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First, congratulations on losing all that weight!! Now it is time to reward yourself!

Patients that have undergone bariatric surgery (i.e. lap band or gastric bypass) and have lost a lot of weight are frequently troubled by the excess skin around their abdomen. This is a complex problem, and it is more difficult to treat compared to a woman who desires a tummy tuck after pregnancy.

Understanding the difference between weight loss surgery and a traditional tummy tuck

After pregnancy, the skin around the abdomen becomes loose, and a tummy tuck is required to remove the extra skin. In patients who have undergone a weight loss procedure, the extra skin is not only present around the abdomen, but also extends to the love handle area. So, post-bariatric weight loss patients will often need an extended abdominoplasty, to treat the panniculus that is present on the abdomen and the flanks. This also means that the final incision will be longer than a standard tummy tuck. Patients are encouraged to ask about the difference between weight loss surgery and other stomach surgery procedures.

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What is involved in this procedure?

If you’ve lost 100 pounds or more, then it is likely that your extra skin extends all the way to your back. In this case, a circumferential abdominoplasty, or lower body lift is required. This stomach reduction surgery creates a dramatic improvement in your midsection and creates a modest thigh lift and buttock lift. This is a big operation, but can be performed as an outpatient, or you can choose to stay in the hospital overnight if you desire. Another option is to break this up into two operations, so you would do the extended abdominoplasty, and then have the posterior body lift done about two or three months later.

You may also consider having

• A breast lift with implants
• Brachioplasty or upper arm lift
• An upper back lift
• A medial thigh lift

These procedures can be performed; however, they will not be done at the same time. This is because having multiple shorter operations is safer than having a single large operation. Our goal is to get you the results that you want in the safest way possible.

Dr. Dass has a lot of experience with body contouring after weight loss surgery. Make an appointment today, to see if you are a candidate for a tummy tuck or a lower body lift.

Advanced technique of combined Abdominoplasty and Liposuction

Dr Dass specializes in Brazilian Tummy Tuck, also known as lipoabdominoplasty. This advanced technique is offered by few plastic surgeons in California. The technique was presented by world renowned plastic surgeon, Dr Saldanha of Sao Paolo, Brazil, who began using this technique in 2000. Prior to this time, traditional abdominoplasty with no combination liposuction was the standard, due the the fear of healing difficulties. Over time, the plastic surgery community began to reintroduce limited liposuction at the same time as abdominoplasty. Saldanha’s technique is revolutionary, because he demonstrated that liposuction of the entire abdomen can be safely performed with abdominoplasty. (Saldanha OR, Federico R, Daher PF, et al. Lipoabdominoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg 2009; 124: 934-942.)

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During a Brazilian Tummy Tuck, Dr Dass will liposuction the entire abdomen prior to the abdominoplasty, often patients will request liposuction of other areas including the full back (back bra rolls, love handles, waist/hips, lower back). Liposuction is necessary for contouring the body. In fact, it is not uncommon to perform Brazilian Butt lift at the same time. During Brazilian Butt Lift, the fat is then processed and transferred to the buttock, which further contours the body, reshapes the buttock, and accentuates the hourglass figure to create the feminine curves that women desire. Once the liposuction is complete, the excess skin from the abdomen is removed. Dr Dass believes keeping the incision as short as possible and places this incision very low, so that it hides within the bikini line. Meticulous technique is performed to preserve the blood supply to the skin, and to allow faster healing. The tissue deep to Scarpa’s fascia is preserved over the abdominal wall to improve adherence of the skin flap to the underlying abdominal wall and thereby help prevent seromas. Drains can typically be removed much quicker than traditional techniques. The rectus abdominal muscles are the plicated to correct diastasis recti, this condition is almost certainly present after child birth or massive weight loss. High lateral tension technique with closure in multiple layers is preformed to improve scar quality.

