guide for more information on tummy tuck recovery.
What Results Can I Expect After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery will leave you with toned and slim body contours that will take years off of your appearance. It is important to live a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain your new physique. Future pregnancies or weight gain can undo the results of your surgery. As long as you care for yourself, your results will be long-lasting.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in San Francisco, CA?
The median price range for a tummy tuck in the San Francisco Bay Area is $6,000–10,000. The cost of your tummy tuck surgery will vary based on several factors, including which technique is used, your goals and anatomy, and surgical fees. Dr. Henry will provide you with a price sheet during your consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Kimberly Henry for Your Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Henry is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience. She is a kind, compassionate surgeon who makes patients comfortable and delivers stunning results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tummy tuck scars go away?
Incisions are placed along the lower abdomen so that scars can be easily hidden underneath clothing and bathing suits. They will likely fade over time. You can help this process by following Dr. Henry’s instructions for incision care. Ask Dr. Henry about saline strips and gel to promote scar healing. Lymphatic drainage massage is also an excellent way to promote healing and has countless benefits for plastic surgery patients, such as speedier recovery and reduction of swelling.
Does my tummy tuck surgery require a drain?
Yes, tummy tucks usually include drains. It’s normal for fluids to accumulate as part of the healing process, but drains prevent these fluids from causing complications such as infection or swelling.
How painful is a tummy tuck?
The level of pain you experience depends on your individual tolerance. Feeling moderate pain during the first several days after surgery is normal, and this will improve over time. Most patients find that pain or discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Will insurance pay for a tummy tuck?
Because a tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure, most insurance companies will not cover it. There are exceptions if the surgery is considered medically necessary, for example, if you are experiencing skin irritation or functional issues following significant weight loss. Check with your insurance plan to learn how they define medical necessity.
Can I have a second tummy tuck?
Yes, some patients undergo a revision tummy tuck to correct a previous procedure or to address physical changes after weight gain or pregnancy. During your consultation, you and Dr. Henry can discuss your goals for a revision tummy tuck.
Can I have children after my tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck will not prevent you from getting pregnant again. However, it is highly recommended that you are finished having children before your procedure because a pregnancy will most likely undo the results of your tummy tuck.
Are there any risks or side effects involved with tummy tuck surgery?
Although tummy tuck surgery is a safe surgical procedure, there are some risks and complications involved. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor wound healing
- Skin loss
- Change in skin sensation
- Unfavorable scarring
Dr. Kimberly Henry offers tummy tuck surgery with aesthetically appealing results. Contact Dr. Henry today to schedule a consultation.
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