Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?

A tummy tuck does involve some discomfort, especially in the first few days, due to muscle tightening and skin removal. Many patients experience tightness in the abdomen, but this eases over time.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

A tummy tuck typically requires a few appointments to ensure the best outcome. The first is your initial consultation, where you’ll discuss your goals and medical history and undergo a physical examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. After surgery, you’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. These usually occur within the first week and again after a few weeks to ensure proper healing, check for complications, and adjust any post-operative care if needed. Additional check-ins may be scheduled after a few months to ensure your results are settling in nicely. Your plastic surgeon and their team will guide you through the entire process, making sure you’re comfortable and on track for a smooth recovery.

How Long Until I See Results?

After a tummy tuck, you can expect noticeable results immediately, with a flatter, firmer abdomen. However, the full results of the surgery will become more evident as the swelling goes down and the tissues heal, typically within 3 to 6 months. In the first few weeks, swelling and bruising may mask some of the results, but the abdominal contour will become more defined and smoother as time progresses. Our post-surgical team will monitor your progress closely to ensure you’re on track with your recovery, and you’ll be able to see significant improvements within the first few months. Full healing and the final results may take up to a year, but the long-term benefits—a more sculpted and toned abdomen—will be well worth the wait!

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

The incision is made along the lower stomach, just above the pubic area, where it can be easily hidden by clothing or swimsuits. Its size and visibility can depend on the extent of the procedure, such as whether it’s a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck. While the scar will be noticeable at first, it typically fades over time and becomes less prominent as it heals. You will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and help reduce the appearance of scarring. Some patients also benefit from treatments like silicone gel sheets or laser therapy to further minimize scars. Ultimately, the scar is usually a small trade-off for the smoother, firmer abdomen you’ll achieve.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Tummy Tuck?

It is important to give your body the time it needs to heal properly after your tummy tuck before returning to exercise. Typically, patients can begin light activities, like walking, within the first week to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. However, more intense activities such as lifting, running, or strenuous workouts should generally be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks.

Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures?

Common combinations include liposuction to target stubborn fat, a breast lift or augmentation (especially for women post-pregnancy), or even a full mommy makeover , which combines a tummy tuck with other body contouring treatments.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Tummy Tuck?

Although the procedure is usually safe, there is always a slight chance of complications such as infections, adverse reactions, or excessive bleeding. While these issues are uncommon, we will provide clear instructions on recognizing potential symptoms and what steps to take if you experience any concerns. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you throughout the process.

How Do I Find the Best Orange Country Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon Near Me?

Tummy tucks are a common procedure, and most plastic surgeons in your area will offer them. The key is finding the right doctor for you. Start by asking to see their before-and-after photos to see if their work matches your expectations. Then, focus on how comfortable you feel with the surgeon. It’s important to have a doctor who’s genuinely interested in helping you achieve your goals, but just as crucial that you feel confident and at ease when discussing the procedure. Building a strong rapport is essential for a successful surgery and recovery.

Tummy Tuck

In Orange County

Introduction

Introduction to Tummy Tuck

As time passes and we get older, our skin will lose elasticity, leading to sagging, especially around the stomach area. Even with a healthy lifestyle, factors like pregnancy, weight loss, or aging can leave behind stubborn, loose skin that doesn’t seem to go away. Luckily, our surgical team at Facial Aesthetic Concepts offers a solution with a tummy tuck. This surgery removes excess skin and fat around the abdomen while also tightening the muscles. Whether it’s from pregnancy, weight loss, or simply just the effects of aging, a tummy tuck can restore a smoother, more toned look to your midsection.

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Before & after photos

Tummy Tuck B&A

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A full-length shot of a young woman with short brown hair standing outdoors. She wears a white linen shirt draped over her shoulders and a bikini top. The light is soft and golden, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. - Tummy Tuck in San Clamente, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck eliminates extra skin and fat from your abdominal area and tightens the underlying muscles. It is commonly performed on individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, which can cause the stomach muscles to tire and the skin to sag. The procedure helps create a flatter, firmer, and more contoured abdomen by addressing loose skin, stubborn fat, and muscle separation. Sometimes, a tummy tuck can also improve the appearance of stretch marks by removing the excess skin that holds them.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

A mini-tummy tuck is a less invasive version of the traditional tummy tuck, focusing on the lower abdomen. It’s ideal for individuals who have a small amount of excess skin or fat below the belly button but do not have significant sagging or muscle separation across the entire abdomen. During the procedure, a smaller incision is made, typically just above the pubic area, to remove the excess skin and fat. The abdominal muscles may also be tightened, but unlike a full tummy tuck, there’s no need for an incision around the belly button.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

This procedure is beneficial for those with loose, sagging skin from significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. By discarding excess skin and fat, a tummy tuck creates a flatter, more toned appearance in the abdominal area. It also tightens and repairs the underlying abdominal muscles that may have weakened or separated, particularly after pregnancy or weight fluctuations, leading to improved core strength and better posture.

Additionally, a tummy tuck can help reduce or eliminate stretch marks, especially those located on the lower abdomen, where excess skin is removed. A tummy tuck restores a smoother, more sculpted profile for protruding or loose stomachs. This procedure is particularly effective for those who have been unable to achieve the desired results through diet and exercise alone, offering a permanent improvement in the abdominal contour.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is ideal for individuals in good physical health who are dealing with excess or loose skin around their abdomen. Pregnant women often experience sagging skin as a result of the stretching that occurs during this time. A tummy tuck can address this by eliminating excess skin and strengthening the underlying muscles for a smoother appearance.

