Taking Your Body Beyond Diet & Exercise

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that flattens and shapes the abdomen and waist by removing excess skin and fat, while tightening the underlying muscles. As the body ages, abdominal muscles begin to protrude and no longer maintain a well defined and toned shape. This can be the result of pregnancy, weight loss or gain, and the overall loss of elasticity that is a byproduct of the aging process. The tummy tuck procedure is able to restore the taunt youthful appearance of a patient’s abdominal area by removing the excess fat and skin, and tightening up weakened and separated muscles. Dr. Savalia often times combines a tummy tuck with liposuction for more dramatic results. The result is an abdominal profile that is not only free of loose, sagging skin, but is also firmer with tightened abdominal muscled.

The ideal candidate for the tummy tuck procedure is in relatively good physical condition, suffering from excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, that has proved resistant to diet and exercise. This includes laxity of the underlying musculature, where the muscles have been stretched in such a way as to not naturally return to their normal shape. The patient is well educated on the tummy tuck procedure, thoroughly understanding the benefits as well as the risks, with realistic goals and expectations. The tummy tuck procedure will leave the patient with a permanent scar that typically runs the full width of the abdomen, although the goal is to place the incision in a location that allows it to be easily hidden by clothing.

Turn Back the Clock With a Mommy Makeover

Only moms know how the birth of a child can affect so many aspects of the body. From stretched abdominal muscles to sagging breasts, pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding can take an incredible toll on a woman’s figure. And the time demands of raising children leave little extra for daily workouts. Thankfully, the mommy makeover cosmetic procedure is helping mom’s get back into shape.

The great thing about the mommy makeover is that it can be fully customized based on your unique needs. Several surgical techniques are performed in one procedure in order to tighten, tone, and rejuvenate your look. You save time and money by combining body contouring options, and the results are surprising and dramatic! Here are some of the cosmetic enhancements that can be done as part of the mommy makeover:

• Liposuction – Get rid of unwanted pockets of fat in the stomach, thighs, arms, and other areas.
• Breast surgery – With breast lift, reduction, or augmentation, your cosmetic surgeon can reshape your bust to get just the right proportions. Breast lift is one of the most popular mommy procedures, as it can help combat the effects of breastfeeding and aging simultaneously.
• Tummy tuck – The abdominal area can be repaired after childbirth with techniques to tighten the tummy muscles and remove skin and fat.
• Thigh lift – The thigh lift targets upper and lower thigh, removing excess skin and fat for a more toned appearance.
• Body lift – Multiple body contouring techniques can be combined to help tighten and firm the body through the removal of loose or sagging skin.

The confidence and empowerment that can come from doing something wonderful for yourself is priceless. Mommy makeovers are recommended only for women who do not plan on having additional children.

If you are interested in learning more about the mommy makeover and its incredible benefits, contact experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nirav Savalia at his Orange County practice.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Procedure Snapshot: Mini Tummy Tucks

Need help in the tummy area? The mini tummy tuck (also called a mini abdominoplasty) works great for men and women who want to get rid of excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen — the area below the belly button.

Less invasive than the traditional or full tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck effectively improves the stomach contour. Those who have stubborn imperfections that won’t budge with diet and exercise may benefit from this procedure. This cosmetic body contouring option is especially popular for women who want to tighten and tone following pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Here’s what to expect during a mini tummy tuck:

The cosmetic surgeon makes small incisions in the bikini line. Excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen. The lower abdominal wall muscles may be tightened, and the skin is repositioned for a firm, toned appearance. Typically, the procedure will last a few hours.

What are the benefits over a full tummy tuck? The scars are less noticeable, the recovery period is shorter, and the belly button will not need to be altered. One more advantage? A mini tummy tuck will typically cost less than the full version of the procedure.

To learn more about the mini tummy tuck and other body contouring procedures, schedule a complimentary consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery today.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant