Abdominoplasty
What is an Abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” is a procedure designed to create a smoother, firmer, and more toned abdominal profile. It is effective for patients who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, as well as weakened or separated abdominal muscles (a condition called diastasis recti), often resulting from pregnancy or significant weight loss.
The procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower and middle abdomen and, in most cases, tightening the underlying muscle wall. The goal is not simply to flatten the abdomen, but to restore the underlying support structure and sculpt a natural, defined contour that complements your body’s proportions.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Ideal candidates for an abdominoplasty are individuals in good general health who are bothered by the appearance of a protruding abdomen, excess skin, or weakened abdominal muscles.
- Women who have experienced pregnancy, which may have led to skin laxity and muscle separation.
- Men and women who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with loose, hanging skin.
- Individuals who, despite diet and exercise, cannot achieve their desired abdominal contour.
What To Expect
I take a comprehensive view to ensure your abdominoplasty harmonizes with your overall anatomy. Together, we’ll craft a plan that balances your lifestyle, expectations, and the nuances of your body.
What I Evaluate During Your Consultation
During your private consultation, we will have an in-depth discussion about your goals. This comprehensive assessment allows me to create a tailored surgical plan that may involve a full, mini, or extended abdominoplasty, often in combination with liposuction for optimal contouring.
My evaluation will focus on three key components:
- Skin: I will assess the amount and quality of your abdominal skin to determine the degree of excess and its elasticity.
- Fat: I will evaluate the distribution of subcutaneous fat in your abdomen and flanks. Depending on this, I may or may not suggest adding liposuction to the abdominoplasty.
- Muscle: I will check for the presence of diastasis recti (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles) and overall muscle wall integrity.
What to Expect During Surgery
An abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist
I will make an incision low on the abdomen, typically from hip to hip, designed to be concealed within most bikini lines and underwear. A second incision is often made discreetly around the navel to reposition the overlying skin in a natural-looking way. The underlying muscles are repaired and tightened, excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped to create a smoother, firmer abdominal wall. The procedure is a powerful tool for restoring form and function to the midsection.
Recovery & Healing
Schedule Consultation
Turn your dreams into reality
Get in-depth personal consultation where I will review your goals, anatomy, and medical history to formulate a plan that is specific to you.
I am located in a beautiful and classic San Francisco neighborhood called Pacific Heights.
Directions: Apple | Google
Phone: 415-981-3911
FAQs
What is a "Mommy Makeover"?
A “Mommy Makeover” is not a single procedure, but rather a combination of body and breast procedures customized to help a patient restore their pre-pregnancy form. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause significant changes, such as weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), stretched skin, and changes in breast volume and shape.
A Mommy Makeover is tailored to your specific goals and may include procedures such as:
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): To repair separated abdominal muscles and remove excess skin.
- Breast Augmentation: To restore lost breast volume.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): To correct sagging and reposition the breasts.
- Liposuction: To contour and remove stubborn fat from the abdomen, flanks, or thighs.
Depending on your anatomy, these procedures can be performed in a single stage, or they may need to be performed in stages for your safety. I will review all of that with your during your consultation.
Am I a good candidate for body contouring?
Will I have significant scars?
All surgical procedures result in scars. As a plastic surgeon, my focus is on meticulous surgical technique to minimize their appearance. I place incisions in the most discreet locations possible—for example, low in the bikini line for an abdominoplasty or in the natural groin crease for a thigh lift.
Scar maturation is a process that takes up to a year or more. We will have a detailed discussion about scar placement during your consultation, and I will provide a comprehensive scar care plan to help you achieve the best possible result.
How much pain is involved in recovery?
When can I return to work and exercise?
Recovery times vary for each procedure and each patient. Here are some general guidelines:
Return to Work: For a desk job, most patients can return within 1-2 weeks for procedures like liposuction or an arm lift, and 2-3 weeks for an abdominoplasty.
Return to Exercise: Light walking is encouraged almost immediately to promote circulation. However, you must avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for at least 4-8 weeks. I will provide you with a specific timeline based on your procedure and your healing progress.
Is liposuction a substitute for weight loss?
No, it is not. Liposuction is a fat reduction and body sculpting procedure, not a weight loss method. It is designed for removing localized, stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. The best results are seen in patients who are already at a stable, healthy weight.
What happens if I gain weight after my procedure?
Body contouring procedures provide long-lasting results. However, they do not stop the natural aging process or the effects of future weight fluctuations.
For Liposuction: The fat cells that are removed are gone permanently. If you gain a moderate amount of weight, it will likely be distributed more evenly over your body. Significant weight gain, however, can cause the remaining fat cells in the treated and non-treated areas to enlarge, which will compromise your results.
For Skin-Tightening Lifts: Significant weight gain can stretch the skin that has been tightened, potentially leading to new laxity.
Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle is the best way to protect your surgical investment and enjoy your results for many years to come.
Can body procedures be combined?
Yes, and they very often are. Combining procedures, such as an abdominoplasty with liposuction (as in a Mommy Makeover), can be both safe and efficient. It allows me to create a more harmonious, comprehensive result and allows you to have a single surgical event and one consolidated recovery period. During your consultation, we will discuss which procedures, if any, are appropriate to combine in your specific case.
Your Body Contouring Options
These are the other core body procedures I do, alone or in combination to achieve a comprehensive and balanced body contour.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a versatile and refined surgical procedure used to sculpt the body by removing localized, stubborn fat deposits.
VIEW PROCEDURE >
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
A brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the upper arms by addressing excess, sagging skin and stubborn fat.
VIEW PROCEDURE >
Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)
A thighplasty, or thigh lift, is designed to address loose, sagging skin and excess fat in the thigh area.
VIEW PROCEDURE >
Fat Grafting to the Buttocks (BBL)
Fat grafting to the buttocks, often known as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), is a dual-benefit procedure that uses your body’s own fat to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks.
VIEW PROCEDURE >
My Approach
I am committed to the highest standards of patient care and plastic surgery. I believe in developing a strong relationship with my patients in order to best serve their needs and desires.
Furthemore, I am committed to the art and science of plastic surgery and believe that the best results come from a combination of technique, knowledge of patient anatomy, and artistry. My goal is to achieve excellence with a natural aesthetic and elegance while matching the patients’ desires to what is surgically possible so that they can radiate from the inside out. I look forward to meeting you.
Patient Testimonials
View More Reviews
Dear Dr. Nguyen, I am so grateful I chose you as my breast augmentation surgeon. My results are not only natural, but feel authentic to me! Beyond what I hoped for.
I feel happier and more like myself than ever before. I only wish I had found you sooner! THANK YOU!!
Words cannot explain our gratitude for all your thoughtfulness and care. You will always be in our hearts.
Dr. Nguyen is very professional with her patient consultation. I highly recommend her for any surgical procedure.
Dr. Nguyen, Thanks isn’t enough for the exceptional care you’ve given me. Thank you and my sincerest gratitude for making me feel like myself again.
Dr. Nguyen was incredible during my entire process with my BA procedure. She helped me select the size that felt perfect and natural for me and was incredibly attentive with all of my questions and concerns both during and after my procedure.
I am thrilled with my results 7 months post-op and highly recommend Dr. Nguyen.
