The Tummy Tuck remains one of the most satisfying procedures I perform. There is something very rewarding about being able to restore a stomach to its firm, youthful form. Most patients are in good shape. Many are working hard at improving the look of their abdomen; however, exercise alone does not always provide the desired results. Exercise can reduce weight and strengthen muscles, but it cannot shrink skin or tighten an abdominal wall that has been over stretched.
Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures
Who Gets Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)?
Many of my tummy tuck patients have had children. Their abdomens have stretched due to pregnancy, especially with multiple pregnancies. The baby, like weight gain, stretches the abdominal wall causing both muscle and skin laxity. This can occur even when physically fit. Abdominal wall stretching is compounded by even mild weight gain, as the fat seems to be stored preferentially in the lower abdomen.
Why is the Abdomen More Full at the Bottom?
Extra skin tends to fold over at the belly-button and at the belt line. This happens because most the attachments between the skin and abdominal muscles are loose, allowing gravity to slide the skin down over the muscles when we stand. Dense attachments between the skin and the muscle at the belly button and along the belt line keep the skin from sliding. Redundant skin above these areas accumulates and may fold over itself. The lower abdominal skin folding is accentuated by lower abdominal scars, like the scar from a C-section. The C-section scar firmly glues the skin to the underlying muscle, and gravity pulls any loose skin over the scar enhancing the pooch.
Another reason the abdomen is more full at the bottom has to do with the abdominal wall muscles. Pregnancy and weight gain increase the volume inside the abdominal cavity. This stretches not only the skin but also the tough fascial layers that support the abdominal muscles. When the fascia layers are stretched, the guts can push forward, causing a rounder belly. Tightening the muscles voluntarily can help, but when overstretched, it may not be possible to suck the guts in completely.
Fat retained inside the abdominal cavity can also cause a firm round belly that cannot be sucked in. Fat in this interior location cannot be removed with a tummy tuck or liposuction, and must be lost through diet and exercise. This is part of the reason it is best to be close to your goal weight before having your tummy tuck.
What Can be Done to Flatten the Belly After Pregnancy or Weight Loss?
Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures
Tummy Tuck - Before and After Photos
Tummy Tuck: The Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, was created to tighten the abdominal wall muscles and to remove excess skin. A tummy tuck also removes excess fat more completely than liposuction. This three pronged approach addresses excess skin, excess fat and lax abdominal muscles. It is the most effective way to rejuvenate the shape of the abdomen. Abdominoplasty smoothes the skin, removes the fat and tightens the abdominal muscles.
Liposuction Before and After Pictures
Liposuction Before and After Pictures
Liposuction: If the skin tone and muscle wall are already in good shape, Liposuction alone may be sufficient. However, if liposuction is performed with loose skin or muscles, the results will not be optimal. The muscle is not tightened with liposuction, and the skin may lose support from the fat removal and become more irregular.
Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures
Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures
Mini-Tummy Tuck: The Mini Tummy Tuck, or Mini Abdominoplasty, can help when the muscle and skin laxity is isolated to below the belly button. It does everything a tummy tuck can do below the belly button, and can be combined with liposuction to address disproportionate fat above the belly button or on the sides. For laxity above the belly button, a tummy tuck is still the best choice.
Tummy Tuck Information
More information about tummy tucks is available on my main web site DrMele.com. If you would like specific information regarding what can be done for your tummy, schedule a consultation in our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery Office in Walnut Creek, California. Call (925) 943-6353 or use the contact form in the column on to the left.
Dr. Mele discusses Tumescent Liposuction (aka: Liposuction, Suction Assisted Lipectomy and Liposculpture) on the San Francisco Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.
Liposuction, specifically Tumescent Liposuction, remains the gold-standard in efficient, safe and predictable fat removal. It allows for the selective removal of fat from areas that are disproportionate in a way that weight loss cannot. While weight loss is indicated for obesity, liposuction is superior for the spot removal of localized collections of fat that stubbornly remain, even if you are near your ideal weight.
Mesotherapy Banned
France recently banned one of the largest “alternative” fat removal treatments because it posses a significant risk to the patient’s health. The law was far reaching, and included ALL non-surgical alternatives to liposuction. The French court found that the inclusion of some already approved methods was inconsistent with the spirit of the law, and consequently has issued an injunction pending narrowing of the law’s scope.
San Francisco Bay Area Liposuction Expert
Below is the first segment of four from an appearance on the San Francisco Bay Area News Station, KRON, Channel 4. The topic for discussion was Liposuction and Liposuction alternatives, both surgical and non-surgical. The (415) number on the video was for viewers to call in with questions during the live show. If you have questions, please call our Walnut Creek Liposuction Expert at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form in the left column.
San Francisco Bay Area Liposuction Video
Tumescent Liposuction Topics Covered
Topics covered during the above San Francisco Bay Area Television appearance include:
The recent French Mesotherapy Ban
Problems associated with Mesotherapy
Inclusion of Some Approved Treatments in the French Mesotherapy Ban leads to the requirement for modification
Tumescent Liposuction
The ability of Tumescent Liposuction to selectively remove fat
Do lasers, ultrasound and radiofrequency dramatically improve the results of Tumescent Liposuction?
Additional Liposuction Videos
Additional Liposuction Videos from this appearance are available on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog via the following links:
Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.
San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned the latest in body contouring on Body Beautiful with host Vicki Liviakis. My recent KRON 4 appearance reveals how Tummy Tucks can help after weight loss and childbirth. By removing disproportionate fat and repairing loose abdominal skin and muscle laxity, you can have a rejuvenated belly. This is part four of the video series; however, links to all four parts are available at the bottom of this post. Watch the show on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and learn about the latest techniques of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video
This is the final of four video segments about procedures for tightening your tummy. The video includes more viewer questions from the live broadcast. If you didn’t have a chance to call in during the broadcast, but you have questions, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the left column. The (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video Part 4
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information
This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:
How much does a Tummy Tuck cost?
Does insurance cover Abdominoplasty costs?
What type of Tummy Tuck is best for you?
Modifications of Abdominoplasty (Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck) for skin tightening after massive weight loss and after bariatric surgery?
How long is the Tummy Tuck recovery?
Can an Abdominoplasty be performed safely with Diabetes?
Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.
Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This is part 4 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:
Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast. Information on procedures frequently combined with Tummy Tuck procedures, like Breast Augmentation or Liposuction, with a Tummy Tuck is also available. The combination of Tummy Tuck and Breast Enhancement (Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, etc…) is often called a Mommy Makeover.
Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.
San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned what’s new in body contouring on my recent KRON 4 Body Beautiful appearance with host Vicki Liviakis. Tummy Tucks can help after lost weight, childbirth and other causes of abdominal laxity. You can watch the show, in its entirety, on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and learn about the latest techniques of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video
This is the third of four video segments about abdominal rejuvenation. This video includes viewer questions from the live broadcast. The combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty is reviewed. If you have questions, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the left column. The (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video Part 3
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information
This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:
Should you lose weight before Abdominoplasty surgery?
Does having more fat mean more Tummy Tuck costs?
Can a Tummy Tuck be performed after a C-section?
Will Abdominoplasty interfere with my gym work-outs?
Can I have more children after a Tummy Tuck? Is it a good idea?
Does age matter?
Can I combine other procedures, like Breast Augmentation or Liposuction, with a Tummy Tuck? (Breast Augmentation with Tummy Tuck is often called a Mommy Makeover)
What are the alternatives to Abdominoplasty?
What exactly does a Tummy Tuck repair?
Loose Skin?
Loose Muscle?
Excess Fat?
Stretch Marks?
Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.
Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This is part 3 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:
Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (Coming Soon)
Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast.
Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.
