Tummy Tuck

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in La Jolla and Carmel Valley, San Diego

Tummy Tuck Dr. Daniel Brown Carmel Valley La Jolla

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to restore a smooth, toned abdominal contour by removing excess tissue while tightening the underlying muscles. (1)

This procedure is particularly effective for patients who have experienced physical changes from pregnancy or major weight loss. Loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles can make it difficult to achieve a firm midsection, no matter how committed you are to fitness. Luckily, there are treatment options available.

With practice locations in Carmel Valley and La Jolla, board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Daniel Brown and his staff have helped countless patients from across the San Diego area and around the country to achieve a smoother, flatter abdomen and defined waist. Dr. Brown and his team are committed to delivering natural-looking results that are tailored to each individual and their unique anatomy in a safe, supportive environment.

To get started on your path to a more sculpted abdomen, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Brown by contacting us online or calling (619) 461-1500.

Before and After Photos

Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #11094
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #11094
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #11071
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #11071
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #11050
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #11050
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About Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck corrects sagging or excess abdominal skin and separated muscles (diastasis recti) that cannot be improved through exercise. These concerns often develop after pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations, or the processes of aging. In some cases, abdominal muscles have separated, a condition called diastasis recti, which can—in most cases—only be repaired surgically. A tummy tuck addresses these issues by removing excess tissue, tightening the abdominal wall, and reshaping the midsection for a more balanced appearance.

Dr. Brown offers three main types of tummy tucks:

Traditional / Full Abdominoplasty

The full abdominoplasty is best suited for patients with loose skin and muscle separation, both above and below the navel. Dr. Brown creates a horizontal incision low on the abdomen within the bikini line, extending from hip to hip, which can be easily hidden underneath most clothing. Through this incision, he removes excess skin, repairs the abdominal muscles, liposuctions to further define the waist and abdomen, and repositions the belly button. This technique offers the most comprehensive correction and can create a dramatically improved silhouette. (2)

Mini Abdominoplasty

The mini tummy tuck is a less extensive procedure designed for patients with concerns limited to the area below the navel. It is ideal for individuals who maintain a healthy weight but still have a persistent “pooch” in the lower abdomen with only minimal skin excess/laxity. The incision is a bit shorter, it does not reposition the belly button, and recovery is generally faster. While the results are more subtle than a full abdominoplasty, this option can significantly enhance the lower abdomen. (3)

Extended Abdominoplasty

Extended abdominoplasty uses the longest incision of the three techniques, but it will also offer the most comprehensive results. This procedure not only removes skin and repositions the belly button, but it also removes skin from the flanks, or love handles. Using a semi-circumferential incision, Dr. Brown can achieve comprehensive transformations. This technique is reserved for those who have a large amount of excess skin – often patients who have gained and then lost a significant amount of weight. (2)

Benefits

Under Dr. Brown’s expert care, patients may benefit through:

  • Removal of loose, sagging skin
  • Repair of separated abdominal muscles
  • Smoother and firmer abdominal region
  • Better defined waist and silhouette
  • Improved posture from a more stable core
  • Enhanced confidence and comfort

Ideal Candidates

Patients who see the best results from a tummy tuck are usually those who:

  • Are in good general health
  • Maintain a stable goal weight
  • Have loose skin or weakened muscles in the abdomen that have not improved with exercise
  • Do not use nicotine or are willing to refrain throughout treatment and recovery
  • Have realistic expectations about the results
  • Are not planning future pregnancies, as this can reverse the results of the procedure

Even if you do not meet these criteria, you are still encouraged to schedule a consultation to explore your options. Dr. Brown will determine all patients’ candidacy at their consultation.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Brown begins every tummy tuck journey with a one-on-one consultation. During this appointment, he will discuss your goals in detail, examine your abdominal area, and review your medical history. This allows him to determine which tummy tuck variation is best suited to your goals. He will also explain the preparation steps, surgical process, and recovery expectations, so you can make an informed decision about moving forward with the procedure.

This consultation is also your opportunity to ask questions and explore how other procedures could enhance your results. Dr. Brown ensures every patient leaves feeling informed, confident, and ready to move forward on their rejuvenation journey. With the information he gathers in this meeting, Dr. Brown will create a customized treatment plan just for you, crafted uniquely with your goals in mind.

To start planning your procedure, contact Dr. Brown and his team online or by phone at (619) 461-1500 and schedule your consultation.

