Abdominoplasty Specialist
-
- Tweet
Raja K. Srour, MD
Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon & Plastic Surgeon located in West Hollywood, CA
All the sit-ups in the world may not be enough to give you the flat stomach you’ve always wanted. If you’re feeling frustrated with your progress, or lack thereof, board-certified cosmetic surgeon Raja Srour, MD, specializes in abdominoplasty procedures at Doheny Sunset Surgery Center, Inc. in the West Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a common surgical procedure that can flatten your stomach. To learn more, schedule a consultation at Doheny Sunset Surgery Center, Inc., or book an appointment online.
Abdominoplasty Q & A
What is abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from your stomach while tightening weakened muscles in your abdominal wall.
Tummy tucks are not the same as weight loss surgery, and they’re not a quick fix. They’re meant specifically for health-conscious individuals who struggle with a bulging abdomen, saggy skin or fat around the belly, and excess skin. The procedure can also remove stretch marks below the belly button.
Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
A tummy tuck is not liposuction, a procedure that removes fat deposits, but Dr. Srour can perform them together. These procedures are best suited for both men and women who are a healthy weight, nonsmokers, and active.
Abdominoplasty procedures are especially helpful for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and now have excess skin around the belly — particularly patients who have loose muscles and saggy skin after childbirth, or those who were once obese.
What happens during an abdominoplasty?
Once you set up an initial consultation with Dr. Srour at Doheny Sunset Surgery Center, Inc., he can determine which type of tummy tuck is best for your current health and goals:
Complete abdominoplasty
During a complete abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, Dr. Srour makes an incision in the lower abdomen, from hip bone to hip bone, and manipulates the shape of the skin, tissue, and muscles to produce the desired results. This procedure requires moving your belly button to remove your navel from any surrounding tissue. After abdominoplasty, you may have drainage tubes underneath your skin for the next few days.
Partial abdominoplasty
Also called a mini-abdominoplasty, this procedure involves removing the skin above the pubic area before eliminating the fat underneath with liposuction. During a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Srour does not remove your belly button. The procedure, which takes about two hours, is designed for patients with a small amount of belly fat and moderate muscle flaccidity.
Smoking can increase your risk of complications and slow healing following a tummy tuck, so you must stop using all forms of nicotine for at least two weeks before and after your scheduled surgery.
What can I expect from the abdominoplasty recovery process?
Dr. Srour may recommend stopping certain medications, particularly blood thinners, to lower your risk of complications after surgery. You want to make sure you have the following at home for when you arrive after surgery.
- Loose clothing
- Ice packs
- Hand-held shower head and shower chair
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
- A close-by telephone
If you live alone, plan to have a trusted relative or friend stay with you for at least one night after the procedure.
You wear an abdominal binder for about six weeks following the procedure to prevent fluid buildup. During this time, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities and driving. However, you can typically return to your regular schedule after about two weeks.
An abdominoplasty can get rid of unwanted fat and boost your self-esteem. To find out if a tummy tuck is right for you, call Doheny Sunset Surgery Center, Inc., or schedule a consultation online.
