La Jolla Tummy Tuck

If you’re looking for a way to get back into your pre-pregnancy jeans, a tummy tuck may be just what you need. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and waistline. It can also remove stretch marks or scars caused by pregnancy or weight loss.

The procedure involves removing the excess fat and tissue from the abdomen, muscle repair, and skin tightening. Tummy tucks are typically performed through several small incisions in the lower abdomen. These incisions will heal quickly, leaving behind only tiny scars. The recovery period for this surgery is usually about two weeks, but it may be longer depending upon your health and how much time you spend sitting or lying down during recovery.

In La Jolla and San Diego, the typical tummy tuck procedure costs $12,000 – $15,000. This may be higher or lower depending on the type of procedure you will undergo, the anesthesia used, or the location of your surgery. The average cost is US is around $8,066, with a price range from $4,000 to $16,000. This can vary based on location and additional services like muscle repair or liposuction. Full Tummy Tuck Cost: A full tummy tuck is typically more expensive, with an average cost of $9,916 and a price range between $4,500 and $18,900.

What is La Jolla Tummy Tuck

Abdomen contour concerns are a common issue for many individuals, whether due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Fortunately, there are surgical options available to address these concerns and help patients achieve a firmer, more youthful, and attractive abdomen. One such procedure is the removal of excess skin with an incision along the pubic line, combined with the tightening of the abdominal muscles. This surgery can help create a smoother and more toned appearance in the abdominal area.

For patients who also have stubborn fat deposits around their midsection, liposuction can be performed in conjunction with the skin removal and muscle tightening procedures. Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves the removal of excess fat cells from specific areas of the body, including the abdomen. This can help to create a slimmed hourglass figure, enhancing the overall contour of the abdominal area.

Dr. Brown is a skilled plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring procedures, including those designed to address abdomen contour concerns. With his expertise and experience, he can help patients achieve their desired aesthetic goals and improve their confidence and self-image.

Overall, the combination of skin removal, muscle tightening, and liposuction can provide patients with a firmer, more youthful, and attractive abdomen. These procedures can help to enhance the natural contours of the body and create a more proportionate and balanced appearance. If you are interested in learning more about abdomen contouring procedures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown to discuss your options and determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

For individuals with abdomen contour concerns, undergoing a combination of skin removal, muscle tightening, and liposuction procedures can help them achieve their desired aesthetic goals and improve their confidence and self-image. Dr. Brown, a skilled plastic surgeon, specializes in these procedures and can provide patients with the expertise and care they need to achieve a firmer, more youthful, and attractive abdomen.

Dr. Brown is specially trained in abdominoplasty and has years of experience performing the latest tummy tuck techniques on patients from all over southern California. Conveniently located in La Jolla, Coronado, and Del Mar it’s easy to request a consultation today!

Procedure Length: 2.5 to 4 hours
Return to work: 7 to 10 days
Return to Exercise: 14 days (light cardio), 3 – 4 weeks (more strenuous)
Ideal Candidate: excess abdominal skin, maintains stable weight

Healthy men and women who have loose skin on their stomach and poor abdominal contour may be good candidates for abdominoplasty. It is a particularly good procedure for women who have given birth or those who have lost a significant amount of weight.

Furthermore, patients should be:

• Within close range of their weight loss goal
• At a stable weight
• Nonsmokers
• Realistic about the outcome of the procedure

The only way to ultimately determine whether or not a patient would benefit from a tummy tuck procedure is by consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Brown.

There are three different tummy tuck techniques Dr. Brown can use to help each patient achieve their individual goals. Dr. Brown will help the patient choose the best one for them at the time of the consultation.

Mini abdominoplasty removes a moderate amount of skin from the lower abdomen without repositioning belly button. It is specifically designed to help correct the appearance of bulging in the lower part of the abdomen, beneath the belly button. Liposuction is commonly performed as well. Many patients come into the office interested in mini abdominoplasty because it leaves the least amount of scarring. However, this is not the right technique for everybody.

