Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty, Panniculectomy, it doesn't matter what you want to call it, the result is a flatter, firmer stomach.

What Does a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Do?

Tummy tucks are designed to fix abdominal wall laxity. Abdominoplasty can repair stretched abdominal wall muscles. The tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat that accumulates on the lower belly. This part of the abdominoplasty is sometimes called a Panniculectomy. Whatever the name, the result is a firmer, flatter abdominal wall.

Tummy Tuck Timing – When to Get Your Abdominoplasty

There are several reasons for abdominal wall laxity, but having children tops the list. Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and skin. Often the stretching is irreversible, and the skin and muscle remain loose, despite weight loss and working out. It may take several months for your abdomen to recover from child birth. Normally, maximum shrinkage is seen by your newborns first birthday. The best time to get a tummy tuck is after your are done having children. For more information about abdominoplasty, click on San Francisco Tummy Tucks

Another common reason for a tummy tuck is a history of being overweight. Weight gain, like pregnancy, stretches the abdominal wall. When the weight is lost, loose skin and stretched muscle may continue to be a problem. This occurs in more areas than the abdomen. Loose skin may affect the breasts, face, arms and thighs too. The best time to have a tummy tuck after Weight Loss, is when you have reached your goal weight. If you have had bariatric surgery for weight loss, it is recommended to wait one year after your weight loss surgery. This allows you to reach a stable weight, and gives your body time to adjust to its new physiology. For more information on plastic surgery that can help improve your appearance after weight loss, click on Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery.

Mommy Makeovers

The Mommy Makeover is a combination of Tummy Tuck and Breast Enhancement. Since pregnancy affects the breast and abdomen, the mommy makeover is one of the most common combination surgeries I perform. Most commonly, Breast Augmentation, with or without a Breast Lift, is added to the tummy tuck. But sometimes, just a breast lift (mastopexy) or even breast reduction is needed. A mommy makeover may involve a smaller abdominal procedure when appropriate, so liposuction and mini tummy tucks (mini abdominoplasty) are always considered. For more information on Mommy Makeovers, click on San Francisco Mommy Makeover.

If you would like more information about the mommy makeover, tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, liposuction, Breast Augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction or post-bariatric plastic surgery, make an appointment for a personal, private plastic surgery consultation. Give us a call at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form on this page.

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:

• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 1 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 2 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 3 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (You are 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 1 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 2 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 3 of 4 (You are 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 1 of 4
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 2 of 4 (You are here)
• Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 3 of 4
• 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.

From tight bodied bikini models looking to remove that last little area of disproportionate fat, to patients who have lost massive amounts of weight and who are left with rolls of redundant skin, patients looking to smooth out their abdomen come in all shapes an sizes. While a little liposuction may be the perfect fix for small areas of disproportionate fat, it will not remove excess skin. Larger problems usually require larger solutions.

When skin is loose and redundant, liposuction, even laser liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction, will not significantly tighten the skin. Small amounts of skin excess, isolated to below the belly button, can be removed with a mini tummy tuck. However, as the skin laxity becomes a problem above the belly button, the full tummy tuck takes over as the procedure of choice. A full tummy tuck allows for removal of excess skin and fat, and also allows for tightening of the abdominal muscles beneath the skin, all along the midline, from the ribs to the pubis.

Left - Before Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck after massive weight loss. Notice the abdominal skin is wider than the thighs. The excess skin makes is very difficult to find clothes that fit well.
Right - After Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck with removal of lower and mid abdominal skin excesses, reveals
a smooth, well proportioned abdomen after massive weight loss. The decision
to use a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck was simplified by a preexisting vertical scar.

For the most redundant abdominal skin, even a full tummy tuck may not be enough. Enter the Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck. The Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck is more than the full tummy tuck. Like a full tummy tuck, the Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck incorporates removal of skin and fat from the lower abdomen, and tightening of the abdominal muscles. In addition, the Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck allows for removal of excess skin from the center of the abdominal wall from the ribs to the pubic region.

A Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck is reserved for patients with massive amounts of abdominal wall skin. Most commonly this is seen in patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, like that seen after bariatric surgery or after remarkable changes in diet and exercise. If you have seen NBC’s the Biggest Loser, you have seen what happens when massive weight is lost, and the excess skin remains. The Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck’s additional removal of the excess skin centrally, allows for horizontal tightening, and an overall firmer result.

If you are a San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery patient, looking for abdominal rejuvenation from a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon offering the entire range of treatment options, call today, (925) 943-6353, to arrange your private personalized consultation.

