Tummy Tuck

Triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Albert Chow performs abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, at his San Francisco practice to sculpt and tone the midsection. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to achieve a slim waistline with diet and exercise, a tummy tuck may be an effective solution. Through advanced abdominoplasty techniques and years of experience, Dr. Chow safely and effectively rejuvenates the abdominal area to help his patients feel more attractive and confident.

To find out how you can attain a firmer midsection and sculpted abs, request a consultation with Dr. Chow using his online form or call  (415) 441-1888 to schedule an appointment.

Tummy Tuck Candidates

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are adults who are in good health and have stubborn fat deposits or excessive abdominal skin that just won’t tighten, regardless of regular exercise or healthy diet. This procedure is particularly effective for women who want to tighten their abdominal skin and muscles after pregnancy.

Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures

Often performed in conjunction with liposuction, a tummy tuck is generally a 2- to 3-hour procedure performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. During the surgery, Dr. Chow makes an incision in the lower abdomen to remove excess fat and manually tighten stretched and separated abdominal muscles. In most cases, he will reposition the belly button to fit with the newly shaped abdomen.

Dr. Chow offers the following variations of the abdominoplasty procedure:

• Traditional tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and tightens and repairs separated abdominal muscles. This technique is also called a complete tummy tuck because it renews the abdomen from the rib cage to the pubic bone.
• Endoscopic tummy tuck accomplishes the same goals as the traditional tummy tuck, but uses long, thin surgical tools and a camera inserted through small incisions to tighten the muscles and remove excess fat. Scarring is minimal with this approach.
• Mini tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and skin below the belly button and is most appropriate for patients with minor concerns.
• Extended tummy tuck removes fat and skin from the sides of the waist as well as the abdomen.

During your private consultation, Dr. Chow will assess the condition of your abdomen and recommend the procedure best suited to your unique needs.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Most patients have minimal pain following a tummy tuck procedure. After surgery, you will need to rest at home for a few days. You may have bruising and swelling during the first few weeks, but should expect to make a full recovery in the following weeks. As a precautionary measure, refrain from any rigorous activity for at least 6 weeks.

The risk of complications during and after tummy tuck surgery is relatively small. Most patients will experience some swelling or bruising during their recovery. In extremely rare cases, a patient may have excessive bleeding, infection, or numbness during the healing process. To avoid possible complications, it is important that you adhere to all post-surgical instructions provided by Dr. Chow. As an expert in tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Chow will take every step possible to minimize the risks.