Tummy Tuck San Jose, Bay Area

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A tummy tuck is designed to firm and smooth your stomach by removing excess loose skin and fat and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. The result is a flatter, more contoured abdomen. A tummy tuck performed by a top Bay Area cosmetic surgeon can boost the way you look and feel. Stop fearing your swimsuit! Call our Bay Area cosmetic surgery center today for a free private consultation with Dr. Zandi about your tummy tuck.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Anyone who has any or a combination of the following:

Excess or sagging skin of the abdomen.

Protruding abdomen or pot belly.

Weak abdominal muscles.

Excess accumulation of fatty tissue on the abdomen.

Private Consultation:

During your initial consultation you will discuss with Dr. Zandi your past and present medical conditions and current medications. Please inform him of any thyroid problems, hypertension, or diabetes. He should also know about your past surgeries, allergies to any medications, and personal habits such as smoking and drinking.

A physical examination will be performed to evaluate your skin condition, muscle tone, and the amount of loose skin and excess fat accumulation. Preoperative photographs will be taken. You may be shown before and after photographs. Lab tests, x-rays or EKG may be ordered depending on your general health. At the end of the consultation and physical examination, fees will be discussed with you by the doctor and his staff.

Preparation:

Stop all non-prescriptive medication, diet pills, herbs, and garlic two weeks before surgery.

It is advisable to stop smoking two weeks prior to and two weeks following surgery. Do not drink any alcoholic beverage two days prior to and one week following surgery.

Stop all prescribed or nonprescribed diet products three weeks before surgery.

Avoid taking aspirin and aspirin containing products such as Advil and avoid garlic and garlic products two weeks prior to surgery. These products can prolong bleeding and increase bruising. Tylenol may be taken during this period.

For a period of two days before surgery, wash your entire torso from shoulders to mid-thighs with Betadine soap for 15 minutes twice per day. An additional wash should be done right before the surgery. You may use skin care products after these washes, except the last wash before surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery. You may, however, take prescriptive medication with a small amount of water and brush your teeth the morning of surgery. Wear a loose fitting shirt that does not pull over your head to the surgical suite. Loose sweats are recommended as you will be in a compression garment after surgery and clothing may be difficult to get on. Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables.

Please plan to have someone take you to and from the clinic and stay with you the first 24 hours. Notify the office staff of this person's name and telephone number prior to surgery.

Have all prescriptions filled a few days before surgery so they will be available when you arrive home from surgery.

The Procedure:

A tummy tuck is usually performed using general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. In most cases a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic area where it can be hidden by your underwear or swimwear. The length of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed. Please bring your favorite bikini or bathing suit so that the doctor can plan the scar to be hidden under it. Through this incision the excess skin is pulled down and removed along with excess fatty tissue. The navel may be pulled down slightly or cut and resutured through a new opening. If stretch marks are present on the lower abdomen, some can be removed along with excess loose skin. Any stretch marks that are above the navel may be pulled down to appear less conspicuous. Liposuction can be performed in combination with abdominoplasty to contour the waistline and hip area. The results of this surgery are long lasting but can be affected by lifestyle and genetics. Removal of fat is almost permanent, barring significant weight gain following surgery.

Postoperative Care:

After surgery, rest with your head and knees elevated on two or more pillows. It may be difficult to stand straight. Remain in bending position by flexion of the hip and gradually stretch to normal position in one to two weeks.

You will be sent home in an abdominal binder with bandages underneath. You will be instructed on changing the bandages. If you are sent home with a urinary catheter in your bladder, it should be removed the day after surgery. To remove it, simply cut the middle of the small extension of the catheter that is not connected to the bag. Drains are usually in place for a few days following surgery. You may take a shower the day after the drains are removed. Sutures will be removed in two stages approximately 5 to 10 days following surgery. You will be given appointments for these visits. You should wear the abdominal binder for up to three weeks following surgery. Most swelling and bruising will subside in two weeks or so. You may experience some numbness in the lower portion of your abdomen, which is normal and may last for a few weeks to a few months following surgery. The final result may be seen in three to six months.

Social activity can be resumed in approximately three weeks when swelling and discomfort begin to subside. Bruising can last up to two weeks. You may return to work after two to four weeks depending on your job. Traveling is allowed after four weeks. Driving is allowed after one week. Light walking may begin in one week and walking for exercise can be resumed after two weeks or so. Strenuous activity or exercise should be avoided for four weeks.

Constipation is common after this surgery. Taking one ounce of milk of magnesia (over the counter) a day can help relieve this symptom. Please call the office if you have any questions.

Fees:

Fees are customarily paid two weeks prior to surgery to ensure the patient is sincere in her motivation. Tummy tuck fees include the cosmetic surgeon's fee, the facility charge for a private and fully accredited Bay Area cosmetic surgery center, and the anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist's fee, if general anesthesia is used. Also included are any laboratory tests performed in the office or use of special equipment. Insurance plans rarely cover cosmetic surgery, but please feel free to ask the office staff if you have any questions in that regard.

We understand that the decision to undergo a tummy tuck is a major one, and we are here to address your concerns and questions. Please call our cosmetic surgery center near San Jose to talk to knowledgeable staff about your tummy tuck or to set up a free private consultation. Dr. Zandi is a top-rated, board certified Bay Area cosmetic surgeon whose tummy tuck patients come from all over the greater San Jose and San Francisco regions.