body-procedures

Tummy Tuck & Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty encompasses the following procedures:

  • Full Tummy Tuck
  • Mini Tummy Tuck

Laxity of the abdominal wall and overlying skin is common after pregnancy and weight loss in both men and women. The underlying muscle tone becomes obscured by loose skin and in some cases excess fat, which prevents patients from attaining an aesthetically pleasing body contour. During pregnancy and weight gain, the abdominal wall muscles are stretched and often remain so following delivery or weight loss. During the abdominoplasty procedure, excess skin and fat are removed and the muscles are tightened like a corset to achieve a flat, toned profile and waistline. Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction of the flanks in order to synergistically narrow the waistline and re-establish natural aesthetic curves.

In some cases, the muscle laxity is confined to the lower abdomen and the skin excess is minimal. In these cases, you may be a candidate for a mini abdominoplasty whereby the lower abdomen is tightened, and the excess skin removed. The incision is typically much shorter, and the recovery period is condensed.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

RESTORE AND CONTOUR

Along with skin and fat removal, the abdominal muscles are tightened like a corset to achieve a flat, toned profile and waistline. Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction to synergistically narrow the waistline and re-establish a natural aesthetic body contour.

What to Expect

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Consultation

During the consultation we will focus on creating a treatment plan that addresses your goals and fulfills your expectations. We will discuss your pregnancy history and future plans, current exercise regimen, diet and history of weight fluctuation. In this way, I can properly counsel you on the expected long-term results. For instance, if you have recently lost weight on a crash diet, then the abdominoplasty result we achieve will be short-lived as you return to your regular diet and exercise habits.

A tummy tuck, is not an efficient weight-loss tool and when used as such will yield disappointing results. We will discuss the need for muscle plication or tightening and how this will contribute to your result. The incision location will be demonstrated so that you will leave the consultation with a clear idea of the expected result.

A tummy tuck is a truly transformative procedure that consistently yields dramatic, life-changing results. Time to be excited about the new you.

Surgery

Abdominoplasty is performed at an accredited surgery center in Newport Beach, California, USA. Under the care of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, general anesthesia (fully asleep) is used to ensure maximal comfort and safety.

The procedure typically lasts 3-4 hours depending on the degree of shaping required. Special nerve blocks are used during surgery to ensure maximal post-operative comfort.

The incision for a tummy tuck is placed low in the bikini line and hidden in the natural underwear and bathing suit lines. I take extra care and pride to make sure there is acceptable distance between the belly button and the scar line. This allows patients to comfortably wear low cut underwear and bathing suits with confidence. Additionally, it gives the abdomen an elongated appearance, which is both slimming and aesthetically pleasing.

PRE-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

1. Stop all Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Fish Oil, Supplements with Omega 3, Ginger, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba and Turmeric – as these will thin the blood and complicate the surgery. You may take Tylenol as needed.
2. Medications – please notify us of any medications or supplements that you take regularly so that we may advise you appropriately.
3. Please fill all prescriptions prior to surgery so that they may be started immediately upon returning home.
4. Please no recreational drug use or smoking 4 weeks prior to and after the surgery.
5. Please have lab work completed 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.
6. Contact us immediately if you have any change in your health between your pre-operative visit and the surgery date.
7. Arrange for a driver to pick you up from the surgery center. Uber or Lyft are not acceptable. The driver does not have to remain onsite during surgery. they will be called when you are ready to be discharged from the recovery unit.
8. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety.
9. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY.

Visualizing the volumetric breast change on your own body can be invaluable to the surgical planning process! The Mentor™ 3D Breast Simulator app will facilitate the creation of a “wish picture” prior to your pre-operative visit and works best for augmentation and/or lift procedures. Simply take three pictures as instructed and begin simulating the desired look of your new breasts. When finished, you can securely send your photos to us at info@donaldmowldsmd.com.

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1. Take a shower using anti-bacterial soap – No lotions, hair products, powders, perfumes or makeup.
2. Wear loose comfortable clothing to the surgery center. We recommend wearing zip-up or button-up shirts and loose, comfortable pants.
3. Female patients will be given a urine pregnancy test at the surgery center.

We are here to help you through your recovery. Please do not hesitate to call our office.

Recovery

Patients are monitored overnight in the surgery center to ensure absolute comfort and are discharged home the following morning. Patients are encouraged to ambulate often following their procedure, however, maintain a hunched position for one week due to the tightness of the skin. Patients are typically out of a work environment for 1-2 weeks and can resume all activities 6 weeks following surgery. I encourage my patients to wear a compression garment for several weeks to help control swelling and to mold the final contour.

