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    Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss

    Tag Archives: Tummy Tuck

    A weight loss treatment may offer substantial benefits such as improved health and figure. However, it can lead to some undesirable cosmetic effects as well.

    A person may feel almost as self-conscious about their body as they did at a higher weight due to sagging, loose skin and stretched out abdominal muscles. It can impact some patients to the extent that they feel discouraged and stop continuing their healthy lifestyle regaining the lost weight.

    A cosmetic surgery such as a tummy tuck help the patient attain a figure that justifies their efforts at weight loss.

    Basic Reasoning

    This is the reason that many bariatric surgery patients and those who have experienced substantial weight loss choose to undergo a tummy tuck procedure to eliminate excessive sagging skin as well as poor elasticity.

    An abdominoplasty procedure can also be performed along with body lift, thigh lift, arm lift, and butt lift surgeries for more complete body sculpting results following substantial weight loss. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides tummy tuck to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities and suburbs in this part of the southwest.

    Circumferential Tummy Tuck

    Patients often seek a circumferential tummy tuck following a gastric bypass procedure. The bypass surgery causes significant weight loss which frequently causes a considerable loss of skin elasticity. Sagging skin is a cosmetic problem, but it also poses health concerns.

    Fungus can develop between the skin folds. A circumferential tummy tuck involves excess skin removal from the hips, butt, thigh, and central abdominal region. This surgery causes scarring that extends to the back.

    In comparison to a standard tummy tuck, circumferential abdominoplasty is more extensive. Patients who have experienced significant weight loss due to a gastric bypass or another form of bariatric surgery are usually good candidates for this procedure. Massive weight loss can lead to sagging, overhanging skin around the whole body.

    During a circumferential abdominoplasty plastic surgery, the surgeon places an incision that extends around the patient’s waistline. Through this incision, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin and tightens the abdominal muscles. The plastic surgeon may also lift the buttocks and thighs as well as create a new navel.  

    Procedure

    Circumferential tummy tuck surgery is also known as a lower body lift. During this procedure, the surgeon places an incision spanning the circumference of the patient’s torso. Subsequently, the tummy tuck surgeon uses liposuction and other techniques to sculpt the patient’s body from the ribs to the knees.

    This contouring is performed both in the back and front of the body. Furthermore, the surgeon tightens the abdominal wall muscles and repositions the navel to create more natural looking results.

    The surgeon ends the procedure by eliminating excess skin and sealing the incision with sutures. Most patients can easily hide the incisional scar with underwear. Some patients receiving circumferential abdominoplasty may choose to combine the procedure with an arm lift or further liposuction for comprehensive results.

    Devoted cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas across the landscape for tummy tuck surgery.

    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.

    Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery

    tummy tuck plastic surgeryTummy 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.

    Tummy Tuck | Laser Skin Tightening Beverly Hills | Los Angeles CAUnsightly accumulation of fat deposits around the abdominal area is a common problem. People with moderate weight can also suffer from this condition due to hereditary factors, sedentary lifestyle, or other reasons. An experienced cosmetic surgeon will evaluate various aspects before recommending the most appropriate solution. Tummy tuck surgery is the most effective treatment available among surgical options to achieve flatter and firmer tummy.

    In some cases, a full tummy tuck may also be combined with liposuction, while in other cases just a mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty may suffice. However, sometimes the patient may not be keen on a surgical option, and yet desiring to have a tighter abdomen. In such cases, one of the sterling, cutting edge, and most enlightening treatment options is laser skin tightening. Dr. Eugene Kim is an eminent plastic surgeon providing both tummy tuck and laser skin tightening treatment options to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other areas.

    Suitability of Laser Skin Tightening

    If the abdominal area reveals loose skin due to the after-effects of pregnancy, aging, lack of exercise, previous surgeries, or other factors, the condition can be improved with laser based techniques.  Laser skin tightening is a non-surgical procedure that involves the penetration of laser energy into the deeper layers of the affected skin. It stimulates the growth of natural collagen, and promotes skin tightening.

    Advanced laser based techniques such as SlimLipo laser liposuction are also very effective. With laser liposuction, it is possible to reduce unwanted fat and tighten the abdominal skin. The procedure may be combined with a mini tummy tuck for more comprehensive results. Even when this procedure is used alone, it may produce very positive outcomes for some patients. Patients with loose skin and minor tummy fat, who notice skin laxity only when they bend over, may benefit more from laser liposuction method.

    Limitation of Laser Skin Tightening

    The challenge with laser skin tightening as a procedure for tummy is that the results can be quite unpredictable. For instance, patients who have stretch marks may not respond well to laser skin tightening because the skin has been compromised in that area. If a significant amount of redundant skin is present in the tummy area, the cosmetic surgeon may not recommend laser skin tightening.

