A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with Dr. Kashaf, MD done in San Diego is designed to provide a flatter, firmer midsection. An Abdominoplasty is ideal for women and men who are struggling with loose skin, weakened muscles, or fat in the stomach area that is not responding to diet and exercise. During your tummy tuck surgery consultation with Dr. Kashaf, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine which tummy tuck procedure best suits your needs. A personalized surgical plan will be made to help you achieve your desired outcome.
Tummy Tuck San Diego
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the overall appearance of the abdomen and surrounding areas.
BOOK CONSULTWhat does a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery Look Like with A Liposuction Expert like Dr. Kashaf MD?
Tummy Tuck With Liposuction Maximizes Abdominal Contouring – Book Your Consultation with San Diego’s Top Mommy Makeover Doctor to Learn if You’re a Candidate
If you have loose skin, separated abdominal muscles, and fat deposits that won’t go away stemming from pregnancy, weight, fluctuations, and aging, you may be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction. Dr. Kashaf will remove the excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles while targeting stubborn pockets of fat with liposuction. The combination of these two procedures will enhance your overall body contour, creating more comprehensive, natural-looking results. Mommy makeover patients report improvements in confidence, clothing fit, and body image after recovery.
After excess skin and fat is removed the incision is closed which tightens the skin and flattens the abdominal area.
Tummy Tuck Can Address Various Medical & Cosmetic Concerns:
Flatter abdomen – The procedure targets excess skin, stubborn fat, and weakened muscles.
Firmer abdominal muscles – The abdominal wall is tightened by repairing the rectus abdominis muscles (“abs”).
Removes loose skin after pregnancy or weight loss.
Improves waistline- The procedure will pull the abdominal muscles in and together, effectively acting as an “internal corset.”
Can reduce skin irritation beneath excess skin – The apron of excess skin is removed eliminating chafing and recurring rashes.
Long-lasting results with stable weight.
Clothes fit better.
Improved confidence.
COMPARING The 3 Most Popular Tummy Tuck Procedures
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, done by Dr. Kashaf, will target the excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen and repair minor muscle separation. During this procedure, Dr. Kashaf will make a single, 4-to-8 inch horizontal incision along the bikini line. The skin is then separated down to the muscle, underlying tissue is tightened, and excess skin is trimmed away. Ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck are those with a minor “pooch” below the belly button. The recovery of a partial abdominoplasty is shorter than other types of tummy tucks, with patients typically returning to work and light activities within 2 weeks.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full abdominoplasty done in San Diego will target the entire abdomen. During this procedure, Dr. Kashaf, your cosmetic surgeon, will lift the skin from the abdominal wall to repair and stitch together the separated muscle. Excess skin will then be removed and the navel will be repositioned. A full tummy tuck surgery requires a 12-17 inch incision from hip bone to hip bone plus small, circular incisions to reposition the belly button. An ideal candidate for a fully tummy tuck are individuals with loose, overhanging skin stemming from stretched abdominal muscles from pregnancy or major weight loss. Candidates for a full tummy tuck should maintain weight stability (within 10-15 lbs of ideal weight for at least 6-months prior to the surgery. The recovery for a full abdominoplasty usually takes 6-8 weeks until returning to strenuous activity and full scar recovery up to a year.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) performed by Dr. Kashaf, targets 360-degree issues of the abdomen and side profile. This procedure differs from a full abdominoplasty because it involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks (lovehandles), and lower back. During an extended tummy tuck, Dr. Kashaf will make an incision past the hip-to-hip range, rounding along the lower back. This type of tummy tuck surgery is typically combined with Liposuction to sculpt the hips, waistline, and love handles. An abdominoplasty is ideal for individuals with excessively loose skin following significant weight loss or pregnancy. Full recovery from an extended tummy tuck procedure is 8-12 weeks for a return to unrestricted physical activity.
Tummy Tuck Recovery, Results and Risks with a Top Cosmetic Surgeon in San Diego
Recovery: A tummy tuck will require 2-4 weeks off work. You will need to wear a compression garment for 6-8 weeks following the tummy tuck surgery.