I recently appeared on Body Beautiful, and San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned what’s new in body contouring. If you have lost weight, had a baby or have stubborn bulges of fat, cosmetic plastic surgery may be right for you. Hear the latest about Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video
Below is the second of four video segments about abdominal rejuvenation. This video includes before and after pictures of tummy tucks both large and small. Comparisons between liposuction and tummy tuck are made. Please note, the (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only. If you have questions about abdominoplasty, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the left column.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video Part 2
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information
This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:
Abdominoplasty Before and After Pictures after massive weight loss (post-bariatric surgery)
Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures after childbirth with stretch mark removal
Abdominoplasty Before and After Pictures with muscle tightening
Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures with removal of lower abdominal fat and muscle tightening
What is the difference between a Mini Tummy Tuck and a Full Tummy Tuck?
Where does Liposuction fit into abdominal rejuvenation?
Where is the scar located for a Tummy Tuck?
Is the Mini Tummy Tuck scar really shorter than the traditional Abdominoplasty scar?
What can be done to minimize the Tummy Tuck scar?
Massage
Topical Silicone
Laser treatments
Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.
Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This is part 2 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:
Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (Coming Soon)
Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast.
Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.
On a recent television appearance on the Bay Area’s News Station, KRON4, I discussed what’s new in body contouring. Broadcast topics included: Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck surgery), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction. On Body Beautiful, San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned about the latest plastic surgery techniques used to smooth the belly, and a lucky few were able to phone in and have their questions answered.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video
Below is the first of four video segments about abdominal rejuvenation. It includes a comparison of liposuction and tummy tuck procedures. The (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only. If you have questions about abdominoplasty, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the column to the left.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information
This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:
What is a Tummy Tuck? What is Abdominoplasty?
What is included in a Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty?
Can a Tummy Tuck substitute for weight loss?
Can weight loss accomplish the same thing as Abdominoplasty?
What is the partnership between weight loss and Tummy Tuck?
How do Liposuction and Abdominoplasty differ?
Can Liposuction and Tummy Tuck be combined?
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) before and after pictures are in part 2
Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.
Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This is part 1 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:
Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (Coming Soon)
Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast.
Sometimes weight loss is not enough. I see many patients who have lost hundreds of pounds, who still are not happy with their shape. If you were overweight, and lost 100 pounds, you should be very proud of yourself. It is not easily done. Whether accomplished with diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, it takes a lot of effort to change one’s lifestyle dramatically. Most patients are very happy with the weight loss. Often, however, more improvement is desired.
Where did all this skin come from?
After weight loss, the problem is no longer excess fat, but excess skin. Rolls of skin that bind at the waist. Redundant skin that drapes on the inner thighs. Flaps of skin that keep moving after the arm has stopped waving. Loose skin that can no longer support the breast and keep it on the chest.
The skin is an amazing organ. It is our greatest barrier to the outside world. It keeps us warm. It cools us down. It protects us from the elements and infection. When we gain weight, it grows, and continues to protect us. When we lose weight, it can shrink too, but there are limits. With weight gain, the skin can be stretched too far, and it cannot shrink back to its original size.
Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery
Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery can help. As a member of The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, I am able to assist my patients in their transition to a happier, healthier lifestyle. By removing excess skin, an tailoring what remains, I can help complete the transformation in ways that weight loss alone cannot.
Below is part two of a discussion about post weight loss plastic surgery that originally aired on KRON4‘s Body Beautiful.
This segment shows before and after pictures for liposuction, mini-tummy-tuck and tummy tuck. While most tummy tuck have only a horizontal scar that runs below the bikini line, I have included a fleur-de-leis tummy tuck. This type of tummy tuck is most often used after massive weight loss. A fleur-de-leis tummy tuck has a vertical incision in the midline in addition to the lower incision, which is used to further reduce the excess skin left after massive weight loss.
Please note, the 800 number appearing on the video is only for the live show. For more information, or to schedule a consultation appointment, please call me at (925) 943-6353, or contact me via the form on the lower left side of this web page.
Massive weight loss can lead to massive skin excess. Whether from diet and exercise, or after weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery), excess skin can mask your hard work, and still make it difficult to find clothes that fit. Post bariatric surgery can help remove and tighten excess skin and reveal your true shape after weight loss.
