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.

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.

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 a 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 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Reshape the labia minora (inner lips) using specially designed surgical techniques to achieve a natural appearance without sacrificing sensation or function.
    Patient Reviews

    Melanie L.

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    Back Surgery

    Dr. Mowlds and his staff provided me with outstanding and professional healthcare while treating me with kindness and respect during my visits. It was quite evident Dr. Mowlds takes a lot of pride in the work that he performs! I underwent an extensive back surgery and was not only concerned of the physical results, but additionally, the functional results of an extensive surgical closure. I am so grateful my neurosurgeon recommended and works in collaboration with Dr. Mowlds. I am extremely pleased with the aesthetic results of my surgery and would not hesitate to recommend this professional practice.

    Melanie L.

    Abigail S.

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    Skin Tightening & Scar Revision

    After consulting with numerous plastic surgeons I decided on Dr. Mowlds for my c-section scar revision and Renuvion skin tightening. I had 3 emergency c-sections that had left me with a terrible looking scar. After a virtual consultation, I knew Dr. Mowlds was the right choice. The added bonus was that he has the Renuvion skin tightening machine which is the gold standard in skin tightening and I am amazed at my results just 3 weeks out. I am so happy with my decision and would highly recommend Dr. Mowlds for any cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

    Abigail S.

    Andrea R.

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    Breast Revision

    Dr. Mowlds is the absolute BEST at what he does. I had a botched breast augmentation, which was causing me serious health concerns, chronic chest and back pain. I was extremely nervous as I didn’t think my issue could be resolved, let’s just say my breasts needed a lot of work. I loved that Dr. Mowlds never treated me like a patient, but rather a friend who he wanted to have the best experience and results possible. He is a true artist in his field, and my breasts are proof of that. Dr. Mowlds was professional, warm, knowledgeable, talented, and great at listening to my concerns and helping me understand everything along the way. I have already recommended a few of my girlfriends to go see him.

    Andrea R.

    @DSMOWLDSMD

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    Services & Procedures

    All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

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