Category: abdominoplasty

Do You Need A Tummy Tuck or Body Lift?

Tummy Tucks & Body Lifts in the Bay AreaRegular exercise and a healthy diet can pay great dividends. However, crafting your dream body takes more than just hard work and dedication. It is impossible to tighten excess loose skin and nearly impossible to eliminate certain troublesome pockets of fat through lifestyle habits alone.

If diet and exercise don’t quite cut it, you may want to consider a tummy tuck or body lift. A tummy tuck is perfect for getting rid of extra fat and skin in the abdominal area. A body lift improves the appearance of the abdominal area, buttocks and thighs by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying tissues.

Below, Dr. Ereso of the Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center discusses how these procedures can help your dream body come to life. Continue reading “Do You Need A Tummy Tuck or Body Lift?” →

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Tummy Tuck Surgeon

As a tummy tuck candidate, you have a responsibility to yourself to do your homework about the procedure and your choice of surgeon, and come up with a list of questions to ask during your consultation. According to tummy tuck surgeon Alexander Ereso, some of the essential questions to ask your surgeon include the following: Continue reading “Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Tummy Tuck Surgeon” →

Is Tummy Tuck a Weight Loss Option?

The average person exploring their weight reduction options may have trouble discerning between body contouring and weight loss surgery. Admittedly, the medical terminology can be difficult for the layperson to parse, leading to misconceptions that body contouring procedures like tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) result in weight loss.

Dr. Alexander Ereso wants to set the record straight: Tummy tuck is not a viable method for weight reduction. Read on as they provide a more thorough explanation. Continue reading “Is Tummy Tuck a Weight Loss Option?” →

Variations in Tummy Tuck Technique

Tummy tuck is a popular procedure, and many patients are surprised to learn that there are several different variations of the procedure. Dr. Alexander Ereso would like to provide you with an overview of some of the different tummy tuck options. If you are interested in abdominal contouring, they will help you determine the most appropriate technique for your case, depending on your body type, problem area(s), amount of loose skin and other factors.

Standard or Full Tummy Tuck

A standard tummy tuck uses a hip-to-hip incision below the navel, as well as one around the belly button. Excess skin and fat deposits are removed, internal sutures are used to repair and tighten the abdominal muscles and the remaining skin is then re-draped more tightly over the abdomen. The navel may also be repositioned higher on the abdomen. The tummy tuck incision leaves a horizontal scar low on the abdomen and easily concealed by underwear or a bathing suit.

Extended Tummy Tuck

Used primarily for patients who have experienced significant weight loss (often through bariatric surgery) and have a surplus of loose skin and excess fat around the lower abdomen and back. (Sometimes this area resembles an apron of skin, and is referred to as a pannus.) The extended tummy tuck incision reaches across the lower abdomen and extends around the sides of the body so that the entire torso can be contoured. As with a full tummy tuck, an incision around the navel is required to reposition it.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Sometimes a patient has a minor amount of fat and excess skin below the abdomen (either after a pregnancy or weight loss) and desires a small correction to their figure. A mini tummy tuck differs from the other forms of the procedure in that it is limited to the area beneath the navel. Excess fat and skin are removed and the navel is not repositioned.

Lipo Abdominoplasty

Almost always, Dr. Ereso combines liposuction with tummy tuck procedures. Liposuction can be combined with standard, extended and mini tummy tucks. Lipo abdominoplasty has been one of the most significant advancements in body contouring rejuvenation.

Through careful consideration of the specifics of your situation – age, degree of loose skin and fat, overall physical condition – Dr. Ereso can recommend the tummy tuck procedure that aligns with your needs and aesthetic objectives. Please call our office at (650) 964-6600 to schedule an appointment.

What Should I Wear After My Tummy Tuck?

After getting tummy tuck, you will need to wear a special garment to support the healing skin and tissues and minimize swelling. At the Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Alexander Ereso can advise you about the right garment to wear immediately after the procedure. They also encourage you to wear garments that flatter your improved figure as soon as you have completely healed from your tummy tuck procedure.

What to Wear the First Week After the Procedure

A compression garment made from a combination of elastic and fabric should generally be worn all day and night for the first week after surgery (please consult with your doctor for your specific post-surgical program). Putting gentle tension on the abdomen speeds up the healing process and prevents fluid buildup in the space behind the abdominal muscles. Your compression garment should fit snugly, but not so tightly that it cuts off circulation.

What to Wear After the First Week of Recovery

Since full recovery generally occurs gradually over a period of several months (remember that every patient is different and heals at a different rate) some transitional garments that are somewhat loose fitting around the mid-section might provide the best compromise between style and comfort.

One key thing to remember is that the clothes you wore prior to having surgery will not be nearly as flattering after the procedure. Once full recovery has been achieved, the new contours brought about by tummy tuck will provide an opportunity to buy new clothes that are more form fitting than what was worn prior to the procedure.

Many women find that they go down a size or two after tummy tuck. Another thing to consider is that since fat is removed during tummy tuck, women may find that they can wear their pants higher or lower, depending on the style. Shopping for new clothes will most likely involve trying on smaller sizes and opting for garments like skinny jeans and form fitting dresses that accentuate your figure.

To discuss the nuances of what to wear in the weeks and months after tummy tuck, Dr. Ereso looks forward to seeing you for an office consultation. Please call us at (650) 964-6600 to schedule one.