Tummy Tuck in McLean and Northern Virginia

For women and men alike, loose skin and pockets of fat throughout the abdominal region can be frustrating despite efforts to reduce it. Pregnancy, weight loss, and aging are the most common reasons why an individual may not be able to regain a slim and tight abdomen. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic plastic surgery that redefines the stomach area, producing amazing outcomes for patients. Skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi performs abdominoplasty that varies on the patient's needs. This popular procedure at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery allows patients the opportunity to have a redefined physique and more confidence. Learn more about how a tummy tuck can eliminate excess fat and skin while also tightening the ab muscles by scheduling a private consultation. We boast locations in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., and Beverly Hills, CA to best serve our patients.

Factors like pregnancy and weight loss can take their toll on the stomach area, leading to loose skin and small fatty deposits. Excess tissue can even cause problems like skin irritation around the middle. Many people feel self-conscious and avoid activities like swimming or wearing form-fitting clothes. A tummy tuck procedure is designed to correct these issues so you can feel more confident. Patients also report improved self-esteem and quality of life after surgery. The benefits of a tummy tuck include:

• Reduced skin and fat in the abdominal area
• Tightened abdominal muscles
• Improved posture and core strength
• A flatter and more toned stomach

Tummy tuck surgery can be offered to both men and women. If you find yourself upset over loose skin in addition to excess fat in the lower abdomen, this surgical treatment can help create a tighter and slimmer figure. Dr. Mesbahi recommends you to be at a healthy weight before undergoing this treatment. Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure — it addresses loose skin. Liposuction is generally implemented during surgery to remove fat. Women interested in abdominoplasty should be past childbearing so that the results are not compromised.

Abdominoplasty is performed with general anesthesia. There are several methods to consider when this surgery is performed by Dr. Mesbahi, which is unique to the individual's current condition. To start, the incision shape is selected based on the amount of excess skin. Some individuals with an abundance of sagging skin may require an extended tummy tuck. This method places the incision along the lower abdomen from hip to hip, just above the pubic zone. Some individuals who are concerned with minimal skin wrinkling may be better candidates for a mini tummy tuck. These patients still benefit from tummy tuck surgery but will simply have a smaller scar. Regardless of the technique used, all abdominoplasty procedures at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery involve the excision of sagging skin and liposuction.

When your abdominoplasty is completed, you will be carefully examined and sent home wearing a compression garment to decrease swelling. Standing upright and walking will be challenging at first so you should take it easy for a couple of days. Standing becomes easier once the abdominal muscles adjust and the incision heals. You can generally resume normal activities within two weeks. Exercise can resume later, closer to the two-month mark or when you are cleared by Dr. Mesbahi. The abdominal area will feel tight and uncomfortable, but you will look and feel normal again once healed.

What type of tummy tuck should I get?
There are three main types of tummy tucks: full, mini, and extended. During your initial consultation, Dr. Mesbahi will ask about your needs and goals before examining your stomach. Then, he can better decide which tummy tuck will give you the best results. A full tummy tuck is better if you would like to correct loose skin in the lower and upper stomach while a mini abdominoplasty is better if you only have concerns under your belly button, such as a "pooch." The extended technique can address issues in the stomach, plus the hips and upper thighs.

What will my scars look like?
The incisions needed for your abdominoplasty will depend on which type you are getting. For all tummy tucks, Dr. Mesbahi makes the smallest incisions possible to limit scars. He also makes incisions in less visible areas (through the belly button or in the pubic region) so they may be easily hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. After your surgery, it's important to follow your scar care instructions so your sutures heal flat and eventually blend into your natural skin.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
While you may get pregnant after a tummy tuck, it will alter your results. Dr. Mesbahi strongly encourages that you be done building your family before you get a tummy tuck. If you do get pregnant after your tummy tuck, another surgery may be done to refresh your stomach.

Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
Yes. Many patients get a second body surgery with a tummy tuck to give them more dramatic results. At your initial consultation with Dr. Mesbahi, talk to him about all of your concerns so a comprehensive treatment plan may be developed that matches your aesthetic goals. You may combine a tummy tuck with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or other areas for custom body contouring. If you want to rejuvenate your body after pregnancy or losing a lot of weight, you may be a candidate for after weight loss surgery or a mommy makeover.

Many factors can result in a stretched-out abdomen that leaves behind loose skin. We know it can be almost impossible to correct with diet and exercise alone, which is why a surgical intervention may be the best way to overcome this. If you are embarrassed by the loose skin in your abdominal region, no matter how minimal or severe, surgical body contouring by Dr. Mesbahi in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA can help you get the look you dream of. Contact Mesbahi Plastic Surgery to learn more.