What is Post-Bariatric Surgery?
Post bariatric plastic surgery is a collection of modified cosmetic plastic surgery procedures designed to remove and tailor the excess skin that weight loss leaves behind. While removing extra skin also means removing extra weight, the real strength of these procedures tightening the skin to reveal your new shape.
In my San Francisco post-bariatric plastic surgery practice, I use modified cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and specialized procedures to achieve optimal results. All post-bariatric plastic surgery requires careful, in-office, consultations and planning. Safety and predictability are paramount.
Video presentations for most post-bariatric procedures can be viewed by clicking on the list below. The back and buttock lifts have many variations, and are best discussed on an individual basis. More video presentations on cosmetic plastic surgery after massive weight loss, can be viewed on the post-bariatric page of DrMele.com.
I have had the opportunity to discuss post weight loss surgery on KRON4‘s Body Beautiful. Since the show is broadcast live, it allows you to call in with your questions during the show, and get them answered. Below is part 1 of 4 videos. You can find more videos on post-bariatric surgery (plastic surgery after massive weight loss) posted on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, or they may be viewed on my YouTube channel.
The 800 number appearing on the video was only for the live show. To contact my office for additional information, or to schedule a private consultation appointment, please call (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form on the lower left side of this web page.
After bariatric surgery, it is best to wait a year to allow your weight loss to stabilize. The body has time to adjust to its new physiological state, and the skin can tighten to the best of its ability. Post bariatric plastic surgery can then be tailored to the areas where the excess skin remains.
This video describes:
The differences between post-bariatric and other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.
Why it is important to wait a year after bariatric surgery before having cosmetic plastic surgery.
Where stretch marks can be removed on the body.
How many pounds can be removed with liposuction.
Post-Bariatric Surgery (Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss) Links:
As mentioned in the previous post, Common Questions About Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty), I recently had the chance to discuss Tummy Tucks, San Francisco, on KRON‘s Body Beautiful, with host Vicki Liviakis. It was a half hour live show, with information on the tummy tuck, before and after pictures, and viewer question and answer.
I have divided the show into three, ten minute segments, the first of which is included here. The 800 number on the video was for the live show, to contact my office for a consultation appointment, call (925) 943-6353.
If you have any questions about tummy tucks, abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty, liposuction or any cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, please call the office or use the contact form on this page. I will respond personally to your email. More common questions will likely appear here, as future blog entries.
This video includes two segments, The first segment covers:
Who is a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
What does a tummy tuck fix?
The second segment discusses:
Overnight stay after a tummy tuck.
Before and after pictures of several abdominoplasty patients after pregnancy and bariatic surgery and massive weight loss
How the muscle and skin are tightened.
More general information on the procedure can be found by on this blog by clicking on the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) link under Categories (to the left), or click here to get to the abdominoplasty page on my main web site: DrMele.com. Even Wikipedia has an Abdominoplasty page.
Part two of three for the Mommy Makeover segment from NBC Bay Area’s, KNTV, Living Well with host Peggy Pico.
On this show we discussed the Mommy Makeover San Francisco, focussing on breast augmentation, tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck and liposuction. I previously posted an excerpt from the show on Breast Enhancement (Breast Augmentation) on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog. This video discusses Belly Enhancement, tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks. The third segment will discuss liposuction. The full episode is also available on line. To view the Living Well episode in its entirety, just click on the NBC Bay Area logo above.
This video discusses the types of tummy tucks available: the traditional tummy tuck (sometimes called abdominoplasty or panniculectomy) and the mini tummy tuck (a combination of tummy tuck and liposuction). For laxity of the abdominal wall that begins above the belly button. the tummy tuck is still the most effective treatment. If the abdominal laxity is confined to the area below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may provide a good fix with a shorter recovery.
I will add the final video from Living Well about liposuction shortly, so be sure to bookmark and check back. If you would like more information on Tummy Tuck San Francisco, click here to visit the Abdominoplasty page on DrMele.com.
