Tired of stubborn belly fat that won’t budge? Let board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva in Newport Beach, CA, transform your silhouette with a tummy tuck. Achieve a flatter, smoother abdomen and reclaim your body confidence.
Tummy Tuck Benefits Await You
Tummy tucks aren’t just about the cosmetic appeal. They offer tangible benefits that go beyond surface-level changes. From improved physical comfort to increased self-esteem, the advantages of undergoing this procedure are multifaceted. Here are three key benefits:
Restore your Pre-Pregnancy Stomach
Wave goodbye to stubborn belly fat! Achieve a flat, pre-pregnancy stomach and feel like yourself again.
Tighten Weakened Abdominal Muscles
Straighten up and strut! Tightening weak abdominal muscles significantly improves posture and reduces back pain.
Boost: Self-Image and Self-Confidence
Shine inside and out! Enhance self-image, self-esteem, and self-confidence with a lean and toned abdomen.
Persistent Fat Areas
People who eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight may still struggle with a flabby belly and weak or stretched abdominal muscles. Let’s face it, after pregnancy, the abdomen doesn’t necessarily bounce back to its earlier shape (a flat abdomen) or become toned even after months of effort at the gym. After such a massive weight loss, excess skin and “problem areas” may persist. The good news? A tummy tuck can finally tighten those abs and flatten that belly, offering a firmer abdomen and a more toned appearance.
What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?
Abdominoplasty, otherwise referred to as tummy tuck surgery, is a popular cosmetic procedure that removes pockets of fat and excess skin from the abdominal area. The procedure can also tighten the abdominal muscles, which can sometimes become overstretched. Most of those undergoing an abdominoplasty are women who have given birth, as well as men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight but still struggle with excess skin or heavy belly fat.
During an abdominoplasty at LEA in Newport Beach, the surgeon will remove excess skin, reduce stretch marks, adjust the belly button, tighten the muscles, and eliminate some excess fat with liposuction. The main focus of a tummy tuck is to remove excess skin and contour your body shape, not weight loss. To obtain long-term results from an abdominoplasty, you must maintain an ideal body weight through diet plans and exercise.
Candidates for Abdominoplasty Procedure
Your provider may recommend an abdominoplasty if you have recently achieved extreme weight loss or if you are a woman who has experienced one or more pregnancies. Ideal candidates have a body mass index of less than 30 and should be at an ideal weight before abdominoplasty surgery.
Dr. Ho Taghva doesn’t recommend abdominoplasty for everyone in Newport Beach who asks. Individuals who plan to lose a substantial amount of weight or are planning future pregnancies should wait before undergoing the surgery to ensure long-lasting results after a tummy tuck.
The doctor may approve the abdominoplasty procedure for healthy men and women, she may recommend waiting, or she may instead propose less invasive procedures like liposuction, depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva performs abdominoplasty procedures in Newport Beach at the Medicare-accredited GALEA Center for Advanced Surgery, which holds the highest accreditation level for outpatient ambulatory surgery centers. The surgical facility is adjacent to LEA Plastic Surgery.
The doctor conducts abdominoplasty procedures under general anesthesia. First, she makes a long incision extending from hip to hip. Once she can access the abdominal tissues, Dr. Ho Taghva removes extra skin and fat deposits from the abdominal area and tightens the connective tissue (fascia) with sutures.
She will then make a second incision around the belly button, which will be skillfully relocated, and she will reposition the skin and muscles to produce a toned and smooth appearance. Dr. Ho Taghva may also perform liposuction during a tummy tuck to remove stubborn, excess fat.
Post-Pregnancy Surgical Technique
Typically, Dr. Ho Taghva will reduce the appearance of stretch marks and remove excess skin from below the belly button. However, stretch marks outside this area cannot be corrected with abdominoplasty. For mothers who have given birth via a C-section, the doctor will usually incorporate the existing C-section scar into the tummy tuck scar to reduce the final scarring and give exceptional results.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a modified abdominoplasty that requires a smaller incision. This surgical procedure addresses only issues with loose skin or a protruding lower belly. You will not need a separate incision around your belly button.
This treatment does not address significantly stretched, sagging muscles or skin. The doctor may recommend a full tummy tuck to strengthen the abdominal wall and to treat lax muscles and upper belly fat or sagging skin higher up the abdomen.
Which Areas Can Abdominoplasty Target
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck surgery, targets the abdominal area to address issues such as loose skin and excess fat deposits. During the surgical procedure, the doctor will create a tailored plan to remove extra skin and tighten the underlying muscles for a firmer, flatter abdomen. Abdominoplasty can help patients who have experienced weight fluctuations or have difficulty achieving their goal weight to achieve a more toned and fit appearance in the abdominal region.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
During your consultation for a tummy tuck with Dr. Taghva, you’ll receive personalized attention and expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. Dr. Taghva conducts thorough physical examinations and reviews your medical history to ensure safety and suitability for the procedure. She will discuss the various types of abdominoplasty techniques, including traditional, drainless, and extended tummy tucks, considering factors such as muscle repair and the extent of excess abdominal skin.
Furthermore, Dr. Taghva will address any concerns you may have regarding recovery, potential complications, and achieving your desired outcome. With her expertise and commitment to patient satisfaction, Dr. Taghva will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with your goals, ensuring a smooth recovery and a firmer, flatter abdomen.
