Introduction to Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
At our award-winning plastic surgery practice in Beverly Hills, tummy tuck surgery is one of our most popular body contouring procedures. A tummy tuck—also referred to as an abdominoplasty—is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can be a life-changing experience for many patients, providing more self-confidence, and better overall health.
World-renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Nicholas Nikolov, strives to exceed expectations while always practicing patient saftey for his Tummy Tuck patients in Beverly Hills. Below, we’ve included information about the surgery, but if you’d like to book a consultation, or have any questions, please contact us today.
What is Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck also referred to as an abdominoplasty can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. During the surgery, Dr. Nikolov will tighten the muscle and fascia in the abdominal wall. The primary goal of the surgery is to provide a slimmer figure and a more firm stomach.
*Please keep in mind that while you can expect to lose some weight from the procedure, it is not a weight loss surgery, and patients should be close to their ideal weight before electing to get surgery.
Mini-Tummy Tuck
There are two types of tummy tucks: a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck. A full tuck is more extensive, and usually requires a longer incision than a mini tuck. The mini tuck is less invasive and may be an option for patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat.
What are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck?
If you are interested in getting a Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills, Dr. Nikolov is one of the most experienced and decorated surgeons in the area. With such a popular procedure, it’s easy to overlook all the amazing benefits that come with it. Below, we’ve included a few examples of what you can expect from the surgery:
- Strengthens and restores a weakened core
- Strengthens abdominal muscles, and improves overall flexibility.
- Minimize the risks for certain medical conditions.
- Prevents painful hernias.
- Improved control over bodily functions.
- Relieves stress urinary incontinence (after pregnancy, some women find they have an issue with accidental leaks)
- The surgery can provide great motivation to lose more weight and strive for better health
- The procedure will help increase your tolerance for more intense exercises once that excess skin is gone.
- A tummy tuck will improve the appearance of your body & provide more self-confidence
What’s the First Step?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Nikolov will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell Dr. Nikolov if you smoke and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Be upfront in discussing your expectations with Dr. Nikolov; it’s important that all patients understand the alternatives, risks, and limitations of each procedure.
For example, if your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a Partial Abdominoplasty (also known as a Mini-Tummy Tuck) which can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
Some patients may benefit more from partial or complete Abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips for a better body contour. In other cases, liposuction alone would create the best result. Dr. Nikolov will work with you to recommend the procedure that will come closest to producing your desired aesthetic.
During the consultation, Dr. Nikolov or his patient coordinator will also explain the anesthesia to be used, the surgery center, and the costs involved.
Lastly, Dr. Nikolov will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least two weeks before your surgery and you should not resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.
*Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure and to help you out for a day or two.
What to Expect on the Day of Tummy Tuck
Before your Tummy Tuck, we ask that you do minor preparation. This may include getting off of blood-thinning medications, organizing a friend or caretaker after the procedure, and getting the proper medications to take after your surgery—which our team will provide the information for.
On the day of your surgery, you will arrive in Beverly Hills at The Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery at your scheduled time, and we will begin the procedure after anesthesia is administered (this varies on the type of Tummy Tuck and can change with different patients). Below is a step-by-step guide on what the Tummy Tuck procedure can look like.
STEP 1 – Tummy tuck surgery usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. A Mini-Tummy Tuck may take an hour or two. An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.
STEP 2 – Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs.
STEP 3 – The large skin flap is folded to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This maneuver provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. Dr. Nikolov draws underlying muscles and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.
The skin flap is then stretched down, and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place.
STEP 4 – Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
Who are the Best Candidates for Tummy Tuck?
The best candidates for Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills or the greater Los Angeles area are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise.
The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can’t return to normal.
Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Nikolov.
*Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, Dr. Nikolov may recommend against Abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your new self. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from Abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people even return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
We ask that you take the time you need to feel comfortable assuming work again. When authorized by Dr. Nikollov, exercise will help you heal better & faster. We strongly recommend that even people who have never exercised before should start, as it will help to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles.
*Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Patients can expect it to take nine months to a year before their scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they’ll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing or even under most bathing suits.
How Much Does Tummy Tuck Cost in Beverly Hills?
The cost of a Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills can vary from patient to patient. After consulting with Dr. Nikolov, our patient coordinator will provide you with a breakdown of the costs for your surgery. In most cases, health insurance policies do not cover the cost of Abdominoplasty.
Why Choose Dr. Nikolov?
Dr. Nikolov is world-renowned for his keen aesthetic sense that emphasizes aesthetic harmony and subtle changes to create a fresh appearance. Whether he’s performing a tummy tuck or an in-office non-surgical procedure, he uses his skills to help every patient enhance their natural beauty.
As a leader in the field of plastic surgery for more than twenty years, Dr. Nikolov has consulted for television programs and publications and has been featured on CNN, CBS, NBC, and the Discovery Health Channel. He has published and lectured extensively in his field and often hosts other doctors to help them learn about his techniques and procedures.
“My goal is to help all those under my care achieve better harmony, feel youthful, and gain more confidence in their appearance while retaining a natural look.” — Dr. Nikolov
Get in Touch
Getting a Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills with Dr. Nikolov may be what helps you get over any self-conscious health hurdles that you have been facing. Our team works with each patient individually to determine an adequate treatment plan for his or her needs. Contact our office today at (310) 247-1932 or request your consultation through our website, and our patient coordinator will be in touch with you shortly!