Week 1: During days 1-3, mobility will be limited and assistance getting in and out of bed will be necessary. Pain will occur, but it will be managed with prescribed medication. Surgical drains are typically placed to remove excess fluid and will be removed during a follow-up visit within the first week. As week one passes you will likely still need to walk with a slight hunch to protect the abdominal repair.
Weeks 2-4: Heavy-lifting and twisting are still strictly prohibited, but patients will be able to return to desk-work and pain will ease significantly.
Weeks 6-8: With Dr. Kashaf’s clearance, you can resume light daily activities, but refrain from core workouts. At this stage, pain and swelling will have noticeably decreased.
3-6 Months: At the 3-month mark 60-70% of residual minor-swelling will remain. You will be experiencing mild swelling fluctuations in the abdomen. As incisions are still actively maturing, silicone scar creams, strips , or taping is important for minimizing visibility. Patients are typically cleared to resume all activity, including heavy core lifting, at this stage.
6-12 Months: In the final stages of the recovery process, the abdominal wall will soften into its final, defined contour. By the end of month 12, the incision scar will be fully matured and will no longer change significantly in color or texture.
Tummy Tuck San Diego Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck surgery is among the Top 5 most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the U.S. A tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening separated abdominal muscles.Liposuction is often combined with this procedure to improve contour in the abdomen and create a more sculpted appearance. The three most common types of tummy tuck procedures include: a mini tummy tuck, standard (full) tummy tuck, and an extended tummy tuck. During your consultation, Dr. Kashaf will recommend the procedure that best fits your needs based on your anatomy and goals.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in San Diego?
An abdominoplasty in San Diego generally ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on the type of procedure- mini, standard, extended. Factors that are included in the price are the surgeon’s fees, operating room and facility fees, anesthesia fees, post-operative garments, and routine follow-up visit fees.
How long does tummy tuck recovery take?
Tummy tuck recovery time does depend on the type of tummy tuck procedure performed and your body’s healing process.
Mini Tummy Tuck
- Return to light activities in 1-2 weeks
- Resume full activities in 5-6 weeks
Full Tummy Tuck:
- Initial recovery in 2-3 weeks
- Resume full activities in approximately 6 weeks
Extended Tummy tuck:
- Initial recovery in 3-4 weeks
- Resume full activities in 6-8 weeks
To achieve the best possible outcome and proper healing, it is important to follow Dr. Kashaf’s post-operative instructions.
Is a tummy tuck painful?
During the procedure you will be put under general anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain. Following the procedure, it is normal to experience moderate to severe discomfort in the first 48-72 hours. Patients have described the pain or discomfort as an intense core workout or a deep ache. The level of pain will vary depending on individual pain tolerance and the type of tummy tuck procedure performed. To keep you as comfortable as possible, Dr. Kashaf will provide detailed recovery instructions and prescribe pain management medication
How long do tummy tuck results last?
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting and often permanent because the procedure involves excess skin being removed and separated muscles being permanently repaired. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits will help preserve your results. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancy may alter the long-term results by stretching the skin and muscles. The natural aging process will still continue, but the structural improvements achieved in the surgery will remain.
What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that targets localized fat deposits such as “love handles” where a thin tube is inserted through a small incision to suction out unwanted fat cells. A tummy tuck is a major surgery where excess skin is surgically removed through a horizontal incision low on the bikini line; the remaining skin is pulled tight, and the underlying core muscles are repaired. For some patients, your surgeon may recommend a combination of the two procedures for optimal results.
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks that are located on the lower abdomen. An abdominoplasty is highly effective at removing stretch marks as a secondary benefit of the procedure. Stretch marks above the belly button are typically not removed, but are pulled lower and maybe become less visible as the skin is tightened. During your consultation, Dr. Kashaf will provide a realistic expectation of how much improvement will be achieved based on the location and severity of your stretch marks.