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CONSULTATION
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Tummy Tuck

in Los Angeles, CA
  • PLASTIC SURGERY
  • ANTI-AGING
  • WELLNESS

The Beauty is in Your Details

TUMMY TUCK AT DR. CHRISTIE PLASTIC SURGERY
A tummy tuck is a surgery that addresses your abdomen, belly fat, love handles, and loose skin around your waist. Through personalized and precise surgical techniques, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christie Prendergast delivers exceptional results for her Los Angeles tummy tuck patients, both women and men.
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Designed
for You

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen while tightening the abdominal wall’s muscle and fascia to create a firmer, slimmer waist. The incision location can be customized and is generally hidden within the bikini line. The result is a functional return of your abdominal wall muscles and a flat, toned tummy that looks and feels great, even in a bathing suit!

Abdominal Rejuvenation Options

WHAT TYPES OF TUMMY TUCKS ARE AVAILABLE?
Dr. Christie takes a customized approach to abdominoplasty depending on the patient’s goals and concerns. There can be a number of concerns to consider when undergoing abdominal wall rejuvenation:
  • Weakening of the abdominal fascia (hernia)
  • Separation of the abdominal muscles(diastasis recti)
  • Excess fat
  • Excess skin
Dr. Christie takes a customized approach to abdominoplasty depending on the patient’s goals and concerns. There can be a number of concerns to consider when undergoing abdominal wall rejuvenation:
  • Weakening of the abdominal fascia (hernia)
  • Separation of the abdominal muscles(diastasis recti)
  • Excess fat
  • Excess skin

A Customized Approach

YOUR LOS ANGELES, CA TUMMY TUCK OPTIONS
With an understanding of the problem, customized solutions are created to deliver the results that fit your lifestyle. A traditional tummy tuck addresses all of the above components with plication of the fascia, returning the rectus abdominis muscles to the midline, and removal of excess fat and skin. Many Los Angeles tummy tuck patients want parts of a tummy tuck performed but do not feel the need for all parts of a traditional approach. This is where Dr. Christie takes a customized approach and will thoroughly discuss your options during consultation. These options may include:

Traditional Abdominoplasty

This procedure addresses all of the above concerns with corset plication of the abdominal fascia, return of muscles to the midline, and removal of excess skin.

Mini-Abdominoplasty

A mini tummy tuck is a lesser version of the full abdominoplasty and will be customized to address specific areas of concern while minimizing the amount of surgery required to achieve your goals. Typically this procedure does not involve movement of the belly button.

Panniculectomy

This procedure addresses only the skin by removing excess skin below the belly button.

Minimally-Invasive (Laparoscopic) Abdominoplasty

This procedure is best for patients who have minimal skin laxity with mild diastasis and/or excess fat. Dr. Christie may utilize a C-section scar or create a smaller access scar to address the muscle separation. This is typically followed with liposuction or skin tightening to address mild skin laxity.

Tummy Tuck Revision

Some patients are unhappy with former abdominoplasty results, have suffered complications, or have had life events resulting in recurrent concerns. Dr. Christie is board-certified to address the repair of abdominal wall hernias and perform abdominal wall reconstruction. There are a number of options in revision surgery that can be discussed during consultation.

Monsplasty

For many women who have undergone pregnancy or had a C-section, the mons can become enlarged or sag, creating an undesirable fullness between the genitals and pubic bone. Dr. Christie pays special attention to ensuring a smooth transition between the mons and abdominal skin with suspension and debulking of the mons if required.
Transformative Results
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck has a number of medical benefits, including improvement in abdominal core function, improved back pain, and improved posture. Studies demonstrate improved back pain and decreased stress urinary incontinence after abdominoplasty.
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Regain Your Confidence

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK?
Tummy tucks are considered safe outpatient procedures. However, this procedure does carry a higher complication rate compared to other cosmetic procedures, and candidate selection is required. The best candidate is one who is in good health with a stable weight and is medically able to undergo the recovery. Studies show that patients with uncontrolled diabetes or smokers are at a higher risk of complications. Dr. Christie will ensure that a careful medical workup is performed and smoking cessation is a requirement.

Dedication to Detail

YOUR TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
Tummy tuck surgery takes between two to four hours, depending on the amount of work or the combination of procedures performed. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Christie utilizes drains to prevent fluid from accumulating around the incision. After a tummy tuck Los Angeles patients typically have drains in place for three to seven days, and removal depends on drain output. Pain catheters may be utilized to decrease postoperative discomfort and minimize narcotic use.
No More Muffin Top
TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY & RESULTS
Recovery from an abdominoplasty should be planned, particularly if you have children. You can expect downtime of two weeks before returning to work and up to six weeks before you are able to return to regular exercise or lift your child. Dr. Christie and her team pay attention to the details that help expedite recovery and ensure smooth coordination of your recovery. You can expect to see initial results immediately, with final results visible within three months.

Where Science and Beauty Intersect

TUMMY TUCK RESULTS
When performed by Dr. Christie, a tummy tuck eliminates extra skin and underlying fat, resulting in a firmer, flatter tummy and a big boost in confidence! Contact Dr. Christie’s Los Angeles plastic surgery office to arrange a private tummy tuck consultation.

Tummy Tuck

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Like all surgery, abdominoplasty has some inherent risks, including swelling, bruising, transient numbness, infection, blood clots, and an accumulation of blood and fluid. Dr. Christie takes these risks very seriously and provides you with instructions on proper pre-op and post-op care to minimize them and give you the best chance for a full and uneventful recovery.
The scar from a tummy tuck is usually well hidden in the bikini line and typically spans from hip bone to hip bone. You will always have a remaining scar, but Dr. Christie utilizes a postoperative scar protocol to help give you the best scars possible.
Most patients who undergo abdominoplasty with Dr. Christie do not experience much pain and are only taking narcotics for the first 48 hours. Dr. Christie credits this to her gentle surgical technique and expedited recovery protocol. However, each patient has different pain thresholds, and Dr. Christie may inject long-acting pain medication to further enhance recovery.
In a traditional abdominoplasty, your belly button is repositioned.
It is best to wait until you have completed your family prior to undergoing a tummy tuck, as future pregnancy (or extreme weight gain) can restretch the abdominal wall and require revision surgery.
The alternative solutions depend on which combination of problems you may have. For example, if you just have loose skin without diastasis, you may consider removal of just the skin below the belly button in combination with liposuction. Additionally, Dr. Christie often utilizes technology to address mild to moderate laxity if you have good skin quality. However, most hybrid versions of a tummy tuck will never give the full results of a tummy tuck, and your expectations should be thoroughly discussed during consultation.
Liposuction is not part of a tummy tuck but is often combined with a tummy tuck to address flank lipodystrophy and enhance an hourglass figure.

Live Well. Be Beautiful.

OPTIMIZING BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLBEING
As the premier female plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Christie’s expertise and unique perspective on life-improving operations draw patients from across the globe for her signature consultations. Join the satisfied patients from all around the world who have benefited from Dr. Christie’s curated Beauty & Wellness plans. Don’t delay — schedule your consultation today if you’re ready to take charge of your life and appearance.

9201 Sunset Blvd, Suite 705, West Hollywood, CA 90069

LOS ANGELES

ROME

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