Tummy TuckSanta Monica

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.

Exploring Abdominoplasty Options with Dr. Shafa

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.

What is a tummy tuck?

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.

Full abdominoplasty – During a full tummy tuck, Dr. Shafa will create an incision from hip to hip through which he will adjust the stomach muscles, trim excess fat and skin, and reposition the belly button in a more youthful location.
Mini abdominoplasty – This surgery addresses the area below the navel, keeping the belly button intact. Lax belly muscles are firmed while excess skin, fat, and tissue are eradicated.
Panniculectomy – This procedure is ideal for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and who are now struggling with an apron of skin that hangs down across the groin. This excess skin can cause discomfort, rashes, chafing, and even infection if left untreated.

What concerns does abdominoplasty address?

Weakened or separated stomach muscles after pregnancy
Excess loose skin in the midsection after massive weight loss or aging
Stubborn belly fat that doesn’t respond to dieting or exercise
A protruding belly

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

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:

Increased stamina and energy
Expanded range of clothing options
Improved self-confidence
A more balanced, youthful-looking physique
An excellent solution after pregnancy, massive weight loss, or aging

How is tummy tuck performed?

The first step of a tummy tuck is the administration of amnesia to ensure the patient is unconscious during surgery. Next, Dr. Shafa will create an incision to reshape, tone, and trim the abdomen. With a full abdominoplasty, the incision typically stretches horizontally from hip to hip between the pubic hairline and the belly button. Dr. Shafa can address the abdominal muscles through this incision and remove excess fat, skin, and tissue.

The firming of the abdominal muscles sets a tummy tuck apart from other procedures like liposuction. Resolving weakened or separated stomach muscles is a crucial step in the process of achieving a flatter, shapelier midsection. Dr. Shafa will suture the stretched belly muscles to create an internal corset, correcting diastasis recti while elevating the patient’s overall appearance.

What happens during recovery?

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.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

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.

Why choose Dr. Shafa in Santa Monica for abdominoplasty?

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.