Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Surgery) Overview

Tummy tuck surgery, clinically called abdominoplasty, is a procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to reduce loose skin and excess fats in the abdominal area to restore a firmer and flatter tummy. In some cases, the procedure may also involve tightening of underlying weak abdominal muscles. The surgeon will typically recommend the procedure in cases where the abdominal fat does not respond to diet or exercise, and skin elasticity in the area is also weak.

During the initial consultation process, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s overall anatomy, general health condition, and assess their personal aesthetic goals. In accordance with this evaluation, a surgical plan will be formulated for abdominoplasty. Dr. Eugene Kim is an experienced plastic surgeon providing tummy tuck and various other surgical and non-surgical procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding areas.

Suitable Candidates

A fantastic candidate would ideally have moderate and stable body weight, but excess fat deposits in the abdomen. A reasonable amount of skin elasticity in the abdominal area would produce more effective results. The candidate should not be suffering from a health condition that could pose obstruction during surgery or recovery. Candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking several weeks prior to the procedure.

Pre-op Preparation

The patient may be required to undergo a few medical tests, based on the cosmetic surgeon’s evaluation. The surgical plan will be made in close consultation with the patient. In some cases, a partial tummy tuck may suffice, while in some others a full tummy tuck may be required along with an additional procedure such as liposuction. Patient’s current medication plan may have to be altered in consultation with the physician prior to the surgery.

Procedure

Tummy tuck surgery may be performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation and local anesthesia in some cases. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim will assess whether the patient is required to stay overnight following the procedure, but in most cases the surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. Patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations have an opportunity to receive this surgery from Dr. Kim.

The surgeon will begin the procedure by placing an incision horizontally between the pubic hairline and the navel. The length and shape of the incision can differ according to the amount of fat and skin to be removed. If the abdominal muscles are loose or separated, the surgeon will repair and tighten them through the incision. Excess skin and fat will be removed, and the surgeon will suture the muscles to produce a firmer abdominal contour.

A second incision around the belly button may be necessary if it is important to reduce excess fat deposits from the upper abdominal area. Once the excision is completed, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures or skin tape.

Recovery

It will usually take about two weeks for the patient to return to work or resume their normal activities at home. Heavy lifting of weights and vigorous exercises should be avoided for about four to six weeks to allow the healing to take place properly.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Cost

Eyes are a sensitive part of the body, and any aesthetic surgical procedure involving the eyes or eyelids should only be performed by a trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon. Health and safety should be the overriding priorities, particularly in elective procedures. The surgeon should adopt a conservative approach in order to provide predictable and sustainable outcomes.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss various aspects of the procedure, including its estimated monetary costs. The surgeon’s goal is to help the patient make an informed choice. Dr. Eugene Kim is a dedicated plastic surgeon providing blepharoplasty and other procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.

Factors that Influence the Price Tag

Eyelid surgery financial considerations and dollar amounts will usually differ from one practice to another, and in some cases, even from one patient to another, depending on several factors.

Practice Location

The living cost index will typically vary from one place to another, and it can impact the average cost of most types of goods and services, including cosmetic surgery services. For instance, the price tag for eyelid surgery in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations may not be the same as the financial impact in say, Cleveland, OH.

Fee Charged by the Surgeon

The fee charged by the cosmetic surgeon can differ according to their education, experience and reputation in the field of eyelid surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), patients should choose the right surgeon for their needs, and factors such as the surgeon’s fee should only be secondary to such choices.

Surgical Facility and Anesthesia Costs

If the blepharoplasty surgery is performed at an advanced surgical facility equipped with cutting edge technology and providing personalized care and services, the price on the menu may be slightly higher than that of an average operating room. If the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, the fee of the anesthesiologist might vary as per their qualifications and experience.

Average Price of this Procedure

According to the data released by the ASPS for 2013, the average dollar figure of eyelid surgery in the US was $2,818. However, the ASPS clarified that this cost did not include anesthesia fees, operating room prices, and other related expenses. The actual cost can vary depending on whether only upper eyelid or lower eyelid procedure is performed, and how complex is the particular case. In some cases, both upper and lower eyelid surgeries may be performed together, which will affect your bank account more.

The overall price tag of procedure may vary from $5,000 to $7,000 in case of lower blepharoplasty, and $4,000 to $6,000 in case of upper blepharoplasty. The final receipt of the combined surgery may be in the range of $7,000 to $10,000.

Insurance and Financing

If blepharoplasty is performed to correct some functional concerns, such as obstructed vision due to sagging eyelids, the dollar figure may be partially or fully covered under the patient’s health plan. In other cases, patients will mostly have multiple financing avenues to choose from. The surgeon’s office may be able to provide guidance and assistance with regard to insurance and financing.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

What are Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Before and After Photos?

Eyelid surgery, clinically called blepharoplasty, is a procedure designed to enhance the appearance of eyes and restore a rejuvenated look. During the initial consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will explain various aspects of the surgery to help the patient make an informed decision.

The surgeon will usually make use of blepharoplasty before and after photographs to ensure that the patient understands how the procedure will impact their appearance. Dr. Eugene Kim is a leading plastic surgeon providing eyelid surgery and other procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations.

What are Eyelid Surgery Before and After Images?   

Before and after pictures in case of blepharoplasty refer to a pair or group of images belonging to an earlier patient who has received the same procedure with successful outcome. The images include pictures taken before the surgery and after the surgery at a time when the swelling has disappeared and full effects are visible.

The cosmetic surgeon will take the pictures with the patient’s consent and present them before other patients in a discreet manner. The surgeon’s only goal is to educate new patients about various aspects of the procedure, and provide them with a visual aid to understand the results clearly.

Advantages

When a new patient chooses to undergo blepharoplasty, they may only have a vague notion of how the procedure may improve their appearance of eyes and face, and whether it would meet their personal aesthetic needs and goals. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend eyelid surgery in combination with brow lift or another facial procedure for better outcomes. Lower or upper eyelid surgery or both may have to be performed, depending on the patient’s needs.

In all such cases, it can be confusing for the patient to make the right choices. This is where the surgeon may utilize eyelid surgery before and after photos to help the patient make the best decisions. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim makes use of before and after photos for his patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding areas.

Knowing What to Expect

In a procedure such as blepharoplasty, most satisfactory outcomes can be achieved when the patient has formed realistic expectations. If the patient has misplaced expectations and wrong assumptions about the procedure, it can result in disappointment even if the surgery may have actually been performed very successfully.

Such risks of a misunderstanding can be mitigated when the surgeon uses blepharoplasty before and after photos. The patient will know clearly what to expect and what not to expect from the procedure.

Online Images  

The surgeon has the option to provide digitized versions of before and after images on their practice website. New patients can simply visit the “Photo Gallery” section of the site and review the pictures. Patients can have a fair idea about what the procedure can or cannot do for them even before they have actually visited the surgeon’s office for a personal consultation.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.