Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical body-contouring procedure often performed after pregnancy or significant weight loss. This procedure is designed to remove loose skin and fat from the abdomen, repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), and reposition the navel. (1)
Dr. Kenneth Hughes, an expert in tummy tuck procedures, has performed hundreds of tummy tucks at Hughes Plastic Surgery. Dr. Hughes is a Harvard-educated, Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon. He is also a textbook and article author, and has presented many plastic surgery procedures at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
If you are ready to learn more about what a tummy tuck can do for you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Hughes online or call (310) 275-4170.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Tummy Tucks
- 3 Tummy Tuck Variations
- 4 Candidates
- 5 Personal Consultation
- 6 Procedure
- 7 Recovery
- 8 Results
- 9 Cost of Tummy Tucks in Los Angeles
- 10 FAQ
- 10.1 Does the tummy tuck scar have to extend from hip to hip?
- 10.2 Where will the incision for the tummy tuck be made?
- 10.3 I have had several C-sections and other procedures performed previously. Can I still have a tummy tuck?
- 10.4 I have a hernia. Is it still possible for me to have a tummy tuck?
- 10.5 Who would make a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
- 11 References
Before and After Photos
About Tummy Tucks
The body undergoes many changes, especially after pregnancy or major weight loss. When the skin is stretched for an extended period, it can lose its elasticity, resulting in sagging skin that does not retract. (2) A tummy tuck can address these concerns by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles, restoring a more sculpted and slender appearance to the midsection. Tummy tucks are highly popular procedures, with over 171,000 performed in 2024 alone. (3)
Tummy Tuck Variations
Dr. Hughes offers several different types of tummy tucks to address a wide range of concerns. These include the mini tummy tuck, umbilical float tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, and reverse tummy tuck. He can also perform an umbilicoplasty to address the belly button. The variation performed will be predetermined during your consultation, based on your anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck, or traditional tummy tuck, is performed on those experiencing excess skin and fat around the abdomen. This variation can address loose tissue and weakened muscles above and below the navel.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is reserved for those experiencing more mild to moderate skin laxity. This procedure only addresses skin and fat below the navel and does not tighten any underlying muscles when performed. This procedure is only appropriate for patients with loose skin at the bottom of their abdomen.
Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck
This variation consists of removing skin from below the navel, then detaching the navel to remove additional skin and tighten your muscles without performing a full tummy tuck. This procedure is best suited for anyone with a higher-positioned navel.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck builds on a traditional tummy tuck, addressing additional skin laxity present around the sides. This procedure is best for patients who have recently undergone a significant weight loss transformation or pregnancy.
Reverse Tummy Tuck
A reverse tummy tuck is a specialized procedure that exclusively treats sagging skin around the upper abdomen. This variation places an incision beneath the breasts, where it is camouflaged within the natural breast crease. This variation requires a high level of skill, as it involves excising excess tissue, suturing the tissue in a way that avoids wrinkling, and anchoring the abdominal flap to minimize breast sagging.
Umbilicoplasty
Umbilicoplasty is a surgical procedure that repositions and alters the appearance of the belly button. This procedure may be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a tummy tuck for more comprehensive results. (4) This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and may also be performed in combination with an umbilical hernia repair.
Candidates
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck typically include anyone with separated abdominal muscles or excess skin around the midsection. These concerns are often caused by pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Women should have completed planning their families before undergoing this procedure, as an additional pregnancy can alter the final results. Those on a weight loss journey will also need to achieve a stable and maintainable weight before considering a tummy tuck.
All potential patients should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can achieve. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine throughout their procedure and recovery. Dr. Hughes will determine each patient’s candidacy for a tummy tuck during their personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
Before undergoing your procedure, you will need to attend a personal consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Hughes will meet with you to discuss what a tummy tuck is and the different variations he may perform. He will also converse with you about your medical history, current prescriptions, concerns, and desired results, as well as perform a physical exam to evaluate the condition of your skin and overall anatomy.
Dr. Hughes will determine whether a tummy tuck is right for you and start to craft your tailored treatment plan. He will recommend the best variation of tummy tuck for you and possibly suggest additional procedures to help you achieve your goals. Dr. Hughes will also provide you with a set of pre- and post-operative instructions and a comprehensive price estimate for your treatment plan. Throughout the consultation, he will also answer any questions you may have as Dr. Hughes strives to make each patient feel as comfortable as possible.
