Tummy Tuck in Huntington Beach, Orange County

If you have significant excess skin, loose abdominal muscles, and excess fat, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty. Tummy tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures available, as it can dramatically improve your body contour and flatten a belly that has been resistant to diet and exercise.

Schedule your free consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anthony Miller today by calling 714-379-9777 and find out if a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you. We serve Huntington Beach, Orange County, Newport Beach and nearby areas in California.

Get more information about tummy tuck surgery in the following sections:

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes fatty tissue and eliminates excess skin in the abdominal area. Abdominoplasty also helps to tighten abdominal muscles that have weakened or been separated by pregnancy. In addition, a tummy tuck can help to remove stretch marks below the navel.

Tummy tucks are very popular for men and women who have both excess fat and skin that they would like to reduce for a trimmer, more toned shape.

Tummy Tuck Orange County

A tummy tuck is an invasive procedure that will leave a long scar along your bikini line, but the majority of patients find the results to be well worth it. Dr. Miller is highly experienced in performing tummy tucks with incisions that heal well and are easily hidden.

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What’s the Difference Between Abdominoplasty and Liposuction?

While liposuction and abdominoplasty perform similar functions, there are significant differences between these two procedures.

  • Abdominoplasty: A tummy tuck is more invasive and leaves a long scar. It can accomplish more than liposuction, though. A tummy tuck can reduce larger amounts of excess fat, and it can reduce hanging, excess skin. A tummy tuck can also tighten loose abdominal muscles, while liposuction cannot accomplish this.
  • Liposuction: Liposuction is less invasive and leaves less scarring. In addition, liposuction can be used to contour many different areas of the body, not just the abdomen. However, liposuction does not eliminate excess skin.

If you are in need of a tummy tuck but also want to contour other parts of your body, it is possible to combine the two procedures in the Avelar tummy tuck, a revolutionary approach to abdominoplasty that offers you a better overall body shape and less downtime.

Best of Both Worlds: The Avelar Tummy Tuck

The Avelar Tummy Tuck is a drainless, liposuction-based abdominoplasty. Like a traditional tummy tuck, the Avelar technique removes excess fat and skin for a more toned abdominal area. However, the main difference between the two procedures is that the Avelar method combines abdominoplasty and liposuction in a single procedure and does not require the use of post-surgical drains. It is a more modern and refined version of traditional tummy tuck.

Benefits of Avelar Abdominoplasty

Whether you’ve just lost a substantial amount of weight, want to restore your pre-pregnancy figure or struggle to achieve the sculpted physique you desire through diet and exercise alone, a tummy tuck can help you look great and feel confident. By combining abdominoplasty with liposuction in an Avelar tummy tuck, you enjoy the best of both worlds and experience a number of unique benefits, including:

  • Less invasive procedure
  • You can go home day of your surgery
  • More fat is removed through liposuction
  • Shorter incision
  • Faster recovery
  • No drains

Using the Avelar tummy tuck technique Dr. Miller can remove of excess skin and fat without large incisions. This method also preserves important nerves and blood vessels and offers a quicker and more comfortable recovery. With a healthy blood supply, incisions made in Avelar tummy tucks typically heal very well and with less risks.

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Avelar Tummy Tuck Recovery

The Avelar tummy tuck provides dramatic results that are very similar to those of a traditional tummy tuck. You will enjoy a more trim and toned profile without the paunch. Scars are smaller with the Avelar method, and easily hidden under everyday clothing.

Recovery after an Avelar abdominoplasty is faster and has less risk of complications. While you will still need to take it easy immediately following your Avelor tummy tuck, you will be able to return to your regular active lifestyle more quickly than with other abdominoplasty methods.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

In general, ideal candidates for a tummy tuck:

  • Are at or near a healthy, stable weight
  • Are non-smokers, or are able to quit smoking for a period of time before and after the procedure
  • Understand the potential risks
  • Have realistic expectations
  • Can commit to a healthy lifestyle to maintain results

This list is a general overview and not meant to serve as a substitute for meeting personally with Dr. Miller in a free, confidential consultation. During your initial consult, Dr. Miller will evaluate your goals, physical condition and medical history. He will determine if abdominoplasty is right for you and discuss all of your body contouring options.

Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck

If you have laxity and excess skin below your navel, you may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck is not as extensive as a full tummy tuck, but it requires a smaller incision at your bikini area and does not require an incision around the navel, meaning that you'll have less scarring and an easier recovery time.

Mini tummy tucks can also be combined with liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks for better results. In addition, it can be done under local anesthesia instead of general, and takes only around one hour to perform. A full tummy tuck takes around four hours.

The drawbacks of a mini tummy tuck are that it does not address the entire abdominal wall, and cannot provide the same amount of tightening and fat reduction that a full tummy tuck can. Talk to Dr. Miller during your consultation to see if you may benefit from a mini tummy tuck.

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Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Avelar Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck and a full Avelar tummy tuck are two distinct types of tummy tuck, each tailored to different surgical goals and patient needs. The mini tummy tuck is a less extensive procedure focusing on your lower abdomen, below the belly button. It involves a smaller incision, typically just above the pubic area, resulting in less scarring than more extensive procedures. This type of tummy tuck may include limited muscle tightening, primarily in the lower abdomen. It offers a shorter recovery period, making it ideal for individuals with localized fat deposits or loose skin in the lower abdomen who do not require entire abdominal contouring.

On the other hand, the full Avelar tummy tuck is a more comprehensive form of the procedure that includes liposuction to enhance body contouring. This technique avoids extensive skin undermining, preserving blood supply and potentially reducing recovery times. The Avelar technique addresses the entire abdominal area, making it suitable for individuals who require more significant reshaping and skin tightening to achieve desired results. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those looking to significantly improve their abdominal profile while minimizing complications associated with traditional full tummy tucks.

Although many patients are drawn to mini tummy tucks for being a less invasive form of abdominoplasty, it is usually appropriate for a small percentage of patients because it requires minimal skin laxity, all concentrated on the lower belly. Fortunately, the Avelar tummy tuck offers a shorter recovery time and is suitable for a broader range of body types.

During a consultation, Dr. Miller listens to your cosmetic goals and evaluates your body before recommending a surgical plan that best addresses your concerns. As a top Cosmetic surgeon in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, he can recommend the precise treatment that is right for your body as opposed to other Cosmetic surgeons who advocate for a particular procedure because it is the only technique they know.

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Tummy Tucks for Men

More and more men are realizing that they, too, can achieve a more toned and flatter abdomen through cosmetic surgery. The popularity of tummy tucks for men has risen dramatically in the past few years, and has necessitated specialized techniques in order to achieve masculine results.

Tummy tucks differ somewhat between men and women, some considerations include:

  • Different intra-abdominal fat amounts: Compared to women, men usually accumulate more fat inside the abdomen. Dr. Miller considers this prior to surgery and creates a plan that accentuates the six pack.
Tummy Tuck Huntington Beach
  • Different fat distribution patterns: Men’s bodies distribute fat differently than women, particularly in areas such as the thighs, flanks and navel region. Dr. Miller takes this into consideration and tailors men’s procedures to accentuate the male muscle structure.
  • Belly button appearance: For men who are concerned with navels that appear too big or overly-round, Dr. Miller can reduce the size of the belly button and create an attractive, natural oval shape.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you should consult your doctor beforehand to make sure these conditions are well under control before having tummy tuck surgery. You should also be able to stop smoking for some time both before and after your procedure.

How to prepare for tummy tuck surgery (2)

Can You Combine a Tummy Tuck with Another Surgical Procedure?

Tummy tucks can be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures if you want to address more than one area at once. A particularly popular combination is a tummy tuck plus a breast augmentation or breast lift, commonly called a mommy makeover.

New mothers often find that their breasts have deflated and sagged after breastfeeding, and their stomach area doesn't respond to healthy lifestyle choices. A mommy makeover can address the breasts and the stomach at the same time in order to restore your pre-childbirth body.

Other popular procedures that tummy tucks can be combined with include buttock augmentation, thigh lift, and liposuction.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

Tummy tucks start at $8,000. Orange County Cosmetic Surgery offers several payment & financing options, including CareCredit to help fund your procedure. CareCredit is one of the nation’s most reputable finance programs that will help you get the treatment you need with no upfront costs and no pre-payment penalties. If you are interested in CareCredit, ask us about it during your consultation. Our staff can give you more information.

In addition to CareCredit, we also accept the following forms of payment:

  • Credit card
  • Check
  • Cash

While it may be tempting to "shop around" for the cheapest cosmetic surgery costs, you are taking a big risk by visiting a cosmetic surgeon based on price rather than skill. If a procedure goes wrong, the costs of revision surgery often end up surpassing the costs of the original surgery.

What to Expect the Day of Tummy Tuck Surgery

The length of your tummy tuck procedure will depend on several factors, including the type of procedure being performed and the amount of work needed to be done.

The day before surgery, do not eat or drink anything after midnight. In the morning, take your prescribed anti-nausea medication with water, and do not wear makeup or perfume.

Before operating, anesthesia will be administered. You should be sure to have someone who can drive you home afterwards, as you will not be able to operate a vehicle.

What is The Recovery Process Like From a Regular Tummy Tuck?

Regular tummy tucks have a stricter recovery than an avelar tummy tuck. It is an extensive surgical operation that yields permanent results. Once the operation is complete, you will need to stay in the hospital for a little while. On average, this can only be a few hours, but in some cases, the doctor may require you to stay overnight to check on how well you are recovering.

