Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty transforms the figure and delivers a more youthful, shapely aesthetic. Benefits include:

• Firms the underlying stomach muscles
• Trims redundant skin folds
• Smooths stretch marks
• Refines and repositions the belly button
• Creates a flatter, more toned midsection
• Enhances self-confidence
• Allows you to get more out of your gym workouts
• Boosts stamina and energy
• Expands clothing options
• It can be well-paired with liposuction or a thigh lift

You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are a healthy non-smoker over the age of 18 with realistic expectations for your results. The procedure is suggested for patients who have been unable to sculpt the stomach through conventional means and who desire a firmer, flatter midsection. If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight, or if you plan to become pregnant, Dr. Sato will advise you to wait before undergoing the procedure, as further weight loss or pregnancies could reverse the benefits of abdominoplasty.
Once you’re scheduled for a tummy tuck, Dr. Sato will give you instructions about how to prepare for the procedure. You may need to undergo additional lab work, and you will be asked to avoid inflammatory drugs and supplements that increase bleeding. You should bring a driver with you on the day of your procedure.

A tummy tuck is usually an outpatient procedure done under local anesthetic and IV sedation at our in-office operating room or under general anesthesia at an ambulatory surgery center. The procedure is highly customized based on your needs, so the length of surgery can vary greatly. A tummy tuck takes around two to four hours to complete.

A single small incision will be used for a mini abdominoplasty. For a full abdominoplasty, Dr. Sato will make an incision from one hip bone to the other, low along the pubic hairline. There might be another incision around the belly button.
She will remove the excess skin, tighten and repair the belly muscles, and reshape the abdominal silhouette. Liposuction can be used to trim excess fat, and the navel is retained in its proper location. She will then close the incisions using state-of-the-art suturing techniques.

After the surgery, your abdomen will be bandaged, and you will be dressed in a compression garment to help reduce swelling. You will likely experience mild to moderate soreness, bruising, and swelling, which are only temporary and can be minimized through pain medications prescribed by Dr. Sato. If subcutaneous drains are placed intra-operatively, the doctor will provide instructions on emptying them at home.

Most patients take 10-14 days off from work to support their recovery. Heavy lifting (anything over 10 lbs) and strenuous activity are discouraged for 4-6 weeks. Dr. Sato will give you full post-operative care instructions and monitor your progress during follow-up visits. She will inform you when you are fit to resume normal physical activities, including work and exercise. There will be some scarring with either full or partial abdominoplasty, but these lines will fade significantly over time and can usually be hidden under clothing, including swimwear and lingerie.