Tummy Tuck in San Diego

Name: Tummy Tuck
Brand: Changes Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.76 (369 reviews)

Restore a firm, toned abdomen and bounce back after pregnancy or weight loss with a tummy tuck in San Diego, CA. Our customizable procedure carefully sculpts the body to reflect your inner vitality.

Tummy Tuck Overview:

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and firms the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Many patients undergo an abdominoplasty after experiencing significant weight loss, pregnancy and childbirth, or aging changes that have left behind loose skin and a protruding midsection.

Reverse Tummy Tuck

A reverse tummy tuck is a specialized procedure designed to address loose skin and excess tissue in the upper abdomen, just below the breasts. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, which tightens the lower abdomen by pulling the skin downward, the reverse tummy tuck lifts and tightens the skin upward. Incisions are strategically placed along the natural breast crease, making them discreet and minimizing visible scarring. This technique is ideal for patients who have good tone in their lower abdomen but struggle with laxity in the upper region, often due to weight loss, aging, or pregnancy.

This procedure is particularly effective for individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, experienced the effects of aging, or have had multiple pregnancies, all of which can cause the skin above the belly button to sag. The reverse tummy tuck helps restore a more youthful, toned appearance by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue. It provides a smoother, more contoured look for the upper abdomen, creating a natural and rejuvenated silhouette.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a more targeted version of the traditional tummy tuck, focusing exclusively on the lower abdomen, typically below the belly button. It is an excellent option for individuals who struggle with mild skin laxity or have a persistent "pooch" in the lower abdomen that does not respond to diet and exercise. This procedure is ideal for patients who are generally in good shape but may have loose skin or stubborn fat deposits in the lower abdominal area, often caused by factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging.

The mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck, usually positioned just above the pubic area, making it less invasive and leaving behind less visible scarring. Because of this, patients typically experience a faster recovery time and less discomfort. During the procedure, the surgeon tightens the lower abdominal muscles and removes any excess skin or fat, creating a smoother, flatter contour. The result is a more toned, youthful appearance of the lower abdomen, with a natural look that blends seamlessly with the rest of the body. The mini tummy tuck is a great solution for those looking for a subtle but impactful improvement in their abdominal area.

Do You Need a
Mini Tummy Tuck?

What is a
Reverse Tummy Tuck

Achieve a Smoother, Flatter, and More Sculpted Torso

Exploring plastic surgery in San Diego, CA, is a profoundly personal decision, and we understand that every patient has their own motivations for seeking treatment. Many of our patients come to us for the following tummy tuck benefits:

Improved abdominal contours
Strengthened abdominal muscles and better postures
Reduction of stretch marks along the lower abdomen
Correction of ventral hernias
Reduced irritation and friction between loose skin
Enhanced appearance and self-confidence
Increased comfort, mobility, and exercise ability

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Ideal tummy tuck candidates are healthy, non-smoking adults who are at or near a stable weight and have loose abdominal skin or muscle laxity. Most of our tummy tuck patients come to us after their last pregnancy or significant weight loss. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, muscle strength, and skin quality to determine your eligibility.

Before & After The Tummy Tuck Procedure

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The Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa Difference

When you choose Changes for your tummy tuck in San Diego, CA, you choose an experience rooted in compassionate care, surgical precision, and elevated artistry. Every procedure is customizable to suit your unique needs and desires, ensuring we bring your vision to life and help you rediscover the joy of loving yourself. We prioritize long-lasting, natural-looking outcomes and design all procedures with your safety, comfort, and satisfaction in mind.

Our team of award-winning surgeons is led by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Gilbert Lee. Together, we’re redefining the standard for cosmetic procedures in San Diego and beyond. Our state-licensed, Medicare-certified facility is equipped with cutting-edge technologies and advanced instruments that allow our surgeons to perform innovative procedures every day.

