Tummy Tuck

Stubborn pockets of fat and excess skin around the abdomen rarely go away with diet and exercise alone. Patients understandably can find this extremely frustrating, especially after putting in notable effort to hone their bodies. A tummy tuck with Dr. Brent in Beverly Hills opens the door to reclaiming a body contour that you will love.

A Sculpted,

Contoured

Table of Contents

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a procedure that is used to improve the contour of the stomach and abdomen area. It essentially flattens the stomach to provide a slimmer and sleeker look. The procedure is also known as abdominoplasty. Excess skin and fat are removed from the area, and the muscles in your abdominal wall are tightened. The procedure can smooth out skin imperfections on your abdomen area and can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks. A flat, toned stomach is something most people strive for. However, when diet and exercise alone cannot get you there, a tummy tuck may be the right option for you.

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More Tummy Tuck Examples

Evaluation

Dr. Brent will evaluate the quality of your abdominal skin and the amount of excess skin you have. Your loss of skin elasticity and the ability of your skin to reshape itself will determine the best procedure and the length of your scar. Dr. Brent will also evaluate the looseness of your abdominal muscles called diastasis. Muscle looseness can be located either below your belly button area or the entire abdomen from the xiphoid to the pubis.

When deciding your best treatment option, this differentiation is the key. If your abdominal bulge is located below your belly button and it is due to weak muscle, and a mini tummy tuck is usually an excellent choice. If the looseness is in your entire abdomen, however, a full abdominoplasty is required to tighten the whole muscle. The most effective procedure for you will depend on your skin, fat, and muscle components and how they interact.

Types of Tummy Tuck

Dr. Brent offers multiple types of tummy tuck procedures, each with unique techniques. Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Brent can help you find the right one for you during the consultation. Below, you will find the various types of tummy tuck options that Dr. Brent offers.

The Hybrid Tummy Tuck ®

Dr. Brent has developed several signature techniques for plastic surgery that enhance the patient experience. One of these is the Hybrid Tummy Tuck®, designed to get rid of the extra bulge in your lower stomach by tightening the deep layer via a small incision in your abdomen. Dr. Brent designed the technique to use an existing C-section scar for the small incision. Even if you do not have a C-section scar, the incision is minimal.

Mini Tummy Tuck

For those who only have fat deposits below the navel, a mini tummy tuck is a less complex option. This is similar to a full tummy tuck, except it is only on the area below your navel. Removing the fat and tightening the muscles, providing you with a flat and sleek lower stomach that matches the rest of your abdomen.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck involves creating a new belly button as the muscles from your lower chest to your pubis will be pulled and tightened. This is frequently performed with liposuction to enhance the effects dramatically.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck is for obese patients who have a large amount of excess fat and overhanging skin that extends to the back area. This procedure also includes creating a new belly button and tightening up the muscles. The scar will reach beyond the hips and towards the back due to the amount of fat that will need to be removed.

Circumferential Tummy Tuck

A circumferential tummy tuck is for patients who have lost a lot of weight and fat, usually after gastric bypass surgery. In order to create a sleek contour, the scar will extend around the waistline. Dr. Brent will also lift your outer thigh and buttock, tighten your muscles, and create a new belly button.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Overview

Dr. Brent and his team will provide you with pre-operative instructions that are uniquely specific to you. However, some guidelines apply to patients across the board. Below, you will find the necessary steps to take before surgery.

No Smoking
Avoid Certain Medications
Meal Prep
Purchase Special Garments
Exercise
Driving Arrangements

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which will allow you to remain unconscious from start to finish A board-certified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the entire procedure, optimizing your safety. If you are only getting a tummy tuck, the procedure should take only 2 to 3 hours, depending on the type of tummy tuck. The incisions and procedure approach can be different based on the type of procedure you are getting as well.

Incisions Used

The procedure usually involves two incisions. One scar above your pubic hairline, and the doctor cuts the skin up toward the rib cage. Another is around your belly button so that it can be freed from the surrounding tissues. The muscles in your stomach are tightened, and the belly button is repositioned. Any excess skin is removed, and Dr. Brent closes the incisions with stitches. You will likely have drains for any excess blood or fluid, but they are removed within 2 weeks.

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My experience with Dr. Moelleken and his staff was the absolute best possible. Dr. was very interested in his patient as were his staff. Making you comfortable and secure in the knowledge of his skills, which are the best. No problems. No looking “done” just better. Thank you.

FAQs

Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?

There are many reasons why you may want a flatter stomach. If diet and exercise cannot kick the extra fat in your stomach, this procedure may be right for you. Below are some of the common reasons our patients contact us for a tummy tuck.

