If you are interested in abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) in San Jose, Palo Alto, or Los Gatos, contact the Cosmetic Institute.
The Cosmetic Institute
Phone (408) 866-5433
555 Knowles Drive
Suite 100
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck" surgery, is a procedure we offer for our San Jose, Palo Alto, and Los Gatos patients. An abdominoplasty removes excess fat from the abdominal region. It is a helpful procedure for women who have been pregnant, or men who have gained extra weight in their midsections as they've become older. After abdominoplasty/tummy tuck surgery, a patient will have a firmer, flatter stomach.
Tummy tuck surgery is available in both complete and partial forms. An abdominoplasty, or "full tummy tuck," involves an incision between the hipbones and above the pubic area. A second incision is created that separates the navel from the tissue underneath it. The skin is then brought up to rib-level, and the abdominal muscles are pulled up and stitched into place, as is the navel. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the surgeon then replaces the remaining skin and closes the incisions. An abdominoplasty or complete tummy tuck may last from two to five hours, and may sometimes be conducted as an outpatient procedure.
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A mini-tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, may be the right option for our San Jose/Palo Alto patients when excess fat is restricted to the area below the navel. A smaller incision is used in this procedure and the navel is left in place. The surgeon removes the extra fat from the area, stretches and smoothes the skin down, and then stitches it into place. A mini-tummy tuck takes from one to two hours, and is most often an outpatient procedure.
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After abdominoplasty/tummy tuck surgery, bandages will be placed and a tube may be inserted into the site of the surgery; this will drain any excess fluids that accumulate. Discomfort and swelling may be experienced, but these can be alleviated with medication that your doctor will prescribe. Five to 10 days after the abdominoplasty/tummy tuck, the stitches will be removed. Deeper stitches may be left in and removed after three weeks. The amount of hospitalization time and the type of anesthesia will differ according to the type of abdominoplasty/tummy tuck surgery, and the patient. We treat patients in and around San Jose, Palo Alto, and Los Gatos, California.
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Complications with abdominoplasty/tummy tuck and other plastic surgeries are rare, but may include blood clotting and infection. An infection may be treated with prescribed antibiotics. Blood clots may be avoided by engaging in exercise in order to circulate the blood and strengthen muscles. Scarring may appear obvious soon after abdominoplasty surgery and within the first six months, but within a year it will gradually lessen, flatten, and become much less apparent. As smoking can exacerbate scarring and impact healing, smokers are advised to stop smoking for several weeks before their tummy tuck surgery. Most patients will be able to return to their jobs in two to four weeks. For the best surgical results and to lessen the risks of complication, patients should follow their surgeon's instructions for pre- and post-abdominoplasty care.
If you are interested in abdominoplasty/tummy tuck surgery and reside in the San Jose or Palo Alto area, contact the office of Dr. Howard Sutkin.
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