Tummy Tuck Surgery in San Jose, Bay Area

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty is designed to firm and smooth your stomach by removing excess loose skin and fat and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. This usually results in a flatter, more contoured abdomen.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Anyone who has any one or 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 your plastic surgeon your past and present medical conditions and current medications used. He must be made aware of any hypertension, thyroid problems 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 and the amount of loose skin and excess fat accumulation, as well as the muscle tone. 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 the fees for surgery 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 you should wash your entire torso from shoulders to mid-thighs for 15 minutes twice a day with Betadine soap. An additional wash should be done right before the surgery. No skin product should be used two days prior to the 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 with a small amount of water. Wear loose fitting clothes which can be put on easily following surgery. Loose sweats are recommended as you will be in a compression garment after surgery and they may be difficult to get on. Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables.

Please plan to have someone bring you to and take you home from surgery and stay with you at least the first 24 hours. Notify the office staff of this person's name and their telephone number prior to surgery. Have all prescriptions filled a few days before surgery, so they will be available for you when you arrive home after surgery.

The Procedure:

The operation is usually performed using general anesthesia as an outpatient. In most cases a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic area. The length of the incision depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed. This incision is usually hidden by your underwear or swimwear. Please bring with you 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 as well as excess fatty tissue. If stretch marks are present on the lower abdomen, some can be removed with the excess loose skin. Any stretch marks that are above the navel may be pulled down and appear less conspicuous. Liposuction can be performed in combination with abdominoplasty to contour the waistline and hip area. The results of this surgery is long lasting. It can be affected by lifestyle and genetics. Removal of fat is almost permanent, unless a significant weight gain occurs following surgery.

Postoperative Care:

Rest with your head elevated on two or more pillows the evening after surgery and under your knees. 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 following day after surgery. You will be instructed on how to remove it, but 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 should wear the abdominal binder for up to three weeks following surgery. You will be given appointments for these visits. Most swelling and bruising will subside in two weeks or so. The final result may be seen in three to six months. You may also experience some numbness over the lower portion of your abdomen, which is normal and may last for a few weeks to a few months following surgery.

Social activity can be resumed in approximately three weeks or so when the swelling and pain begin to disappear. Bruising can last up to two weeks. You may return to work after 2 to 4 weeks depending on your job. Traveling is allowed after four weeks. Driving is allowed after one week. Strenuous activity or exercise should be avoided for four weeks. Light walking may begin in one week and walking for exercise can be resumed after four weeks or so. You are encouraged to call the office if you have any questions.

Constipation is common after this surgery. Taking milk of magnesia (over the counter) one ounce a day relieves constipation.

Fees:

It is customary that the fees for surgery to be paid two weeks prior to surgery. This assures that the patient is sincere in his or her motivation. The fees include the surgeon's fee, the facility charge, which is private and fully accredited with high tech equipment, and anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist, if general anesthesia is used. Also included in this fee is any laboratory testing performed in the office and use of special equipment, such ultrasonic suction device. It is very rare that insurance plans cover cosmetic surgery. Please feel free to ask the office staff if you have any questions in that regard.

We understand this is a very important decision in your life and you would like to do this for yourself. In your private consultation with Dr. Zandi, who is a Board Certified plastic surgeon, you may discuss your needs in detail and also obtain additional information.