Please contact us online or call (310) 275-4170 to schedule this consultation and receive your personalized treatment plan.
Preparation
When preparing for your tummy tuck, you will need to discontinue taking blood-thinning medications and other supplements with your primary care physician’s approval. You will need to stop smoking at least four weeks before your procedure, as nicotine use can obstruct healing. Transportation to and from your procedure should be arranged, and time away from work and other commitments should be taken. You will also need to pick up any necessary medications in advance. Any further instructions will be provided to you during your consultation.
Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you will need to arrive at our facility at least one hour before your procedure to fill out paperwork and go over the procedure plan one last time with Dr. Hughes. You will then be led to a private room where your skin will be cleansed and sanitized, and anesthesia will be administered for your comfort.
The details of your procedure will vary depending on the type of tummy tuck being performed, as certain variations are more extensive than others. Dr. Hughes can remove excess tissue, tighten separated abdominal muscles, or correct the appearance of your navel. Once the appropriate changes have been made and your desired results have been achieved, Dr. Hughes will carefully close the incision.
For a more detailed overview of the tummy tuck procedure, please refer to Dr. Hughes’ comprehensive videos.
Recovery
Following your procedure, you may experience swelling and bruising. These effects are temporary and will resolve on their own, but may also be managed using medications under the direction of Dr. Hughes. As you heal, you will also need to wear a compression garment. This garment is designed to help minimize any further swelling and support your new contours. Dr. Hughes recommends that you consume at least 100 grams of protein each day during your recovery. Most patients can return to their careers within one or two weeks; however, exercise, strenuous activities, and lifting items more than 5lbs should be avoided for at least six weeks or until Dr. Hughes approves.
Following the recovery instructions provided to you will help ensure optimal results and a positive experience.
Results
Once you have fully recovered, you will be able to enjoy the results of your tummy tuck. Your abdomen will appear slimmer, flatter, and more toned. Your waistline will be more defined, and your figure will appear more contoured and proportionate. Many patients also report an improvement in their self-esteem and body confidence.
The results of your tummy tuck are designed to last for years. However, it is important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle as fluctuations in weight may alter the effects of your procedure.
Cost of Tummy Tucks in Los Angeles
Each tummy tuck procedure is tailored to your specific needs and anatomy, meaning the price may vary. Our mini tummy tucks typically cost $8,000, while our traditional tummy tucks range from $12,000 to $16,000. If you are seeking an extended tummy tuck or require more skin resectioning, the price of your procedure may be greater. During your consultation, Dr. Hughes will provide you with a comprehensive price estimate based on your established treatment plan.
Hughes Plastic Surgery is partnered with multiple reputable lending companies to offer you several different financing options. Options include CareCredit, Prosper Healthcare Lending, and LendingUSA. Our patient coordinators are more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these options.
To learn more about the pricing of your personalized tummy tuck, please schedule a consultation online or call (310) 275-4170.
FAQ
Does the tummy tuck scar have to extend from hip to hip?
No, Dr. Hughes can perform a variant of the tummy tuck that produces a shorter scar on patients who qualify. He can also perform mini tummy tucks, tummy tuck float procedures, and reverse tummy tucks as well.
Where will the incision for the tummy tuck be made?
Dr. Hughes places the incision as low as possible to minimize the visibility of any scars. The incision is placed lower than that of a C-section scar, almost level to the leg crease.
I have had several C-sections and other procedures performed previously. Can I still have a tummy tuck?
Yes, in most cases, Dr. Hughes may perform tummy tucks after you have undergone a previous procedure.
I have a hernia. Is it still possible for me to have a tummy tuck?
Yes, Dr. Hughes may also be able to repair your hernia while performing a tummy tuck.
Who would make a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
If you are in good health and have reached a stable and maintainable weight, you may be considered a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Ultimately, the decision will be made during your consultation once Dr. Hughes has evaluated your medical history and anatomy.
References
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
- Cuomo R, Cuccaro C, Seth I, et al. Experience in Post-Bariatric Abdominoplasty for Patients with Significant Weight Loss: A Prospective Study. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2024;14(7):681-681. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14070681
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Published June 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
- Hespe GE, Stepien DM, Sherif RD, Gilman RH. Umbilicoplasty in Abdominoplasty: Modifications for Improved Aesthetic Results. Aesthetic surgery journal Open forum. 2021;3(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojab025
- Mayo J, Cape JD. Belt Lipectomy. PubMed. Published 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK604202/
