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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW

BEFORE GETTING A TUMMY TUCK?

Prepared by: Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc.

ASK DR. CHIU:

1. WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK? Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and adipose tissue (fat) from the abdomen. The stomach is a complex body part and with time it is capable of accumulating excess fat cells whether it is due to age, obesity, or pregnancy. (cont. to the next slide)

1. WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK? A traditional abdominoplasty targets the abdominal muscles that have been overstretched or suffer from laxity and restores them to their natural shape. The tummy tuck is not a simple procedure, but an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Chiu will make you aware of the risks and plan out preoperative and postoperative instructions for you to follow closely.

2. AM I CONSIDERED A TUMMY TUCK CANDIDATE?

Every potential patient considering abdominoplasty must be in good health and have active illnesses or serious medical conditions that will affect the surgical outcome. In addition, a patient must have realistic expectations about what their surgery can achieve. (cont. to the next slide)

2. AM I CONSIDERED A TUMMY TUCK CANDIDATE?

During your consultation with Dr. Chiu you will gather all the impor tant details needed to understand what tummy tuck can accomplish for your midsection. Women should wait until they have finished having children and a minimum of 6 months after pregnancy to allow the skin and muscles to retract. (cont. to the next slide)

2. AM I CONSIDERED A TUMMY TUCK CANDIDATE?

Patients who are considering losing weight, should wait until they have reached their weight loss goal or come within 15 pounds of their target weight. If a patient wants to lose additional weight after the procedure they may end up compromising their surgical results and require additional tummy tuck surgery.

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3. HOW IS ABDOMINOPLASTY PERFORMED?

A traditional tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient does not experience unwanted discomfort. Once asleep, Dr. Chiu makes an incision across the lower abdomen from hip to hip. This incision is placed strategically so that it remains hidden by your undergarments. (cont. to the next page) !

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3. HOW IS ABDOMINOPLASTY PERFORMED?

Once the required incisions are made, the skin and fat are separated from the abdominal muscles. An additional incision will be made around the belly button to address the loose skin from this area. Once all the excess fat and skin are removed the belly button is placed in a natural position on the midsection and the stomach is stitched back together. (cont. to the next page) !

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3. HOW IS ABDOMINOPLASTY PERFORMED?

Usually one or two drains are placed under the skin where the large incision was made to allow fluids to drain for a couple of days during the recovery period. The drains filter into small plastic bulbs and are to be emptied out regularly to avoid leaking. !

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4. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE CONSULTATION? A tummy tuck consultation should consist of you and Dr. Chiu discussing your goals and expectations about the surgery. He will help you understand the areas of the midsection that need to be reduced to achieve your goals, as well as address the repairs that cannot be changed from surgery. (cont. to the next page) !

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4. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE CONSULTATION? At this time you will also have the opportunity to review previous tummy tuck patients and their before-and-after photos to observe their success. This is also the best time to ask Dr. Chiu all of the q u e s t i o n s t h a t yo u m ay h ave a b o u t abdominoplasty and body contouring.

The cost of abdominoplasty procedures varies depending on whether it is a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck, the complexity of the procedure and whether it was performed in conjunction with other procedures. (cont. to the next page)

5. HOW MUCH DOES A TUMMY TUCK COST?

For the best abdominoplasty results possible, it is important to consider your plastic surgeon’s credentials and training over the final cost. The first thing to do is to learn more about Dr. Chiu either during a consultation or by reviewing his background. (cont. to the next page)

5. HOW MUCH DOES A TUMMY TUCK COST?

Yes, our surgical consultants can review your plastic surgery financing options and guide you through the finance process on the day of your consultation. Our financing application is available to download and is recommended to have with you during your consultation. You may also fax your application to our office. Our fax number is (310) 861-1160.

6. CAN I FINANCE MY PROCEDURE?

7. WHERE CAN I VIEW BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS?

Before and after photos can be seen at our Beverly Hills plastic surgery office or here in our body procedures photo gallery.

8. HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?

All tummy tucks are not alike, and everyone has a different body that reacts to surgery in their own unique way. In short, recovery times are different. The amounts of tissue removal, tightness of the body closures, and the degree of tightness in the muscles all have an effect on the recovery time. Most abdominoplasty patients are able to resume most activities (cont. to next slide)

8. HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?

within 3 to 6 weeks of their surgery date and should be able to stand upright within a few days. Patients who have a sedentary job may be able to return to work after the first week. Patients who are unsure about their recovery time should discuss their postoperative limitations and restrictions with Dr. Chiu.

9. HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?

Tummy tuck surgery is a one-time procedure that delivers long-lasting results. Weight fluctuations, natural aging and pregnancy can contribute to changes of your surgical outcome. However, patients who maintain a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and following a physical fitness program can enjoy their slim and toned figure for the rest of their lives.

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Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc.9454 Wilshire Blvd Ground Floor Beverly Hills, 90212

(310) 888-8087!www.beverlyhillsplasticsurgeryinc.com