- Facelift
- Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Brow Lift
- Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
- Neck Lift
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Breast Augmentation and Lift
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Reconstruction
- Male Breast Reduction
Tummy Tuck
If you've had children or lost a great deal of weight, your body has been through some big changes. Unfortunately, the abdominal area doesn't always "bounce back" after pregnancy or weight loss, and you may be left with a sagging, protruding belly. Dr. Andrew Smith understands how frustrating this can be for his patients in Orange County. Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can repair the weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat that may be keeping you from feeling great about your body. Dr. Smith offers numerous approaches to tummy tuck, and he'll work with you to customize your procedure for maximum benefits.
If you are interested in a tummy tuck, Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Smith can help. Request a FREE surgical consultation or call our office at (949) 653-7000 to schedule your appointment. Dr. Smith is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his warmth and integrity, as well as the amazing results he achieves for his clients.
What a Tummy Tuck Can Do for You
Tummy tuck is performed to restore a flat, slender abdomen and defined waist after pregnancy or weight loss. The ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery:
- Is at or near his or her ideal weight
- Has excess skin and fat around the midsection
- Has weakened abdominal muscles that cause the abdomen to protrude
- Is not planning any future pregnancies
Dr. Smith will listen to your concerns and goals, then will suggest the best approach to your tummy tuck surgery. He takes a comprehensive approach, addressing every detail so that your entire midsection looks great from all angles. If you would like a breast enhancement procedure to complement your tummy tuck, Dr. Smith will discuss a Mommy Makeover, which combines 2 or more procedures for a full-body restoration.
Your Surgery
On the day of your surgery, board-certified anesthesiologists will administer general anesthesia for your comfort and safety. Most tummy tucks will require an incision across the lower bikini area between the pelvic bones. Dr. Smith will be sure to make the incision so that it is concealed by a bathing suit or underwear. During surgery, the lax abdominal muscles are tightened, restoring a narrower waist and flatter abdomen. Excess skin is trimmed away, and liposuction is often used to remove excess fat from the waist, abdomen and flanks. Dr. Smith reconstructs the navel to look attractive and natural.
Your Recovery and Beyond
Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis at the Laguna Hills Surgery Center. You will awake from your surgery with an abdominal binder and typically 2 surgical drains to prevent fluid from accumulating. It is important to keep your torso flexed for the first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery and to limit any strenuous activity during this time. Walking is beneficial as it helps you feel better and helps maintain leg circulation. Drains are typically removed after about 1 week and the binder is usually worn for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Most patients take 10 to 14 days to recover from surgery before returning to work.
During your recovery, Dr. Smith and his entire team of caring, knowledgeable professionals are available around the clock to answer any and all questions. They will follow up with you on the evening of your surgery, the next day, and at regular intervals to monitor your progress. While you will notice dramatic improvement after 6 weeks, results from tummy tuck surgery will continue to emerge over the course of 6 months to 1 year.
Dr. Andrew Smith brings experience and a desire to partner with you to create the aesthetic results you want.
