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Tummy Tuck in Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara plastic surgeons at Aesthetic Surgical Partners specialize in abdominoplasty, commonly called tummy tucks. We invite you to call us at 805-682-7222 to schedule your consultation or email us for more information about tummy tuck surgery in Southern California.

You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) if you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin that is frequently associated with abnormal relaxation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles (often secondary to multiple pregnancies or prior surgery). You may also desire a tummy tuck if you are unable to tighten your abdominal wall skin with exercise.

An abdominoplasty is intended to give the patient a smoother, flatter abdomen and often can be performed in conjunction with liposuction or other cosmetic procedures.

abdiominoplasty incision
In abdominoplasty, an incision is usually made across
the pubic area and around the navel. Skin in the shaded area
is separated from the abdominal wall.

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting at our Santa Barbara plastic surgery office. In some cases, a local anesthesia pain pump is used to help control immediate post operative pain for the first 48 hours. Beyond that, oral pain medication is usually sufficient to control any discomfort.

  • Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only (shortest scar).
  • Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin (standard scar).
  • Extended abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back.)

underlying tissue
To tighten the abdominal wall, the surgeon brings loose underlying
tissue and muscle together with sutures.

Abdominoplasty is one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures. Most patients require some assistance at home for 2-3 days after surgery. Light activity is comfortable in 14-20 days. Heavy exertion and sports activities should be avoided for about 8 weeks.

removal of excess abdominal skin
Abdominal skin is drawn downward, and the excess
is removed. A small opening is made to bring the navel through.

Additional procedures that may enhance the result of a tummy tuck are Liposuction, Breast Procedures, or a Thigh Lift.

postoperative patient
The postoperative tummy tuck patient shown with resultant scars.

Occasionally, if the abdominoplasty is being performed for medical reasons, the procedure may be partially covered by insurance. Usually, though, the patient is responsible for payment.

The specific risks and the suitability of abdominoplasty for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Illustrations courtesy the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

For more information about abdominoplasty - tummy tuck: