Tummy Tuck
ABDOMINOPLASTY IN LOS ANGELES, CA
Optimize Your Core With a Tummy Tuck Procedure in Beverly Hills
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, eliminates unwanted fat while lifting and tightening the abdomen. The procedure is ideal for patients with excess skin and abdominal muscle laxity, especially after significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies. Patients interested in the tummy tuck procedure are invited to schedule a personal consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian.
Dr. Nazarian is widely regarded as one of the best surgeons in Beverly Hills. In addition to her starring role on Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series Skin Decision, she regularly appears on several prestigious “Top Doctors” lists and as a keynote speaker at professional conferences. Our on-site surgery center is fully AAAA-accredited, ensuring a safe and seamless experience. When considering a tummy tuck Los Angeles patients that visit us benefit from our team’s superior techniques and steadfast commitment to personalized care.
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Tummy Tuck Before & Afters
The gallery above depicts before and after images of actual patients. The pictures show improvement in contours after tummy tuck surgery.
Smoother, Firmer, Sleeker
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular surgery that tightens and reduces excess skin and fat to improve abdominal contours. A board-certified plastic surgeon creates incision patterns based on surgical preference, patient concern, degree of correction, and treatment areas. At Nazarian Plastic Surgery, we ensure an invisible belly button scar and a low tummy tuck scar in the traditional tummy tuck procedure.
Patients can expect minimal bruising and swelling post-procedure, and initial results are immediately noticeable. Tummy tuck surgery is highly effective, with high patient satisfaction and a 96% “Worth it” rating on RealSelf. Although a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss, results are typically long-lasting. At our practice in Los Angeles tummy tuck results in significant tightening and reduction of abdominal skin sagging compared to non-surgical treatment alternatives.
Tummy Tuck at a Glance
- Trims away loose abdominal skin
- Tightens weakened muscles
- Restores a smooth, flat midsection contour
- Involves strategically placed hidden incisions
- Results look natural and persist long-term with a stable weight
The Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck
For patients with excess sagging abdominal skin following significant weight loss, Dr. Nazarian may offer the fleur de lis tummy tuck. This abdominoplasty technique utilizes an additional vertical incision extending upward from the horizontal incision made across the lower abdomen. The vertical incision allows the removal of excess skin and fat from both the lower abdomen and the upper abdomen and waist area. This comprehensive approach can result in a more dramatic transformation compared to a traditional tummy tuck.
Restore Your Core
What Conditions Does a Tummy Tuck Address?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, addresses several common concerns related to the midsection:
- Loose, stretched abdominal skin after pregnancy or weight fluctuations
- A protruding belly due to separated or weakened abdominal muscles
- Excess fat deposits in the abdomen that are resistant to diet and exercise
- Stretch marks and c-section scars on the lower abdomen
By removing this excess skin, tightening separated muscles, and contouring the abdomen, a tummy tuck can restore a smooth, firm, and youthfully toned midsection. It essentially reverses many of the physical impacts that pregnancy, aging, and weight changes can have on the abdomen.
Firm, Flat, and Flattering
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy Tuck surgery is ideal for the following candidates:
- Patients with excess skin and tissue in the abdominal area
- Patients with diastasis rectus, or abdominal muscle separation
- Healthy patients with no medical conditions that may increase the risk of surgery or impaired wound healing.
- Weight: Stable Weight
- Health Restrictions: Smokers, Physically Unhealthy
Innovative Techniques. Inspiring Results.
How the Procedure Works
A tummy tuck is a surgical operation to remove excess fat and skin, creating a smoother, firmer abdominal contour. We will provide detailed instructions for preparation and aftercare for your surgery. A tummy tuck surgery is typically an outpatient procedure and can take between 90 minutes to five hours to complete.
Preparation
Dr. Nazarian may recommend a medical evaluation and lab testing to ensure that you are healthy to undergo surgery.You may be asked to adjust or stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not eat or drink after midnight on the day of your procedure.
During The Procedure
You will be placed under general anesthesia. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will determine the surgical technique personalized for your specific case before the surgery. Your surgeon will make an incision and tighten and remove excess abdominal tissue and tighten the underlying weakened abdominal muscles to create firmer, more youthful-appearing skin. She will make a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and navel to repair the underlying weakened abdominal muscles.
Dr. Nazarian will then make a second incision around the navel to remove excess skin in the upper abdominal area. She will pull down and trim excess skin and suture the remaining skin.
She will create a new opening for the navel, leaving an invisible scar.
For female patients, Dr. Nazarian will also place an invisible tummy tuck scar 5 cm above the clitoris, which results in a lifting of the vagina into a more youthful position and reduction of the mons pubis fat for a smooth contour under a jersey dress, for example. This technique is unique to Nazarian Plastic Surgery. Finally, Dr. Nazarian will close the incision and apply dressings or bandages. A small drainage tube may be placed temporarily under your skin to remove excess fluid or blood. This will be removed five to seven days after your procedure.
What to Expect After Surgery
Aftercare & Recovery
Patients should expect two to three weeks of recovery time. Dr. Nazarian will prescribe pain medications to reduce soreness after the anesthesia wears off. She will give specific instructions regarding wound care, potential complications, follow-up information, and dates. Residual scarring from the incision line and swelling will resolve over time. Avoid smoking and weight fluctuations and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your newly contoured abdomen looking its best.
Core Confidence
What Results to Expect
- Firm, smooth, youthful-appearing abdomen
- Stronger abdominal core
- Reduced appearance of stretch marks and scars
- Invisible belly button scar
- Low-placed tummy tuck scar
- Umbilical hernia repair if needed
- Reduction of mons pubis fat
- Long-lasting results
- Improved confidence in your appearance
Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions
A tummy tuck is an operation that tightens weakened abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin, creating a smoother, firmer abdominal contour. The procedure is performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sheila Nazarian, who creates incision patterns based on surgical preference, patient concern, degree of correction, and treatment areas.