Recovery after Abdominoplasty
Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva will provide you with instructions for the post-surgical recovery period to ensure your comfort, minimize complications, and encourage proper healing. During this healing time, you should anticipate some initial swelling, bruising, and soreness, plus changes in sensations.
Most people can return to work and their other daily activities within one to two weeks, depending on the extent of their customized abdominoplasty procedure in Newport Beach. You can wear a fitted compression garment to encourage proper healing, and the doctor may place drains to prevent fluid from building up. The stitches will dissolve over time, and the doctor may use skin glue, tape, or dressings to hold the newly adjusted skin and muscles in place.
For about two weeks after surgery, you should walk slightly hunched over and keep your waist in a somewhat flexed position because your muscles will be tight. You can place a pillow under your knees while in bed to keep the pressure off the tummy tuck incision. Your abdomen will begin to relax over the recovery period as the healing process takes place. You can resume more strenuous activity at around six weeks.
Tummy Tuck Risks and Possible Complications
Tummy tuck surgery, as performed by our highly skilled and board-certified surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva, is generally considered a very safe and effective procedure. Although all surgical treatments have some inherent risks, Dr. Taghva’s extensive experience and meticulous surgical approach significantly minimize the likelihood of complications. Potential issues such as infection, bleeding, or fluid accumulation are quite rare under her expert care. She employs rigorous protocols to ensure your safety both before and during the procedure.
In some cases, a tummy tuck may include liposuction to optimize the results. Rest assured, Dr. Taghva is well-versed in both procedures and takes extra precautions to reduce any associated risks, such as contour irregularities or scarring. Any concerns regarding anesthesia or medications are addressed comprehensively, as the well-being of her clients is her top priority.
Tummy Tuck Cost
The cost of a tummy tuck in Newport Beach, CA, depends on your individual needs and aesthetic goals. Factors that can influence the cost of a tummy tuck include the extent of the procedure, whether liposuction is required, and other associated costs such as hospital or anesthesia fees. Your doctor will give you an accurate quote for your tummy tuck surgery during your consultation visit.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva?
- Board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Received additional post-residency training in Korea for Asian Aesthetic Surgery
- Experienced in a diverse range of surgeries including both Western and Asian rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, breast lift, full facial rejuvenation, facelifts, and endoscopic brow lifts
- Understands both Western and Asian cultural background
- Highly skilled in cosmetic surgery and provides natural-looking changes that match each patient’s goals, add beauty, and bring facial harmony while preserving unique aesthetics
- Keenly attuned to the delicate complexities of the nose and facial features
Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominoplasty
How long will abdominoplasty results last?
An abdominoplasty can provide long-lasting benefits, but several factors impact their longevity. Typically, the results of a tummy tuck can last for many years, especially if you maintain a stable weight and have a healthy lifestyle. Excess weight fluctuations or substantial weight gain after the procedure can affect the long-term outcome.
Future pregnancies may also impact the results, as changes in the abdominal region during pregnancy can stretch the abdominal skin and muscles. However, by maintaining to a stable weight, engaging in regular exercise, and following a healthy diet, you can greatly increase your chances of preserving the results of your tummy tuck for an extended period.
What are the potential complications of a tummy tuck surgery?
Some possible risks include scarring, wound healing problems, changes in skin sensation, blood clots, fat clots, aesthetic issues that require revision surgery, infection, and bleeding. Most complications are rare. The doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of abdominoplasty in Orange County with you during your consultation. The risks of an abdominoplasty are significantly reduced when it is performed by a board-certified tummy tuck surgeon like Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva.
Can an abdominoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely! A tummy tuck is often combined with other procedures to achieve comprehensive body contouring. For example, it’s common to pair an abdominoplasty with liposuction and even a pubic lift to remove excess fat from various parts of the body. This combination can produce a more harmonious and sculpted appearance. For women who have gone through pregnancies, a “mommy makeover” often includes a tummy tuck along with breast surgery such as breast augmentation or lift to fully reclaim their pre-pregnancy body and improve their body image. Combining procedures can also be cost-effective and may reduce the overall recovery time.
How do I prepare for abdominoplasty surgery?
Dr. Ho Taghva will provide you with instructions during your consultation. You may need to temporarily adjust or stop taking certain medications. You must avoid aspirin and aspirin products like Excedrin, Midol, and anti-inflammatory drugs for at least two weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising. Tobacco can slow down the body’s ability to heal, so you should not smoke for 6 weeks before the surgery. Ask a close friend or family member to bring you to and from the operation and to stay with you for a night or two while you recover. Be sure to arrange for someone to care for your children for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
Do I need a full tummy tuck, or can I get a mini tuck with a smaller scar?
The approach used for abdominal contouring depends on your situation. Dr. Ho Taghva will evaluate your needs by asking the following questions: Is there too much loose skin? Is there too much fat? Are your muscles stretched? Did your muscles separate during pregnancy? Dr. Ho Taghva will discuss these issues and examine you to decide which approach is best. If you have too much fat, she may perform liposuction during your procedure. Removing excess skin alone may be accomplished with a smaller incision, depending on any other issues. If your muscles are separated, you may need some muscle repair, but you may need just a short incision depending on your skin and the extent of the stretched muscles.
What tummy tuck office is near me?
If you live near Newport Beach, CA, LEA Plastic Surgery offers tummy tuck among its services, and is conveniently located at 20360 SW Birch Street Suite 180 Newport Beach, CA 92660
Contact us
Call 949-945-2168 today or submit the form below. We look forward to helping you reach your cosmetic surgery goals.
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