Liposuction / Liposculpture

Liposuction is performed to sculpt the body for more desirable contours while removing excess fat. Our expert liposuction surgeons can remove unwanted fat from the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms and under the chin. We only utilize liposuction techniques proven safe and effective including tumescent liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction. It is important to note that liposuction surgery is not a means of weight loss, rather it is a method to remove stubborn fat to create a more perfectly contoured body – often accompanying a tummy tuck or body lift surgery.

Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck Surgeons

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?

Abdominoplasty or a “tummy tuck” is performed to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal wall for a flatter stomach with more definition. The tummy tuck is ideal for women who have stretched muscles and skin after pregnancy or for men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight. It is also a great option for women who suffer from a genetic predisposition towards loose skin.

Our tummy tuck surgeons are experts in abdominoplasty, specializing in advanced techniques for natural looking belly buttons, defined contours and minimal scarring. To provide the best possible result, our surgeons also perform liposuction. Tummy tuck surgery is a permanent procedure, however it is recommended to wait until you are finishing having children or losing weight because significant fluctuations in weight may require additional surgery.

TYPES OF TUMMY TUCKS

Our tummy tuck surgeons specialize in a full range of advanced tummy tuck techniques to provide patients with the best tummy tuck results with the least amount of scarring and downtime. Depending on the amount of excess skin and the extent of muscle repair needed, your surgeon will discuss your options and determine the best tummy tuck procedure for you.

The most common type of tummy tuck performed at California Surgical Institute is the high lateral tension tummy tuck. Unlike a standard tummy tuck, which tightens the abdomen along the center, a high lateral tension tummy tuck also focuses on the sides, pulling in the abdomen like a corset for a tighter better contoured appearance. Many patients find that this technique provides the best tummy tuck results.

OTHER TYPES OF TUMMY TUCKS INCLUDE:

Mini Tummy Tuck – If the area giving you the most trouble is below the belly button, you could qualify for a "mini tummy tuck," or "mini abdominoplasty," which tightens the skin between the pubic area and your navel. This is generally considered a less complex procedure and will take less time. It will also leave less scarring since the incisions will be much smaller.

Standard Tummy Tuck – A standard tummy tuck removes excess skin, tightens the center of the abdomen through internal sutures and positions the belly button for a flatter contour. All tummy tuck procedures stem from the basic principles of the standard tummy tuck, which will be discussed below.

Fleur De Lys Tummy Tuck – The best tummy tuck procedure to address concerns with excess skin on the upper portion of the is the fleur de lys technique. This technique requires an additional incision through the center of the abdomen and is typically only performed for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, such as after gastric bypass or lap band surgery.

Panniculectomy - After your abdominoplasty, you can also get a Panniculectomy, which removes skin and fat below the belly button and around to your lower back area. This technique is also primarily performed on men and women who have experienced massive weight loss.

PLASTIC SURGERY TUMMY TUCK

Tummy tuck surgery is performed in 2 to 5 hours as an outpatient procedure at one of our fully accredited facilities under general anesthesia. Our tummy tuck surgeons are experts in body contouring, combining liposuction. Tummy tuck and liposuction performed together allow for the best tummy tuck results with the most flattering contours. This is most often combined into your tummy tuck cost.

To perform a tummy tuck, an incision is made from hip to hip along the bikini line. The length of tummy tuck scars are determined by the extent of skin that needs to be removed. For example mini tummy tuck scars are much shorter than standard tummy tuck scars and standard tummy tuck scars are shorter than fleur de lys or high lateral tension tummy tuck scars.

Once the incision is made the abdominal muscles are tightened using permanent internal sutures. Our tummy tuck surgeons specialize in the most advanced techniques for internal suturing to provide the best tummy tuck contours with more definition after surgery. As well as for closing the incision after the skin is then pulled down, excess skin removed to allow for minimal scarring and a natural looking result.

In most cases, the belly button will need to be repositioned and re-created. The best tummy tuck results are often determined by the appearance of the belly button. This is why our surgeons also focus much of their attention to the intricate aspect of the procedure. Please take a moment to view our before and after pictures to view our tummy tuck results.

