Discover an inspiring journey of transformation as our patient shares her personal experience with breast reconstruction and a tummy tuck after having children. Learn about her motivations, the surgical process, and the life-changing results that helped her regain confidence and embrace her new self.
With aging and pregnancy, the stomach’s appearance can be compromised in a variety of different ways. Firstly, the six-pack muscles can become separated or significantly weakened, a condition that is difficult to combat with exercise alone. Secondly, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, resulting in sagging lower body contours. Lastly, excess fat can distort the physique, making it hard to enjoy a full array of wardrobe options.
Abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, can address all of these cosmetic issues at once, revitalizing the figure while jumpstarting your self-confidence. The procedure helps to restore a shapely, proportionate physique that is youthful and attractive.
A mini tummy tuck addresses the lower portion of the belly below the navel, removing excess skin, tissue, and fat. The resulting scar is usually about six inches. While effective cosmetically, this procedure does not address separated abdominal muscles.
A standard abdominoplasty is ideal for those that wish to flatten, sculpt, and reshape the lower body above and below the navel. The incision is made horizontally, stretching from hip to hip, with another incision made encircling the belly button. Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss solution, but it can be coupled with liposuction to remove unwanted fat bulges and tighten the stomach muscles.
This surgery adds to the standard tummy tuck by contouring not only the midsection but the hips and lower back as well. The incision extends across the lower abdomen and encircles the hips, with an additional vertical incision in some cases. Liposuction may be added to further sculpt and refine the contours. The final step is to reposition the navel in a more pleasing location.
This option is ideal for clients who have experienced massive weight loss and are looking to reshape their lower bodies comprehensively. Here, the incision is longer than with a traditional tummy tuck but it allows the surgeon to reduce excess skin in the stomach while simultaneously elevating the buttocks and contouring the hips and thighs.
At Savalia Plastic Surgery, the patient experience and support are just as important as the end result.
Abdominoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. An incision is then made according to your surgical plan. In most cases, the incision stretches horizontally from hip to hip, with the scar well-hidden beneath the bikini line.
Dr. Savalia will then remove excess skin, tissue, and fat while tightening the underlying stomach muscles. The weakened muscles are stitched together to form a more secure internal scaffolding over which the belly skin will be redraped. If necessary, the doctor will move the navel to a more pleasing location and will use liposuction to further sculpt and trim the midsection. The incisions are then closed, and the patient is placed in the recovery suite.
Abdominoplasty, performed to tighten and firm the stomach, is a significant component of a mommy makeover procedure to help rejuvenate the physique after pregnancy. During childbirth, the six-pack muscles in the belly become separated, and barring a surgical intervention, there is little that dieting and exercise can do to remedy the situation. Abdominoplasty is often coupled with liposuction, which can work to trim excess fat in the midsection, boosting your results and creating a flatter, slimmer lower body appearance overall.
Abdominoplasty removes the loose skin and tissue that remains behind following pregnancy or rapid weight loss. The procedure also can repair lax or separated abdominal muscles. Liposuction only removes excess fat.
Abdominoplasty is about far more than just flattening out your belly. Dr. Savalia is looking to create a more toned appearance, not a pulled, abnormally taut stomach. His conservative approach to abdominal sculpting allows him to create a flattering look for a wide range of patients.
The tummy tuck is among the most effective means of contouring the midsection. When combined with liposuction, there is almost no better way to improve one’s physique. Dieting and exercise regimens simply cannot create the dramatic, slimming results that are possible with abdominoplasty.
In addition to firming the stomach muscles and removing unwanted skin and fat, a tummy tuck has been known to help reduce instances of urinary stress incontinence. It can also help improve one’s posture. Furthermore, clients who undergo abdominoplasty tend to be more motivated to stay in shape and achieve long-term weight loss.
“Dr. Savalia and his staff far exceeded my expectations. I love the results of my surgery! My clothes fit better, I have more confidence, and I feel like I’m back to where I was before having children.”
A tummy tuck in Newport Beach is a great option for women after pregnancy who have experienced weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It’s also a great solution for clients who have experienced recent weight loss and are struggling with drooping, excess skin in the midsection.
Since a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, clients should be mentally and physically healthy with no significant medical issues. They should be non-smokers who are seeking improvement in their appearance rather than perfection. Dr. Savalia will meet with you in private to discuss whether abdominoplasty is the right approach for your goals. He will perform a physical evaluation as well as a detailed review of your medical and surgical history.
