Plastic Rejuvenation Medical offers advanced tummy tuck surgery to help patients achieve a flatter, more sculpted midsection. Whether you want to tighten loose abdominal skin after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, our surgeons use the latest techniques to restore core strength and contour. With personalized care and a focus on natural-looking results, our tummy tuck procedures enhance confidence and comfort, helping you feel your best in and out of your clothes. We offer our services in Woodland Hills, Upland, and Torrance.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the midsection. It is often performed to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. The surgery also tightens the underlying abdominal muscles, which may have become stretched or weakened. Many patients seek a tummy tuck after significant weight loss or pregnancy, when skin and muscle tone do not return on their own. The procedure typically takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of correction needed.
A mini tummy tuck surgery is ideal for individuals who are primarily concerned with the appearance of their lower abdomen. This procedure targets the area below the belly button, where minor skin laxity or a small pouch of fat may persist despite diet and exercise. Unlike more extensive options, it involves a smaller incision and no navel repositioning. Because of its focused approach, recovery is often quicker than after other types of abdominoplasty. A mini tummy tuck surgery is best suited for those who are otherwise in good shape but want to refine their lower abdomen.
A traditional tummy tuck addresses the upper and lower abdominal regions, offering more comprehensive correction than a mini procedure. The abdominal muscles are tightened during surgery, and excess tissue is removed to restore a flatter, firmer contour. This method is often recommended for patients who have experienced significant stretching of the skin and muscles, such as after pregnancy or major weight loss. The incision typically runs from hip to hip, with another around the navel to reposition it for a natural appearance. A traditional tummy tuck can significantly improve the overall shape and tone of the lower and upper abdomen.
An extended tummy tuck is designed for individuals with a larger amount of loose skin and fatty tissue that extends beyond the front of the abdomen to the flanks or lower back. This technique eliminates excess skin not only from the midsection but also from the sides, offering more dramatic contouring. It is commonly performed after significant weight loss when skin redundancy affects the full circumference of the waistline. The procedure involves a longer incision that wraps around the hips, allowing for enhanced reshaping.
Preparation for a tummy tuck begins with a thorough consultation, where our surgeon evaluates the patient’s anatomy, discusses goals, and reviews medical history to determine the most appropriate approach. Preoperative planning often includes lab testing, medication adjustments, and detailed instructions for the days leading up to surgery. Patients may be advised to stop smoking and avoid certain supplements that could increase bleeding risk. Our surgeon also examines the abdominal muscles and the extent of excess skin during the consultation to tailor the procedure accordingly. Careful preparation ensures optimal surgical outcomes and a smoother recovery process.
The tummy tuck procedure begins with general anesthesia to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. Our anesthesiologist monitors vital signs continuously to maintain safety during the entire operation.
To correct bulging or weakness, the underlying muscles of the abdominal wall are sutured together to provide improved core stability and a flatter abdominal shape. This step is especially important for patients whose abdominal structure has been stretched due to pregnancy or significant weight changes. Reinforcing the abdominal wall also helps support long-lasting results.
In a full or extended tummy tuck, the belly button is often repositioned to maintain a natural appearance following skin tightening. After the upper abdominal skin is lifted, the navel remains anchored to its original internal position while a new opening is created in the re-draped skin. This step is crucial for achieving aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical results.
Once all internal adjustments are complete, our surgeon closes the incisions using layered sutures to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring. Surgical dressings are applied over the incisions, and drainage tubes may be temporarily placed to prevent fluid accumulation.
An abdominal binder is typically applied at the end of the procedure to reduce swelling, support healing tissues, and assist in maintaining the new contours. This compression garment is a vital part of the immediate postoperative care, helping to ensure stability and comfort in the early stages of recovery.
After tummy tuck surgery, patients are monitored in a recovery room to ensure stable vital signs and manage discomfort. Small drainage tubes may be in place to prevent fluid buildup, and a compression garment is applied to reduce swelling and support healing tissues. Pain, tightness, and fatigue are common during this period, and prescribed medications help manage symptoms. Patients are discharged the same day with specific instructions for at-home care and follow-up.
During the first week, tummy tuck patients should limit movement and avoid straining the abdominal area. The compression garment must be worn continuously to promote circulation and minimize scarring. Light walking is encouraged to prevent blood clots, but bending, lifting, or twisting should be avoided. Swelling and bruising may peak in this phase, gradually subsiding with rest and proper care.
By the second and third weeks, discomfort typically lessens, and many patients return to light daily activities and desk work. Stitches or drainage tubes, if present, are usually removed around this time. Continued use of the compression garment remains essential. A healthy diet supports tissue repair and energy levels, while maintaining a stable weight prevents unnecessary strain on the healing abdomen.
