Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)in San Jose, CA

Muscle repair is included in a tummy tuck whenever it is needed. When the abdomen rapidly expands, the abdominal muscles can stretch and separate, a condition called diastasis recti. During a tummy tuck, these separated muscles are pulled together again and stitched in place. This muscle repair creates a sort of internal girdle that will hold the core strong and create the appearance of a flatter, tighter tummy after surgery. Also, because the core is aligned and tightened, many patients feel stronger and feel relief from back pain.

Many patients turn to a tummy tuck in hopes of achieving visible abs. Your abdominal appearance will change after your procedure, but not every patient will achieve a sculpted six-pack. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat to reveal hidden abdominal contours. At Aesthetx, we use the Saldanha lipoabdominoplasty technique, which thins tissue out to better reveal contours. Also, tissue is sculpted to enhance the contours by pulling the tissue tight while leaving certain tissue attached, creating the illusion of contour.

Yes, many hernias can be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck. Many times, we work with a general surgeon if the hernia is complicated. Ask your surgeon if this is an option for you.

A tummy tuck consultation is a unique opportunity to learn more about the procedure from a highly qualified plastic surgeon. No preparation is needed, but it can be helpful to learn a bit about the procedure before you come in. Write down any questions you have and bring a list with you. Your surgeon will ask about your medical history, so bring any relevant medical records and a complete list of all medications and supplements you’re taking.

The few days before surgery there are several showers and medications to put on your belly button to prevent infections. The day before surgery there is a gentle bowel clean out done to be sure the muscle can be fully tightened and to be sure constipation doesn’t make the first few days after surgery uncomfortable. We like the abdomen to be empty for the best and most comfortable results.

On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive at our surgical center at the assigned time. A member of our team will check you in and help you prepare for your procedure. Patients meet with their surgeon one last time for surgical markings and any final questions. You’ll also meet your nursing team and anesthesiologist.

Our team will expertly care for you during and after your surgery until you’re ready to return home. Some patients will be ready to head home on the day of their procedure while others will spend a night with us under observation.

Most patients will have drains after their tummy tuck. These drains help to remove fluid from the body as you heal. Drains require minimal care and will be removed shortly, in less than a week after your procedure.

The length of your scar will depend on the amount of tissue removal needed. Incisions are placed low on the abdomen, where they unnoticeable under most clothing and bikinis.

At first, the scars are dark and red. Over time, they will fade, eventually becoming much thinner and lighter. We have patients do silicone scar sheeting and laser treatments to minimize the appearance.

We typically use dissolvable sutures that will not require removal. There is usually an antibiotic skin glue applied that is removed after 3-4 weeks.

Most patients miss 1-2 weeks of work after a tummy tuck in the Silicon Valley. Patients working in a physically demanding or strenuous job may need additional time off work.

Full recovery after a tummy tuck can take 6-8 weeks, but most patients are back to their daily activities much sooner.

The hallmarks of a great tummy tuck include a natural-appearing belly button that is contoured above and below, with a scar camouflaged deep inside. The best tummy tuck surgeons will make your scars bikini friendly. At Aesthetx, we consistently create these results for our patients in the Silicon Valley.

A tummy tuck will not impact your ability to get pregnant. While pregnancy is safe after a tummy tuck, for optimal aesthetic results, it is not recommended. Pregnancy causes the abdominal tissues to stretch and shift, often reversing many of the effects of abdominoplasty.

Any surgery has risks, tummy tucks included. Your surgeon will discuss the risks of this procedure in greater detail during your consultation. To keep risks as low as possible, Aesthetx follows rigorous health and safety protocols.

This is recommended. Almost all abdominoplasty patients undergo simultaneous liposuction of the back to provide the best waistline reshaping. Many will include liposuction of the upper back and lower chest, and many will include liposuction of the inner and outer thighs.

Wait to exercise until your surgeon gives you the okay. Exercising too soon after a tummy tuck can lead to post-surgery complications. Most tummy tuck exercise timelines look like this:

• Walking day 1
• Standing straight 2 weeks
• Light cardio 3 weeks
• Full exercise 6 weeks but no core training
• Strengthen for and abdominal specific exercise 3 months

Many of our patients receive their tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover, a set of surgical procedures designed to restore the body after pregnancy. These patients often have young children and lifting restrictions can be difficult during recovery. We typically recommend lifting no more than 5 pounds for 3-4 weeks. Many patients arrange for help with childcare to make these restrictions more manageable.

A tummy tuck tightens skin and abdominal muscles. Feeling tight is very normal and means that your surgery was a success. Be careful and move in a way that doesn’t strain or put pressure on your incisions. The tightness will gradually resolve in the weeks following your surgery. It’s important to relieve tension by practicing 2 weeks of flexion at the hips at and bent knees.

Deep nerve blocks are done during surgery with an anesthetic that lasts three days. We use a combination of three types of medications for synergistic effects – a narcotic, an anti-inflammatory, and a nerve blocker. We want our patients to rest and recover comfortably.

Our goal is to create optimal tummy tuck results for each patient. Sometimes this means using a patient’s own belly button but repositioning it to a higher position on the abdominal wall. Other times, your surgeon may craft a new belly button.

Regardless of the methods our plastic surgeons used to create your belly button, you can rest assured that they will create the most natural-looking results possible after your procedure.

The timing for a tummy tuck will depend on several factors including the difficulty of your procedure, your surgeon’s schedule, and your availability.

The sooner you schedule your consultation, the sooner we can get started on your tummy transformation. Call us today!

As the majority of patients include liposuction of the back, a typical tummy tuck takes between 4-5 hours depending on thickness of tissue. Your surgeon can give you a better idea of what to expect from your procedure during your consultation.

A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss treatment, but you will lose a small amount of weight from the procedure. Although body contours will improve significantly with the removal of excess skin and fat, most patients lose only a pound or two.

A good candidate for a tummy tuck is in good general health. Though the procedure has come a long way, it is still a surgery that requires the body to heal, and you need to be in relatively good health to do so properly. Our patients that choose abdominoplasty are close to their ideal weight but have a “problem area” in their stomachs.