Take the plunge

What’s the First Step?

The first step in getting a tummy tuck is scheduling a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. During this appointment, your doctor will evaluate your abdominal area, review your medical history, and discuss your goals for the procedure. They’ll explain the details of the tummy tuck, including how it can address excess skin, tighten muscles, and remove stubborn fat. You’ll also learn about the expected recovery process and any potential risks. This is your chance to ask questions and make sure the tummy tuck is the right choice for you.

From there, you’ll receive detailed information, including pricing, pre-op instructions, and a tailored plan for your procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of a Tummy Tuck Treatment

A tummy tuck generally takes between 2.5 to 4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. During treatment, excess skin and fat are carefully removed from the lower abdomen, and the stomach muscles, which may have become stretched or weakened from pregnancy or weight loss, are tightened to create a firmer, more toned appearance. If liposuction is also performed, it can further enhance the results by targeting stubborn fat pockets around the abdomen, flanks, or waist for smoother body contours.

After the surgery, you can expect a flatter, firmer abdomen with smoother skin. Removing excess skin not only improves the overall appearance of the stomach but can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks in the treated area.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After a tummy tuck procedure, patients often feel tired or drowsy as the anesthesia wears off. Whether you have a mini or full tummy tuck, you will be closely monitored overnight at the surgical center to ensure your safety. Mild to moderate discomfort is common for the first 4 to 7 days, but it can be controlled with prescribed pain medication.

During recovery, you’ll wear an abdominal compression garment to support your body and reduce swelling. While there’s no strict bed rest requirement, most patients take about 10 to 14 days off before returning to work. It’s important to begin moving around on the first day to promote circulation and speed up healing.

Recovery times can vary, but it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal fully. Our clinic utilizes advanced treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to help shorten recovery and enhance results, ensuring a smoother healing process for our patients.

Transparent Pricing

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Orange County, CA?

The cost of a tummy tuck in San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and the greater Orange County area typically ranges between $7,000 and $12,000. Several factors can affect the final price, including the procedure’s complexity, the surgeon’s experience, and whether additional treatments like liposuction are combined with the tummy tuck. It’s best to schedule a tummy tuck consultation for a more accurate estimate tailored to your needs. Once made, it will provide a detailed breakdown of costs based on your specific goals and treatment plan.

Why Choose Facial Aesthetic Concepts?

For over forty years, Facial Aesthetic Concepts has been a trusted destination for Orange County and Los Angeles individuals looking to refine their appearance. Whether you’re interested in a facelift, micro-lift, rhinoplasty, or other facial enhancements, our team is here to make the process smooth and personalized from start to finish.

As the original founder of Facial Aesthetic Concepts, Dr. Richard A. Gangnes has over 30 years of experience in facial plastic surgery. He is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon with both the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and as a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Bryan Brandon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with memberships and affiliations with numerous prestigious professional societies, including the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), and the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).

Tummy Tuck FAQ’S

A tummy tuck typically requires a few appointments to ensure the best outcome. The first is your initial consultation, where you’ll discuss your goals and medical history and undergo a physical examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

After surgery, you’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. These usually occur within the first week and again after a few weeks to ensure proper healing, check for complications, and adjust any post-operative care if needed. Additional check-ins may be scheduled after a few months to ensure your results are settling in nicely.

Your plastic surgeon and their team will guide you through the entire process, making sure you’re comfortable and on track for a smooth recovery.
After a tummy tuck, you can expect noticeable results immediately, with a flatter, firmer abdomen. However, the full results of the surgery will become more evident as the swelling goes down and the tissues heal, typically within 3 to 6 months.

In the first few weeks, swelling and bruising may mask some of the results, but the abdominal contour will become more defined and smoother as time progresses. Our post-surgical team will monitor your progress closely to ensure you’re on track with your recovery, and you’ll be able to see significant improvements within the first few months. Full healing and the final results may take up to a year, but the long-term benefits—a more sculpted and toned abdomen—will be well worth the wait!
The incision is made along the lower stomach, just above the pubic area, where it can be easily hidden by clothing or swimsuits. Its size and visibility can depend on the extent of the procedure, such as whether it’s a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck.

While the scar will be noticeable at first, it typically fades over time and becomes less prominent as it heals. You will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and help reduce the appearance of scarring. Some patients also benefit from treatments like silicone gel sheets or laser therapy to further minimize scars. Ultimately, the scar is usually a small trade-off for the smoother, firmer abdomen you’ll achieve.
It is important to give your body the time it needs to heal properly after your tummy tuck before returning to exercise. Typically, patients can begin light activities, like walking, within the first week to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. However, more intense activities such as lifting, running, or strenuous workouts should generally be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Although the procedure is usually safe, there is always a slight chance of complications such as infections, adverse reactions, or excessive bleeding. While these issues are uncommon, we will provide clear instructions on recognizing potential symptoms and what steps to take if you experience any concerns. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you throughout the process.
Tummy tucks are a common procedure, and most plastic surgeons in your area will offer them. The key is finding the right doctor for you. Start by asking to see their before-and-after photos to see if their work matches your expectations. Then, focus on how comfortable you feel with the surgeon. It’s important to have a doctor who’s genuinely interested in helping you achieve your goals, but just as crucial that you feel confident and at ease when discussing the procedure. Building a strong rapport is essential for a successful surgery and recovery.

Schedule A
Consultation

Take the first step towards feeling more confident in your own skin by scheduling a consultation today. Our team will listen to your goals, answer all your questions, and help create a plan that’s tailored just for you. Book your appointment now at one of our convenient Southern California locations!