Abdominoplasty Thousand Oaks, CA | Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery

Understanding Tummy Tuck Surgery

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The procedure can be combined with liposuction to contour the hips, waist, and upper abdomen. A key component of the surgery involves tightening the rectus ("six-pack") muscles, which often become stretched and bulging, particularly after pregnancy.

Ideal Candidates for Tummy Tuck

The best candidates for a tummy tuck include:

• Women or men with excess abdominal skin who are not significantly overweight
• Women who have completed childbearing
• Patients who have maintained a stable weight for over six months
• Individuals who have undergone significant weight loss

Surgical Technique

The tummy tuck procedure typically takes 2-3 hours and can be performed under twilight or general anesthesia. The surgeon will carefully mark incisions, which are strategically placed to be hidden in the panty-line. The length of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed.

Recovery and Expectations

Recovery varies by individual, but most patients can return to work within two weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal and peak around 48 hours after surgery. By six months, most swelling will have significantly diminished.

Surgical Considerations

• Smokers must quit for 6 weeks before and after surgery
• Scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks
• Scar healing can take 1-2 years to complete
• Genetic factors influence scar appearance

Important Restrictions

Patients should avoid:

• Strenuous activities for 6 weeks
• Heavy lifting (over 10 pounds)
• Bathing, hot tubs, or swimming for two weeks

For more information about Tummy Tuck in Thousand Oaks, CA, submit an enquiry to Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery.