Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pasadena, CA

Tummy Tuck Dr. Caroline Min

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and body fat and strengthen the muscles of the abdominal area. It is typically done following pregnancy, a period of significant weight loss, or after changes with aging. Whether you have recently undergone a period of noticeable weight loss or childbirth, sometimes you are left with excess skin and body fat around the abdomen that just do not seem to disappear despite proper diet and exercise. If you want to improve the appearance of your abdominal area, a tummy tuck procedure might be right for you.

Dr. Caroline Min and her team are the absolute gold standard when it comes to tummy tuck procedures in Southern California. They are your best bet for achieving your desired results. To schedule a personal consultation, contact Dr. Min and her staff by calling (626) 737-9001 or send an email to [email protected].

About Tummy Tuck Procedures

Excess skin around the abdomen can have several causes. One of the most common reasons for excess skin in this area is the result of a patient losing a significant amount of weight, oftentimes in a short period, causing a great deal of excess skin to be left behind. Excess skin around the abdomen can also develop as a result of pregnancy and a variety of other factors. To combat the effects of excess skin and body fat around the abdomen, many people will seek body contouring procedures, such as an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck procedure.

Tummy tuck procedures involve an incision at the lower abdomen followed by the removal of excess skin and tissue. During this procedure, the abdominal muscles can also be tightened with sutures, ultimately resulting in a smoother, more defined abdominal area. There are several different variations of tummy tuck procedures, many of which are offered by Dr. Min and her staff. These variations include:

  • Traditional or full tummy tuck
  • Mini tummy tuck
  • Extended tummy tuck
  • Circumferential or full-body lift
  • Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
  • Reverse tummy tuck

Each version of the tummy tuck procedure offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages and the surgery is tailored to meet each patient’s specific anatomy and goals. If you are interested in learning more about the different types of tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Min and her staff would be happy to answer any questions you might have during your consultation.

Benefits

Tummy tuck procedures are directly linked to improvements in body image, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. (1) Patients who seek tummy tuck procedures might potentially experience benefits that include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Decrease in excess skin
  • Flatter abdomen
  • Tightened abdominal muscles
  • Improved posture
  • More athletic appearance
  • Better fitting clothes
  • Improved self-esteem

The benefits of a tummy tuck procedure are often both mental and physical. Excess skin and body fat that are resistant to diet, exercise, and living an overall healthy lifestyle can be incredibly frustrating, and addressing this can provide relief for some patients, allowing them to feel happier and more confident.

Ideal Candidates

Several factors play into whether or not someone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure, and some people might be a proper candidate for one type of tummy tuck procedure but perhaps not for others. In general, candidates for a tummy tuck procedure should be:

  • In good overall health
  • Non-smokers
  • As close to their goal weight as possible
  • Have realistic expectations

Your eligibility for a tummy tuck procedure will ultimately be determined by Dr. Min and her team during your consultation. Because this is a surgical procedure, patients should be in overall good health and ideally do not use or are willing to discontinue the use of nicotine and tobacco products.

Personal Consultation

The first course of action is scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Min and her team. During this consultation, Dr. Min will take the time to get to know you, your medical history, and your goals when it comes to tummy tuck procedures. Dr. Min will gather all the information necessary to create a customized treatment plan for you. This personalized plan will likely include recommendations for any other procedures you would benefit from.

Dr. Min will also give you a rundown of what to expect during the preparation and recovery processes as well as details about the tummy tuck procedure itself. This consultation will also be a great time for you to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. Ultimately, this consultation will serve as a way for you to set yourself up for a successful experience with Dr. Min and her staff.

To schedule your consultation today, contact Dr. Min and her staff by calling (626) 737-9001.

Preparation

Dr. Min will guide you through every step of the preparation process by providing you with a set of preoperative instructions. The preparation process may differ for each individual depending on a variety of factors, but in general, patients are advised to refrain from the usage of tobacco and nicotine, as well as the usage of blood thinners; these substances are known to increase the risk of bleeding. Patients are advised to make arrangements for travel home after the procedure as well as postoperative care for the first few days of recovery.

Procedure

Each procedure will differ slightly depending on the individual, the type of tummy tuck they receive, and whether or not any additional procedures are performed. In general, patients are usually administered general anesthesia. After the patient is asleep, an incision is made usually at the lower abdomen. From there, excess skin and fat tissue are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened and contoured accordingly. The time of the procedure will vary depending on the individual’s anatomy as well as what type of tummy tuck is being performed, but patients can expect the procedure to last several hours.

Recovery

As with the preparation and procedure processes, the recovery phase will differ for every individual. Most patients can expect to return to some lighter normal activities within a week or so, but strenuous activity should be avoided until advised by Dr. Min, usually within 4-6 weeks. Patients need to adhere to any postoperative instructions given to them by Dr. Min, who will help guide them through the recovery process. Dr. Min monitors patients’ progress during several follow-up appointments in the subsequent weeks.

Results

Tummy Tuck Dr. Caroline Min

As with any procedure, results can never be guaranteed. However, Dr. Min is considered one of the top plastic surgeons in Pasadena for a reason, and this is because she has a track record of producing great results for her patients in a safe and caring environment. Patients who receive a tummy tuck from Dr. Min can expect to see a more defined, aesthetically appealing abdominal area following their procedure. Some results will be noticeable immediately, however, the full results will be more apparent after significant recovery. While Dr. Min and her staff are equipped to help you achieve your desired results, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy lifestyle following the procedure to maintain your results and closely follow all postoperative instructions.

To hear from some of the many patients who are pleased with the results of their surgery with Dr. Min, visit our reviews page.

Cost of a Tummy Tuck Procedure in Pasadena

Because every treatment plan is personalized for each patient, the cost of a tummy tuck procedure will vary from person to person. An estimate of the cost will be provided to you during your consultation and any questions you have about pricing can be discussed then.

FAQ

What is tummy tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address concerns such as excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles, and stubborn fat in the abdominal area. The surgery involves making an incision along the lower abdomen, typically from hip to hip, and removing surplus skin and fat. The underlying muscles are then tightened, resulting in a smoother, firmer abdominal contour.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who are in good general health overall and are at a stable weight. Women who have muscles and skin stretched after pregnancy may find the procedure useful to tighten those muscles and reduce that skin. A tummy tuck is also an alternative for people with a history of obesity and who have lost significant weight but still have excessive fat deposits or loose skin in the abdominal area. Candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

The surgery begins with the surgeon making an incision along the lower abdomen. The extent of the incision depends on the specific type of tummy tuck performed (full, mini, or extended) depending on your anatomy. Excess skin is carefully removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened using internal sutures. Liposuction is often employed to eliminate stubborn fat deposits and contour the waistline and other areas. The remaining skin is then re-draped to create a more toned and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

What happens to the belly button during a tummy tuck?

During the surgery, your belly button will remain attached by its stalk and be cut out of the surrounding skin. It is then “reinserted” into the new tight skin that is pulled over it. Dr. Min takes great care in shaping an aesthetically pleasing button as it is a very important part of creating a beautiful tummy tuck result.

What is the recovery time after a tummy tuck?

Recovery time varies, but patients can typically resume light activities within the first week. It’s crucial to follow post-operative care instructions, including wearing compression garments, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments. Full recovery, including the resolution of swelling and bruising, may take four to six weeks.

Are there scars after a tummy tuck?

Yes, there will be a scar along the lower abdomen, typically positioned low enough to be concealed by underwear or a bikini. The scar will go through various stages of healing, initially appearing red and raised but gradually fading over time. Proper scar care, including keeping the incision site clean, using scar care products, and avoiding sun exposure, can help minimize scarring.

Are the results of a tummy tuck permanent?

While a tummy tuck provides long-lasting results, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for preserving the outcome. Factors such as weight fluctuations and pregnancy can impact the results over time. Following a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding significant weight gain contribute to the longevity of the results.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction or a mommy makeover, which may include breast enhancement procedures. Combining surgeries can address multiple concerns in a single operation, reducing overall recovery time.

Are there risks associated with a tummy tuck?

Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. Your surgeon will thoroughly discuss these risks during the pre-operative consultation, and steps will be taken to minimize these risks, such as conducting a comprehensive medical evaluation before surgery. Dr. Min is meticulous in her surgical technique so complications are rarely seen.

How soon can I expect to see the final results of a tummy tuck?

While there will be an immediate improvement in the abdominal contour after surgery, final results may take several months to become apparent. Swelling and bruising gradually subside during the initial weeks, revealing a more defined and sculpted appearance. Patience is crucial for achieving the best and most satisfying outcome.

References

  1. Saariniemi KMM, Salmi AM, Peltoniemi HH, Helle MH, Charpentier P, Kuokkanen HOM. Abdominoplasty Improves Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Eating Disorder Symptoms: A Prospective Study. Plastic Surgery International. 2014;2014:197232. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/197232
  2. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK431058/