Many patients struggle with excess skin and fat around their abdomen, whether these conditions are caused by heredity, weight loss, or aging. To achieve a more contoured, shapely appearance, they rely on Dr. Mary Powers.
Dr. Powers offers patients in Westlake Village and Long Beach abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) to address excess skin and fat. The operation can improve the appearance of the abdomen by tightening the abdominal muscles, removing skin, or both.
The procedure is best for people who:
- Are healthy but want to eliminate skin and fat that is unresponsive to other measures.
- Have lost a significant amount of weight and want to get rid of hanging skin.
- Want to remove loose skin and stretch marks after pregnancy
Dr. Powers also provides a “mini-tummy tuck” to patients who do not need muscle tightening but who do want to eliminate excess skin and fat. As part of the initial consultation, she can advise you whether you are a good candidate for this procedure as well as discuss risks of surgery.
What to Expect
Dr. Powers will conduct your procedure in a certified surgical center near Westlake Village and Long Beach. Abdominoplasty patients typically receive general anesthesia, though a mini-tummy tuck may be performed as an outpatient procedure. As a patient, you can expect an aftercare stay of one day if a full abdominoplasty is performed.
During a full abdominoplasty, Dr. Powers makes an incision across the lower abdomen and one around the navel. She creates a narrower, flatter abdomen by stitching together the muscles, and she removes extra skin and fatty tissue to provide a more contoured appearance.
About Recovery
The first week after your surgery, your movement will be restricted so that you keep tension off your newly tightened abdominal closure. Dr. Powers advises Westlake Village and Long Beach abdominoplasty patients to avoid strenuous activity and lifting for six weeks. You may be able to return to work and normal activities within two weeks after surgery with a sleeker abdominal contour though final results including fading of the scars can take several to many months.
Tummy tuck surgical scars should soften and lighten in appearance within a few months. During this time, you may have limited sensation or feel tightness in your abdomen. Dr. Powers will advise you after surgery to help you heal well. Many patients are concerned about their scars, the latest in scar therapy is embrace™. It is a post surgical tape which off loads tension from a healing scar. Embrace™ has been use successfully to minimize scarring and is FDA approved because of the high level of clinical evidence. By the conclusion of your recovery, you can expect a flatter, tighter abdomen and an improved overall contour.
If you are ready to make a change and eliminate excess skin and fat from your tummy, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mary Powers. Call our offices in Long Beach 562-427-8866 or in Westlake Village at 805-379-3104.
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