Mini abdominoplasty is not a good technique for patients with significant amounts of excess skin on their entire abdomen. This will be better treated by full abdominoplasty. Furthermore, with this procedure, the doctor will not be able to address or tighten the muscles above the belly button. It is a limited procedure designed for a very specific set of circumstances.

Best Tummy Tuck In San Diego

A tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction of the flanks to give patients a more sleek and contoured appearance. However, some patients choose to have liposuction performed in more places than just their flanks during their procedure. Some common areas where liposuction is performed include the upper arms, inner and outer thighs, and knees.

A Mommy Makeover usually combines breast enhancement – breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction – with tummy tuck and liposuction. It is called a Mommy Makeover because it is designed to help mother’s regain their pre-baby body. The breasts and the abdomen are the two most difficult areas to tone following pregnancy. Overly stretched skin, for example, cannot be corrected with diet and exercise alone.

Following the surgery, patients should expect some bruising and swelling. They may not be able to stand up straight for the first day or two following surgery. This is completely normal. Any discomfort experienced can be managed with a prescription painkiller from Dr. Brown or an over-the-counter medication like Tylenol. However, patients should avoid NSAIDs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These medications can worsen symptoms.

Dr. Brown and his staff will advise the patient on their post-surgical instructions by providing them with detailed information regarding when they can resume work, exercise and other activities, demonstrating use of post-surgical compression garments and drains, and also post-operative massage and scar care. In addition, Dr. Brown or his staff will gladly assist the patient and answer any questions that they may have at any time, and are available to take any calls with further questions during recovery.

Patients will notice an immediate change in their appearance following surgery. However, as bruising and swelling diminish over the course of 2-3 weeks, optimal results will begin to appear. Some scarring with this type of procedure is inevitable. However, Dr. Brown does his best to hide the incision in a spot where it is discreet and easily covered. With proper care, the scar will continue to fade with time.

In order to maintain results, patients should maintain a stable weight through routine exercise and dieting. Patients should be aware that future pregnancies will also negatively impact their results.

Upon arriving at Dr. Brown’s office, the receptionist will first ask the patient to fill out some paperwork. This will include asking about the patient’s medical history. Please make note of any medications or supplements the patient takes, prior surgeries, and illnesses. This is important information for the doctor to have when creating a treatment plan for the patient’s unique case. Please also let the doctor know about any tobacco, alcohol, or drug use, as this will be very important for the patient’s safety and recovery.

Dr. Brown meets personally with all tummy tuck patients for a consultation. The consultation is a time for the doctor to inform the patient more about the procedure, but also for the patient to inform the doctor of what they hope to achieve. Dr. Brown and the patient will discuss topics like:

• Anesthesia
• Procedure
• Location
• Expectations and outcome
• Complementary procedures

During the consultation, Dr. Brown will also perform a physical examination in order to determine which tummy tuck technique the patient would benefit from most. He may also take photographs for further analysis.

Once Dr. Brown has had the opportunity to examine the particular aspects of the patient’s case, he will be able to provide the patient with a cost estimate. Dr. Brown can itemize the cost, so that the patient understands exactly what he or she is paying for and why. For patients interested in financing, we offer CareCredit.

• The mini tummy tuck, also known as mini-abdominoplasty, improves the lower belly by removing excess skin and fat below the navel.
• The full tummy tuck improves the upper and lower abdomen by removing excess fat and loose skin, and tightening muscles in the abdominal wall. 
• The modified tummy tuck improves both the upper and lower abdomen as well as the flanks and love handles. 

Dr. Laverson at Feel Beautiful Aesthetic Wellness and Plastic Surgery classifies the female abdomen into one of five categories.  Depending on the woman’s situation and needs, he will recommend a type I, type II, type III, type IV, or type V abdominoplasty. If there is bulging flank fat, liposuction may also be recommended to lengthen the waist.

