Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Marin and San Francisco

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty, or more commonly known as a Tummy Tuck, improves abdominal and mid-torso contours by eliminating excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscle. Plastic Surgery Specialists, which features some of the best Abdominoplasty surgeons in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma County, offer different types of Tummy Tuck at their Greenbrae clinic.

We’ve all struggled with weight issues in one way or another. A Tummy Tuck will give your stomach a flatter shape and slimmer waistline. While this procedure removes some fat during the operation, patients may opt to receiving Liposuction at the same time which will remove a larger amount. Others may choose to receive additional procedures like a Mommy Makeover or Facial Surgery.

The Tummy Tuck has evolved over the years to become one of the most popular and successful plastic surgery procedures available today. PSS has performed this procedure countless times and can guarantee advanced techniques that regularly produce optimum results.

Center of Excellence

  • Over 40,000 procedures performed
  • Over 40 years of combined experience

Our experienced team of surgeons combine an aesthetic perspective, the ability to listen closely to your needs, and the skills to achieve those desires. This combination of talent is a hallmark of a world-class plastic surgery clinic, located in Marin County, CA.

Meet Dr. PoulosMeet Dr. HvistendahlMeet Dr. Aghayan

Black Diamond


Get a 3D preview of your possible results.
Learn More
Smartlipo uses laser technology to permanently destroy unwanted fat cells, tighten tissue and improve overall bodyshape – all with minimal downtime.
Learn More

Best Candidates

Candidates for a Tummy Tuck should be healthy and reasonably fit. Men and women seeking Tummy Tucks after a significant weight loss should be committed to keeping the weight off in order to produce the best results. Women coming to PSS to improve their bodies post-pregnancy should not intend to become pregnant again, as that will only re-stretch the muscles that are tightened with the procedure. Additionally, if you are simply unhappy with the appearance of your stomach, a Tummy Tuck may be the right choice for you.

Before & After Photos

Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #3596
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #3596
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #3591
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #3591
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #3582
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #3582
View More Photos

Consultation

At Plastic Surgery Specialists, we will describe to you in detail the entire process of the Tummy Tuck, as well as how to care for yourself after the procedure. Steps to take and medications to avoid during the weeks leading up to your surgery will be explained as well. In order to give you the best results possible, you should explain all areas you may wish to enhance or improve. One of our accredited PSS surgeons will complete a full examination to assess what the best options will be for you. Questions and concerns will be happily address during your consultation. Our goal at Plastic Surgery Specialists is to make you feel as comfortable as possible throughout your entire procedure process, from the first phone call to your last postoperative visit.

Procedures

Tummy Tuck procedures vary depending on what you want accomplished. The length of your surgery will be dependent on the amount of procedures you receive, whether abdomen related or including other parts of the body as well. It also depends on how much tissue and skin needs to be removed. In certain cases, patients will have the option of a local anesthetic or a general anesthetic.

Mini Tummy Tuck

During a Mini Tummy Tuck, an incision is made above the pubic line; the skin and fat layers that lie above the abdominal wall are then separated and lifted to expose the abdominal muscles of the lower abdomen. These muscles are sutured to pull them closer together, thus creating a flat abdomen and a slimmer waistline. The skin is then pulled back down and the excess is removed.

Full Tummy Tuck

The Full Tummy Tuck works with the abdomen above the navel as well as below. This requires creating a second incision around the belly button, so that when the skin and tissue are lifted, the navel can stay in place. When the skin is pulled back down after the muscles are sutured, the incision that was made around the navel actually winds up in the excess area to be eliminated, requiring a new navel incision. The Tummy Tuck procedure is often combined with other procedures. Women may wish to include Breast Augmentation as part of a Mommy Makeover.

High-Tension Tummy Tuck

If you desire the “corset” look, a High-Tension Tummy Tuck can accomplish this. Much like the Mini and Full Tummy Tuck, this procedure tightens the muscles vertically and removes excess skin. The muscles are then tightened horizontally as well. The high-tension horizontal tightening cinches the waist, creating a more defined, contoured waistline.

Male Tummy Tuck

When a male gets a Tummy Tuck he undergoes the High-Tension Tummy Tuck, but the horizontal tightening is much less than woman would receive. The muscles are not pulled together, only tightened.

Alternatives

Liposuction

Liposuction removes fat that lies between the skin and the muscle by means of suctioning. This is geared more towards patients who have specific pockets of fat that have not diminished through diet or exercise. This procedure is not meant to solve extensive weight issues. In order to be a candidate for Liposuction, patients must have reasonable skin elasticity to allow retraction or else skin excision is still necessary.

