Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery
Tummy tucks or abdominoplasties are performed to remove loose skin and fat deposits from the abdominal area.
Types of tummy tuck procedures
As with any procedure, there are different types of tummy tucks available to suit your specific needs.
Traditional Tummy Tucks: During this procedure, a surgeon will involve a hip to hip incision to effectively remove excess skin and contour muscles. Traditional tummy tucks are often used to help tighten skin after an abdominal liposuction.
Mini Tummy Tucks: Ideal for patients who are very close to their ideal body weight, this procedure only affects the area below the naval. They require a much smaller incision than the traditional tummy tuck and have a shorter recovery time as well.
Endoscopic Tummy Tuck: Endoscopic Tummy Tucks are usually recommended for patients with rectus diastasis, a disorder where the abdominal muscles are separated at the mid-line of the belly. Using only a small camera attacked to a tube and inserted through a small incision, the surgery is minimally invasive and has a short recovery time.
Extended Tummy Tucks: Designed specifically for the elimination of “love handles” and excess fat and skin in the abdominal area, this procedure helps contour your body. By targeting a wider area than the traditional tummy tuck, it allows for more fat or skin to be removed.
Circumferential Tummy Tucks: Used primarily to remove excess skin in the aftermath of significant weight loss, this procedure can leave scarring. Circumferential tummy tucks are often performed on patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.
How much will an abdominoplasty cost?
Costing anywhere between $3000 and $12,000, the procedure’s exact price may vary depending on several factors. A patient’s needs, the type of tummy tuck performed, the experience of the plastic surgeon, types of surgical techniques and anesthesia can influence the cost of the procedure.
As an elective surgical procedure, a tummy tuck is not usually covered by health insurance. Financing may be available, however, through your cosmetic surgery clinic or a third party firm.
What about recovery from the plastic surgery?
Abdominoplasty can require an extensive recovery period, nearly weeks of complete rest and then months of careful care. Though recovery time may vary with different procedures, they are all generally long. Following post-surgical instructions and taking the required amount of rest can ensure that the process is accomplished as painlessly as possible.
Risks associated with this procedure
Just like any other procedure, Tummy Tucks are associated with surgical risks and complications. Though rare when the procedure is performed by an excellent surgeon and post-procedure care instructions are stringently adhered to, risks may occur.
Some risks include blood clots, a bad reaction to the anesthesia administered, infection of surgical site, longer healing time, etc. While there may also be temporary side effects like swelling of the surgical site, they will usually go away with proper care.
Tummy tucks can go a long way towards boosting your body image, and can sometimes even be necessary if you’ve just undergone massive weight loss or pregnancy. Contact Dr. Eugene Kim at his office in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica or West Hollywood, CA today to discuss your options and your cosmetic surgery needs.
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.