Key points in the Brazilian Tummy Tuck Technique

• Full abdominal liposuction
• Full abdominoplasty
• Muscle tightening
• Low set scar
• Improved overall contour
• High safety profile

Schedule your consultation today, to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

Here is an interesting case example of an extreme plastic surgery body contouring transformation with tummy tuck and liposuction. This example is a 33 year-old woman that was 5’11” and 272 pounds. She presented to the Beverly Hills office and was interested in body contouring surgery. She was scared to undergo bariatric surgery (lap band, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve) for weight loss. She initially just wanted liposuction, because she did not want the tummy tuck scar. Upon evaluation, it was clear that she would need to have a tummy tuck to address the overhanging panniculus on the lower abdomen, liposuction alone could help but she would still have loose skin.

The plan was to do tummy tuck and liposuction of the abdomen, waist, hips, back bra rolls, front bra rolls, under breast region, inner thighs, arms, chin. This would be divided into two stages. The initial surgery involved smart lipo (laser liposuction) of the chin, arms, inner thighs, waist, hips, and back bra rolls. The large volume liposuction procedure was done awake under local anesthesia. The laser was used to tighten the skin in these areas. The second procedure was the tummy tuck with liposuction of the upper abdomen, pubic area, front bra rolls, and axilla under general anesthesia. A total 10 liters of fat and 18 pounds of abdominal tissue was removed between the two surgeries.

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The before and after pictures are just 3 months apart. The procedures were performed 6 weeks apart, and the after pictures are only 6 weeks after the tummy tuck. She is down to 232 pounds due to surgery. The change in abdominal and back contour is quite dramatic, yet will be even more dramatic once all the swelling has resolved over the next couple of months and she resumes her exercise routine. The tummy tuck scar is fully concealed within the bikini, in fact the liposuction scars are more visible at this point because these are early photos. You can see that the body contours are smooth and she appears dramatically slimmer. She would look great in form fitting dresses, whereas she never would have even considered that before. The liposuction on the chin and neck makes her look thinner because the chin is one of the first places you see fat accumulation, and treating this area makes a huge difference.

Obviously, a healthy lifestyle change is necessary to maintain the results and she was encouraged to lose additional weight with changes in diet and exercise routine. The quick body transformation has improved her self-esteem and desire to exercise and look even better. She now feels more comfortable in clothes and finds that exercise is easier now that all of the excess tissue has been removed.

Dr. Dennis Dass, MD of Beverly Hills is a plastic surgeon who provides reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries for men and women. He understands that everyone wants to look their best and many times, this may require surgical intervention. For some, when the tummy area becomes problematic, a tummy tuck may be suggested.

A tummy tuck, sometimes referred to as an abdominoplasty, is a procedure in which excess skin may be removed at the same time as excess fat from the midsection. This is done as an outpatient procedure, and many patients who consider this are often interested in learning about the recovery time necessary to take off work and personal activities.

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The tummy tuck recovery timeline will be different for everyone, but for most patients, they can use these guidelines for a general idea. The first week or two, patients will have to manage their pain with prescription medications. They may not be able to stand up straight for a week or two, and may need to be two weeks post-recovery to drive a vehicle again. Light exercise can be started after a few weeks, and most patients can resume all activities again around 8 weeks post-procedure.

There may be some scarring left from tummy tuck procedures. This is normal and should be discussed beforehand with Dr. Dennis Dass, MD. The severity of the scars will depend on how well patients take care of the stitches and the incision area after their procedure. In most cases, the scars will begin to fade after a few years and become less noticeable over time.

Patients are encouraged to follow their doctor’s instructions regarding recovery. Some tips for patients recovering from tummy tuck procedures include:

• Wearing loose clothing for comfort
• Wearing compressions garment as directed
• Staying on top of pain management with medication
• Walk a little each day to reduce swelling and clots
• Stay hydrated with water intake
• Maintain a high fiber diet to help digestion
• Contact the doctor if there are any questions or concerns

Twin skin refers to the appearance of your belly after you have given birth to twins. Compared to a single pregnancy, a twin pregnancy leads to even more stretching of the abdomen. Afterwards, new mothers will diet and exercise to reduce the stomach fat, but are left with a lot of excess skin and stretch marks. The excess skin is present below the belly button and is sometimes described as crinkly, wrinkly, saggy, and droopy—this is twin skin.

