Southern California Los Angeles Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure that can create dramatic improvements in abdominal contour. As with all surgeries, however, tummy tucks are associated with certain risks and complications.

If you're just getting started learning about your plastic surgery options in the Los Angeles area, get our free eBook and find out more. When you're ready, go Inside Online to request your consultation with Dr. Grant Stevens or Dr. David Stoker. When register online, you can save $100 - $150 on your appointment.

Most patients are asymmetrical before surgery. Patients should expect that some asymmetries will exist after surgery as well. In order to remove a large amount of skin and fat, it is necessary to use long incisions. It is possible to have bleeding, infection, slow-healing wounds, skin necrosis or widened scars along these incisions. Because the umbilicus (belly button) is moved during the procedure, there is a small risk that it may not survive and will require an additional procedure to recreate it. When the skin and fat of the lower abdomen is removed, some of the smaller nerves supplying sensation to the central abdomen are removed as well. Most patients experience numbness of the central lower abdomen that may, but does not always, improve with time.

Patients will have small suction drains in place for one to three weeks after surgery. The drains evacuate any fluid that is produced under the skin and allow the superficial tissues to more quickly adhere to the deep tissues. After the drains are removed, it is possible that some fluid will accumulate again. This is called a seroma and is treated with simple aspiration during office visits. It usually resolves within a few weeks.

The abdominal muscles are tightened with sutures as part of the tummy tuck. If a patient strains those muscles during the early months after surgery, or if the patient gains a significant amount of weight, it is possible that the sutures will not hold. In that case the muscles would be expected to return to the more relaxed shape they had before surgery.

Some patients may benefit from liposuction in addition to a tummy tuck. If a substantial amount of liposuction of the abdomen is recommended, the surgeon may suggest that this be performed at a second stage. For some patients this may improve the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Blood clots in the legs or lungs are potential complications from many surgical procedures. To decrease the risk our patients wear pneumatic compression boots during the operation. These boots massage the legs and discourage clot formation by assisting blood circulation while the patient is sleeping.

Before surgery, you should consider the potential risks as well as the benefits of a tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Stevens and Dr. Stoker will go over all aspects of surgery in consultation with you and make sure you have time to ask all your questions. It's easy to go Inside Online and request a consultation. When you register online, the $100 - $150 fee may be waived.

For more information about tummy tucks in the Los Angeles area, please view our Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos or send an email to Charlie and Christi, the experienced Patient Coordinators at Marina Plastic Surgery.

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