Tummy Tuck in Newport Beach
Struggling with excess skin or fat? A tummy tuck tightens and tones your midsection, giving you a flatter, firmer stomach.
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About tummy tuck
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, or an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area to achieve a flatter, firmer stomach.
No amount of exercise will repair muscle separation or loose, hanging skin. Only a tummy tuck can address these issues by tightening weakened muscles and removing excess fat and skin to create a more toned, slimmer profile.
Tummy tucks are often performed as part of a “mommy makeover” or combined with liposuction and breast augmentation for full-body contouring.
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Tummy tuck candidacy
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
We will help determine if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck during your consultation. Most patients are eligible if they are at a stable, healthy weight and in good health. Patients who smoke will need to stop nicotine consumption at least four weeks before and after surgery, as smoking can significantly impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Most men and women undergo a tummy tuck to achieve a flat, toned stomach, especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy. However, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery and should not be used as a substitute for a good diet and exercise program.
WITH A TUMMY TUCK, WE CAN FIX:
Stubborn belly
Apron of excess skin that hangs over the belly (pannus)
Loose, stretched-out skin and stretch marks (striae)
Stretched or weakened core muscles
Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
Belly button shape and position
About tummy tuck
Types of tummy tuck procedures
There are three main types of tummy tuck procedures: Mini, standard, and extended. After a thorough assessment, your surgeon will recommend the best procedure to address your needs and concerns.
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure which uses a single small incision just above the pubic mound. This allows your surgeon to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin in the lower stomach or “pooch” below the belly button.
Standard tummy tucks address the entire abdomen, both above and below the belly button. This procedure requires an incision above the pubic mound and sometimes around the navel to remove excess skin and fat, and repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti).
Some patients require an extended tummy tuck, which uses a horizontal incision that extends around the hips and lower back to remove excess skin from your abdomen as well as the sides of the body. We may also use liposuction to remove excess fat.
Expectations
What to expect throughout your tummy tuck procedure
Patients are placed under general anesthesia during a tummy tuck for their comfort. During the procedure, we will repair and tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and flank areas. We will pull the skin taut over the stomach and reposition the belly button into a more natural position. Liposuction may be used during the procedure if there is excess fat.
A tummy tuck procedure can take anywhere between two to five hours, depending on the type of procedure used. Once the procedure is done, we will apply sutures and dressings to your incisions and you may be placed in a compression garment to minimize swelling and help you heal.
We will guide you through the procedure steps during your pre-operative appointments.
Tummy tuck recovery
Results and recovery process
After surgery, you can anticipate a flatter, firmer tummy and slimmer waistline that is more proportionate to your body. You’ll need to walk with a slight bend and sleep in a semi-fowler position until internal healing is complete.
Recovery times vary based on the extent of your tummy tuck procedure. In general, most patients are able to return to work two to three weeks after surgery, with a full return to regular activities after about six weeks.
Swelling will gradually subside after several weeks or months. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to control pain or discomfort. You’ll need to wear compression garments for approximately three months after surgery. We incorporate lymphatic massage and self-massage into your recovery plan to reduce swelling and scarring.
About us
Why choose SoCal Plastic Surgeons for your tummy tuck procedure?
As internationally recognized leaders in cosmetic plastic surgery, our board-certified surgeons specialize in body sculpting procedures, including tummy tucks. Utilizing advanced techniques in our state-of-the-art facility, we are committed to delivering natural-looking results tailored to your unique goals. Our patient-centered approach means we listen closely to your concerns, answer all your questions, and provide the highest standard of care at every step of your transformation journey.
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Tummy tuck cost
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The cost can also vary greatly depending on the type of tummy tuck performed, the surgeon’s experience, and their office location. Typically the more drastic extended tummy tuck will be priced higher than a mini tummy tuck. You’ll also have additional costs for anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related expenses such as pre-operative testing and recovery supplies.
Most health insurance companies will not cover elective cosmetic surgeries. Our office offers financing plans for tummy tuck procedures to work with your budget.
WE OFFER A HOST OF AFFORDABLE FINANCING OPTIONS
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Frequently Asked Questions
You may need to walk with a slight forward bend for about a week after your tummy tuck to avoid putting tension on your abdomen as you heal.
Most patients report mild to moderate pain from a tummy tuck. We use a local anesthetic that slowly releases over three to five days as well as pain medications to minimize pain.
You should plan to take at least two weeks off from work and other responsibilities after your tummy tuck.
In general, recovery from a tummy tuck is easier than a C-section. There’s typically less manipulation of the abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck, which results in a less painful recovery.
On average, a standard tummy tuck can make you lose three to five pounds, three dress sizes, or two to three pant sizes, but this varies with each patient. Adding liposuction to your procedure can further reduce waist and back volume, as well as abdominal volume, leading to more dramatic results.
After a tummy tuck, your stomach will be flatter and more toned, with tightened skin and less fat. Scars are typically about two inches above the top of the pubic area and sometimes around the belly button.
A tummy tuck can help define the six-pack muscles by reconstructing the abdominal muscles, but surgery alone won’t give you defined abs. The only way to get and maintain a six-pack is with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
This depends on what is causing excess fat or skin. Liposuction removes fat only, while a tummy tuck is needed to address loose muscles and hanging skin.
A tummy tuck can provide long-lasting results for decades with appropriate care. This means maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise), minimizing sun exposure, and keeping your weight stable.
Schedule a consultation
Are you ready to take the first step in your transformation?
We’re happy to answer your questions and provide more information to guide you on your journey during a complimentary consultation.
If you’re interested in traveling to Newport Beach for surgery with Dr. Nykiel, we offer virtual consultations for your convenience.
