With a procedure like abdominoplasty, your stomach can look toned and fit just as it did in your younger years. This very popular plastic surgery procedure helps women to get their desired figure back in no time at all.
Learn more about these procedures and how to get a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills in our comprehensive guide.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
An abdominoplasty is most commonly referred to as a "tummy tuck." This is a plastic surgery procedure that modifies the appearance of the abdomen, making it look flatter and slimmer.
According to the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons), about 130,000 tummy tucks are performed in the U.S. every year, making it an extremely common procedure!
Tummy tucks are great for women who have given birth and no longer have a flat stomach. After pregnancy, your stomach may be left with loose skin from the fluctuating weight in that area. You may also be carrying a few extra pregnancy pounds that you can't seem to lose. Abdominoplasties can help remove this extra weight or excess skin in the lower abdominal region and create a more appealing appearance.
Understanding the Anatomy
Your abdomen refers to the front part of your abdominal trunk. The abdomen is comprised of skin, muscles, tissue, and fat that sits outside of your abdominal cavity, protecting your internal organs.
The amount of skin, fat, and muscle in the abdomen varies from person to person. Many people carry excess fat in this region due to poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, childbirth, and other factors. Some people have excess skin in this region, too, after losing a large amount of weight or giving birth. Excess skin is very often seen in patients who have undergone weight loss surgery.
The Procedure
In addition to being one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, tummy tucks are also one of the simpler options. They are performed under general anesthesia and the patient remains at an aftercare facility for a few hours to one or two days, depending on the extent of their procedure.
During a full abdominoplasty, a cosmetic surgeon removes the excess skin and fat from the abdomen. To correct abdominal wall looseness or muscle separation, the underlying connective tissue is tightened using sutures. The remaining skin is then repositioned on the abdomen to give a flatter, tighter appearance.
Renowned Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Cat explains her specialized tummy tuck procedure and the care that goes into every unique case:
"When I perform tummy tucks, there are 3 things I put meticulous detail and artistry into creating; a natural-looking innie belly button, beautiful abdominal contouring, and a thin and barely visible incision with minimal scarring. I accomplish that with a special surgical technique that I've developed over the years. It is so rewarding to help women achieve the aesthetic goals they desire and deserve. They are also able to live life more fully by being able to do more activities they love with a stronger core or no longer having back pain. I absolutely love giving women their body back to enjoy their life more fully."
For a full tummy tuck, you may be required to stay at an aftercare facility for one or two days after your procedure.
Some patients are only in need of what is known as a partial or mini tummy tuck. This refers to the removal of excess skin or fat just below the navel. This procedure is far less extensive than a traditional tummy tuck, as the belly button does not need to be repositioned and much less skin needs to be adjusted.
Mini tummy tucks are usually performed as outpatient procedures, with the patient returning home on the same day.
When they are performed correctly by a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks, these procedures have remarkable results. Abdominoplasties can give older women, mothers, or those who have struggled with fluctuations in their weight the appearance of a perfectly toned stomach.
Who is a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Individuals often get tummy tucks to improve their physical appearance and increase their self-esteem. Anyone who is unsatisfied with the look of their stomach would likely benefit from an abdominoplasty. This may include an older woman whose stomach is sagging. It may also include someone who lost a significant amount of weight and now has loose skin in their abdominal area.
Tummy tucks are also a great option for mothers who have low confidence due to the effects of pregnancy on their bodies. Whether it's from a hanging pouch or a few extra pounds around the midsection, women who suffer from these issues are often good candidates for abdominoplasty.
Who Should Avoid Abdominoplasty?
Tummy tucks may be a great option for many people, but there are some individuals who should avoid the procedure. This includes people who smoke or have serious underlying health conditions.
If you have health concerns, always consult with a physician before having any cosmetic procedures done.
Individuals that are overweight are not good candidates for tummy tucks. This is because tummy tucks are not designed to be weight loss solutions. They are intended to essentially sculpt or tone the abdomen. They will only work if there are a few extra pounds or excess skin in that region. You cannot have a plus-size tummy tuck.
Women who plan to get pregnant in the future should not get abdominoplasties, as pregnancy will likely stretch and damage the surgical site.
Why Patients Choose a Tummy Tuck
Patients seek abdominoplasty for a range of reasons, and the decision is deeply personal. Women who have gone through one or more pregnancies often find that stretched abdominal muscles and loose skin do not respond to diet or exercise alone. Significant weight loss can also leave behind a stubborn apron of excess skin that causes chafing, rashes, and self-consciousness.
In our experience, many patients describe feeling disconnected from their body after these life changes. A tummy tuck addresses the structural issue, repairing separated rectus muscles (a condition called diastasis recti) while removing redundant skin and tissue. The result is a firmer, flatter abdominal profile that reflects the work a patient has already put into their health. We always tell patients that this procedure is not a substitute for weight loss; it is a refinement step for people who are already near their goal weight and want to restore abdominal contour.
According to a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, abdominoplasty with muscle repair significantly improves core function and reduces lower back pain in patients with diastasis recti.
How to Prepare for Your Procedure
Proper preparation makes a real difference in both safety and results. During your consultation, Dr. Cat will review your medical history, current medications, and aesthetic goals. Patients are typically asked to stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery, as nicotine restricts blood flow and slows healing. Blood-thinning medications and certain supplements like vitamin E and fish oil should also be paused per your surgeon's instructions.
We recommend arranging help at home for the first week of recovery, including someone to drive you home after the procedure. Stock your recovery area with loose, comfortable clothing, pillows for elevation, and easy-to-prepare meals. Staying well hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet in the weeks leading up to surgery supports tissue healing. Patients who follow these preparation steps closely tend to have smoother recoveries and feel more confident heading into their procedure day.
What's the Difference Between Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?
A tummy tuck repairs the abdominal muscles, tightens the abdominal wall, and removes and tightens excess skin. Liposuction removes and thins excess fat. Liposuction removes fat from areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. These areas include the abdomen, hips, thighs, neck, arms, back, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. Click here to learn about the differences between Lipo 360 vs tummy tucks.
Getting a Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills
If you are looking to have a tummy tuck in the Los Angeles area, look no further than Dr. Cat, a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs a wide variety of cosmetic procedures.
When Dr. Cat performs tummy tuck surgery, she takes into consideration all the little details - keeping scars thin, low and symmetric, creating a "signature natural-looking belly button," and shaping the waist and abdomen to create the appearance of abs while keeping curves. Her gentle technique leaves minimal scarring and leads to a quick recovery!
Call our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more!
To see more tummy tuck before and after images please click here.