Your Personalized Consultation

Every patient’s journey at Changes begins with a private consultation with one of our plastic surgeons in San Diego, CA. There, you’ll discuss your medical history, concerns, and aesthetic goals, and your surgeon will conduct an in-depth examination to determine the best surgical approach for your situation.

Pricing Your Procedure

The cost of your tummy tuck in San Diego, CA, will depend on the following factors:

Surgical complexity
Extent of correction needed
Whether additional procedures are performed in the same session

Tummy tucks are generally considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance. During your consultation, our team will share a precise cost estimate and financing options for complete transparency.

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What to Expect From Your Tummy Tuck in San Diego, CA

Your abdominoplasty will be an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia and should take approximately two and a half hours.

During surgery, your doctor will make discreet incisions along the bikini line and navel to access the abdominal muscles and tissues.

From there, your surgeon will carefully tighten the muscles, remove excess skin, and reposition the navel for a natural-looking result.

Hands-On, High-Touch Recovery

Recovery from your tummy tuck in San Diego, CA, typically involves mild swelling, soreness, and tightness that should subside within two weeks. Light movement is encouraged early to promote blood flow and muscle tone, and we may place drains into your incisions to help remove fluids. Most patients return to work within two weeks of their procedure.

You’ll head home from your treatment with extensive aftercare instructions from our team, which may include the following items:

Incision care and cleaning protocols
Compression garment guidance
Hygiene recommendations
Sleep position restrictions
Activity limitations
Pain management strategies, including our extended-release nerve-blocking medications

Over the coming weeks, you’ll return to our San Diego office multiple times for follow-up appointments with our team. There, your surgeon will monitor your healing progress, remove any drains or sutures, and clear you to resume impactful activities like bending over, strenuous exercise, and running.

Before You Begin

Tummy tucks carry risks, as with all surgical procedures.

Potential complications include the following:

Infection
Bleeding and delayed wound healing
Fluid accumulation
Scarring
Changes in sensation along the navel

Your surgeon will review all possible risks with you during your consultation to ensure you’re fully confident in your decision.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

How long should I wait after weight loss to get a tummy tuck?

We advise patients to maintain a stable weight for several months before undergoing a tummy tuck to ensure long-lasting results.

What are the risks and complications associated with a tummy tuck?

Risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in skin sensation, fluid accumulation, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also a risk of dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcomes.

Will I have scars after a tummy tuck?

Yes, a tummy tuck results in a scar along the lower abdomen, typically hidden below the bikini line. The length and visibility of the scar depend on the type of tummy tuck and individual healing factors.

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

Tummy tuck results are designed to last for several years. You can extend the longevity of your outcomes by maintaining a stable weight and sticking to healthy habits.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, or other body contouring surgeries. This combination is sometimes referred to as a mommy makeover.

Can a tummy tuck improve stretch marks?

Yes. By removing excess skin along the lower abdomen, we also remove stretch marks from the area. A tummy tuck will not eliminate stretch marks above the navel.

Will a tummy tuck help me lose weight?

No. A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure and is not a substitute for natural or surgical weight loss. You may notice a slight weight loss due to the removal of excess skin and fat.

Can a tummy tuck help with diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles)?

Yes, a tummy tuck can correct diastasis recti by tightening the abdominal muscles, which is often a concern after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Does a tummy tuck remove fat?

While a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and tighten the muscles, it is not primarily a fat removal procedure. If fat reduction is needed, liposuction may be performed alongside the tummy tuck.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

Yes, you can still get pregnant after a tummy tuck. However, pregnancy may stretch and alter the abdominal area, affecting the results of your surgery.

How soon after a tummy tuck can I exercise?

Light activities like walking can be started within a week, but more intense exercises like lifting or running should be avoided for at least 6 weeks to ensure proper healing.

Schedule Your Consultation Tummy Tuck in San Diego, CA

Take back your confidence and transform your sense of self with a tummy tuck from Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa. Contact our San Diego office to schedule your private consultation and begin your journey.