Tummy Tuck in Westlake Village, CA

For both men and women, loose skin in the abdominal region can be frustrating. Significant weight loss, childbirth, and aging are some of the most common reasons why it may not be possible for you to get a slim and tight stomach on your own. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ethan Baughman performs tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) at his practice in Westlake Village, CA to remove excess skin and repair torn abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck at Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery can be combined with liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat for an even better result. Read more about how abdominoplasty can eliminate excess skin while it also tightens the stomach muscles, then contact us to schedule your consultation.

Tummy tuck surgery can be performed on men and women who are frustrated with loose or wrinkly skin in their abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery can be combined with liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat for a result that is both toned and slim. A tummy tuck is often combined with other procedures during a lower body lift, mommy makeover, or after weight loss surgery. Women interested in abdominoplasty should be past childbearing to make sure the results are not compromised. To make it easier to maintain your results, you should be at a healthy, stable weight.

An abdominoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient surgery with general anesthesia. During your consultation, Dr. Baughman will explain your surgical plan. He will go over the technique he will use (a full, mini, or extended tummy tuck) and where the incision(s) will be placed. After Dr. Baughman removes the excess skin, he will smooth the tissue and may need to tighten or repair the abdominal muscles. If liposuction is part of your surgical plan, it will be performed before the incision is closed. Your stomach will be cleaned and wrapped in a compression garment before you are taken to the recovery area.

When your abdominoplasty is complete, you will be carefully monitored until you are able to go home with a responsible adult. Standing upright and walking will be a bit painful for a while so you should take it easy for several days as your abdominal muscles and the incision heals. You can generally resume a normal routine in about two weeks. While you will see some improvements right away, your results will continue to improve over the next few months. 

How much does a tummy tuck cost?
At the time of your consultation, Dr. Baughman will customize your abdominoplasty plan to match your unique concerns and goals before estimating costs. He will be able to better estimate your costs as soon as the type of abdominoplasty is decided, which technique will be used, which anesthesia you will need, and other factors. To ensure you get beautiful results from an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery makes it easier to afford your tummy tuck by taking several payment methods and giving you information on low-interest financing.

What type of tummy tuck should I get?
You will probably get one of the three most common techniques for abdominoplasty: full, extended, and mini. During your initial consultation, Dr. Baughman will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam. Then, he can help you decide on the technique that will produce your best results. A full abdominoplasty is better if you would like to fix loose skin in both the lower and upper stomach, whereas a mini abdominoplasty is better for concerns under your belly button, such as a "pooch." The extended technique can address issues in the stomach, plus your upper thighs and hips.

What will my scars look like?
Incisions for your abdominoplasty will vary based on which technique is being used. During all tummy tucks, Dr. Baughman uses the thinnest incisions needed to minimize scarring. He also places incisions in areas that are less visible (through the belly button or in the pubic region) so they can be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. Following your tummy tuck, it is important to adhere to your scar management instructions so your sutures heal properly and eventually blend into your natural skin.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although you may get pregnant following an abdominoplasty, it will likely affect your results. Dr. Baughman strongly encourages that you be finished building your family before you get an abdominoplasty. If you do become pregnant following your tummy tuck, another surgery may be done to refresh your stomach.

Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
Several patients get another lift or liposuction with an abdominoplasty to see more dramatic results. At your initial consultation with Dr. Baughman, talk to him about your desires so a personalized surgical plan may be created to match your aesthetic goals. You might combine abdominoplasty with a thighplasty for a lower body lift or other areas for body contouring. If you want to rejuvenate your body after having children or losing a lot of weight, you might be an ideal candidate for after weight loss surgery or a mommy makeover.

Pregnancy, aging, or weight loss can result in a sagging stomach with loose and wrinkled skin. No matter how many abdominal exercises you do, loose skin needs to be addressed with a surgical lift so you can show off your taut, toned abs. If you are bothered by the stretched-out skin in your abdominal region, tummy tuck surgery by Dr. Baughman in Westlake Village, CA can help you get the body you dream of. We invite you to contact Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery for more information.