Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Beverly Hills
- Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
- The Lasky Clinic, Beverly Hills
Despite our best efforts with dieting and exercising, the abdomen can loosen, sag, or protrude due to pregnancy, aging, fluctuations in weight, or heredity.
The tummy tuck in Beverly Hills, formally known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can help restore a smoother and firmer midsection by removing excess fat and skin. It can also restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
With our tummy tuck performed at Dr. Stevens’s outpatient medical facility, you can achieve a firm, toned, and narrow waistline that is attractive and more youthful.
Benefits of a Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck at a Glance
- Removes sagging skin
- Tightens loose skin
- Can eliminate many stretch marks
- Smooths the abdomen
- Flattens the abdomen
- Restores confidence
- Improves self-image
- Corrects diastasis recti
Stretched Abdominal Skin
Skin laxity in the abdomen can result from aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery tightens the skin of the abdomen and removes excess flesh so that the abdominal contour is smoother and flatter.
Excess Tummy Fat
Excess abdominal fat that resists diet and exercise is common in many adults and may accumulate due to weight changes, pregnancy, aging, and heredity. During tummy tuck surgery, some areas of excess fat on the abdomen and hips can be treated with liposuction to eliminate fat bulges and flatten the abdomen.
Weakened or separated abdominal muscles
Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) after major weight loss or pregnancy may cause the stomach to look perpetually pregnant. Tummy tuck surgery tightens the abdominal wall to improve core muscle engagement for better abdominal tone.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck depends on how much surgical work is anticipated to be needed in order to meet the patient’s goals for the procedure. The total cost is comprised of a number of expenses that include the surgeon’s fee, OR or hospital facility fees, and anesthesia costs. Patients should expect to pay anywhere between $7,500 and $15,000 for a tummy tuck in Los Angeles, but we will be able to provide an exact cost after a personal consultation.
Board-certified plastic surgeons typically recommend that patients do not make cost the sole determining factor in their choice of surgeon, as discount surgery inevitably omits some of the important safety factors or experience required for safe surgery.
Since tummy tuck surgery is considered elective surgery, it usually does not qualify for insurance. However, many surgeons offer financing options to make abdominoplasty surgery more accessible.
Leslie Stevens
MD, FACS
Gallery
Discover the exquisite results by browsing through our online library of before and after photography. You will also have a chance to view more photographs during your confidential consultation with Dr. Stevens.
Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck Procedure Options
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
- It restores the definition and tone of the upper and lower abdomen.
- The incision runs horizontally between the hips, near the pubic hairline.
- An additional incision encircles the navel.
- The skin and underlying fat are lifted, and the abdominal muscles are repaired.
- Excess fat in the lower abdomen and flanks may be suctioned away.
- Excess skin and fat are trimmed away.
- The skin is pulled tight and sutured together.
- The belly button is re-sutured onto the abdominal skin.
- It’s best for patients who need complete abdominal correction.
Mini tummy tuck (partial abdominoplasty)
- It only restores the definition and tone of the lower abdomen.
- The incision runs horizontally between the hips, near the pubic hairline, and is generally shorter than with a full tummy tuck.
- The skin is lifted, and the lower abdominal muscles are tightened.
- Excess fat is suctioned away.
- Excess skin and fat are trimmed away.
- The skin is pulled tight and sutured together.
- It’s best for patients whose condition is not severe enough for a full tummy tuck but who need more correction than liposuction alone can provide.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
Prior to surgery
Well in advance of your tummy tuck procedure, you will meet with Dr. Stevens to discuss in detail your goals for the procedure and any presurgical requirements, which may include ceasing to take certain medications and quitting smoking.
Morning of surgery
Plan to be at the center on time and dressed in loose and comfortable clothing. Surgery will begin shortly, but for now, we’ll start getting ready with IV fluids being administered as we prepare you for anesthesia and the operation.
EXPAREL®
At the end of your procedure, Dr. Stevens recommends that he inject a 72-hour local anesthetic (EXPAREL®) in the area of the muscle repair. In his experience over the years, he has seen a remarkable decrease in the amount of postoperative discomfort when using this drug.
Immediately After Surgery
You’ll awaken in our recovery suite wearing an abdominal binder that may soon be replaced with a compression garment. Drains may be in place to prevent fluid buildup, and a friend or family member should be on call to drive you home.
