Southern California Los Angeles Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

At Marina Plastic Surgery Associates in Los Angeles, many of our Beverly Hills and Long Beach tummy tuck patients undergo multiple procedures at the time of their abdominoplasty. Reasons for combining procedures with a tummy tuck include patient goals, recovery time and cost. Most patients desire improvement in multiple areas of their body. Frequently the best results are achieved through improving more than one of these regions. If Dr. Stevens or Dr. Stoker recommends that several procedures may be performed during the same operation, the patient may choose to have combined procedures.

For more information about what combination of procedures may be right for you, send an email to Charlie and Christi, our Patient Coordinators. They take pride in supplying thoughtful and discreet answers to all your tummy tuck questions. They also invite you to download their free eBook to learn more about all aspects of Los Angeles plastic surgery.

Tummy Tuck & Liposuction

Combination tummy tuck - liposuction surgeries are common in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. Suctioning fat from the hips and flanks often complements a tummy tuck by creating a more slender torso. The inner and outer thighs are other areas where patients will often benefit from liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck. With the newer technique of power-assisted liposuction, these areas may be treated more safely and efficiently than ever before.

Tummy Tuck & Abdominal Etching

Abdominal etching is a refined technique that may complement tummy tucks for Long Beach and Pasadena men. The procedure creates or enhances the appearance of the "six pack" of abdominal muscles.

The traditional way to achieve visible definition of the abdominal muscles is through diet and exercise. Exercising the abdominal muscles makes them more prominent. In slender patients, a thin layer of subcutaneous fat covers the muscles and permits them to be seen. If a thick layer of abdominal fat is present, even the strongest abdominal muscles will not be visible. Exercise and dieting are the best ways to improve definition of the abdomen.

It is also possible to enhance the appearance of the abdominal musculature through the sculpting or etching of fat. We commonly perform this as a part of a tummy tuck. Techniques used to create these changes include precision liposuction, incising fat and superficial fibrous layers, or direct excision of fatty tissue. Abdominal etching may be complementary to the tummy tuck operation.

Tummy Tuck & Breast Enhancement

Breast enhancement surgery is also frequently combined with a tummy tuck. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, or after substantial weight loss, the breasts may become droopy. The Laser Bra breast lift may be the best answer for these patients. During the Laser Bra we use the patient's own tissues to create an internal bra that results in perkier breasts and a longer lasting lift. Patients who have small breasts without droopiness may want to combine breast augmentation with a tummy tuck. The increase in breast size for these patients may help them to achieve more attractive bodily proportions.

Tummy Tuck & Facial Procedures

Facial rejuvenation procedures are also commonly performed with a tummy tuck. The same processes that contribute to laxity of the abdominal tissues will cause similar changes in the face. The eyelids, for example, may have puffiness from orbital fat or hooding from excess skin. With eyelid surgery it is possible to achieve a more youthful, alert and well-rested appearance. The cheeks, jowls and neck may also show the signs of aging and the force of gravity. Repositioning of these tissues with a face and neck lift may create dramatic improvements in a patient's appearance. A minimal incision facelift (a new procedure) may help patients to achieve this goal with shorter scars and a faster recovery. Fine wrinkles around the mouth and eyes may be improved with laser resurfacing. CO2 laser resurfacing of the face is an effective way to soften these wrinkles and uncover more youthful appearing skin.

Plans to combine procedures with a tummy tuck should be made only after a thorough consultation with Dr. Grant Stevens or Dr. David Stoker. The wide variety of patient needs requires that these procedures be individualized. The results of combined procedures may be dramatic and lead to high levels of patient satisfaction.

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