POST-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

1. Prescriptions provided at your pre-operative appointment should be filled prior to surgery and started when you arrive home. Take the first antibiotic dose at dinner time.
2. Please take a daily stool softener (e.g. Colace) or laxative (e.g. Senokot) while taking the pain medication. Stop if stools become loose.
3. Do not take Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve or herbal medications as these interfere with your blood’s ability to clot.
4. Bruising is a normal part of surgery. Over-the-counter Arnica can help expedite its resolution.
5. Continue to remain hydrated following surgery.
6. Gradually resume your regular diet. It is important to keep in mind that your stomach is now tighter so small, infrequent portions should be consumed. Avoiding carbonated beverages for the first 2 weeks will help you avoid potential discomfort. If you become nauseous, your Zofran (Ondansetron) prescription should be used. If you have to throw up, make sure you hold a pillow tightly against your abdomen.
7. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety. You may need assistance with your daily activities for 1-2 weeks following surgery.
8. Do not remove your dressings. They will be removed at your first post-operative appointment.
9. Sponge bath only. Do not shower, soak or swim until cleared. Keep your dressings in place and dry.
10. Empty your drains at least 3 times per day and record the output. Bring this record to your appointments.
11. Ambulate throughout the day to prevent blood clots in your legs. Maintain a hunched position for the first week.
12. Sleep on your back with your head elevated and 2 pillows beneath your knees.
13. Do not lift anything heavier than a purse and no pushing, pulling, exercise or any activity that may raise your blood pressure until cleared.
14. If you had breast surgery, you will be placed in the underwire bra you were instructed to buy at your first post-operative visit. You will wear this for 6 weeks.
15. No smoking – this inhibits wound healing, causing undesirable complications.
16. Driving – Do not drive or perform any tasks that require coordination or judgement until cleared.
17. Please call the office if you experience fever, chills, increased pain or if you have any concerns. Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-12pm. To reach me after hours, please call the office and follow the prompts.

Results

The results are intended to be long lasting provided a healthy and active lifestyle is maintained.

FAQs

Yes, this procedure is painful. Your abdominal muscles are significantly tightened during the surgery to give you a flat stomach and defined waist contour. Understandably, your stomach muscles are tense and painful, occasionally causing patients to feel like they are unable to take a deep breath. This sensation dissipates during the first post-operative week. Typically, the incision does not cause pain, only slight discomfort.

After a tummy tuck you will have two drains, which are secured at the end of the incision on each hip. Please monitor and record the drain output daily as this will determine when your drains can be safely removed. If they are removed too early, fluid accumulates beneath the skin causing a seroma, which is managed with frequent needle aspirations.

Depending on the location of the stretch marks and the amount of excess skin to be removed, your stretch marks may be included in the excised portion. However, if your stretch marks are in the middle of the abdomen or above the belly button they may still be visible after surgery. During your consultation, I will be able to tell you whether it is possible to remove all or your stretch marks.

Most importantly, the pregnancy is unaffected by the tummy tuck procedure. The natural growth of the fetus will, however, stretch the abdominal wall as it would if no tummy tuck had been performed. As such, the contour achieved following surgery may be partially compromised. For this reason, I encourage any tummy tuck patients to reserve body contouring procedures for a time when childbearing is complete.

Request Consultation

TUMMY TUCK

Receive an in-depth consultation where we will thoroughly review your goals to personalize a plan focused on a natural and aesthetic result. Dr. Donald S. Mowlds, MD is located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA but is also available via a virtual consultation for out-of-town patients.

Body Procedures

Before & After

Stunning, natural results from patients.

Body Contouring

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Excess fat is removed using advanced liposuction techniques to transform your physique with precision. Renuvion® skin tightening delivers unparalleled post-surgical definition by shrinking the skin around the newly molded contour.

The Newport Beach Mommy Makeover utilizes a combination of procedures to restore a pre-pregnancy physique. Common procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift or breast lift with implant, abdominoplasty and liposculpture.
Removal of excess skin and fat is accompanied by muscle tightening to achieve a narrow waistline and flat abdominal profile. Abdominoplasty is often combined with lipocontouring to synergistically address areas of excess fat to further contour your physique.

Improve your belly button appearance by turning an “outie” into an “innie,” correcting unwanted piercing holes and eliminating creases that form when seated. Restore a natural aesthetic to the central abdomen.

Precision liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening are used to sculpt and define the upper arm. When significant excess is present, skin and fat are excised to restore an aesthetically pleasing size and contour.

Precision liposuction and Renuvion® skin tightening are used to sculpt and define the upper thigh, which can have profound effects on hip and buttock shape. When significant excess is present, skin and fat are excised to restore an aesthetically pleasing size and contour.

With Avéli, you can smooth the skin of your thighs and buttocks by reducing cellulite and dimpled skin. The procedure is minimally-invasive with little downtime.

Buttock augmentation with fat transfer adds volume to the buttocks, improving projection and contour in patients with flat, narrow, sagging or small buttocks. Advanced liposuction techniques are used to further enhance the overall body contour, synergistically transforming the post-operative physique.
Reshape the labia minora (inner lips) using specially designed surgical techniques to achieve a natural appearance without sacrificing sensation or function.
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Services & Procedures

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.