SmartLipo

Smartlipo is a minimally invasive technique that decreases body fat through the use of 3 different lasers. This process melts away fat deposits and tightens skin with little bruising and zero scarring. Candidates for SmartLipo should have ideal skin elasticity. Recovery time for this procedure is a little as a few short days for the ideal candidate.

Vaser Lipo

Much like SmartLipo, Vaser Lipo is a procedure where the fat is melted by ultrasound prior to its removal. This process does not affect nerves or blood vessels. This procedure lessens the amount of bruising or any discomfort. Quick recovery is possible for the ideal candidate. This is the most popular alternative procedure performed at Plastic Surgery Specialists.

Body Lift

Body Lift is ideal for patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight and have a large excess amount of skin. This procedure is much like a Tummy Tuck, but it additionally tends to the surrounding areas of the abdomen including the back, thighs, and buttock. This process involves both the removal of fat and tightening of the skin. Some patients who receive Body Contouring may opt to include other procedures such as breast surgery or an Arm Lift.

Recovery

The length of recovery time varies from patient to patient. Body type, age, and how your specific body reacts to surgery are all determining factors. For all patients, it is important to get enough rest so your body can fully heal, giving you the best results. Our staff at PSS will give you a recovery schedule to ensure your healing process is as quick and smooth as possible.

Tummy Tuck procedures require drainage tubes placed in tiny holes in order to drain liquids from incision points after incisions have been sutured and bandages are applied. Most people will require some kind of pain medication as well as a compression garment that can help minimize swelling and promote comfort. Tubes and sutures can usually be removed as quickly as a week or two. Swelling will subside over several weeks; icing can help this process.

You should steer clear of anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol; these will increase bruising. Avoiding nicotine and heavy lifting are also advised. While you are not sleeping (only on your back), remain in a seated position either on a chair, couch, or bed. A postoperative visit with one of our accredited surgeons will ensure your healing process is on the right track. With exercise and good eating habits, Tummy Tuck patients can enjoy beautiful, flat abdomens for years to come.

For more information on how the Tummy Tuck is performed, please visit our 3D Education Center.

FAQs

Our mission at Plastic Surgery Specialists is to give our patients the information they need to make educated decisions about what procedures will produce the most satisfying outcome. Patients who want a trimmer abdominal area, for example, are often unsure whether they need Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck. Our Marin County plastic surgeons are known for their body contouring results and use their experience and expertise to help patients make the best choices. Below, they provide answers to many of the most common questions they hear about Tummy Tuck at their Greenbrae practice.

Can scars resulting from a C-section or Hysterectomy be corrected during a Tummy Tuck?

Yes. Indented, widened, or raised C-section or hysterectomy scars are very common. The scar itself can easily be corrected at the time of the Tummy Tuck.

Is a Tummy Tuck scar visible?

An incision is required to remove loose abdominal skin. In most cases, incisions are made where the resulting scar is hidden in the bikini area of the body. It can take up to 2 years for the scar to fade and shrink.

Can I go home after a Tummy Tuck?

Most patients can safely return home within hours after surgery if they have adequate home care. If you do not, we will gladly make arrangements for you at home or at an overnight facility.

Can other procedures be combined with a Tummy Tuck?

Yes. Almost all Abdominoplasty procedures benefit from Liposuction at the same time, often including hips or thighs. Additionally, many women who have had children want cosmetic breast surgery. This combination of procedures is commonly referred to as a Mommy Makeover.

What is the main risk or trade off of a Tummy Tuck?

An incision is required to remove the loose abdominal skin, resulting in a scar. In most cases, the scar will be minimally visible and can be hidden in the bikini area of the body. Full maturation (fading size and color of the scar) can take up to 2 years. Temporary healing problems such as swelling, firmness, numbness, fluid collection, or drainage are usually short lived. Due to the fact that the abdominal muscles usually need to be tightened, there may be a period of abdominal cramping or tightness, which may limit normal activities.

What determines how long the scar will be?

The skin’s condition is the most important factor. In most cases, all of the skin between the belly button and pubic area is removed. The belly button is reconstructed at a new position and the surgery results in dramatic changes to the abdomen’s contour. If loose skin is limited to the lower abdomen, there is a smaller excision with a minimal scar. However, loose skin on the lower back and tummy requires what’s called a Circumferential Abdominoplasty, or Body Lift. Again, the scar is hidden within the bikini area, but the tissue on the waist, back, and even buttocks can be tightened at the same time if desired.

How to Find Us

Plastic Surgery Specialists is known throughout the Bay Area for our excellence and expertise. Choose your area below to get accurate, easy-to-follow directions to our center.

Napa & Sonoma Santa Rosa San Francisco East Bay South Bay Palo Alto & the Peninsula