    When is Tummy Tuck Most Suitable?

    An experienced plastic surgeon will evaluate the condition of skin, the presence of subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and skin laxity of the anterior abdominal wall before determining the most suitable procedure. Patients with multiple stretch marks may be best served by a full abdominoplasty. Tummy tuck can contour the abdomen, tighten the loose skin, and flatten the abdominal bulge. However, the procedure will leave a scar, which is not the case with laser skin tightening.

    Dr. Kim will explain the pros and cons of both procedures to his patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations during the initial consultation. If the abdominal muscles are loose or separated, tummy tuck surgery would be the right option. Patients who are keen to remove loose skin above the navel may also require a full tummy tuck surgery.

    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.

    body contouring tummy tuck los angelesThe tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) has become a widely-sought plastic surgery procedure, especially for women who have lost a significant amount of weight after pregnancy or diet and exercise. Loose abdominal muscles, sagging stomach skin, and stretch marks are all factors that can be addressed by a tummy tuck.

    A good tummy tuck candidate should be in good overall health and physical shape to qualify for this procedure. During a consultation, Dr. Kim will assess a few different factors, such as:

    • Your skin’s elasticity
    • Type of belly fat
    • Muscle laxity
    • Degree of stretch marks
    • Medical history

    Sometimes, the aging process alone can cause your abdominal skin to sag or lose its elasticity, making many older men and women potential tummy tuck candidates as well. If you are not finished having children, you should postpone abdominoplasty until after your final pregnancy, since pregnancy can compromise the results of this procedure.

    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, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

    See tummy tuck before and after photos

    If your diet and fitness regimes are not having the desired effect on your body, you should probably consider getting an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. A cosmetic surgeon can help you get rid of that stubborn abdominal flab through a tummy tuck surgery, so you get a flat tummy. It is typically an outpatient procedure that can be undergone by anyone who is in good health. Women, whose skin and muscles have stretched out far too much due to multiple pregnancies, often resort to a tummy tuck surgery to get back in shape. Also, people who are obese and find that their workout regimes are going in vain, undergo tummy tucks to get rid of the excess fat.

    Tummy tuck procedure

    The plastic surgeon will decide whether the surgery will be an outpatient or in-patient procedure, based on the conditions. The patient will be given general anesthesia right before the surgery. The surgery can even be completetd within an hour or go on for about 5 hours. While consulting your plastic surgeon, you can discuss about what tummy tuck procedure suits you best, so as to achieve the desired results.

    • Complete abdominoplasty- In this surgery, the cosmetic surgeon makes an incision from one hipbone to the other. He then makes another incision so as to separate the navel from the skin around it. When the skin and fat cells are no longer attached to the wall, the muscle walls are tightened with sutures. Sometimes, drainage tubes might be inserted to help in removing the excess fluid present in the operated area. This excess fluid is will be removed during your post-op visit.
    • Mini abdomioplasty- This procedure requires shorter incisions and is suitable for patients who have fat issues in the under-navel area. The skin and fat cells are removed in the abdomen region and the muscle walls are tightened. The requirement here is more limited when compared to a complete abdominoplasty. The belly button won’t be disturbed during this surgery and the procedure may take up two hours or more.

    Preparations before and recovery after the surgery

    Your plastic surgeon may ask you to stop smoking for a couple of weeks before the surgery to reduce the chances of complications and aid healing. He may also monitor the medications you are under currently, if any, and instruct you during your pre-op visit on what not to take. It is important that you don’t resort to dieting or weight-loss regimes prior to the surgery as a well-balanced diet can quicken the healing process.

    The before and after changes of an abdominoplasty will be significant and you can get back to your regular lifestyle within a couple of weeks. Make sure your home recovery kit includes ice packs and petroleum jelly-to heal the incisions, and loose clothing that is easy to wear. The cosmetic surgeon will instruct you on how to sit/ lay down so as to ease the pain. You might have to keep strenuous activities at a minimum for the next few weeks.

    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.

    Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to achieve a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the underlying muscles. An experienced plastic surgeon will evaluate several factors to determine whether a patient is a suitable candidate for tummy tuck.

    Dr. Eugene Kim provides state of the art tummy tuck surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other areas. During the initial consultation, Dr. Kim will examine the patient’s health condition, personal aesthetic goals and other factors before recommending a tummy tuck procedure.

    Who is a Suitable Candidate?

    Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Candidates Los Angeles | Beverly Hills CAThe first concern of the cosmetic surgeon, while considering a patient’s request for a tummy tuck surgery is to know whether the patient is in marvelous physical health to sustain the procedure. The surgeon will assess the patient’s medical history and the history of previous surgeries. The patient should not be suffering from any such condition that may impede healing during recovery or cause excessive blood loss during the surgery.

