Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills, CA
Excess fat around the midsection can be troublesome when it is diet and exercise-resistant. After losing a significant amount of weight, you may also have lax, hanging skin around your belly, which cannot be resolved through a healthy, active lifestyle. Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is designed to address these concerns by removing excess skin and fat from the torso to reveal a tighter, slimmer midsection. By improving the contours of the abdomen, patients can feel confident and comfortable with their flatter, more attractive abdominal appearance.
What Can a Tummy Tuck Do?
-
Tighten Abdominal Muscles
Abdominal muscles stretch when weight is gained or to make room for a baby during pregnancy. After significant weight loss or once the baby is delivered, the abdominal muscles sometimes remain detached. During a tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon pulls your abdominal muscles together to form a tighter stomach region using a suturing technique. Results from a tummy tuck include a toned, firm abdomen.
-
Eliminate Loose Skin
Significantly stretched skin cannot be corrected through diet and exercise and can cause uncomfortable chafing, rashes, and self-consciousness. Tummy tuck surgery removes excess sagging skin by neatly trimming it away to produce a smoother, flatter belly. The amount of excess skin removed can vary, depending on which of the types of tummy tucks was chosen.
-
Create Slimmer Contours
After this procedure, the abdomen appears trim and taut without loose, hanging skin. Dr. Chiu uses liposuction to remove residual tummy fat and produce a flatter, slimmer midsection.
-
Reduce Stretch Marks
Most patients are bothered by their stretch marks. Stretch marks on the lower abdomen can be removed if they are located on the excess skin being trimmed away. Following the effort of significant weight loss, stretch marks can be nearly impossible to get rid of without treatment.
What Types of Tummy Tuck Do We Offer?
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
-
A tummy tuck can be ideal for a range of patients. Some key signs this procedure may be right for you include:
• Excess skin around the abdomen
• Skin hanging over the belly button
• Stretch marks
• Stubborn pockets of fat
• Damage to abdominal muscles (e.g., from pregnancy)
-
Every tummy tuck procedure is adapted to each patient’s needs. Ideal candidates will have open communication with their surgeon about their goals. The better Dr. Chiu understands what you want, the better your outcomes will be. Additionally, good candidates will need to meet a few qualifications to promote a safe procedure. These include:
• Being at a stable weight
• Currently within about 10–15 pounds of ideal weight
• Having no significant current health concerns
• Not currently using tobacco products
What Can I Expect During My Tummy Tuck Recovery?
As with all surgical procedures, there is a recovery process after tummy tuck surgery to ensure that you heal properly and can fully enjoy your new and improved body contours. The tummy tuck recovery is broken up into several stages.
-
Immediately After Surgery
The abdominal area will be bandaged and wrapped with a compression garment. This is to promote healing and support your new contours. Pain medication and muscle relaxers may be prescribed to ease swelling and discomfort. Our Recovery Protocol process will begin, which includes a series of supplements, vitamins, and anti-bruising medications.
-
1 Week After Surgery
Patients can usually return to work and perform light activities after 1 week. You should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Swelling and bruising will begin to resolve. Proper aftercare of the surgical sites should continue.
-
2 to 3 Weeks After Surgery
Swelling and bruising should continue to resolve. Dr. Chiu recommends light physical activity and massages during this time. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should continue to be avoided. Patients typically return to work at the start of this period.
-
4 to 6 Weeks After Surgery
Your results should become more apparent by this point. We typically see patients for a follow-up appointment during this period. Dr. Chiu will check your recovery progress and provide additional advice if needed. Patients may return to their normal activities, including strenuous exercise and heavy lifting, once cleared by Dr. Chiu.
-
More Than 6 Weeks After Surgery
By this point, your tummy tuck recovery is complete. However, it may take some time for residual swelling to fade. Though subtle, once this swelling is fully gone, you can see your full results.
Why Choose Dr. Chiu for Your Tummy Tuck Procedure?
Dr. Chiu is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive skills and knowledge about tummy tuck surgery and other plastic surgery procedures. With an inherent ability to sculpt the body and medical experience to help patients achieve their desired results, Dr. Chiu is a qualified, leading surgeon. His eye for current fashion and aesthetic trends allows Dr. Chiu to give you natural-looking results. For example, an almond-shaped belly button with natural hooding and shorter, bikini-level incisions without “dog ears.”
Dr. Chiu offers Mommy Makeover, breast augmentation, male cosmetic surgery, and many other plastic surgery options in Beverly Hills. Patient safety, satisfaction, and comfort are the top priorities of Dr. Chiu and his professional staff. From the moment of the first tummy tuck consultation at our office, our patients experience the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other procedures can be combined with tummy tuck surgery?
Liposuction
Liposuction is generally used to remove fat during tummy tuck surgery, and patients often choose to have liposuction performed on other areas of the body as well, such as the back, hips, and thighs. However, liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. It removes excess, stubborn fat. But it works best for patients close to their ideal weight.
Mommy Makeover
Tummy tuck surgery is also commonly combined with breast augmentation or breast lift surgery in a Mommy Makeover to rejuvenate a woman’s body after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Patients may combine several procedures into one for a personalized Mommy Makeover plan. Address each area of concern with a single surgical visit.
Body Procedures
A thigh lift or an arm lift can also be combined with a tummy tuck. These procedures tighten up the thigh or upper arms, respectively. They are best for patients who want to further slim their overall profile and body shape.
What type of anesthesia is used for a tummy tuck?
Dr. Chiu performs tummy tuck surgery with the patient under general anesthesia. During surgery, the patient is supervised by a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure the highest degree of patient safety. After surgery, patients will need someone to drive them home.
How long do the results last after tummy tuck surgery?
As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid gaining a large amount of weight, the new contours of the abdomen will be long lasting. A healthy diet and exercise will also be highly supportive for maintaining results. Patients should be aware that this procedure cannot stop the aging process. Thus, the midsection will continue to age naturally over time. However, healthy lifestyle choices can prolong your overall results. Additionally, non-surgical treatments can prove highly effective in keeping your skin rejuvenated.
How much does tummy tuck surgery cost in Beverly Hills?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost for tummy tuck surgery is around $6,253. Your procedure price may vary based on factors such as:
• Anesthesia
• Operating room facilities
• Surgeon fees
• Medications
• Which techniques are used
• And other associated expenses
Health insurance typically does not cover cosmetic surgery, but we do offer financing options. Please discuss these details during your consultation.
Will there be a tummy tuck scar?
Any surgical procedure that involves incisions can lead to scarring. However, working with a skilled surgeon means minimal scarring. Dr. Chiu always makes the smallest incision possible. Additionally, his careful placement of them hides them from sight. Tummy tuck scars will also gradually fade over time. We also offer non-surgical treatments to further reduce scarring.
Book Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Every cosmetic procedure starts with a personal consultation with Dr. Chiu. This meeting serves as the perfect time to fully discuss your goals and learn about your most suitable options. Your tummy tuck consultation is your time. Book your consultation visit with Dr. Chiu today to start on your aesthetic journey.