Natural Aging: The effects of aging can increase weight retention. Also, the skin becomes less elastic and can sag. If the effects of natural aging cause problems in your abdomen area, a tummy tuck can help flatten and tighten the area.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy can be difficult on a woman’s body, especially the stomach area. With the skin and muscles stretching to carry the baby, getting your body back to its pre-baby state can be difficult. Pregnancy also can often come with weight gain, which can make your stomach area even more problematic.
Weight Fluctuations: While a significant weight loss can be notable for your body and overall health, it may come with some issues. Often, major weight loss will result in excess skin that has stretched from the prior weight gain.

If you are interested in a tummy tuck, contact our office today for a consultation! We are happy to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to decide what is right for you.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

The cost of a tummy tuck depends on factors like procedure complexity and type. That is why we start with the consultation. This allows Dr. Brent to piece together a unique plan for you and provide a personalized quote. Every quote transparently breaks down individual cost elements, ensuring no surprise charges. It comes with no commitment, so you can take your time considering your procedure ahead. While insurance generally does not cover a tummy tuck, patients may use financing options to have flexible payment options. Dr. Brent can go over some of these options during the consultation.

What is the recovery like after a tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks are performed on an outpatient basis, so you can usually go home the same day. You will experience swelling and bruising, and it will take some time to settle and get back to normal. The first 3 days are the most difficult, but you should be able to return to work within 2 weeks. However, it will take roughly 1 month before you feel like your old self again.

Dr. Brent sees all patients for a follow-up visit, typically soon after the first week of recovery. During this visit, he can check your healing and make additional recommendations if needed. You can also ask any additional questions. He and the team gladly provide support throughout your healing process.

When will I see my results?

To a degree, the results will be clear immediately after the procedure. However, the full effect of the procedure will take several weeks. At that point, you will notice a narrower waist, a reduction in stretch marks, and a flatter stomach. Your abdomen will be more proportioned to your body type and weight. If you want to see the full effect of the procedure, rest is vital for recovery. It takes several months for all residual swelling to fade and for the tissues to settle.

How long do the results last?

For many patients, tummy tuck results can be permanent. The fat and skin removed in the procedure are gone. Simple as that. However, patients will need to adhere to a healthy lifestyle to maximize their results. Weight fluctuations can still cause the remaining fat cells to enlarge, altering results. Additionally, pregnancy can dramatically change a patient’s results. So, we typically recommend having the procedure only if a patient does not plan to have a future pregnancy.

Will there be a scar?

Though the incisions are kept to a minimum, the procedure still requires some to be made. Any incision in any surgery will always heal as a scar. What matters is the placement and size of those incisions. With a tummy tuck, Dr. Brent makes all incisions in locations where visibility is minimized. They should be below the waistline of most garments, so you should even be able to show off your results at the beach.

Also, the scars generally improve with time. They may seem more prominent in the first few months but should gradually lessen. Qualifying patients can also try nonsurgical scar reduction treatments.

Can I combine procedures?

You can, and many patients indeed do. Patients typically combine other body procedures with a tummy tuck. And patients planning to have a mommy makeover can include this procedure along with others. Combining procedures enhances results and means less downtime than separate surgeries. Additionally, it can make for a more economic cost.

Our top combinations include:

Breast Augmentation: Enhances the volume of the breasts to further emphasize your new abdominal contours.
Breast Lift: Elevates the breasts to a more youthful, perky position, improving breast appearance and comfort.
Liposuction: A tummy tuck can include liposuction already. But many patients may take the opportunity to have liposuction on other body areas.
Thigh Lift: Removes stubborn fat and tightens the thighs.

What is the consultation with Dr. Brent like?

Every procedure begins with a consultation. It’s essential to let Dr. Brent know what your expectations are at this appointment. This will help them understand if the procedure is right for you. Depending on your aesthetic goals, our office provides a variety of cosmetic procedure options that can help you attain your desired look. At the appointment, you will undergo a physical examination. You must be in good overall health before surgery. At this appointment, you must share any medical conditions you have, your current medications, and any prior surgeries you have undergone.

Safety is Dr. Brent’s primary concern. With that, in addition to the physical examination, you will need to undergo routine lab work. This will need to be done with your primary care physician, or our office can refer you to a local doctor. All of this paperwork needs to be submitted at least two weeks before surgery to ensure you are fully prepared and in good health.

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Dr. Brent Moelleken is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. He is one of the most highly skilled surgeons in the country and has received his training at Harvard, Yale, and UCLA. Due to his commitment to patient outcomes, he has been selected as one of Vogue Magazine’s “Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in America.” Contact Dr. Brent today for a consultation regarding a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills.

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