Cali-Tuck™ (Drainless Tummy Tuck Surgery) in New Orleans, LA

If your body has undergone natural changes during pregnancy or you have recently lost weight or just have that trouble area in the belly that diet and exercise can’t change, a Cali-Tuck™ at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa could be (or will be) the perfect solution for you. Even with a dedicated diet and exercise plan, it can be difficult to flatten and tone your stomach. Plastic surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet performs drainless tummy tuck surgery at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa by using internal sutures that are used to define the abdomen region while allowing your body to naturally drain removing the need for drains. During a one-on-one consultation with California-trained, award-winning, and NOLA native plastic surgeon Dr. Charvet, you'll discuss your concerns, desires, and overall health and wellness goals so he can create a treatment plan that will get you as close to the look you desire as possible. For more information on the Cali-Tuck™, contact Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in New Orleans, LA.

A Cali-Tuck is a wonderful surgery for those in the New Orleans, LA area who are looking to treat belly fat, secure a slimmer look, and get in better shape. This surgery performed at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa allows for a number of the following benefits:

• Stabilizes the entire trunk
• Helps you to achieve a healthy weight
• Provides you with a slimmer look
• Eradicates excess fat cells and folds from the abdomen

A Cali-Tuck at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa can be successful for both women and men in NOLA. If you have loose skin in addition to pesky pockets of fat in the abdomen, this body contouring procedure can help reclaim a slimming and more toned silhouette. Good candidates need to be at a healthy weight prior to surgery. This tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure — it surgically corrects loose skin. Liposuction is usually implemented during surgery to get rid of fat. If your abdominal area has good skin tautness, but you still are not satisfied with the appearance of your midsection even on a healthy diet, another option can be liposuction. Women interested in a Cali-Tuck should be past childbearing to ensure the results are not impacted.

Your Cali-Tuck™ (drainless tummy tuck surgery) is performed using general anesthesia. To start, the incision size is selected based upon the quantity of excess skin. Some individuals with an abundance of sagging skin may require an extended tummy tuck. This method places the incision along the lower abdomen from hip to hip, just above the pubic line. Some individuals who are concerned with minimal skin wrinkling may be better candidates for a mini tummy tuck, which means they will simply have a less expansive scar. Regardless, all tummy tuck procedures at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa involve the removal of loose skin and liposuction. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, during a Cali-Tuck™ (drainless tummy tuck surgery), natural drains are created so fluid can discharge properly. After your surgery, we'll set you up with a compression garment that will help you heal while you are at home. For most patients, Cali-Tucks take between 2 – 3 weeks for recovery before they're able to begin their normal everyday activities and about 4 – 6 weeks before reintroducing exercise and strenuous activity. While you will likely have scarring, we do our best to place incisions as inconspicuously as possible. Once you've healed, you'll begin to notice a tighter, toned appearance.

When the procedure is completed, you will be carefully examined and sent home wearing a compression garment to help control swelling. Walking and standing may be a bit difficult at first, so you should take it easy for a few days. Resuming normal movement becomes easier once the muscles relax and the treatment area heals. Cali-tucks have much faster recovery processes than traditional tummy tucks, which allows patients to get back to their daily lives sooner than was previously possible.

How will my scars appear?
For a Cali-Tuck™, Dr. Charvet uses the thinnest incisions needed to limit scarring. He also makes incisions in areas that are less visible (in the pubic region or belly button) — so they may be easily hidden by a swimsuit or underwear. After your surgery, it is important to adhere to your scar management instructions — so your incisions heal properly and blend into your natural skin.

Can I get pregnant after a Cali-Tuck™?
While you may get pregnant following a Cali-Tuck™, it will likely affect your results. Dr. Charvet recommends that you be finished building your family before you consider an abdominoplasty. If you do become pregnant after your Cali-Tuck™, another surgery may be performed to refresh your results.

Can I get a Cali-Tuck™ with another surgery?
Many patients add another surgery with abdominoplasty to see more dramatic improvements. During your consultation with Dr. Charvet™, talk to him about all of your concerns so a personalized treatment plan can be created that matches your aesthetic goals. You may combine abdominoplasty with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or several areas for all-over body contouring. If you want to rejuvenate your body after pregnancy or lose a significant amount of weight, you might be a good candidate for after weight loss surgery or a mommy makeover.

How long is recovery after a Cali-Tuck?
The recovery time after a Cali-Tuck™ procedure is typically about 2 -3 weeks before you'll be able to return to normal activities. After 4 - 6 weeks, you'll be able to get back to exercising and more strenuous activities.

After losing weight, you could be left with a pooch or excess skin that leaves you feeling less than great about your new look, even after you've put in a lot of hard work and effort. If you want to slim down and create a flatter appearance after losing weight, a drainless tummy tuck at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa may be what you need to help you reach your goals. For more information on Cali-Tuck™ surgeries, contact plastic surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet at his New Orleans, LA office today.