Tummy Tuck San Jose

Information on tummy tuck surgery in Palo Alto and San Jose. Read about abdominoplasty, recovery, complications, procedure, before and after photos and more.

The abdominoplasty is frequently referred to as the tummy tuck.

The procedure has been done since the early 1900’s but is at its best in present years.

This surgery is designed to correct all or some of the issues patients dislike about their tummy. Corrections include removal of excess skin, relocation of original belly button in a new and more attractive site, reduction of fat about the abdomen (liposuction) and repair of the midline muscle separation to allow a least the possibility of a six pack (if body fat % is correct.) When we humans are born, generally our rectus muscles (6 pack muscles) are parallel with no central separation. In our teens and possibly 20’s our abdomens are relatively flat or even concave. Our skin initially is smooth and attractive.

As we age, increase in our weight and fat%, or have children, our abdomens distend, muscles separate, belly buttons become distorted, skin develops stretch marks, fat accumulates, and bellies hang (sometimes a large hanging fold called a panniculus.) The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty corrects these undesired maladies.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery is done via a low transverse incision at the pubic area and is extended right and left only as far as absolutely needed. Excess skin and fat are removed from the belly button to the pubis. Lateral love handle fat and fat above the belly button are suctioned (liposuction or best possible VASER liposculpture.) The separated 6 pack muscles are repaired from rib cage to pubis and the incision is sutured beautifully.

The skin incision that results is easily covered with a 2 piece bathing suit and a small vertical belly button of youth recreated.

The operation can be fairly brief (2 hrs.) or it can be up to 6 hours. This depends on the size the abdomen. It makes sense that abdominoplasty in a 200 lb. person is significantly different than in a tiny 100 lb. person. The procedure nevertheless works well in both.

The patient is asleep during the procedure generally and afterward may go home or stay overnight in a care facility. If home is chosen, it is important to have a responsible and caring caretaker with you for 2-3 days. At surgery (prior to closure of the incision) a tiny (2 mm) tube is inserted to drip pain medicine in the operative site (like a garden soaker hose). This stays 48 hours and has reduced discomfort by 90%. This is a wonderful contribution to tummy tuck surgery, i.e. “the pain buster”. It really works well. A tiny drain may also be inserted depending on the need. The drain allows a small amount of tissue fluid and blood to drain into a special bottle and thus reduce bruising and swelling.

I like to have patients start walking immediately after surgery and gradually increase exercise gently for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, patients can return to full activity, but there is, of course tenderness. We plan a walk don't run regimen and a wound at rest heals best is the ideal regimen; nevertheless, patients do better that are gently and progressively more active. After 3 weeks, activity is not restricted. Something may hurt at 2 or even 3 weeks when you exercise but you will not hurt yourself or your operation.

Return to work depends on the type of work and the absence of the need for pain medication. At 7-10 days, many patients can return to gentle work activity, can drive if no pain medication, and progressively start enjoying the results of their surgery.

Complications of major note are rare but as in any surgery infection, bleeding, and discomfort can occur. Surgeons cannot guarantee zero complication but certainly I will guarantee I will work hand in hand with you to eradicate and minimize any complication.

For the proper patient (male or female) the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is one of the most gratifying procedures in plastic surgery.

My parting thought is to be sure and choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These surgeons have 7 to 10 years of special dedicated training in basically how to "do it safe and do it proper".

Please call with questions (650-328-4570) or visit my site at www.pacfps.com for more information.

Information on tummy tuck surgery in Palo Alto and San Jose. Read about abdominoplasty, recovery, complications, procedure, before and after photos and more.