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Full Tummy Tuck in Orange County and Los Angeles

The most commonly performed tummy tuck, sometimes referred to as the “full tummy tuck,” is the procedure that addresses the entirety of your abdomen. The full tummy tuck is the typical tummy tuck procedure that is performed on the majority of patients who seek abdominal contour correction. This tummy tuck technique is suitable for patients who have moderate degree of upper abdominal tissue laxity and significant lower abdominal tissue excess and laxity. Many mothers fall into this group of patients. The dividing point between the upper and lower abdomen is considered to be the navel, also known as the umbilicus. If there is loose abdominal skin and tissue above the navel, then a full tummy tuck can be performed.

The full tummy tuck involves a series of separate components, including:

  • Removal of Excess Skin and Tissue in the Lower Abdomen
  • Optional Removal of Waist Fat (Liposuction in the Love Handles or Stomach)
  • Muscle Tightening for Loose or Separated Abdominal Muscles
  • Reshaping the Belly, Including the Belly Button

The surgery begins with making the lower tummy tuck incision at the junction between the lower abdomen and the pubic region (also known as the mons). Depending on who is performing your tummy tuck surgery, the incision can sometimes be seen above an underwear or your bikini and spans from one side of the hip to the other. In our practice, the tummy tuck incision is placed about 1 inch lower than in the standard technique and lies within the pubic area. In fact, the upper one inch of pubic hair is often lost as the result of the our tummy tuck incision being placed so low. Our tummy tuck incisions are made lower in order to in avoid visible scarring and to be covered in a bikini. Next, the lower abdominal skin and fat are then lifted over the abdominal muscle wall. An additional incision is then made around the belly button. The abdominal skin and fat of the upper abdomen is then lifted all the way to the rib cage.

At this point, abdominal muscle laxity and separation are assessed and marked for correction. Dr. Agha next performs tightening of the abdominal muscles with sutures at the midline in order to correct for the abdominal muscle wall laxity and to create a flatter and tighter abdominal wall. It is the abdominal muscle wall tightening procedure that create a flatter abdominal wall and thus a flatter abdomen. Also, in the hands of an expert tummy tuck surgeon such as Dr. Agha, the abdominal muscle tightening can be done in such as way as to enhance waist concavity in most women. For most patients, abdominal muscle laxity is performed vertically in the midline, brining together the separated abdominal rectus muscles back to their normal position or even overlapping them slightly. However, in addition to midline tightening, sometimes it is necessary to tighten the abdominal muscle further obliquely on each side or horizontally. For post weight loss patients or anyone who has an abdominal hernia, this is also the time when hernias can be addressed.

Next, the excess abdominal skin and fat are excised. Again for most full tummy tuck cases, the level of incision is typically at the level of the navel so that the old navel opening can be removed. Once completed, the skin is “tucked” which means the upper abdominoplasty incision is pulled down to meet the lower incision. Dr. Agha will then cut a new belly button opening, which in our office is a vertically oriented elliptical navel (compared to the shield shaped naval or a round navel) that has been recognized as a youthful and beautiful navel shape in aesthetic surgery. The navel will then be brought out and sutured to the new navel opening. He will then continue to sculpt the abdomen and flanks with careful use of liposuction.

Finishing Off Your Full Tummy Tuck in Orange County

A full tummy tuck procedure lasts from 2.5 to 3 hours and may be performed in a surgery center or hospital setting. Most patients are able to go home or to a recovery facility the same day.
At Tummy Tuck Orange County, which serves all of Southern California including Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Riverside and more, our tummy tuck surgeries have excellent outcomes, great reviews, and a beautiful look that you are certain to love. If you’d like to learn more about our Orange County tummy tuck services, call us today at .

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Have your plastic surgery with one of the most respected and desired plastic surgeons in SoCal, Dr. Siamak Agha Internationally Renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with 20 years of experience in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He practices and lives in Newport Beach, California. Get a private and personalized consultation at our beautiful practice in Newport Beach, CA.

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