Most patients resume low-impact physical activity and more strenuous work duties between weeks four and six. The abdominal area continues to settle into its new shape, and visible swelling diminishes. Reintroducing a gentle exercise regimen is often approved, though core strengthening should still be postponed. Monitoring for any signs of complications remains essential throughout this phase.
Long-term recovery includes gradual scar maturation and full muscle integration. Final results from tummy tuck surgery typically become apparent around three to six months after the procedure. To maintain outcomes, tummy tuck patients are encouraged to follow a consistent exercise regimen and avoid weight gain. A healthy diet, skin care, and continued sun protection help minimize scarring and support lasting aesthetic improvement.
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more toned and contoured appearance. It is often chosen by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or age-related skin laxity. The incision typically runs along the inner arm, allowing for discreet placement and effective reshaping. This procedure can be combined with a tummy tuck to enhance overall body symmetry.
A breast lift is a form of plastic surgery that elevates and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. It is commonly performed after pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging cause the breasts to lose firmness and volume. The procedure can also reposition the nipples for a more youthful profile. A breast lift contributes to a balanced, rejuvenated silhouette when done alongside a tummy tuck.
Breast augmentation enhances breast size and fullness through the placement of implants or fat transfer. Often included in a mommy makeover, this procedure addresses volume loss and asymmetry following childbirth or weight changes. It can be tailored to each patient’s aesthetic goals regarding shape, projection, and size. Breast augmentation complements a tummy tuck by restoring upper and lower body proportion.
A thigh lift reshapes the upper legs by removing loose skin and localized fat deposits, particularly in the inner or outer thighs. This procedure improves leg contours and reduces skin sagging that may result from aging or major weight loss. It pairs well with abdominal contouring procedures for those seeking full lower-body rejuvenation. The goal is a smoother, more proportionate look that enhances mobility and comfort.
Many people consider a tummy tuck after changes to their body that diet and exercise cannot fully address. Candidates often present with stretched abdominal muscles or stubborn fat deposits that have not responded to non-surgical methods. Typical candidates include:
Abdominoplasty procedures are often pursued by individuals seeking physical refinement after life events such as pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. These surgeries are designed to support both aesthetic and structural goals, contributing to long-term body confidence. The following are common benefits reported by those who undergo tummy tuck surgery:
Tummy tuck prices in Los Angeles range from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s experience. Board-certified plastic surgeons often charge higher fees due to their specialized training and expertise. The cost typically includes anesthesia, facility fees, and postoperative care. The tummy tuck consultation may be billed separately.
Schedule a consultation at Plastic Rejuvenation Medical for personalized price quotes. We offer flexible financing options to make our procedures more accessible.
Plastic Rejuvenation Medical approaches each surgery with a deep understanding of anatomy and artistry, led by our tummy tuck surgeons who blend precision with innovation. Their mastery extends beyond standard methods, utilizing advanced skin removal techniques that prioritize natural contours and subtle refinement. Each procedure is tailored to the individual’s body, ensuring that results are not only effective but also harmonious and enduring. This level of expertise reflects a commitment to craftsmanship rather than simply following protocols, transforming the surgical experience into a personalized journey of renewal.
A tummy tuck provides long-lasting results by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles, but its permanence depends on maintaining a stable lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging can affect the longevity of the outcomes. With proper care, however, the improvements achieved through surgery can endure for many years or even decades.
Tummy tuck surgery can reduce or eliminate stretch marks on sagging skin removed during the procedure. While it may not erase all stretch marks, particularly those outside the area of skin removal, this surgery often results in a flatter abdomen with smoother, tighter skin.
Maintaining a toned stomach after surgery requires commitment to a stable weight and healthy eating habits. Regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle help support muscle tone and prevent unwanted fat accumulation, ensuring the long-term success of the tummy tuck.
Dr. Andrew Ordon
Dr. Andrew Ordon is an Emmy® nominated co-host of the award-winning talk show The Doctors. For over three decades, Dr. Ordon has been an acclaimed surgeon in private practice of aesthetics, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. He is consistently recognized as a top doctor by Castle-Connolly, a trusted source for premiere doctors in the United States.
Dr. Andrew Jarminski
Dr. David Henry
Dr. David Feldmar
Dr. Dennis Alwen
dr. Maria M. Diaz
Dr. Maria Diaz is a fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon. She is board certified, a diplomat of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and is devoted to helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. A UCLA School of Medicine graduate, Dr. Diaz pursued her passion through a surgical residency and an intensive Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship specializing in facial, body, breast, post-weight loss, mommy makeovers, cosmetic gynecology, and non-surgical treatments.
dr. Maria M. Diaz