Dr. Laverson applies several innovative techniques to shorten and lower the scar for minimal visibility, and to simulate fit abdominal contours.  His fitness technique sculptures surface contours over an internal four-layer “power suture” that stabilizes the tightened abdominal wall. 

Dr. Laverson approaches each abdomen individually. The techniques incorporated depend on the condition of your abdomen and your aesthetic priorities. Every “Mommy Tummy” procedure begins with a consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Laverson will review your medical history, and will ask if you plan on future pregnancies. He will physically examine you to evaluate several factors such as your skin elasticity, thickness of your fat layer, state of your abdominal muscles, past surgery, abdominal scars, hernias, stretch marks, and your belly button.

He will answer your questions, discuss your expectations, and present you with the best options for achieving your aesthetic goals. In some cases, Dr. Laverson may recommend a brief procedure two weeks before your scheduled tummy tuck surgery as an additional safety measure.

On the day of your tummy tuck surgery, you’ll be served by nursing staff and an expert anesthesiologist. You will know in advance everything that will happen.

• Type 1 and type 2 tummy tucks are short low scars with less skin removal.
• Type 3 and 4 tummy tuck have slightly longer scars, but they’re still low and in the bikini line.
• Type 5 tummy tuck is usually after massive weight loss. These women and men require large amounts of skin removal and longer scars are required.

Dr. Laverson goes beyond the traditional types of tummy tuck, such as mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. Those procedures often result in flat abdominal appearance, but with less natural contours and longer higher scars than are necessary
Dr. Laverson removes excess skin and fat as determined by your surgical plan and tightens your abdominal connective tissue to correct bulging and flatten your abdomen. He will also artistically shape your abdominal skin surface and belly button, and make every effort to locate scars where they’ll be hidden behind your preferred swimwear and intimate wear.

After tummy tuck, you’ll be supplied with a snug abdominal binde and all necessary medications for pain, muscle relaxation, and sleep, if necessary. Dr. Laverson will provide post-operative care instructions to follow at home. You can expect to be inactive for a week or two, with limited mobility and difficulty bending, lifting, or standing for long periods of time. The length of your recovery period will depend in part on the extent of your tummy tuck surgery, but you may need to take a week or two before you resume driving, two to four weeks off work, and six weeks or more before resuming your fitness routine. Core exercises and competitive sports should be avoided for a minimum of two months to facilitate stress free healing. 

In order to get the best tummy tuck results with minimum scar visibility and maximum shapeliness, it’s important that you follow all post-operative instructions, including the use of a tummy tuck belt or any other compression garments and silicone sheeting for scar management.

It’s important to understand that tummy tuck surgery is not a method of weight loss. While some fat may be removed during the procedure, tummy tuck surgery is meant for patients who are already near their ideal weight and need some extra help to remove loose, sagging skin, and excess fat. 

The ideal tummy tuck candidate:

• Is in overall good health
• Is at a stable weight
• Has had a baby or lost a significant amount of weight
• Has loose, sagging skin around the abdomen
• Is not planning to become pregnant
• Has realistic expectations 

Pregnancy after tummy tuck does not present any health risks, but there’s also no way to ensure that your tummy tuck results will last through a pregnancy. So if you’re planning to become pregnant again, it’s best to postpone your tummy tuck surgery until after you’re finished having children. 

In general, the more extensive the amount of skin and fat to be removed during the procedure, the more a tummy tuck will cost. But it’s impossible to give an estimate on your tummy tuck cost without a physical examination and a discussion about your desired outcome. The tummy tuck cost varies widely from person to person, depending on a number of factors, including: 

• Type of tummy tuck performed
• Type of anesthesia or sedation used
• Medical tests required
• Hospital fees
• Post-surgical garments
• Surgeon’s fees 
• Prescriptions for medications

When you come in for a consultation with Dr. Laverson, he’ll be able to give you a clearer idea of how much you can expect to pay for your tummy tuck. 

Full abdominoplasty