    Secondly, the patient should have excess loose skin in the abdominal area, or weakness in the underlying abdominal muscles, that are causing a sagging or disproportionately fat tummy. Overall body weight should be moderate and stable as far as possible. If the condition of loose skin, weakened, or separated muscles, and stubborn fat deposits in the abdominal region is such that it will not improve significantly with diet and exercise, the plastic surgeon may recommend a tummy tuck surgery.

    Specific Candidates

    Women who have been through one or more pregnancies are usually suitable candidates for a tummy tuck surgery. In some women, pregnancy may lead to loose and stretched skin over the abdomen, and in some other women, it may cause muscle weakness alone. These conditions of muscle and skin laxity may not be reversed on their own after childbirth. Therefore, surgeons typically include a tummy tuck as a part of a mommy makeover surgery.

    Some people put on excess fat deposits around the tummy due to hereditary reasons. Even if they eat moderately and lead a fairly active lifestyle, but fats may accumulate over time around the tummy. Normal aging process can also sometimes cause the skin in the abdominal area to sag faster than it does in other parts of the body. Dr. Kim is a dedicated plastic surgeon providing abdominoplasty to suitable candidates in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding areas.

    Patients of Bariatric Surgery

    In recent years, bariatric surgery has emerged as a popular procedure designed to reduce weight for overweight or obese individuals. However, one of the limitations with bariatric surgery is that it results in large amounts of hanging fat or flab that makes an unsightly appearance and extends to the sides or back. This is particularly common among male patients. Tummy tuck can be an ideal follow-up plastic surgery procedure for such patients who have undergone a substantial amount of weight loss with bariatric surgery.

    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, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

    Tummy Tuck Surgery Costs

    shutterstock_109972199Dr. Eugene Kim is an experienced plastic surgeon, having received several years of training with leading surgeons in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. In addition to providing regular procedures as a cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Kim also specializes in treatment for Asian ethnic patients. Patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA and nearby communities may receive a range of surgical treatments, including breast implants, facelift, liposuction, tummy tuck and rhinoplasty, apart from reconstructive surgeries as well as non-surgical treatments.

    Tummy Tuck Overview

    Tummy tuck surgery is designed to achieve a flatter and firmer abdomen for patients who suffer from excess abdominal fat and loose skin. If this condition does not improve with diet and exercise, the plastic surgeon may recommend tummy tuck surgery. The procedure involves surgical removal of excess loose skin and fat deposits in the abdominal area, and tightening of underlying muscles that have become weak and separated.

    In some cases, tummy tuck surgery may be combined with liposuction or another procedure to achieve more effective results. Women may need tummy tuck following a pregnancy or due to aging, heredity and other factors. Dr. Kim will evaluate his patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA and other areas for tummy tuck, and may recommend full or partial surgery, depending on the patient’s needs. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, he ensures that the patient is a suitable candidate for tummy tuck before recommending this treatment.

    Cost Components of Tummy Tuck

    The cost of any plastic surgery procedure will vary on the basis of how complicated the procedure may be, and what kind of skills, time, effort and resources may be required to accomplish the surgery. Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty may be performed as a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck surgery, depending on the unique needs and aesthetic goals of the patient. The cost of the procedure will vary according to how elaborate the surgery may be. Sometimes a tummy tuck may be a part of a mommy makeover surgery, which may make the procedure more cost effective because of multiple procedures being performed together.

    Tummy tuck may also be combined with liposuction for more consistent results, which may also increase the total cost of the procedure. A mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, may be performed at a much lower cost because it does not involve a major surgery or multiple incisions. The cost of a tummy tuck will also vary from one practice to another due to several factors.

    The geographical location will impact the cost of most services in the area, including plastic surgery services. For instance, the cost of tummy tuck in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA and surrounding areas is likely to be different from the cost of the same procedure in Atlanta or Jacksonville.

    Average Cost of Tummy Tuck

    Even though the costs of tummy tuck are likely to vary from one place to another and from one practice to another, patients should still have a basic idea of the costs of the procedure before they visit a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation. The surgeon will usually discuss the costs in detail, and the patient can draw his or her own comparison, keeping in view key factors such as the skills and experience of the surgeon and surgical facilities available at the practice.

    The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides national average cost figures for various cosmetic surgery procedures every year. According to the ASPS figures for 2012, the average cost of tummy tuck procedure was $5,241. However, the ASPS points out that the average cost does not include the costs of anesthesia, surgical facility costs, and other related expenses. Patients should carefully account for all estimated costs related to the procedure.

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