A small percentage of (lucky) women with multiple gestations will have a satisfactory postpartum belly. Unfortunately, a high percentage of women that give birth to twins are plagued by twin skin. Even women that were very thin before pregnancy and lose all of the pregnancy weight, will still have extra skin. This can be an embarrassing situation because of the difficulty in finding clothes to hide the problem.

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A tummy tuck is the only way to get rid of the unsightly twin skin that is present after a twin pregnancy. During a tummy tuck an incision is placed low on the bikini line and all of the skin from here to the belly button is removed. The belly button is left in place and brought up through the skin at a higher position. The abdominal muscles must be tightened, especially after a twin pregnancy, as these muscles will be very stretched out. Repairing the muscles is important to create the flat stomach contour and improve core strength.

Dr. Dass is an expert plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, and is skilled at performing the tummy tuck for twin skin. He will make sure that you get the best results and a flat stomach. A significant improvement will be realized immediately after surgery.

Patients located in Beverly Hills who have worked hard at the gym and focused on their diet may be dealing with imperfections that they are unable to eliminate. This includes lack of a toned, attractive midriff area. When diet and exercise have failed to achieve the desired results, or have left patients with unwanted excess skin, hey have a solution available to them known as the tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck is a common procedure performed on the abdominal area to help improve body contours. The tummy tuck may also be referred to as an abdominoplasty. This is a popular surgery because it targets an area of the body in which patients are often dealing with unwanted excess fat and skin. It may be done in combination with other procedures, typically part of the “mommy makeover” when women request other treatments such as breast augmentation and a buttocks lift. It may also be completed after liposuction to help in contouring the body and allowing patients to feel more confident in their own skin.

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A tummy tuck may be performed in several ways. The following are options, which patients should consider and discuss with a dedicated professional such as Dr. Dennis Dass, MD:

• Endoscopic
• Mini and full
• Circumferential tummy tuck
• Reverse
• Tummy tuck revision

Dr. Dennis Dass, MD will examine patients and help them in deciding if they are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck or if other procedures may be better suited for their specific concerns. Patients can also take the initial consultation appointment time as a period during which they can ask to see before and after photos of previous patients, discuss the recovery time needed for procedures such as these, and find out if other parts of the body can be improved at the same time.

If you live in or around the Beverly Hills area and want to find out more about tummy tuck procedures and other cosmetic plastic surgeries readily available in our practice, contact Dr. Dennis Dass, MD today to book a consult.

The female body can change significantly in a relatively short amount of time. Every woman has her own unique experience with weight, health, pregnancy, and so on. While it is understood that the skin and underlying tissues will be altered by pregnancy, the extent to which this may occur will vary from one woman to another. For some, a return to a satisfying degree of elasticity is not possible. In such instances, the emotional impact of body changes can affect a woman’s sense of wellbeing.

The skin around the midsection may become very loose and saggy for numerous reasons. Most women tell their doctors about the embarrassment and sadness they feel over the loss of their attractive physique.

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You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin

One of the body procedures performed by Dr. Dass is the tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty. An experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Dass has treated women from various parts of Los Angeles with this procedure designed to tighten loose, sagging muscle and skin. Regardless of whether laxity is the result of pregnancy, genetics, a previous surgery, or weight loss, the precision technique of abdominoplasty restores the midsection to a taught, supple tone.

Abdominoplasty may be performed in a number of ways depending on the extent of the problem. As needed, Dr. Dass can remove excess skin, tighten abdominal muscles, and reposition the belly button to achieve the most natural, beautiful result.

Is the tummy tuck procedure right for you?

Cosmetic surgery treatment begins with a comprehensive examination and consultation in which patients’ medical history, plans, and immediate concerns are discussed. It is important that a woman be in good health to undergo surgery. A commitment to long term wellness through good eating and exercise habits is also a plus. Typically, women who do best with the tummy tuck procedure are near or at their ideal body weight and have no plans to become pregnant.