For women and men who have lost a significant amount of weight, the upper arm is an area that can be problematic. With weight gain, the skin expands to cover the increased size. This happens any place on the body that fat is stored, not just the upper arms. The arms, abdomen, breasts, thighs, face and back are frequently lifted and tucked after massive weight loss and post-bariatric surgery. The tailoring of excess skin is an important component of cosmetic plastic surgery, and can dramatically improve appearance. If you have lost a large amount of weight, removing the excess skin completes the transition.

Before and After Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

Right Arm after weight loss and before Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Right Arm after weight loss and after Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Above is a woman who has lost about half her weight. She was left with a large amount of skin on her upper arms, sometimes referred to as “bat wings”. Brachioplasty (arm lift) before and after pictures are shown. The picture on the left shows the amount of excess skin present before her arm lift. The picture on the right reveals her appearance after brachioplasty. The incision is placed along the inferior border of the arm to keep it out of sight.

After Weight Loss, When is it Time to Consider a Lift?

If you have recently lost weight, or have had bariatric surgery, it is worth giving your body a year to adjust. This gives your skin a chance to contract, and your body’s digestive system a chance to absorb the nutrients you need to heal. If it has been a year, and there is still too much skin, cosmetic plastic surgery can help.

Dr. Mele is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons

The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons (ASBPS), was established by Board Certified Plastic Surgeons with a special interest the facial and body contouring procedures used after massive weight loss. Its mission is the care of patients who have lost significant amounts or weight through diet, exercise, bariatric surgery or any combination of the three. The ASBPS facilitates the exchange of ideas and techniques of post-bariatric plastic surgery among experienced board certified plastic surgeons and provides information for patients seeking relief from the burden of the excess skin that can remain after weight loss.

What are the Most Common Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery Procedures?

The post bariatric plastic surgery procedures performed are similar to the traditional techniques. Some require modifications to allow more skin to be removed. The more common procedures are:

• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
• Back Lipectomy
• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift
• Breast Reduction (Female)
• Buttocks Lift
• Face Lift
• Gynecomastia Reduction (Breast Reduction Male)
• Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
• Liposuction
• Thigh Lift

With a consultation, I can provide you with a list of treatment options, and match the most appropriate treatment with your goals. More importantly, I can get to know you and what the problem is. I can provide much more targeted treatments, after I know where we are starting, what your perceptions are, and where you would like to be after we are done.

Liposuction currently comes in many flavors. Whenever there are multiple solutions, either there are multiple problems, or no one solution is clearly superior. Most liposuction problems are consistent, but there are a few instances that need special treatment to get the desired goals. My patients come to me, because I have years of training and experience. While I try to share this information via the SanFranciscoPlasticSurgeryBlog, you can’t get all the information necessary from reading articles.

As my patient, you need to know, and trust, that I will use the smallest hammer it takes to get the job done. For disproportionate fat pockets, most the time, tumescent liposuction is going to get the job done; however, it is not the only option. I like to keep up with all the latest technology, so in the cases where the technology has something to offer, I can choose it as the best treatment. For the situations when liposuction is not going to be enough, I can offer you more, discuss the options, and take it up a notch when necessary. This is the advantage you get, when you see someone fully trained and dedicated to all aspects of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.

Liposuction Video for San Francisco’s KRON Body Beautiful

What is the latest technology available for liposuction, and does it provide you with the promised benefits? This segment reviews the current art of liposuction on KRON‘s Body Beautiful with host Vicki Liviakis. The show a half hour long, so I have divided this liposuction video review into four segments. The third lipo video segment is in this post. Links to the other three parts, and the liposuction introduction post can be found below.

Additional liposuction information is available on the Liposuction Page of DrMele.com. Your questions about liposuction will be answered if you to use the contact form to the left. Without an in person consultation, I can only offer generalized answers. Specific answers regarding liposuction are best answered in person.

For more liposuction information, liposuction price ranges or to schedule a personal professional consultation appointment, please call my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office at (925) 943-6353. Please do not call the 800 number in the video below. It is only used for viewer questions during the live broadcast.

This video includes viewer phone calls and more information about liposuction. Walnut Creek plastic surgeon, Joseph A. Mele, MD, FACS, answers these questions and more:

Viewer phone call:

Rochelle from Berkeley, had gastric bypass weight loss surgery one year ago. She has questions about how to treat the skin on her arms and inner thighs. Liposuction may help if the skin if tight and some disproportionate fat remains, but if the skin is loose, other procedures may be more appropriate.

