A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that targets excess skin and fat in the abdominal area while tightening weakened muscles. It aims to create a smoother, firmer abdominal contour and improve overall body proportions, restoring confidence in one's appearance.
Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Shafa if you're interested in a tummy tuck in Santa Monica.
While a healthy diet and a rigorous exercise regimen are excellent ways to stay fit, they are not always successful solutions for combating stubborn pockets of unwanted fat. Abdominoplasty is a popular surgical procedure that targets the midsection, reducing excess skin, fat, and tissue to reveal a firmer, more youthful physique.
Abdominoplasty is not a suitable strategy for weight loss. However, the surgery can greatly improve lower body contours and complement an active, healthy lifestyle. Patients typically lose 3-10 pounds of skin and fat with a tummy tuck. Results vary from individual to individual.
After pregnancy, significant weight loss, or menopause, the midsection may lose its shape, giving way to sagging folds of skin, stubborn pockets of excess fat, and weakened abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck surgery corrects these concerns, beautifully restoring a beach-ready physique.
There are several different approaches to tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Shafa will conduct a thorough evaluation during your private consultation and ensure that your tummy tuck in Santa Monica is carefully customized to reflect your wishes and needs.
A tummy tuck surgery can complement results obtained through conventional means such as dieting and exercise. However, tummy tuck can also firm weakened or separated stomach muscles and remove excess flabby skin, leading to comprehensive contour improvements in the midsection. Additional tummy tuck benefits include:
The recovery process from a tummy tuck is an essential aspect that patients should be prepared for beforehand. Factors such as your age, overall health, the extent of the surgery performed, and your body’s natural ability to heal will all play a role in determining the length of your recovery. Patients will generally need several weeks to rest and recuperate after abdominoplasty in Santa Monica. During this time, they will need to avoid strenuous activities. Dr. Shafa will provide a detailed aftercare plan, compression garments, and pain medications to ensure smooth recovery. He will conduct regular follow-up visits as well.
Patients considering abdominoplasty should be non-smokers in good mental and physical health who are realistic in their expectations regarding their results. They may struggle with excess skin in the midsection and have weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Before surgery, patients should be at a stable, healthy weight that they can maintain after their tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is not recommended for patients who are currently pregnant or who plan to get pregnant in the future.
At Dr. Brian Shafa Plastic Surgery, we offer flexible finance options to make your procedure more affordable:
Ask us about creating a payment plan that works for you. We're here to help you move forward with confidence.
Yes, a tummy tuck is an excellent solution for **diastasis recti**, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate, commonly seen after pregnancy. During the procedure, Dr. Shafa can repair the muscle separation by stitching the muscles back together, providing a firmer, more defined abdominal wall, and improving core strength and function.
Recovery after a tummy tuck typically takes **6–8 weeks**. During the first few days, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Most patients can return to light activities within **2–3 weeks**, but full recovery, including the ability to resume strenuous exercise, usually takes around **6 weeks**. Dr. Shafa will provide specific guidelines to help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Dr. Shafa is skilled in using **precise incision techniques** to minimize visible scarring after a tummy tuck. The incision is typically made along the **lower abdomen**, just above the pubic area, where it can be easily concealed by clothing or swimwear. Dr. Shafa also uses **advanced suturing techniques** and provides detailed post-operative care instructions to help reduce scarring and promote optimal healing.
Yes, a tummy tuck can be safely combined with other procedures like **liposuction**, **breast lifts**, or **Brazilian butt lifts** for a more comprehensive body transformation. Dr. Shafa customizes the treatment plan to your goals, allowing you to address multiple areas in one session while minimizing recovery time. Combining procedures provides a more cohesive, balanced aesthetic and reduces the need for separate surgeries.
As with any surgery, a tummy tuck carries some risks, including **infection**, **scarring**, and **seroma** (fluid accumulation). However, Dr. Shafa’s expertise and meticulous approach minimize these risks by using **advanced surgical techniques**, carefully monitoring the recovery process, and providing detailed aftercare instructions. His personalized approach ensures that your surgery is safe and your results are optimal.
Yes, a tummy tuck is one of the best solutions for **loose, sagging skin** after pregnancy or **significant weight loss**. It removes the excess skin and fat, tightens the underlying muscles, and restores a smoother, firmer abdominal contour. Dr. Shafa will ensure that the procedure is customized to your body, addressing both the skin and muscle laxity to create a more sculpted, youthful appearance.
While it is possible to have children after a tummy tuck, Dr. Shafa recommends waiting until you are done having children before undergoing the procedure. Pregnancy can affect the results of the surgery, especially the abdominal muscles, which may separate again. If you are considering a tummy tuck and may want to have more children, it may be best to wait until after your final pregnancy to ensure lasting results.
The results of a tummy tuck are **long-lasting** as long as you maintain a **stable weight**. The excess skin and muscle laxity corrected during the procedure will not return unless there are significant changes in your weight or pregnancy. To maintain your results, it’s important to follow a **healthy diet** and **exercise routine**, which will help preserve your toned, sculpted abdominal contour.
Dr. Shafa is an accomplished, award-winning body contouring expert who goes above and beyond to fulfill each patient’s unique vision for their ideal physique. He listens carefully to his patient’s stated goals and translates this information into a winning surgical strategy that delivers transformational results.
Dr. Shafa trained at among the most lauded and prestigious institutions in the country, including Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Medical School, UCLA, Henry Ford Hospital, and the University of Illinois – Chicago (UIC). While in medical school, he was awarded the Golden Heart Award for his tireless commitment to serving patients with compassion and integrity.
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