The skin is very resilient, but that does not mean that overstretched skin will be able to shrink back to the desired degree. If you find yourself feeling dissatisfied or embarrassed about sagging skin around your belly, you may be an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery with Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Dennis Dass. Call our office at [phone]

Fast recovery abdominoplasty with laser liposuction under local anesthesia

Dr. Dennis Dass specializes in the mini tummy tuck, for fast recovery. During this procedure, Dr. Dass performs laser liposuction treatments (Smart Lipo) on the full abdomen and flanks to create a nice contour and give you a small waist. Then, the excess loose skin on the abdomen is removed with a short, low-lying scar, and no scar is placed around the belly button. Less skin is removed compared to a traditional tummy tuck, because the laser is used to tighten the remaining skin. Drains are not typically placed in this type of tummy tuck. No muscle tightening is performed, so there is much less pain. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic (tumescent), and is very well tolerated. Most women can return to work after three to four days, which is much faster than a traditional tummy tuck.

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Key points in the fast recovery from a mini tummy tuck in Beverly Hills:

• Full abdominal liposuction
• Removal of loose abdominal skin below belly button
• Short scar
• Low placement of scar
• No scar around belly button
• No drains
• High safety profile
• Fast recovery
• Ability to stand upright immediately
• Ability to go back to work within a few days

Many patients choose laser liposuction treatments because it provides a less invasive treatment than traditional methods of liposuction. The benefits above are a great stepping stone in understanding more about this procedure and why it is a highly desirable cosmetic treatment with Dr. Dennis Dass.

Ideal candidates for laser fat removal:

• Excess fat deposits on the abdomen and flanks, with a small amount of loose skin
• Minimal or no abdominal muscle weakness
• Unable to take time off for traditional abdominoplasty
• Prefer a procedure under local anesthesia

Are you ready for a flatter and tighter tummy?

Schedule your consultation today to see if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure. Contact Dr. Dennis Dass and his team at 8929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 420 by calling . Find out how procedures such as laser liposuction can completely improve your appearance as well as your self-confidence.

Fast recovery abdominoplasty with laser liposuction under local anesthesia

Dr. Dass has a customized procedure to help patients who’ve found their skin isn’t bouncing back after significant weight loss or the birth of a child. The tummy tuck, a plastic surgery procedure known scientifically as “abdominoplasty,” restores curves or helps patients who’ve never been confident about their physique.

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Best way to reduce belly fat with tummy tuck surgery

You may be among those plagued by a paunch, despite rigorous exercise and excellent nutrition. A variation on the “traditional” tummy tuck may be recommended. The “mini tuck” targets the lower abdominal region between the tissues covering your pubic bones and your belly button. The procedure involves making a small incision between the hipbones, which allows Dr. Dass, to tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess skin. Liposuction techniques may remove fat for optimal results before the incision is closed.

A full tummy tuck involves making incisions to remove tissues between your belly button and pubic area, and tightening the fascia over the abdominal muscles with sutures. Unlike the mini alternative in which the belly button remains untouched, full abdominoplasty also repositions the skin around the belly button and brings it through a tiny incision that is then sutured back in its normal position. The hip-to-hip incision is closed, and the remaining scar is well-concealed along the natural crease in the bikini line. As with its mini counterpart, liposuction can be used to get desirable contours and remove excess.

Recovery from tummy tuck surgery

• Since the mini procedure is smaller in scope, patients enjoy a quicker recovery and can get back to normal activities in about a week.
• Dr. Dass encourages early walking with most procedures to prevent complications, but you may not return strenuous physical activity for around four to six weeks after the full procedure.
• If patients have any concerns about their recovery, they are encouraged to contact their doctor for an evaluation or for further information.

All surgeries are performed at an accredited facility and only after a thorough consultation. Call [phone] to schedule yours.