Tummy Tuck in Upland & the Inland Empire
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is surgery that takes away loose skin and extra fat from the belly and repairs stretched abdominal muscles. The goal is a firmer, flatter midsection and a more defined waist.
It is often chosen by people whose stomach has changed after pregnancy, major weight loss or simply time. When diet and exercise have done what they can but loose skin is still there, Inland Empire patients may want to talk with Dr. Smiley about whether a tummy tuck fits their goals.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults with loose or hanging skin on the lower or upper belly
- Mothers whose abdominal muscles separated or weakened during pregnancy
- People who have lost a lot of weight and now have extra skin
- Those who are at a stable weight and in good general health
- Non-smokers, or people willing to stop smoking well before and after surgery
- Patients with realistic expectations about scars and results
Dr. Smiley's technique and philosophy
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Smiley most often relies on a high lateral tension tummy tuck. Rather than pulling the skin only toward the center, this method puts more of the tightening along the sides of the abdomen. The idea is to draw the waist in, much like a corset, for a smoother and more shaped contour.
He also offers other options depending on how much skin needs to come off and how much muscle repair is needed. These include the mini tummy tuck for skin below the navel, a standard tummy tuck, the fleur-de-lis approach for patients with a lot of upper-belly skin after major weight loss, and panniculectomy. Liposuction may be added to refine the shape.
Dr. Smiley pays close attention to muscle repair with internal sutures and to the position and look of the belly button, since these details can make a real difference in how natural the final result looks.
What to expect
Consultation
Your visit starts at our Upland office at 330 East 7th Street. Dr. Smiley will examine your skin, muscle tone and fat, review your health history and ask about medications, alcohol and smoking. He will then explain which type of tummy tuck may suit you and why, and you will get clear instructions to prepare.
The procedure
Tummy tuck surgery is done in an accredited surgical facility, not at our Upland consultation office. It is usually an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and often takes about two to five hours. An incision is placed low, near the bikini line, and its length depends on how much skin is removed. The muscles are tightened, extra skin is trimmed and the belly button is usually repositioned.
Recovery
Plan on having an adult drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Swelling, bruising and soreness are normal early on, and you will wear a compression garment. Short walks soon after surgery help lower the risk of blood clots. Many people return to desk work in about two weeks and avoid heavy lifting and hard exercise for around six weeks or longer. Everyone heals differently, and scars fade gradually over many months. If you recover during an Inland Empire summer, staying cool and hydrated can make the garment easier to wear.
Before & after photos
Real patients of Dr. Smiley. Results vary; individual results depend on anatomy, health and healing.
See the full Tummy Tuck before & after gallery on dr-smiley.com
Risks and safety
Like any surgery, a tummy tuck carries risks. These can include bleeding, infection, fluid buildup (seroma), poor wound healing, noticeable or raised scars, numbness, blood clots, uneven results and the risks of anesthesia. Some patients may need a revision.
Dr. Smiley will go over these risks with you during your consultation, along with steps that can lower them. No surgeon can guarantee a specific outcome, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?
Many patients go back to light or desk work in about two weeks and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about six weeks. Swelling can take several months to fully settle. Everyone heals differently, so Dr. Smiley will give you a plan based on your surgery.
What is a high lateral tension tummy tuck?
It is a tummy tuck technique that focuses more of the tightening on the sides of the abdomen instead of only the middle. It is designed to narrow the waist and create a more shaped contour. It is the approach Dr. Smiley uses most often.
Will I have a scar after a tummy tuck?
Yes. The incision is placed low so it can usually be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. Its length depends on how much skin is removed. Scars typically soften and fade over many months but do not disappear completely.
Should I wait until I am done having children?
In most cases, yes. A future pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again and change your results. Dr. Smiley can talk with you about timing during your consultation in Upland.
Book your consultation in Upland. Call (866) 372-3288 or text (714) 403-7092. Consultations are complimentary.
Learn more about this procedure on Dr. Smiley's main site: Tummy Tuck at dr-smiley.com.