Day of and Day After Surgery
Deep pressure and some pain will limit your mobility. It is strongly encouraged that you have a friend or family member around to assist you in moving about, preparing light meals, and using the restroom.
Day 3
Most of the pain and discomfort from the procedure is felt within the first two to three days after the surgery. You will be on pain medication and should maintain a light, healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids, and engage in very light exercise daily, such as a walk.
Days 5-7
A follow-up appointment is scheduled to remove drains and/or bandages and check that the incisions are healing nicely.
Week 1
Within a week after surgery, your incisions will have started healing nicely, and you will be able to stand and walk about unassisted for brief periods of time. Rest, light walks, a good diet, and drinking plenty of water remain the priorities, but you are regaining your independence in moving.
Week 2
Swelling and bruising have subsided significantly. Your mobility has increased, and you can do a few non-strenuous activities around the house. Depending on your healing progress thus far, you may be able to return to a light desk job or begin working from home. You can usually drive at this time.
Weeks 4-6
Between weeks four and six, Dr. Stevens will let you know when you can start exercising again. You may be able to attend social events at this point, but you should avoid lifting anything heavy.
Month 3
By three months after surgery, your new stomach is looking great, and you can wear clothing of your choice with confidence. The discreet incisions that were made are beginning to fade, but it can take up to a year for them to become unnoticeable.
Additionally, Dr. Stevens offers a limited incision, modified abdominoplasty. This is for patients who require full muscle tightening and don’t have very much loose skin or fat that needs to be removed. If you wish to learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation for one of the best tummy tuck procedures Beverly Hills has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
Dr. Stevens may recommend tummy tuck surgery for men or women who are physically healthy, non-smokers, and at a stable body weight. Candidates should wish to improve their waistlines and be dissatisfied with the weakened muscles, excess fat, and loose skin and stretch marks present on their abdomen. Finally, candidates should not be planning any future pregnancies, as pregnancy is likely to undo the benefits of tummy tuck surgery. It is important to know that if one does become pregnant after the procedure, it will not interfere with the pregnancy.
Which technique do I need?
Patients with stretched abdominal skin, weakened or separated abdominal muscles, and excess abdominal fat can benefit from either partial or traditional abdominoplasty. Those whose problem areas are limited to the lower abdomen should consider a mini tummy tuck. Traditional abdominoplasty is likely a better match for those who desire correction of both the upper and lower abdomen.
Can I combine my tummy tuck with other procedures?
A tummy tuck may be combined with liposuction, breast surgery, or other body contouring procedures as desired. This surgery is frequently included as part of the Mommy Makeover because its benefits are particularly advantageous for women who have gone through pregnancy.
When will I see my results?
The results of your tummy tuck may be obscured by swelling for several weeks or longer. As this swelling subsides, the results will become increasingly noticeable. You will be able to enjoy your results more and more as your body heals and you are able to feel and observe the improvements in your abdominal contour, clothing fit, and self-confidence.
What are the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
As with any plastic surgery procedure, tummy tuck surgery carries potential risks and complications. Some of the risks associated with the tummy tuck procedure include reactions to general anesthesia, bleeding or hematoma, and the formation of blood clots. Poor wound healing can occur in patients with certain medical histories or in those who do not follow postoperative instructions. Infection at the incision site is another rare potential complication, as is the development of an irregular tummy tuck scar. Some patients may experience changes in skin sensation in the abdominal area.
To minimize these tummy tuck risks, it’s crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring procedures. Following your postoperative instructions carefully and attending all follow-up appointments are among the most important ways to achieve optimal results from your tummy tuck in Beverly Hills.
Is a tummy tuck permanent?
After abdominal surgery, patients love the freedom to show off their flatter abdomen in a bathing suit or fitted clothing, or exercise with stronger abdominal muscles. Many patients feel motivated to live a healthy lifestyle to maintain their tummy tuck results. As long as you eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid gaining weight, your abdominoplasty results should be long lasting. Weight fluctuations or future pregnancy could compromise your results, resulting in loose abdominal skin or excess fatty tissue once again.
What procedures can be combined with a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck can be combined with many other plastic surgery procedures. Some patients choose to pair their tummy tuck with breast augmentation or a breast lift. This is a popular combination known as a Mommy Makeover. Other patients wish to pair their tummy tuck with an arm lift or lower body lift after significant weight loss. During your consultation, Dr. Stevens will review your goals and anatomy and create a surgical plan tailored to your needs.