You may have found that maintaining your midsection was a lot easier in your youth. Now, no matter how many crunches, long runs, or restriction diets you try, your abs just do not look the same. Sagging skin and unwanted fat pockets along the abdominal region can be frustrating despite efforts to reduce it. It is understandable that you are longing to see the leaner version of you again. This is why cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert A. Shumway in San Diego, CA provides men and women with abdominoplasty or tummy tuck services at his practice at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery. The tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure that Dr. Shumway regularly performs to remove extra fat and unnecessary skin around the abdomen while simultaneously strengthening the weak muscles in the abdominal wall. This creates a tummy that is smoother, firmer, and more youthful looking.

Significant weight loss, childbirth, and aging are the most common reasons why you might want to have a tummy tuck. However, there are a variety of factors that lead patients to seek this surgery, which can include the damaging effects of gravity on the skin, genetics, previous surgical procedures that left very large scars, and inelastic skin that just hangs are all reasons we consult with patients for tummy tucks. It is a body contouring procedure that gorgeously reshapes your abdomen for a tighter tummy. If you would like the opportunity to have a more youthful shape and renewed self-confidence in how your tummy looks, we invite you to call for a consultation.

Tummy tuck surgery can be successful for both men and women. If you have sagging skin in addition to unwanted fat in the abdomen, this cosmetic surgery can help you regain a slimming and more toned figure. Dr. Shumway suggests that you be at a stable weight before undergoing this treatment. Tummy tuck surgery is not a procedure to help you lose weight — it focuses on loose skin. A form of liposuction is usually incorporated during the procedure to target fat. If your abdominal area has good skin tautness, but you still are not satisfied with the appearance of your midsection even though you have worked hard to lose weight, you could consider liposuction. A tummy tuck procedure is not a weight loss substitute. If you find that you have significant fluctuations in your weight, you can damage the results of the procedure. These weight fluctuations include pregnancy so if you plan on becoming pregnant in the future, the tummy tuck procedure is not for you.

Body contouring of the abdomen is performed with general anesthesia. There are various techniques that come into consideration when this surgery is performed by Dr. Shumway, which is customized according to the individual’s specific goals. To start, the incision type is chosen based upon the quantity of excess skin. Some individuals with extensive loose skin might benefit best from an extended tummy tuck. A full or extended tummy tuck makes the incision from hip bone to hip bone, just on top of the pubic line. Some individuals with minimal skin looseness may be better candidates for a mini tummy tuck. These individuals still benefit from skin tightening but will simply have a less expansive scar. Regardless of the technique used, all abdominoplasty procedures at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery involve the excision of sagging skin and liposuction.

Following this procedure, you will be carefully examined and sent home wearing a compression garment to assist with swelling. Walking upright will be challenging for a while so you should take it easy for a few days. Walking becomes less painful once the tightness subsides and the incision heals. You can resume everyday functions within two weeks. Workouts can begin around 6 – 8 weeks or earlier if you are given permission by Dr. Shumway. The stomach will feel tight and uncomfortable, but you will appear and feel normal again once healed.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?
At the time of your initial consultation, Dr. Shumway will develop your unique tummy tuck plan to reach your unique concerns and goals before estimating costs. He will be able to better estimate your costs when the type of abdominoplasty is decided, which technique will be used, which anesthesia you will need, and other factors. To ensure you get great results from an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Shumway Cosmetic Surgery takes several payment methods and can give you information on low-interest financing.

What type of tummy tuck should I get?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Shumway will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam. Then, he can help you decide the technique that will produce your best results. A full abdominoplasty is better if you would like to correct loose skin in both the lower and upper stomach, whereas a mini-abdominoplasty is effective for issues under your belly button, such as a “pooch.”

What will my scars look like?
Surgical incisions for your abdominoplasty will vary based on which technique is being used. During all tummy tucks, Dr. Shumway uses the smallest incisions needed to minimize scarring. He also places incisions in areas that are less visible (through the belly button or in the pubic region) so they may be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. Following your tummy tuck, it is important to adhere to your scar management instructions so your stitches heal properly and eventually blend into your natural skin.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although you may get pregnant following an abdominoplasty, it will likely affect your results. Dr. Shumway strongly encourages that you be finished building your family before you get an abdominoplasty. If you do become pregnant following your tummy tuck, another surgery may be done to refresh your stomach.

Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
A lot of patients add a second body surgery with an abdominoplasty to give them more dramatic results. At your initial consultation with Dr. Shumway, talk to him about your desires so a unique surgical plan may be created to match your aesthetic goals. You might combine abdominoplasty with a thighplasty for a lower body lift or other areas for all over body contouring. If you want to rejuvenate your body after having children or losing a lot of weight, you might be a good candidate for after weight loss surgery or a mommy makeover.

A variety of factors can result in a sagging stomach that leaves behind loose folds of skin. We understand it can be annoying and frustrating — abdominoplasty is usually the primary way to overcome this. If you are embarrassed by the hanging skin in your abdominal region, no matter how minimal or severe, cosmetic surgery by Dr. Shumway in San Diego, CA can allow you to get the body you desire. We invite you to call Shumway Cosmetic Surgery for more information.