It depends. If you are still carrying around a significant amount of pregnancy weight, we recommend starting with a healthy eating plan and exercise regimen. Once you are within twenty pounds of your maintainable goal weight, you will be a good candidate for surgery. We want you to really commit to taking care of yourself and and prioritizing your health through lifestyle modifications first. Once that is achieved, you can come in and speak with us. If your weight is stableand you already exercise regularly, but you still have a hanging belly, then yes, you are likely a candidate for surgery.
On average, you will likely need at least two weeks. If you have a super strenuous job, you may need more time, or you may need to dial things back at work for a while. We can give you a better idea of exactly what to expect in terms of your recovery after we see you in-person during your consultation.
Yes and no. You will definitely notice the change in your body contour immediately. But you will also be swollen and bruised following your tummy tuck surgery. It is the price we pay for a flat stomach. It can take anywhere from three to six months for your swelling to fully subside. So, the final results may take a while, but you will look better and better during that period. An abdominoplasty requires a bit of patience, but the payoff is well worth it.
Most tummy tuck patients find the recovery really tolerable. Dr. Nazarian injects long-lasting local anesthetic to give you an abdominal nerve block during surgery, and this helps a lot! Yes, you will have some discomfort. At the aftercare facility, they will give you narcotics to take that really help curb the pain. Most of our patients stay there for three days – these are the most uncomfortable days. We will prescribe prescription pain medications as well as antibiotics to take at the aftercare facility and when you go home.
We think it’s best to wait. Otherwise, the next pregnancy could re-stretch the skin and muscles in your abdomen. This means that you might need another tummy tuck. Most patients don’t want to go through it twice.
Yes. However, liposuction can only address the excess fat. It will do nothing for loose skin. We often combine liposuction with a minimally invasive procedure called BodyTite to tighten the skin. Though fantastic, this combination will not affect any laxity in the muscles. A tummy tuck is the gold standard for a reason. The right choice is going to depend on your needs and ability to tolerate downtime. Sometimes, patients decide on a more moderate procedure that they know won’t deliver a totally flat stomach because it is simply easier for their current lifestyle. Just make sure to manage your expectations appropriately.
Tummy tuck results are immediately visible after your procedure. However, it may take months to notice the final results due to the swelling that arises post-operatively. Results are long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
The tummy tuck is a popular procedure performed under general anesthesia to tighten weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin, creating a smoother, firmer abdominal contour. Patients can expect minimal bruising and swelling post-procedure and approximately two weeks of recovery. Full results develop gradually over several months.
Since tummy tuck surgery requires general anesthesia, you will not experience pain during the procedure. However, recovery might be uncomfortable, and the level of discomfort varies based on each patient. Your plastic surgeon will ensure adequate analgesia after your procedure.
Tummy tuck surgery is not ideal for smokers or patients with unstable weight, excess visceral fat, blood-clotting disorders, and underlying medical conditions. Patients who are physically unhealthy are also poor candidates for tummy tuck surgery. We require post-operative medical clearance by medical doctors to ensure that you are healthy to undergo surgery.
Although minimal bruising and swelling are expected after a tummy tuck, initial results can be seen immediately after your treatment. Tummy Tuck surgery is highly effective, with high patient satisfaction and a 96% “Worth it” rating on realself.com.
Tummy tuck results are immediately visible after your procedure. However, it may take months for the final effects to develop fully. Results are considered permanent, provided you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Tummy Tuck Cost & Pricing Structure:
Tummy Tuck surgery costs vary based on the patient's weight, the amount of excess skin, anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related expenses. Cost also varies based on the plastic surgeon’s experience and geographical location.
- U.S. national average. $8,000-$27,000
- Our price. Costs can vary depending on the provider. Please contact us for an estimate.
- Additional costs. Additional costs may include anesthesia fees, medical tests, medication prescriptions, and facility costs.
- Insurance. Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures. We offer a variety of payment options for your convenience.
Patients may experience:
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Scarring
- Mild bleeding
- Infection (rare)
- Numbness (rare)
- Deep vein thrombosis (rare)
- Poor wound healing (rare)
- Revision surgery (rare)
- Abdominal liposuction. Abdominal liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat deposits from the abdomen to enhance the appearance of body contours.
- CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that permanently removes fat using cryolipolysis—a fat-freezing technology.
- BodyTite. BodyTite is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess fat deposits while using radiofrequency to tighten the skin.
Tummy tuck surgery is an operation performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon to create a smoother, firmer abdominal contour. It can also help restore strength to a weak core, improve flexibility, and correct chronic irritants such as poor posture and lower back pain. Sometimes, hernias can also be repaired at the same time.
“I am one year post-op from a tummy tuck...and although my scar is still healing (I'm slow to recover), the incision and skills of Dr. Nazarian will leave me with a perfectly flat and barely noticeable scar. I am from out of state and have since been back to LA for facial and arm lift consults. I trust her skills completely, and she is just an all-around amazing soul inside and out!” —Lynnette A., Overland Park, KS
“Dr Nazarian has changed my life! I had a tummy tuck in May, and I have never felt and looked better. I had read about how painful the recovery can be, but that wasn't my experience. I never felt any pain—just some tightness, but no pain! We talked about my diet before and after the surgery. My recovery has really been easy breezy! I wanted this procedure for 20 years, and I wish I had done it sooner. At my last visit before my surgery, I asked her If I needed my breast and butt done as well! She told me my 46-year-old breasts were fine and to do squats! I'm forever grateful to her for my almost six-pack. She is a rockstar! God blessed me with the right surgeon!”—Chanda M., Los Angeles, CA
