Tummy Tuck Surgery with Dr. Frank. J. Piro
Treating Patients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area
Experienced body contouring plastic surgeon Frank J. Piro, MD, performs abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck" surgery, to give certain patients a flatter, firmer abdominal profile. Dr. Piro treats individuals seeking tummy tuck in San Carlos, San Mateo, Burlingame or Hillsborough, so they no longer feel embarrassed by a less-than-perfect midsection.
What Tummy Tuck Corrects
The natural aging process, massive weight loss, hereditary factors or perhaps pregnancy can take a toll on the abdominal area. Over time, skin produces less collagen and elastin, causing it to lose its elasticity and start to sag. In addition, pregnancy can cause the abdominal muscles to separate. Fortunately, undergoing tummy tuck surgery in San Mateo with Dr. Piro can correct these issues.
With tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Piro removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairs the underlying stomach muscles if needed to provide patients with a flatter, tighter abdominal contour. Often, he can even create or restore the look of "six-pack abs."
... I recently had my extended abdominoplasty/panniculotomy by Dr. Piro. During the operation, Dr. Piro removed over 8 pounds of excess skin, tightened my abdominal muscles, and tightened and lipoed my mons area. I had no complications, and at 8 weeks, have only a thin line of scar, that is continuing to fade. Dr. Piro’s stitching was so tiny – I couldn’t see any stitches at all. After the surgery, Dr. Piro was very accessible to answer my questions. He even gave me his cell phone number- that made me feel safe. The results of the operation were far better than I had expected. My formerly flabby stomach is completely flat! I no longer have any hanging skin, or that dreaded “muffin-top” hanging over my pants. My clothes fit so much better! My belly button is normal looking, not all stretched out like it was. I am exercising, and working on keeping my new abs tight! I am no longer self-conscious of my body, and I feel “normal” at last – even in a bathing suit!
More About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia so the patient does not feel any pain and is comfortable throughout surgery. It takes Dr. Piro about three hours to perform tummy tuck, depending on how complex the patient's surgical needs and aesthetic goals are. For instance, certain patients may require liposuction as part of their tummy tuck procedure, adding some time to the duration of the procedure.
The tummy tuck surgeon starts the procedure by making a horizontal incision in the pubic region extending from hipbone to hipbone. Although the incision needed for tummy tuck is significant, the skilled surgeon strategically positions the incision in an area that can be easily concealed by the underwear or bikini line. He eliminates excess skin and performs liposuction to remove excess fat if necessary. Dr. Piro then repairs the stomach muscle, using internal stitches to keep the newly restored abdominal muscles in place. He pulls the remaining skin taut, adjusting the position of the navel to align with the new flatter abdominal contour. Finally, he closes the incision with liquid stitches or extremely fine dissolvable stitches before dressing the treated area with bandages and possibly a compression garment for added support.
Postoperative tummy tuck patients should expect to take about two weeks off from work or their usual schedule. They should get as much rest as they can and abstain from performing any strenuous activities, including heavy lifting.
The abdominal area may be bruised, swollen, sore or numb, but these are common symptoms that should gradually subside over time. Dr. Piro may recommend oral pain medication to alleviate any postsurgical discomfort. He will also advise patients when it is okay to resume their normal activities, including their exercise routine.
Tummy Tuck Candidacy
Tummy tuck candidacy is best determined by a knowledgeable plastic surgeon such as Dr. Piro. Generally speaking, however, tummy tuck surgery is well-suited for those who:
- Have an overall positive body image but are frustrated with sagging abdominal skin and severely weakened abdominal muscles
- Are at their ideal body weight or are slightly above it (The aesthetic benefits of tummy tuck will likely be reversed if the patient gains a substantial amount of weight after the procedure.)
- Have poor skin elasticity that makes them unsuitable candidates for liposuction alone
- Are not pregnant and do not plan to become pregnant again (Again, pregnancy can counteract the aesthetic effects of tummy tuck.)
- Are seeking an aesthetic improvement, not necessarily perfection
- Are in good overall physical and emotional health
- Do not smoke or are prepared to cease smoking for several months before and after surgery
Most importantly, appropriate tummy tuck candidates understand the risks and rewards of abdominoplasty, but feel that the rewards outweigh the possible risks. Suitable tummy tuck candidates have realistic expectations for the procedure. Lastly, they are pursuing the procedure of their own accord.
What Tummy Tuck Doesn't Do
Note that tummy tuck is not intended as a tool for major weight loss. Tummy tuck candidates should already be at or near their ideal body weight, but have aesthetic concerns throughout their midsection that are resistant to diet and exercise. In addition, tummy tuck does not repair stretch marks. However, stretch marks located on the excess skin may be removed during tummy tuck, especially if they are located below the navel.
It's Tummy Tuck Time!
If you have tried to follow a healthy diet and exercise consistently but still do not see any improvement in your drooping abdominal skin or severely weakened stomach muscles, now is the time to think about tummy tuck. Undergoing tummy tuck in San Mateo with Dr. Piro can help you attain the firmer, flatter midsection that has eluded you thus far.
Before you decide, you can also view tummy tuck before and after photos of Dr. Piro's patients.
To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Piro to learn more about tummy tuck, please contact his practice by calling (650) 652-8230 today.
Abdominoplasty FAQs
What are the different types of abdominoplasty?
There are basically two types of abdominoplasty: standard (full) abdominoplasty and mini abdominoplasty. Standard abdominoplasty involves completely eliminating excess abdominal skin as well as repairing the abdominal muscles that run from the sternum to the pubic bone. Full abdominoplasty completely tightens both the abdominal muscles and the entire abdominal profile. There is also mini abdominoplasty, which incorporates liposuction of the upper abdomen and skin tightening of the lower abdomen. This is a limited abdominoplasty procedure and is a suitable treatment for certain patients with specific abdominal forms of laxity.
Is liposuction part of an abdominoplasty procedure?
I use liposuction routinely on the lateral flanks to blend in the flattening of the abdomen to the sides of the torso. I do not perform liposuction on the central abdominal area for fear of damaging blood vessels and due to the potential skin loss in the abdominal closure.
What is the recovery after abdominoplasty like?
The recovery period following abdominoplasty typically takes about two weeks. Patients usually have a difficult time moving around in the first three to five days. By the postsurgical one-week mark, they are usually moving around freely, performing light duties. By the two-week mark, they are generally able to perform normal light duties. Patient should avoid any heavy lifting or exercise for four to six weeks after surgery.
What are the potential risks and complications of abdominal surgery?
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the specific risks and complications associated with your tummy tuck procedure. Because there are certain factors which can increase your risk of complications, inform your doctor of the following: any medical conditions that you have, if you smoke, if you are on any medications and if you have had any previous surgeries near the site to be treated. By choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and carefully following instructions before and after surgery, you can greatly reduce your risks.
To learn more about our Plastic Surgery Services, please contact us at (650) 652-8230 today to schedule an appointment.