A nutritious diet and regular exercise are, of course, an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. However, when it comes to banishing flab from your midsection, diet and exercise alone have their limitations. The underlying source of your new or enlarged abdomen may not be fat at all. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity. So, even after you lose weight, your abdominal region may still look big and out of proportion with your otherwise toned physique. Changes in pregnancy also contribute to skin stretching. 

Fortunately, the tummy tuck procedure performed skillfully at The Institute of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery by our Board-certified plastic surgeon in Huntington Beach, California, Dr. Thomas T. Nguyen, not only eliminates stubborn fat pockets but also removes excess skin and tightens lax muscles and tissues. 

It effectively does what years of crunches and eating right cannot do. However, it should be noted that the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and everything that comes with it. Patients should be at or close to an ideal weight and have a history of maintaining a stable, healthy weight. 

The day of 

The specific steps and techniques depend on what Dr. Nguyen finds and recommends following a thorough evaluation and medical review. However, the procedure is performed largely under general anesthesia. An opening is made to access the underlying tissues. As needed, more openings or incisions are made, and this here again depends on your specific needs. While the navel’s location remains unchanged, we may need to alter its shape slightly. 

Actual Patient Results

Additionally, Dr. Nguyen applies his technical proficiency and artistry to soften stretch marks. C-section scars may even “fade into the background,” as they can be incorporated into the incisions required to perform your tummy tuck. Through these incisions, the underlying excess tissues are removed and/or tightened as needed and then closed to start the healing process.

Afterward

We provide clear, transparent, and complete information at every step in the process. Generally, we can advise how to care for the bandaged area or treatment site. Drains are also applied to help with the accumulation of fluid that occurs during recovery. It is also essential to wear supportive garments as you heal. Medications are prescribed and may be applied topically to aid healing and reduce complications such as infections. Of course, it is imperative to maintain follow-up visits at The Institute of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery as instructed by our team.

Results

Patients are so happy to get their old selves back again! Depending on your “starting point,” goals, and other factors, it is not unusual for those undergoing treatment to lose anywhere from five to ten pounds and one to four clothing sizes. What they shed in their dress sizes and weight, they gain in their newfound outlook on life and renewed confidence and self-image. With healthy, realistic weight management, you can maintain these transformative results. 

Call our Huntington Beach, California, office at (714) 421-4022 to start the journey today via a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Nguyen.

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