More information including:

• Does age effect liposuction?
• Does weight loss effect liposuction?
• Does skin elasticity effect liposuction?
• How often is liposuction performed?
• Why should you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your Liposuction?
• What does Board Certification mean?
• Lip augmentation with HA’s (Hyaluronic Acid)?
• Lip augmentation Collagen vs. HA’s (Hyaluronic Acid)?
• What types of liposuction are being tried, and do they provide superior results
• Tumescent liposuction (dumb lipo) – Still the best liposuction?

The other segments of this broadcast can be found here:

• Introduction – What’s New in Liposuction San Francisco?
• Liposuction – What Is It? Who Can Benefit? (Part 1 of 4)
• Liposuction – Lipo versus Surgery (Part 2 of 4)
• Liposuction – How to Get Safe Predictable Smart Liposuction (Part 3 of 4) (You are here.)
• Liposuction – The Future of Liposuction (Part 4 of 4)

Additional Videos about Liposuction

• NBC Living Well appearance discussing Mommy Makeovers
• Is Liposuction a substitute for a mini or full Tummy Tuck?
• Before and After pictures of Liposuction, Mini Tummy Tuck and Full Tummy Tuck
• Previous KRON Body Beautiful Appearance discussing Liposuction – Part 1 of 2
• Previous KRON Body Beautiful Appearance discussing Liposuction – Part 2 of 2
• List of all blog entries discussing Liposuction?

Before and after pictures for men and women are included; however, this video is geared primarily toward female breast reduction. For a video covering male breast reduction (gynecomastia reduction) go back one article or click here -> Gynecomastia Reduction (Male Breast Reduction) Video.

This video reviews many aspects of female breast reduction. San Francisco’s KRON4 anchor, Vicki Liviakis, asks the difficult questions that women considering breast reduction surgery need answered. This breast reduction video was broadcast live on Body Beautiful. The 800 number displayed was for the live show only. If you have questions about gynecomastia reduction surgery, please call my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery Office at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form to the left.

Breast Reduction San Francisco

What Breast Reduction Information is Provided?

This Breast Reduction Video covers:

• The Indications for Breast Reduction Surgery:
  • Lower Neck Pain
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Shoulder Rutting (dents from the bra straps)
  • Rashes in the Skin Folds under the Breasts
• Breast Reduction Before and After Pictures
  • Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Reduction) with Liposcution
  • Female Breast Reduction Surgery with Correction of Breast Asymmetry
• Does Insurance Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?
• Viewer Questions:
  • How Does Diabetes Effect Plastic Surgery?
  • How Does Scar Formation Effect Plastic Surgery?
  • If I Have a Breast Lift, Do I Have to Have Breast Reduction?
  • How Does Breast Reduction Influence Exercise?
  • How Does Breast Reduction Influence Breast Feeding?
• Where are the Scars for Breast Reduction Surgery?

More information, and patient education videos, can be found on the Breast Reduction page on DrMele.com.

I have had the opportunity to discuss post weight loss plastic surgery live on KRON4‘s Body Beautiful. The 800 number appearing on the video was only for the live show. To contact my Walnut Creek plastic surgery office for additional information, or to schedule a private consultation appointment, please call (925) 943-6353. Alternatively, a contact form on the lower left side of this web page has also been provided for your convenience, or click on this link for an expanded contact form.

Topics covered in this segment of Body Beautiful include:

• Arm Lift Surgery, with Brachioplasty before and after pictures.
• How do age and health effect plastic surgery?
• How do I get rid of my baby pooch? Exercise, Tummy Tuck, both?
• How can lumps left after liposuction be corrected?
• What is the difference between liposuction and lipodisolve?

Post Bariatric Procedures

More information about Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery can be found on the Post Bariatrics page of DrMele.com. Here are links to video presentations about the more common Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery Procedures, and links to the first 3 parts of the above video can be found at the bottom of the page.

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lifts
• Breast Reduction
• Gynecomastia Reduction
• Face Lifts
• Liposuction
• Arm Lifts (Brachioplasty)
• Thigh Lifts
• Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)
• Lower Body Lifts

Post Bariatric Surgery (Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss) Links:

Post Bariatric Surgery San Francisco – Part 1 of 4
Post Bariatric Surgery San Francisco – Part 2 of 4
Post Bariatric Surgery San Francisco – Part 3 of 4
Post Bariatric Surgery San Francisco – Part 4 of 4 (You are here.)