Tummy Tuck in San Diego
One of the most desirable places on the body to be taut and firm is the stomach-of course, it's also one of the hardest places to tone. Whether it be from pregnancy, weight fluctuation, heredity or just aging, our
stomachs can become increasingly flabby and impossible to "spot reduce." So if you've done a million sit ups and tried your umpteenth diet-without much positive result-then abdominoplasty may be just what the doctor ordered.
We understand that it's important for our visitors to view actual patient before and after photos of other tummy tuck patients that's why we have provided our visitors with access to our tummy tuck photo gallery. Also be sure to watch the abdominoplasty video provided in this page featuring San Diego cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert Shumway.
Abdominoplasty-Otherwise Known as the "Tummy Tuck"
Most commonly known as the "tummy tuck," abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure where excess fat and skin are removed from the stomach, and weakened or torn muscles are tightened and/or repaired. The result is a reduced stomach that is firmer and flatter.
At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, we perform three different "degrees" of the tummy tuck. At your consultation, Dr. Shumway will explain all three and discuss which procedure is best suited for you.
Am I a Candidate?
Whether male or female, the best tummy tuck candidates are those who are in good physical and emotional health, and are at a stabilized body weight. If you are planning to lose weight or become pregnant, it's a good idea to postpone your tummy tuck.
The procedure is most effective for removing excess fat and skin that doesn't respond to diet or exercise. However, a tummy tuck is definitely not a replacement for weight loss-and as with all cosmetic surgeries, a patient needs to have reasonable expectations.
If this sounds like you, the next step would be to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shumway at our La Jolla office in Southern California.
Why Choose Dr. Shumway?
The San Diego area of Southern California is the home of Shumway Cosmetic Surgery. Located in beautiful La Jolla, we are dedicated to the aesthetic enhancement of our patients.
Dr. Robert A. Shumway, M.D. FACS received his training at the nation's finest medical centers. He has taught cosmetic surgery techniques at Duke, UCLA and UCSD and is a trustee of the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Shumway stresses the importance of close post-operative care-careful instruction is given to all patients in order to expedite their recoveries.
What Happens During Abdominoplasty?
During your surgery, Dr. Shumway will make a horizontal incision between the pubic bone and navel. Through this opening, he will repair the weakened stomach muscles and remove excess fat and skin.
Following your surgery, bandages may be applied to your incision and a small drainage tube inserted beneath the skin may be used temporarily to rid the body of any excess fluids.
How Fast Will I Heal?
Because a tummy tuck is often performed on an outpatient basis, you can go home the same day. After the surgery is complete you may be asked to wear a compression garment-this will hold everything "in place" and help to reduce swelling.
During the first few days after surgery, you will experience swelling. This should settle down after a few days and resolve completely within 2 to 6 months. Within a couple of weeks after your surgery you will be able to start noticing your new sleeker look!
Most people can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks but you need to remember that this is major surgery and you will need to take it easy. For example, exercise is generally not permitted for at least 6 weeks.
How Will I Look?
The results of a tummy tuck will vary greatly depending on the patient. End results and expectations will be discussed at length in your consultation with Dr. Shumway.
Taking the Next Step
Call our offices to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shumway. He will hear your concerns and provide you with his professional expertise. You will discuss where there might be room for improvements, and he will reveal the safest and most effective way to achieve your goals.
At the consultation, you will be given an opportunity to view before and after photos of Dr. Shumway's other tummy tuck patients.