If it is determined that a tummy tuck is not right for you, Dr. Savalia can suggest many other body contouring options to help you achieve the look that you desire.
You will need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and assist you for the first 24 hours. You will be fitted with small drains to help escort excess fluids out of the body. A compression garment will be provided to you that can help minimize your swelling and keep your new, improved abdominal shape intact. The doctor will provide you with pain medications to help ease any discomfort.
For the first several days, you will struggle with bending, lifting, or standing for long periods, so you will need help to complete household tasks and childcare. You will take antibiotics that will help ward off infection. Try to eat lightly and avoid salty foods. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and processed foods, which may increase constipation. Excessive exposure to the sun should be averted for at least 90 days post-op.
By now, you will have noticed a significant improvement in your body shape. Your bandages will be removed at this point, but you will need to keep wearing the compression garment. You may be able to return to work, provided your job is not physically demanding in any way. You will need to wait at least 21 days before resuming exercise and at least 6 weeks before restarting heavy weight lifting.
While there may still be some swelling at this point, your incision should be completely healed. The scar you see may appear raised and red, but it will slowly fade over time. You will be able to resume your normal exercise routine.
While there will be some swelling and bruising to contend with, you will be able to see almost instant improvement in your lower body appearance directly after surgery. The belly will appear firmer, flatter, and more youthful.
Once you have completed your recovery, you will enjoy a sculpted, toned abdominal look that lends itself to a whole new world of wardrobe options. Many clients feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies and are thus more open socially. They are no longer afraid to look in the mirror and actually may like getting their pictures taken. Stretch marks will be reduced, or in some cases, completely removed. Over time, the scars will fade, but in the meantime, they will be covered by underwear or swimwear.
In many cases, stretch marks that are visible on the front of the tummy and below the belly button may be removed during a tummy tuck. Dr. Savalia can discuss the issue in more detail with you during your consultation.
Scars for abdominoplasty are within the belly button and also run across the lower stomach. Dr. Savalia is careful to place the incisions in such a way that they will be well-hidden beneath your underwear or bikini bottom.
Dr. Savalia does everything possible to reduce the risk of complications, but as with any surgery, in rare cases, they do happen. These may include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, and poor cosmetic results.
There is no reason why a woman cannot become pregnant after undergoing a tummy tuck. However, Dr. Savalia advises against it only because it can compromise your tummy tuck results, and you may need to undergo the surgery again later.
Surgery takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of the work performed and on whether you undergo any other procedures, such as liposuction, at the same time. When planning ahead, you may want to factor in travel time, anesthesia time, and the time needed after your treatment to prepare you for going home.
At Savalia Plastic Surgery, the patient experience and support are just as important as the end result.
Read TestimonialsJoni C., Google Review“Dr. Savalia took the time to truly listen and thoroughly answer all of my questions and concerns about my explant and lift surgery. He is a kind, compassionate, and caring physician who made my consultation both relaxed and informative. He took care of me when I needed it the most, and I’m deeply grateful for his expertise and compassion…”
Fernanda R., Google Review“I just had my first ever HydraFacial with Amber in Newport Beach and I absolutely loved it! The treatment wasn’t painful at all, and I could instantly see a difference after all the extractions. My skin looked cleaner and more refreshed than ever.”
Linette B., Google Review“I cannot say enough amazing things about the entire team at Savalia Plastic Surgery! … Every visit is such a great experience. They’re consistently amazing! Highly, highly recommend.”
Debra B., Google Review“Dr. Savalia and his entire team have been fabulous! Had surgery a week ago and am thrilled with the results. They are very thoughtful, caring and respectful to any needs or concerns. Will definitely go back for any other treatments.”
A., Google ReviewDr. Savalia and his staff cared for me when I needed it most. I needed to have some breast tissue removed for review, and he was able to rapidly qualify me for a breast reduction as well for my back pain in long ongoing issues. I’m incredibly pleased with the results, and was shocked how little to no pain I had post surgery. As a registered nurse, I was very impressed with his bedside manner and the professionalism of his staff. I would highly recommend him and choose him over and over again if I had a choice.
Because he believes that listening is the most critical aspect of the patient-doctor relationship, Dr. Savalia will take the time during your initial consultation to make sure all of your questions and concerns get answered. Consultations with Dr. Savalia are relaxed and informative, never rushed or impersonal.
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