BEFORE TUMMY TUCK SURGERY

Your tummy tuck journey will begin with an initial consultation and evaluation with your surgeon. During this consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your skin tone and abdominal fat deposits, in addition to your overall level of health. When you are talking to your tummy tuck surgeon, it's important to be honest about all of the medications you are currently taking, as well as whether or not you regularly use alcohol or tobacco.

Once a full assessment of your specific case has been completed, your surgeon will be able to recommend the best course of action for you. Depending on your goals and the shape of your body, your surgeon may recommend liposuction, tummy tuck with liposuction, mini tummy tuck, standard tummy tuck, or advanced techniques. Although your surgeon's recommendation may be different than your initial expectations, you can count on your surgeon to provide you with the best tummy tuck recommendation to achieve optimal results.

In addition to discussing the surgery itself, your surgeon will also talk to you about where the procedure will take place, how long it will take to complete, the type of anesthesia that will be used, tummy tuck cost and any other questions that you have on your mind. You will also be given guidelines about how you should handle drinking, eating, medications and smoking prior to your procedure. If you carefully follow these instructions, you will be able to significantly minimize the risk of complications arising during or after your procedure.

AFTER TUMMY TUCK SURGERY

After tummy tuck surgery, you need to have a caregiver for the first 24 hours to drive you home, monitor your recovery and assist you with moving around. During initial recovery, patients may experience swelling and bruising. Any discomfort can be improved with prescribed medication.

After 5-7 days stitches will be removed and your surgeon will discuss how to change your dressings, shower and returning to activities. It is important to start walking after surgery to prevent blood clots. You will be required to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and encourage proper healing. Tummy tuck scars will fade over time and can be improved through the use of scar cream.

TUMMY TUCK RISKS & COMPLICATIONS

Potential complications and risks should always been addressed when it comes to plastic surgery, tummy tuck procedures included. Although not common, a tummy tuck can cause blood clots or infection. Blood clots can normally be avoided by beginning to walk around as soon as possible after the procedure, while any infections can normally be treated with antibiotics. There is a possibility of the incision healing poorly and, as a result, excessive scarring can develop, which may require a second operation to correct.

Smoking can increase the potential for complications and risks after plastic surgery, tummy tuck patients MUST refrain from smoking for a minimum of two week before and after surgery. The key to minimizing the potential complications and risks of an abdominoplasty is strictly following all of the guidelines that are given to you by your surgeon before and after the operation.

TUMMY TUCK COST

The cost of a tummy tuck varies depending upon the type of procedure because different types of tummy tucks require a different amount of time in the operating room. Another factor in tummy tuck cost is the amount of liposuction required to achieve the desired results. Our goal is to provide the best tummy tuck results at affordable prices. The cost of tummy tuck quoted at your consultation includes all surgical fees including OR fees, doctor fees and anesthesiologist fees. Additional fees that will be discussed include the cost of tummy tuck garments to be used after surgery, the price of Arnica and Bromelin to prevent swelling and bruising and lab fees.

We currently offer a $1000 online discount that can be applied toward your tummy tuck cost. You can redeem this offer by filling out the form at the top of the page. We also offer easy financing options and payment plans to help nearly every patient afford the cost of tummy tuck surgery. Your physician consultant will help you determine the best options for you.

Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions

Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty

Eyelid Surgery is one of the most impactful of all the plastic surgery procedures we perform. Blepharoplasty can remove the bags and wrinkles around the eyes that cause men and women to look tired, sad or mad. Upper eyelid surgery addresses concerns with excess skin and wrinkles, while lower eyelid surgery addresses concerns with puffiness and eyelid bags. Both types of eyelid surgery leave no visible scars. After blepharoplasty surgery, patients appear much younger and more rejuvenated. Eyelid surgery is often performed alongside a face lift or brow lift to enhance plastic surgery results.

FACE LIFT SURGERY

A face lift can’t stop the aging process, but can “set back the clock” by improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles and creating a more youthful appearance. Our face lift experts specialize in the most advanced techniques to allow for plastic surgery results that look healthy and natural. Face lift techniques include: liquid face lifts (fat injection stem cell face lift surgery), minimally invasive face lift under local anesthesia, mid-face lifts, endotine face lift procedures, full face lifts and deep plane facelifts.