Many of us find that over time our skin loses elasticity and begins to sag. Even though eating a healthy diet and getting lots of physical exercise won’t be able to fix sagging skin around your stomach due to age, pregnancy or significant weight loss, you still have options. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, corrects drooping skin on the abdomen and tightens muscles beneath the skin. A tummy tuck will produce a smoother, tighter abdomen by removing excess fat and skin around the stomach area and rejoining the abdominal muscles that have been stretched apart due to pregnancy and/or weight gain.

Request a complimentary consultation to learn more about your tummy tuck options and find the best procedures and treatments to help you achieve the look you want. We offer convenient appointment times at 3 locations in Southern California to accommodate your needs.

When considering a cosmetic procedure like a tummy tuck, it’s important to do your research and seek the most qualified treatment team:

• Facial Aesthetic Concepts is an award-winning cosmetic surgery center that has proudly served the Orange County and Los Angeles area since 1980.
• Your satisfaction is our number one goal. Our highly skilled team of professionals provide their expertise and exceptional service to address your personal needs and achieve your aesthetic goals.

Optimal candidates for abdominoplasty are those who are in good physical health and have excessive or loose skin around their abdomen. During pregnancy, a woman’s abdomen stretches in order to make room for the growing baby and after giving birth, many women have sagging skin around their stomach area. A tummy tuck addresses the extra skin while tightening the abdominal muscles.

Though most tummy tucks are associated with postpartum women, people who have experienced extreme weight loss also elect to have this type of surgery to remove extra skin and/or fat and improve their appearance.

Tummy tuck surgery may take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours under general anesthesia. Combining a tummy tuck with liposuction helps to not only smooth the tummy, but also to improve other contours of the abdomen.

You can expect to see a flatter and less bulging abdomen with tighter skin after your tummy tuck. Because the tummy tuck removes skin from the lower abdomen, the procedure can also remove stretch marks in that area.

After an abdominoplasty, most patients typically wake up feeling tired or groggy. Patients who are undergoing mini and regular tummy tuck procedures stay overnight at the Surgicenter under medical supervision. You may experience mild to moderate discomfort, which may be alleviated by prescription medication, for about 4 to 7 days.

While you are recovering, you will be asked to wear an abdominal compression garment to support the area and to help decrease swelling. Though there is no period of enforced bed rest after your tummy tuck surgery, many people take 10 to 14 days to return to work. We encourage our patients to get out of bed during their first day of recovery to move around and get their circulation going.

Recovering from a tummy tuck can be different for each person, but the general recovery time is about 4 to 6 weeks. We utilize unique technology such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to help our patients recover faster and achieve a better result.

Contact us online to schedule your tummy tuck consultation or to learn more about additional service options.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

On average, a tummy tuck costs $6,253 in the United States. This cost is not inclusive since everything from anesthesia to facility fees will increase your final cost. Also important to keep in mind is that this is a national average, and the price of a tummy tuck will increase or decrease depending on where you live and how experienced your surgeon is.

If you are worried about how to make a tummy tuck fit within your budget, ask about our financing options.

How do I find the best plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck near me?

Tummy tucks are very common, which means that most plastic surgeons near you will offer them. Your goal in vetting doctors should be to find one who is a good fit for you. Start by asking to see their before and after photos and determine if they fall in line with what you envision for yourself. Then, see how comfortable you feel with the doctor. You want them to be eager to help you achieve your goals, but you also want to feel comfortable talking to them about the procedure. A good relationship is critical when it comes to plastic surgery.

How much pain will I experience after my tummy tuck?

With a tummy tuck, the level of discomfort you experience will depend on how extensive your surgery was. No matter what, we will prescribe you pain medications designed to help you manage any discomfort you feel. Know that the pain is temporary, but the results of surgery will last long term, making the few days of pain well worth it for most clients.

What should I expect from tummy tuck recovery?

Tummy tuck recovery takes time. Expect to take a minimum of 1 week off from work so you can rest and heal. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks and will wear an abdominal binder for at least that long. Because of swelling and bruising, it will take some time to see your final results, so do not judge the results of surgery until you can stop wearing your binder.

What are the risks associated with a tummy tuck?

All surgeries come with risks. While a tummy tuck is a relatively safe procedure, a small percentage of clients will encounter problems. These might include infection, adverse reactions or excessive bleeding. Although you are unlikely to experience these, we will explain what signs to watch for and how to seek help should you notice anything wrong.

How do I know if I am a tummy tuck candidate?

The only way to know for sure if a tummy tuck is right for you is to schedule a consultation. At that time, we will evaluate whether or not the surgery can match your expectations or if there are other procedures needed. In some cases, we can perform multiple procedures at once to help you reach your aesthetic goals.

How can I prepare for my tummy tuck?

We will provide you with a list of things you need to do when we schedule your surgery. Expect things like stopping smoking, eating well and avoiding medications that thin the blood. Following all the directions we give you is critical to both a good result and your safety during your procedure.