Once you are discharged, you can expect your stomach to be swollen and red. You will also feel moderate pain and discomfort for the first few days. You should be able to return to your regular activities after two to three weeks. However, it may take longer, depending on how well your body recovers. A complete recovery from a tummy tuck procedure can take around six months.

What Is the Ideal Weight for Having Tummy Tuck?

First and foremost, tummy tuck is not a weight-loss surgery. In fact, before considering a tummy tuck, it's a good idea to be at or near your ideal weight and maintain that weight for several months. This stability is important because significant weight fluctuations after the surgery can negatively affect the results by causing additional skin laxity or altering the body's contours.

A tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal area rather than serve as a weight loss solution. It is particularly effective for those who have experienced considerable weight loss or women post-pregnancy who wish to return to their pre-pregnancy abdominal appearance. Most surgeons recommend that candidates for a tummy tuck have a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30 to reduce the risk of surgical and postoperative complications. However, specific requirements can vary, so consulting with a qualified Cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Miller is essential to receive personalized advice and determine the best course of action.

Can a Tummy Tuck Be a Part of a Mommy Makeover?

Yes, tummy tucks are quite common among women who are seeking a mommy makeover. Pregnancy and childbirth can have a profound effect on a woman’s body, especially the stomach area. After their child is born and their baby bump gradually fades away, a mother’s stomach can have a lot of excess, sagging skin. A tummy tuck can help provide the stomach contouring a mother needs to look her best while raising her family.

Does a Tummy Tuck Help With Weight Loss?

A question that is commonly asked is if a tummy tuck can help lose weight. A tummy tuck is the go-to procedure for eliminating unwanted fat that is not going away from a healthy diet and routine exercise. However, it is not, and will never be, a way to lose weight. In fact, to qualify for a tummy tuck procedure, you need to be close to your ideal weight or have a healthy BMI.

Woman’s midsection features a thin, toned tummy after her pregnancy thanks to abdominoplasty.

Detailed Steps in Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves several key steps to remove excess skin and fat and tighten the abdominal muscles for a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. Here's what to expect:

  1. Anesthesia: The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the surgery.
  2. Incision: A horizontal incision is made between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The shape and length of the incision depend on the amount of excess skin.
  3. Repairing the Muscles: The abdominal muscles are tightened by suturing them together, correcting the muscle separation and strengthening the abdominal wall.
  4. Removing Excess Skin: After the muscles are tightened, the excess skin is trimmed away.
  5. Closing the Incisions: The remaining skin is pulled down, and the incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips.

Other Types of Tummy Tuck

While most patients are good candidates for the Avelar tummy tuck, some different types of tummy tuck procedures may address specific concerns and areas of the abdomen:

  • Extended Tummy Tuck: This includes removing excess skin and fat from the lower back, hips, and abdomen.
  • Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck: Ideal for those with significant weight loss, this method involves a vertical incision from the lower part of the sternum to the pubic area, in addition to the horizontal incision.
  • Reverse Tummy Tuck: This focuses on the upper abdomen, with incisions made near the breasts or under the breast fold.

Complementary Procedures

To enhance the results of tummy tuck, this surgery can be combined with other procedures:

  • Body Lift: Targets other areas of the body like the thighs, buttocks, and arms to improve the overall body contour. Individual procedures like thigh lift, Brazilian butt lift, and arm lift may be preferable depending on where lax skin has developed on your body.
  • Liposuction: This body contouring surgery is often used in conjunction with tummy tuck to refine your shape by removing stubborn fat deposits.

Why Tummy Tuck Is Better Than Non-Surgical Alternatives

While non-surgical treatments like laser skin tightening and CoolSculpting can improve mild to moderate skin laxity and fat reduction, tummy tuck provides more dramatic and lasting results. Here’s why:

  • Effectiveness: Tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles, something non-surgical treatments cannot achieve.
  • Longevity: The results of tummy tuck are more permanent, especially with stable weight maintenance.
  • Comprehensive Improvement: Addresses multiple issues (skin, fat, muscle) in one procedure.

Potential Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck comes with potential risks, including:

  • Scarring: Though scars are strategically placed to be hidden by most clothing and swimwear, and they will fade significantly over time, they are permanent.
  • Infection and Bleeding: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection and bleeding.
  • Poor Wound Healing: Sometimes, healing can be slow, and incisions may not heal as expected.
  • Changes in Skin Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation may occur.

By understanding all aspects of the tummy tuck procedure, candidates can make informed decisions and prepare adequately for both the surgery and recovery process. Our team provides thorough aftercare instructions and schedules follow-up appointments to promote complication-free healing and minimize your risks.

Schedule Your Free Tummy Tuck Consultation

If you are ready to take the first step toward a flatter abdomen, call Dr. Miller today at 714-379-9777  to schedule your free consultation. You can also fill out the email contact form below and our staff will get back to you at the earliest. We welcome patients from Huntington Beach, Orange County, Newport Beach and other California communities.

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