There are many factors involved with how your face ages, both your genetics and environmental exposures play a crucial role. Many patients notice their first signs aging around their eyes. Therefore, there is no particular age that one should wait before considering a browlift. The procedure is effective for anyone who feels as though they have excess fullness and/or skin laxity around their eyes.

In addition, Dr. Jason will only perform a brow lift on patients who meet the following criteria:

• Are in good health
• Do not smoke
• Are able to avoid any blood-thinning medications for several weeks
• Have been cleared for surgery by a primary care physician
• Have reasonable expectations and aesthetic goals

Full Abdominoplasty

If loose skin is present both below and above the navel, a full abdominoplasty may be the best option. After tightening the abdominal muscles and removing the loose skin, Dr. Jason places an additional incision to create a new belly button for the most natural, seamless result. 

Full Abdominoplasty with Liposuction

If you have excess fat in addition to loose abdominal skin, incorporating liposuction into your tummy tuck procedure may be an ideal solution. Dr. Jason was the lead author on a study, Comparison of Limited-Undermining Lipoabdominoplasty and Traditional Abdominoplasty Using Laser Fluorescence Imaging, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal that objectively evaluated the safety of performing liposuction of belly fat at the same time as a tummy tuck. This breakthrough abdominoplasty procedure is able to achieve more dramatic results in a single cosmetic procedure.

“Mini” Tummy Tuck
Patients with excess skin isolated below the belly button can undergo a modified abdominoplasty, or “mini” tummy tuck. This procedure requires only a lower incision, because the belly button remains in place. Dr. Jason will evaluate your anatomy and consider your goals before determining whether or not a mini abdominoplasty is the correct course of action.

While the information provided here is not a substitute for a discussion with Dr. Jason and the plastic surgery team, it will provide you with a general overview of how to prepare for, and what to expect – both during and after – your abdominoplasty surgery. 

When searching for the best tummy tuck surgeon to perform your abdominoplasty, Dr. Roostaeian advises you to consider several key factors:

1. Credentials and Certifications: Research your prospective tummy tuck surgeon online – not just on their website, but on industry credentialing sites such as www.surgery.org, which lists board certified plastic surgeons. Do not choose a cosmetic surgeon who is a member of the ABCS – they do not receive the extensive training and oversight that plastic surgeons do. Look for plastic/cosmetic surgeons like Dr. Roostaeian, who are ABPS and ASAPS members.
2. Before and After Photos: The doctor you choose to perform your abdominoplasty should be happy to show you an extensive array of standardized before and after photographs. Scrutinize them carefully, making sure the lighting is consistent and the various views are shown with detail. View enough tummy tuck pictures to determine whether or not the work is of high quality, with an aesthetic that matches your personal goals. Dr. Jason strives to provide patients with the highest quality of standardized tummy tuck photographs so you can feel confident in your choice. Click here to view Dr. Jason’s gallery of before and after abdominoplasty photos. [LINK]
3. Office and Surgery Facility: Before choosing an aesthetic surgeon to perform your abdominal surgery, closely evaluate the office staff, as well as the surgery facility. All of the staff should be helpful and friendly, and pleased to provide you with detailed information about their operating rooms and equipment. Dr. Jason and his staff are proud to be affiliated with UCLA, world renowned for state-of-the-art surgical facilities and patient care. Click to learn more about our top-ranked hospital.[LINK]
4. Personal Connection: Seeing eye to eye with your tummy tuck surgeon is just as important as assessing their operating skills. Plastic surgery is a very personal endeavor, and Dr. Jason strongly believes in creating a connection with all of his patients prior to heading into the OR. 

Click to read Dr. Jason’s blog post How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon.

Tummy tuck costs vary considerably from patient to patient. The exact cost of your abdominoplasty surgery will depend on the complexity of your case, and whether or not you are combining your tummy tuck with other procedures. You will receive a written quote from Dr. Jason’s office following your consultation.

Yes, Dr. Jason often combines a tummy tuck with other procedures of the breast or body. Liposuction of the flanks or a breast lift with or without augmentation as part of a “mommy makeover” are commonly performed at the same time.  Dr. Jason was the lead author on a study, Comparison of Limited-Undermining Lipoabdominoplasty and Traditional Abdominoplasty Using Laser Fluorescence Imaging, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal that objectively evaluated the safety of performing liposuction of belly fat at the same time as a tummy tuck. This breakthrough procedure is able to achieve more dramatic results in a single procedure.

Since we often have to create a new opening for your belly button, this gives us the opportunity to change its size or shape. You can discuss your goals with Dr. Jason during the consultation to try and achieve the perfect belly button for you.

To achieve the best possible result in body contouring it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This should be started before surgery so that you can keep it going after surgery. Although you will have to take a break from exercise for a few weeks during your recovery, it important to maintain a well-balanced diet. Many of Dr. Jason’s patients are more motivated by their new body shape following surgery and want to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

When preparing for a tummy tuck procedure, follow all instructions issued by Dr. Roostaeian, his office, and the staff at the UCLA Surgery Center. These guidelines include, but are not limited to:

THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO SURGERY

• Avoid smoking cigarettes, wearing a nicotine patch or using nicotine gum three weeks prior and three weeks after surgery. All nicotine products inhibits circulation and slows your healing process.

TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO SURGERY

• Do not take aspirin or any aspirin products. These medications cause bleeding which can lead to
  complications. You may only use Tylenol.
• If you are using Retin-A, discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery date. Do not recieve a dermabrasion, chemical peel, or laser, within five days prior to your surgery date.
• Do not take Vitamin E (it will cause you to bleed).
• Do not cut your hair (even your bangs) two weeks prior to surgery. Longer hair helps hide fresh incisions. Also, longer hair is easier to manage in surgery (we braid it to keep it out of the way).
• Do not color, perm, or chemically treat your hair during the 2-week period before and after surgery. Failure to do so may result in hair breakage and hair loss.
• Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the doctor sees you the day following surgery.
• It is extremely important that we are informed about any medications or supplements that you are currently taking such as diet pills, mega doses of vitamins, prescriptions for depression, etc., Dr. Roostaeian and your anesthesiologist need to know every medication that is in your system.

DAY BEFORE/DAY OF TUMMY TUCK SURGERY

• Shampoo your hair and body with an antiseptic soap the night before surgery. We prefer you to use Hibiclens (sold at most drug stores) to wash your hair, face, and body (avoid the eyes) the night before and/or morning of surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything (not even water) after midnight. The morning of surgery you may take your regular medications such as blood pressure, heart, thyroid, etc. with a small sip of water.
• Leave all your jewelry at home, including any body (pierced) jewelry. Do not wear contact lenses- not even extended wear. Remove all makeup. Do not apply lotion or creams. Bring a robe, gown (one that will slip easily over your head or one that buttons up the front) and slippers.
• DO NOT “WORKOUT” THE DAY BEFORE OR THE MORNING OF SURGERY. This will dehydrate your body and you will not be able to replenish it with water.

A tummy tuck procedure typically last approximately two to four hours.  Dr. Jason will typically create incisions below your bikini line, and when necessary around your belly button (navel). The incision will be made as inconspicuously as possible, however, its length will vary depending on what your particular body needs to achieve the best possible shape.

Dr. Jason will employ liposuction in any of the areas you need to achieve the best result. Your abdominal muscles will be repaired and tightened as necessary. The extra skin from your belly is then removed and your incisions are closed using absorbable sutures so there is no need to later remove any stitches.

Following your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery suite where you will stay and be cared for and monitored by UCLA’s excellent nurses overnight.

After returning home the next day, you can take a shower after 2 days but baths, swimming, or soaking of your incisions should be avoided for 4 weeks. The majority of the swelling will likely subside within a week while some mild swelling may persist for a few more weeks.

Most patients require prescription narcotics for at least a few days after surgery. You can drive if you’re not taking prescription narcotics and most feel up for it 1-2 weeks after surgery. You can return to work within 1-2 weeks as long as it doesn’t require any significant physical activity or lifting.

Within one week after surgery you will visit Dr. Jason at the UCLA Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery suite in Los Angeles as a follow up so he can check on your healing and answer any questions.

After your abdominoplasty with Dr. Roostaeian, your incisions will be healed and you can return to most activities by 6 weeks. Full activities such as strenuous workouts, running, etc. is best to wait until 3 months, when your scars have achieved full strength. For a tummy tuck scar to fully mature, however, it takes at least 6 months to a year. Over this time you will see your tummy scars become barely visible, they will lighten in color and become softer to the touch.

For the first 2-3 weeks following abdominoplasty surgery, you want to avoid straining (lifting anything more than 5 lbs), or getting your heart rate/blood pressure up as this can lead to bleeding. After 2-3 weeks you should avoid mechanical forces that will stress or put tension on your healing incisions for 3 months. This means you should avoid high impact activities that lead to excessive movement of your torso, such a running. If you feel up for it, after 2-3 weeks, Dr. Jason Roostaeian recommends starting with the seated stationary bicycle which is low impact and minimizes movement of your torso. Listen to what your body is telling you at all times, for instance stop the workout if you experience any new discomfort in your abdominal area. Remember, getting plenty of rest and reducing your overall activity will give you time to heal and speed up your recovery.

As always, consult with Dr. Jason if you have any questions about your post-tummy tuck healing process.

Dr. Jason Roostaeian is extremely meticulous about the placement of his tummy tuck incisions. He typically places the scar as low as possible between the hip bones, following the natural creases of the body. The scar fades over time, remaining extremely inconspicuous and undetectable in most people.

Visit Dr. Jason’s abdominoplasty photo gallery to see examples of tummy tuck scars.  [LINK]

Yes, you are able to get pregnant after a tummy tuck with no consequences to your newborn. However, the pregnancy will re-stretch the skin and abdominal muscles that were tightened and may require a revisional procedure. Therefore, Dr. Jason advises patients to wait until you are done with pregnancies before considering a tummy tuck.

While everyone heals at a different pace, there are general guidelines to help determine how much work or school you’ll miss after a tummy tuck. To promote proper healing, Dr. Roostaeian recommends taking at least 1 week off after abdominal surgery. Most patients are able to work from home or do homework after a few days of rest. Most patients with non-strenous jobs can return to work after about one week. If your work requires significant physical activity (lifting more than 5 pounds) you want to wait at least 2-3 weeks to prevent any increases in your blood pressure that can lead to bleeding while your’re still in the early stages of healing.

Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle will enjoy the result of their tummy tuck procedure with Dr. Roostaeian for decades. Significant increases in weight can stretch out the abdominal skin and muscles that were tightened.