Tummy Tuck in McLean and Northern Virginia

For both men and women, loose skin and pockets of fat surrounding the abdomen can be frustrating despite efforts to lose it. Pregnancy, weight loss, and aging are the primary reasons why an individual may not be able to reclaim a slim and tight stomach. An abdominoplasty is a body contouring surgery that redefines the abdominal region, achieving extraordinary outcomes for patients. McLean, VA Plastic Surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi performs tummy tuck surgery that is tailored on the individual's cosmetic goals. This popular surgery at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery allows patients the opportunity to have a redefined physique and renewed confidence. Learn more about how an abdominoplasty can eliminate excess skin and fat while also tightening the ab muscles and contact us to schedule your consultation. We have locations in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., and Beverly Hills, CA to best serve our patients.

A tummy tuck can be an excellent surgery for patients in the McLean, VA area who wish to get rid of belly fat, acquire a slimmer look, and get in better shape. This procedure carried out at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery offers a number of these advantages:

• 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 battle sagging skin as well as excess fat in the abdominal region, this cosmetic surgery can help you regain a tighter and slimmer silhouette. Dr. Mesbahi suggests you to be at a normal weight prior to surgery. Abdominoplasty is not a procedure to help you lose weight — it surgically corrects loose skin. A form of liposuction is generally incorporated during surgery to eliminate fat. If your stomach area has healthy skin tightness, but you still are not satisfied with your appearance even if diet and exercise have failed, another option can be liposuction. Women interested in abdominoplasty should be past pregnancy so that the results are not impacted.

Abdominoplasty is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. There are several methods that come into consideration when the surgery is performed by Dr. Mesbahi, which is customized according to the individual's needs. For starters, the incision size is chosen based on the quantity of excess skin. Some individuals with an abundance of sagging and loose skin might benefit best from a full tummy tuck. This abdominoplasty technique makes the incision from hip to hip, just on top of the pubic zone. Some individuals who have minimal skin looseness may be better suited for a less invasive technique. These patients still benefit from an abdominoplasty, but will simply receive a less expansive scar. Regardless of the type, all tummy tuck procedures at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery involve the removal of hanging 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.

Can a tummy tuck help with stretch marks?
Yes, a tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located on the excised skin, typically those below the belly button. It's not a complete solution for all stretch marks, but it significantly reduces their appearance in the treated area.

Is a tummy tuck permanent?
The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight. However, factors like significant weight fluctuations, aging, and future pregnancies can affect the durability of the results. A healthy lifestyle is key to preserving the outcome.

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.