Tummy Tuck Surgery at a Glance
- Sedation: EXPAREL® or General Anesthesia
- Procedure Length: Approximately three to four hours
- Potential Benefits: A firmer, slimmer, and more aesthetically pleasing midsection; reduction of loose, sagging muscles and unwanted fat; possible reduction of physical symptoms
- Potential Risks: Swelling, bruising, discomfort; (less commonly) poor wound healing, adverse anesthesia reactions, infection, excessive bleeding
- Cost: Variable
Many patients struggle with loose, sagging abdominal skin or fat that refuses to respond to diet or exercise. A tummy tuck – known in the medical world as “abdominoplasty” – can address these concerns by tightening and restructuring the underlying muscles to create a flatter, firmer midsection.
Our double fellowship-trained Mountain View plastic surgeon, Alexander Ereso, MD, has helped countless patients achieve a more toned and contoured abdomen with customized tummy tuck procedures. To learn more about this sought-after cosmetic surgery, we welcome you to contact our office.
Explore These Topics
Who Is a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Abdominoplasty may be appropriate for those with:
- Loose or sagging abdominal skin, particularly after pregnancy or significant weight loss
- A protruding abdomen that is out of proportion with the rest of the body
- Weakened or separated abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or aging
- Localized fat deposits in the abdominal region
Patients who are planning future pregnancies or substantial weight loss should discuss these goals with Dr. Ereso, as they may affect the timing and outcome of the procedure. In some cases, existing scars from previous abdominal surgeries, such as a Cesarean section, can be incorporated into the new incision to minimize additional scarring. Otherwise, candidates for tummy tuck surgery should be relatively healthy and at a stable weight.
Patient Results
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After Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
Although they are sometimes confused, tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are distinct procedures. While abdominoplasty involves the removal of fat and skin, as well as the repair of weakened or separated abdominal muscles, liposuction targets only excess fat and does not address skin laxity or muscle tone. Patients considering these procedures should be aware that liposuction typically yields optimal results only when the skin remains firm and elastic and the abdominal muscles are in good condition. That said, tummy tuck surgery is frequently combined with liposuction to target the abdomen, as well as areas such as the hips, lower back, buttocks, or thighs for more dramatic body contouring effects.
Complementary Procedures to Tummy Tuck Surgery
To help patients achieve more comprehensive aesthetic results, Dr. Ereso may recommend combining tummy tuck surgery with other procedures. Liposuction is commonly included to enhance body contouring, and many women opt to undergo a lower body lift, Brazilian Butt Lift, breast augmentation, and/or breast lift surgery to further transform the physique. For those seeking to restore the appearance they had prior to pregnancy, a comprehensive mommy makeover may provide the most effective solution.
How Is the Tummy Tuck Procedure Performed?
Your tummy tuck journey begins with a personal consultation with Dr. Ereso, during which he will review your medical history, assess your physical and emotional health, and discuss your aesthetic goals. A thorough abdominal evaluation will focus on:
- Skin quality
- Existing scars
- Fat distribution
- Muscle integrity
Dr. Ereso will review your current medications and provide specific guidance. To optimize your outcome and reduce surgical risk, you will be advised to avoid medications and supplements that may interfere with healing. Leading up to the procedure, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, stay active, get sufficient rest, and avoid processed foods or calorie restriction. In addition, smoking should be discontinued several weeks before surgery.
If you feel unwell before the procedure or have any questions, you are encouraged to get in touch with our team.
Tummy Tuck Strategies
During the procedure, a horizontal incision is typically placed within or just above the pubic area, carefully positioned to be hidden beneath most undergarments or swimwear. Through this incision, Dr. Ereso can tighten the abdominal muscles and excise loose or sagging skin. When possible, skin with stretch marks is removed.
Many variations of abdominoplasty exist:
- A traditional abdominoplasty, which aims to remove most of the skin between the belly button and pubic area, repair the abdominal muscles, reposition the belly button, and often includes liposuction of the sides and flanks
- An extended abdominoplasty, or “belt lipectomy,” a more extensive method that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, lower back, and upper thighs (generally ideal for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight)
- An endoscopic tummy tuck, which includes tightening of the abdominal muscles with only a small amount of skin excision1
- A mini tummy tuck, which targets the area below the navel2
Each technique is selected based on your anatomy, goals, and the degree of correction needed.
EXPAREL® & Tummy Tuck
Dr. Ereso offers EXPAREL® to his breast augmentation and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) patients. EXPAREL® in selected individuals can greatly reduce post-operative discomfort. To help control your pain after surgery, he will inject EXPAREL® into your surgical incision just before the end of the procedure.
- EXPAREL® is a local analgesic that contains the local anesthetic bupivacaine. Local anesthetics provide pain relief by numbing the tissue around the surgical site.
- EXPAREL® is specifically designed to release pain medication over time and can control pain for up to 72 hours. This is fantastic!
- In addition to EXPAREL®, we may provide other pain medications to control your pain.
- Each patient is different and responds differently to pain medication. Depending on how you respond to EXPAREL®, you may require less additional pain medication during your recovery.
Be sure to ask our plastic surgeon and staff about this exciting way to reduce your discomfort, enhance your experience, and help you achieve the superior result that you deserve.
What Does Tummy Tuck Recovery Involve?
Following your tummy tuck, you will be taken to a recovery area at our facility. Small drainage tubes may be placed under the skin to prevent fluid buildup, and your abdomen will be dressed with tape or an elastic bandage.
You may not be able to stand fully upright at first, but early movement is encouraged to support circulation. During this time, avoid bending, lifting, or straining, and follow Dr. Ereso’s instructions to sleep on your back with your knees elevated.
Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general timeline:
Within The First Week
- Surgical drainage tubes may be removed
- Sutures will be removed (may take 10 days)
- Bruising and swelling should reach its peak
After Several Weeks
- You should no longer need to wear the support garment
- You may gradually increase your activity and exercise
- You may return to non-strenuous work (typically within the first two weeks)
- Bruising and swelling should continue to subside
- You should begin to see your results
After A Few Months
- You should see a more complete picture of the final result of your surgery
- Feelings of numbness or tightness should disappear. Your incision line may begin to fade from its reddish color (though full fading may take one to two years)
To protect your healing skin in the months following surgery, be sure to avoid sun exposure and refrain from wearing black or dark clothing outdoors, as these colors can absorb heat and irritate the surgical area.
Is a Tummy Tuck Safe?
As with any surgical procedure, certain potential risks are associated with tummy tuck surgery. Though rare, these complications include bad anesthesia reactions, infection, bleeding, fluid buildup, and delayed healing.
That said, when performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, tummy tuck surgery is generally safe/ Dr. Ereso will address any specific concerns you may have and ensure you are fully informed before moving forward with the procedure.
“Definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had with doctors. Dr. Ereso is not just a great doctor but awesome person to go to. His confidence in what he does shows through his work. He really makes one feel at ease about the procedures he will do and their results so even though he’s the only surgeon I’ve seen, I couldn’t have asked for a better one. Hell, he is the BEST! I appreciate that he is caring enough to personally talk to you and answer any questions you may have outside the office. Thank you Dr. Ereso and thank you to the amazing staff that works with him!”
How Much Does Tummy Tuck Cost Surgery Cost?
The cost of tummy tuck surgery in Mountain View can vary depending on several factors. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Ereso will provide a quote for your experience at our practice.
If you have questions about abdominoplasty, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ereso today.
