A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightening the underlying muscles for a flatter, more toned midsection.
At Aesthetx, a tummy tuck in Walnut Creek is a highly sought-after procedure that tightens and tones the midsection by addressing the skin, fat, and abdominal muscles. Whether due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, aging, or simply genetics, many individuals struggle with a protruding abdomen that can be resistant to diet and exercise.
The two vertical muscles in the abdomen, which are crucial for maintaining a flat stomach, can separate over time, a condition known as rectus muscle diastasis. This separation can make it impossible to achieve the waistline you once had. Fortunately, a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can effectively address all these concerns, resulting in a flatter, firmer abdomen. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Aesthetx in Walnut Creek bring decades of combined experience and an artistic eye to every abdominoplasty, creating results that look naturally beautiful and proportional to your body.
The traditional tummy tuck involves making a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen. The exact placement of this incision varies for each patient, but our surgeons are committed to making it as discreet as possible. At Aesthetx, we utilize a technique inspired by the Saldanha abdominoplasty, also known as "lipoabdominoplasty," which delivers the most dramatic reshaping results.
For some patients, excess skin and fat may be localized to the lower abdomen, below the belly button. These individuals are ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck, a less-invasive variation of traditional abdominoplasty. This procedure involves a smaller incision, and the belly button remains untouched.
For patients with significant rectus muscle diastasis but minimal excess fat and skin, our practice offers a modified endoscopic-assisted abdominoplasty in Walnut Creek. This procedure requires only small incisions above the pubic area and within the belly button. A tiny camera, known as an endoscope, is used to visualize the area beneath the skin, allowing the surgeon to work without creating large incisions.
For patients who experience fullness in the upper abdomen, a reverse abdominoplasty may be the ideal solution. This procedure involves making incisions beneath the breasts, in the inframammary folds, to remove excess skin and fat from the upper abdomen. The skin above the belly button is then pulled upward, and the muscles are tightened, creating a smoother and firmer upper abdomen. For patients with fuller breasts, these incisions are typically hidden, even when wearing swimwear.
Abdominoplasty offers numerous transformative benefits, such as:
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty at our Walnut Creek practice include individuals who:
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at Aesthetx in Walnut Creek. During this appointment, your surgeon will:
Your tummy tuck procedure will take approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete and will be performed in our fully accredited, state-of-the-art surgical facility. Many of our patients are comfortable with an epidural and sedation, which allows for a quicker recovery. Deep catheters are placed within the abdomen to minimize discomfort after the surgery.
As an outpatient procedure, you will be able to return home the same day as your surgery. While most patients can go home the same day, some may choose to stay overnight for observation for added peace of mind.
(Days 1-7): Rest is essential during the first week. You'll experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. You'll need to walk slightly bent at the waist initially to avoid tension on your incisions.
Most patients return to light work and daily activities around week two. Swelling continues to decrease, and you'll begin to see your new contours emerging. Compression garments should still be worn as directed.
You can gradually resume more strenuous activities and exercise as cleared by your surgeon. Incision lines continue to fade and flatten.
Your final results become increasingly apparent as residual swelling resolves completely. Your abdomen will continue to settle into its new, contoured shape.
With proper maintenance through a healthy diet and regular exercise, your tummy tuck results can last for many years. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies may affect your outcome.
Can I get pregnant after having a tummy tuck?
How long do tummy tuck results last?
What is the best age to get a tummy tuck?
Can I lose weight with a tummy tuck?
How soon can I exercise after my tummy tuck?
Will a tummy tuck remove my stretch marks?
Can I have a tummy tuck if I have a C-section scar?
Yes, you can safely become pregnant after a tummy tuck. However, patients are typically advised to complete their families before undergoing abdominoplasty, as pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin tightened during surgery and may compromise results.
Tummy tuck results are considered permanent because the removed excess skin and repaired muscles do not return. Maintaining results depends on a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, as weight gain, pregnancy, or aging can affect outcomes over time.
There is no single best age for a tummy tuck. Candidacy depends on individual health and goals rather than age, though most patients undergoing abdominoplasty are between their late 20s and 60s.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. While it may remove 5 to 10 pounds of excess skin and fat, the primary goal of abdominoplasty is body contouring, not weight reduction.
Most patients can begin light walking immediately after surgery to promote circulation. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and core-focused workouts should be avoided for at least six weeks following the procedure.
A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located on the excess skin removed during surgery, typically below the belly button. Stretch marks above the belly button will remain but may appear less noticeable after skin tightening.
Yes, having a C-section scar does not disqualify you from a tummy tuck. In many cases, abdominoplasty can improve or completely remove a C-section scar if it is located in the lower abdomen.