Preparation

Dr. Brown provides detailed instructions to all of his patients to help them prepare for surgery. This preparation may include:

  • Avoiding nicotine products for several weeks before and after surgery
  • Discontinuing certain medications and supplements that thin the blood
  • Arranging for someone to drive you home and assist you during the first days of recovery
  • Preparing a comfortable recovery space at home with supplies within easy reach

Depending on your medical history and procedure details, you may receive additional instructions. Carefully following all instructions you receive will optimize your treatment and enhance your outcomes.

Procedure

Your tummy tuck procedure will take place in our fully accredited surgery center. Dr. Brown will begin by making a precise incision low on the abdomen, carefully positioned so it will be hidden by most clothing/bikinis. The length of your incision will depend on which tummy tuck variation you receive.

Dr. Brown removes loose skin through this incision and tightens separated abdominal muscles with sutures to restore core stability. In a full or extended abdominoplasty, Dr. Brown can reposition the belly button to create a natural appearance. Dr. Brown takes extra care to achieve a balanced, natural look and minimize scarring. The procedure typically takes 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and whether other treatments are performed at the same time.

Recovery

Recovery time varies based on the type of tummy tuck performed and your individual healing process. Most patients can return to work within 7 to 10 days. Light cardiovascular exercise is typically safe to resume after 2-3 weeks, while more strenuous activities may be resumed after 4-6 weeks, with full unrestricted activity after 8 weeks.

Dr. Brown provides detailed aftercare instructions to every patient, including how to care for their incisions, manage swelling, and take any other necessary steps to ensure a smooth recovery. Additionally, Dr. Brown and his staff offer Enhanced Recovery After Surgery services to help make recovery as seamless as possible!

Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your progress. Dr. Brown’s patient-first approach continues well beyond the procedure, with him and his team remaining available to support you and answer any questions throughout your recovery.

Results

Tummy Tuck Dr. Daniel Brown Carmel Valley La Jolla

While you will notice a flatter, smoother abdomen immediately after your tummy tuck, swelling will temporarily obscure the final results. As the healing process continues over the next few months, your abdomen will become more defined, revealing your improved contours. When paired with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, tummy tuck results can last for many years. Dr. Brown’s precise techniques and eye for proportion create results that look natural and harmonize with your overall body shape.

Corresponding Treatments

Many patients choose to enhance their tummy tuck results by combining them with other procedures. Some of these include:

  • SmartLipo: A minimally invasive form of liposuction that removes stubborn fat deposits from targeted areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back to further refine body contours.
  • Breast Augmentation: Increases breast size using implants, balancing the proportions between the upper and lower body.
  • Breast Lift: Elevates and reshapes sagging breasts to a more youthful position.
  • Arm Liposuction: Targets excess fat in the upper arms to create a leaner, more toned appearance.
  • BodyTite: A minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis to tighten skin and remove fat simultaneously.
  • Thigh Lift: Removes excess skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs, improving leg shape and firmness.

Cost of a Tummy Tuck in La Jolla, Carmel Valley, and San Diego

The cost of a tummy tuck is determined by the type of procedure, the extent of correction required, and whether additional treatments are performed. Dr. Brown will provide a personalized cost estimate during your consultation. Additionally, financing options are available for qualified patients and can be explored during your consultation.

Schedule a consultation today to discover the cost of your personalized tummy tuck. If you have any questions, please call either of our San Diego-area locations at (619) 461-1500.

FAQ

What is the main difference between a full and mini tummy tuck?

A full abdominoplasty addresses loose skin and muscle separation above and below the belly button, while a mini abdominoplasty focuses only on the area below the belly button.

How long is the recovery from a tummy tuck?

Light activities can typically be resumed within one to two weeks, but full recovery may take four to six weeks.

Will tummy tucks leave a visible scar?

Yes, but it is placed low on the abdomen so it can be easily concealed by underwear or swimwear. Scars will fade over time with proper care.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients combine their tummy tuck with liposuction, breast surgery, or other contouring treatments to achieve more comprehensive results.

Are tummy tuck results permanent?

Results are long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight gain or pregnancy can change your results.

Is a tummy tuck safe?

When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Brown, tummy tuck surgery is considered safe. However, all surgery carries risks, which will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

References

  1. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
  2. Matarasso A. Traditional Abdominoplasty. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2010;37(3):415-437. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2010.03.006
  3. Yang X, Wang GH, Wang J, Xie HB. Correction of Contour Deformity Using Reverse Abdominoplasty Combined with Mini-Abdominoplasty. Chinese Medical Journal. 2018;131(15):1871-1872. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0366-6999.237402