Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy Tuck by Leading Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy

Abdominoplasty is the medical term used to describe the plastic surgical procedure to reduce excess skin and fat from the abdomen.  This procedure most often incorporates tightening of the abdominal muscles as well.

Abdominoplasty can create a drastic change in appearance. It can reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. An unwanted effect is a permanent scar, which can extend across the hips depending on the extent of the surgery but is hidden under the bikini line.

There are different types of tummy tuck depending on the patient’s specific situation and cosmetic goals.

• A Mini-Tummy Tuck usually does not require tightening of the muscles and can be accomplished with a shorter surgical incision hidden in the bikini line
• A regular or full abdominoplasty is when more skin removal is necessary and an additional incision is needed to improve the umbilicus.

The incisions for either the full or mini Abdominoplasty are placed low on the abdomen usually in the same place a caesarean section incision is placed.  Dr. Lesavoy can provide a customized treatment plan based on your goals, anatomy, and results of the physical exam. The procedure can be performed in conjunction with liposuction for the most optimal results.

Best Candidates for Abdominoplasty

The ideal candidate for Abdominoplasty is a patient in good health and ideal weight.  Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss surgery.  Rather it is ideal for those patients whom have already lost significant weight and are left with excess skin in the abdominal area.

Abdominoplasty Recovery

Patients must arrange for someone to drive them to and from the surgical center the day of surgery.  Either a friend, family member, or a nurse must remain with you the first night after surgery because you will have been sedated.  You will always want someone to drive you to your first post-operative visit approximately 2 or 3 days after surgery.

• Mild Pain – Your recovery after will include mild to moderate pain and discomfort.  This will be easily controlled with the prescriptions given to you by Dr. Lesavoy. 
• Sleeping Elevated – Most patients find sleeping in a recliner or elevated using a few pillows allows them to more easily get in and out of bed and reduces swelling of the surgical area. 
• Time Off Work – Dr. Lesavoy recommends the patient expect to be off work for one week following surgery and refrain from physical activity for almost 2 weeks following surgery.  Patients with small children should get a friend or relative to assist with childcare, due to the inability to lift or carry them. 
• Exercise – Dr. Lesavoy does allow his patients to walk on a treadmill one week following surgery. 
• Sun-Exposure – Patients should avoid sun exposure to the surgical incision for six months following surgery. 
• Diet – Patients should drink plenty of fluids following surgery and maintain a healthy, low sodium diet.
• Compression Garment – A surgical garment will be placed on you in the operating room. This garment must stay on until Dr. Lesavoy instructs otherwise. The surgical garment must be worn at all times for up to two weeks following surgery in order to keep down the swelling, reduce pain, and reducing recovery time.