so, i live in the OC. and yes, most people have ‘work’ done. not work on their cars. not montessori work. we’re talking dermatological and plastic surgery ‘work.’
big conversation in the mommy circles of late has been about the tummy tuck.
so, i’ve reached out to my plastic surgeon friend to get the scoop. is it weird that i know lots of plastic surgeons? don’t judge.
Dr. Tenley Lawton, board-certified Newport Beach plastic surgeon. (949) 640-0999 www.lawtonmd.com
big thanks to Dr. Tenley Lawton for answering these questions.
the answers below aren’t verbatim…she didn’t write them. i just wrote them as she explained them to me.
but you get the gist.
she’s a Newport Beach doc who does fantastic work. i trick myself into believing i get a lot done during the day. Dr. Lawton runs her own practice, manages a busy household, and finds time to run everyday. yes everyday.
amazing.
and gorgeous.
yes, she really looks like this…even when she’s running past my house at 5 am….while i’m snoring.
ok, here we go …. some questions circulating amongst my friends…
what is a tummy tuck (aka: abdominoplasty)?
Abdominoplasty is performed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal wall to create a smoother, flatter, and firmer contour.
Flabby on the left. Flat and hot on the right.
how invasive is a tummy tuck?
A complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of work required. It requires an incision from hipbone to hipbone and also requires an incision around the navel. A partial abdominoplasty, or mini tummy tuck, may take an hour or two and often is combined with liposuction depending on the candidate. The incision for a mini tummy tuck is much shorter and does not require an incision around the navel.
how large will the scar be?
With either the full or partial tummy tuck, a well-camouflaged incision is made in a natural skin crease of the bikini area. It will be totally hidden and won’t show in a bathing suit or undies.
what are you actually tucking?
The abdominal muscles are brought back together providing a firmer abdominal wall and the excess skin and fat are removed.
how long is the recovery period?
You can expect mild to moderate swelling and discomfort which is well-controlled with oral pain medication. You should plan on not driving or working for 7-10 days depending on your work requirements. Vigorous exercise or heavy lifting need to be avoided for atleast 4 weeks. Drains are placed under the abdominal flap to prevent any fluid collection and are usually removed after 5 -10 days in the office.
If you’ve got a busy home with busy kids, you should plan to get some help for a week….or for the rest of your life (why not?!).
who’s a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty 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 and 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 return to normal through diet and exercise alone. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which can occur with slight obesity, can also be improved.
how much does a tummy tuck cost (generally?)
The cost totally varies and depends on so many factors. You should call for a consultation if you’re really interested.
where is a tummy tuck operation done?
In most cases, this procedure is performed in an outpatient facility but oftentimes requires a one night stay.
what are the long term risks?
None, except a better-looking tummy!
if i’m getting a c-section, can’t you just do the tummy tuck while you’re in there?? i’m all about one stop shopping!
It isn’t recommended that anyone do a tummy tuck at the time of a C Section. This time should be spent focusing and caring for your newborn. Also, your uterus is still large at the time of delivery which would impact your results.
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so there you have it.
the good, the bad, and the flabby.
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