Tummy Tuck in Pasadena, CA

Diet and exercise are often not enough to strengthen and flatten the abdomen, particularly if pregnancy has weakened the muscles. This is also true for patients with normal body weight. If you are experiencing a loose and sagging mid-section that has proven resistant to diet and exercise, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Patients should be in good general health, be non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about surgery. This procedure is not recommended for women who plan on becoming pregnant or any patient planning significant weight loss.

During a tummy tuck, Dr. Nima will make a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and belly button. The skin is lifted, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired, and any excess skin is trimmed. If fat deposits and excess skin are limited to the area below the belly button, you may be a candidate for a less intense procedure called a mini-tummy tuck.

Diet and exercise are often not enough to strengthen and flatten the abdomen, particularly if pregnancy has weakened the muscles. This is also true for patients with normal body weight. If you are experiencing a loose and sagging mid-section that has proven resistant to diet and exercise, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

Candidacy Requirements for Tummy Tuck

Patients should be in good general health, be non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about surgery. This procedure is not recommended for women who plan on becoming pregnant or anyone planning significant weight loss.

Tummy Tuck Procedure Details

During a tummy tuck, Dr. Nima will make a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and belly button. The skin is lifted, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired, and any excess skin is trimmed. If fat deposits and excess skin are limited to the area below the belly button, you may be a candidate for a less intense procedure called a mini-tummy tuck. A mini-tummy tuck often has a shorter incision, no scar around the belly button and a faster recovery. You can also get limited muscle tightening below the belly button as part of a mini-tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck Benefits

• Shapes and defines the stomach
• Narrows the waist
• Eliminates rectus diastasis (the separation of abdominal muscles that occurs after pregnancy)
• Eliminates excess abdominal fat/folds of skin
• Strengthens the abdominal muscles
• Enhances the way certain types of clothing fits
• Boosts self-confidence and self-image
• May reduce some types of back pain from weakened abdominal muscles
• May reduce symptoms of stress urinary incontinence

Tummy Tuck Recovery and Results

After abdominoplasty, the abdomen will feel tight or tender. Dr. Nima will ask you to wear a compression garment around your abdomen to control swelling and support the healing tissues. Most patients wear their garments for approximately six weeks, and Dr. Nima will advise you when to remove the garment or switch to a pair of Spanx.

Plan to spend most of the two weeks right after your abdominoplasty resting, walking and relaxing. Dr. Nima will prescribe pain medication to help you stay comfortable during recovery, or you may opt to take over-the-counter pain relievers. Getting up to take short walks promotes good circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots.

Approximately two to three weeks after surgery, you should start to feel like yourself again and will see your results start to reveal themselves. At this point, you can resume most of your normal activities, as long as you avoid running, jumping, bouncing or engaging in other high-impact activities or sports. Dr. Nima will give you a specific timetable for returning to your specific workout regimen and other strenuous physical activities.

It can take a few months for the swelling to completely subside and up to a year for the scar from the incision to fade. However, Dr. Nima places the incision so that any scarring is easily concealed under most types of clothing. At week two, you will be instructed on specific scar care. IPL and resurfacing lasers can also be used to help fade any scars and can often be started by weeks six to eight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck

Can tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Tummy tuck is frequently combined with breast surgery (e.g., breast augmentation and/or breast lift) into a comprehensive “mommy makeover.” Another common combination is tummy tuck plus liposuction of other areas of the body, such as the hips, back, buttocks or thighs.

Not every candidate is qualified for a combination procedure. Dr. Nima evaluates every candidate on an individual basis before determining whether a combination procedure is appropriate.

What is the difference between a standard tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck?

Standard tummy tuck removes fat and skin above and below the navel. Mini tummy tuck is limited in scope and focuses on the area below the navel. Candidates for mini tummy tuck usually have relatively good muscle tone and taut skin above the navel.

Dr. Nima will advise you regarding the procedure to which you are best suited after evaluating your abdominal anatomy and discussing your surgical goals.

Will tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

Tummy tuck may remove or improve the appearance of stretch marks, depending on their location.

Why should I choose Dr. Nima for my tummy tuck?

Dr. Nima has a long history of safely performing tummy tuck and producing beautiful results. He understands exactly how to sculpt the abdomen so it appears naturally defined and toned — not overcorrected.

The patient experience is also important to Dr. Nima. He takes the time to listen to his patients’ desires and answer their questions so they feel educated and informed. Dr. Nima never wants patients to feel rushed or pressured into making a decision about something as important as elective plastic surgery.