Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty in Beverly Hills

If diet and exercise aren’t achieving your goals for a more toned looking abdomen, a tummy tuck procedure can eliminate sagging skin, remove excess fat, and tighten abdominal muscles that have stretched and weakened. For patients, whose overall body weight is at or near their ideal range, a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gerald Minniti in Beverly Hills can be an ideal solution for transforming their waistline and achieving a more sculpted mid-section.

Conveniently located to serve California patients from Los Angeles, as well as Irvine and the surrounding areas of Orange County—contact the office of body contouring specialist Dr. Gerald Minniti today to request a tummy tuck consultation in Beverly Hills.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck in Los Angeles?

Dr. Minniti customizes every tummy tuck procedure to ensure individualized results that:

Tighten and restore abdominal muscles
Remove excess skin and fat
Enhance abdominal contours for a more physically fit silhouette
Reduce the appearance of stretch marks (if within the excised area)

Through the repair and strengthening of the abdominal wall, improved posture and less lower back discomfort are often additional benefits reported by patients following their abdominoplasty surgery. Although individual results can vary, visit here to see before and after pictures of tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Minniti.

FAQs About Tummy Tuck Surgery

Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?

A consultation with Dr. Minniti will confirm your compatibility with the procedure. Candidates for tummy tuck surgery should be in good overall health, at or near their ideal weight, and have realistic expectations about the results. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have:

Significant weight loss resulting in excess skin
Stubborn fat deposits in the abdominal area
Post-pregnancy abdominal stretching and muscle separation
Aging-related loss of skin elasticity

What are the risks with a tummy tuck, who isn't a candidate?

Individuals with certain medical conditions that may create a greater potential for complications with surgery or women who may be planning for a future pregnancy might not be ideal candidates. A comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Minniti will include a review of your health history to identify any specific medical concerns and a discussion of any individual patient factors that should be considered.

Initial post-surgical effects of abdominoplasty that patients should anticipate include temporary discomfort, bruising, swelling, numbness, and excess fluid build-up. Although uncommon, more serious complications that can occur after a more extensive tummy tuck procedure can include bleeding, the need for a longer recovery period to ensure proper healing, or poor scar tissue development wherein the patient may desire a future surgical revision of the incision.

What happens during a tummy tuck?

Tummy procedures with Dr. Minniti are performed in Beverly Hills at the fully accredited ambulatory surgical facility located in his office building and are conducted with the assistance of a board-certified anesthesiologist. After the patient is placed under general anesthesia, an abdominoplasty procedure typically includes the following:

A horizontal incision made within the bikini line
Removal of excess skin and fat (may include liposuction)
Tightening of the abdominal muscles
Repositioning of the skin for a natural look
Closure and bandaging of the incision
Placement of elastic binder for contouring

You will be closely monitored for one to two hours after surgery before being allowed to return home for overnight care with a friend or family member or being transported to an aftercare facility for the first night. You may have small drainage tubes for several days to help remove excess fluid build-up that can occur with abdominal surgery.

When is a mini tummy tuck the right option?

A mini tummy tuck or mini abdominoplasty surgery focuses on the abdominal area below the belly button and above the bikini line. The surgical approach involves a shorter linear incision and is often combined with liposuction to achieve additional contouring and is typically recommended for patients who have mild to moderate concerns of excess skin and fat in this isolated area.

What should I expect with the recovery and results after a tummy tuck?

Depending on the extent of the procedure, patients typically require one to three weeks of downtime following tummy tuck surgery before returning to light physical work or activities. You will return to Dr. Minniti’s office the day after surgery for a dressing change and three days after to evaluate if excess drainage tubes are still needed.

Patients should expect initial post-surgical healing to include temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising and possibly numbness. To promote efficient healing and a smooth recovery process take all medications as prescribed and carefully follow all of Dr. Minniti’s aftercare instructions which generally includes advising patients to:

Take short walks the day after surgery to improve circulation
Eat healthy and stay hydrated
Avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks
Wear a compression garment as recommended to support healing
Avoid all forms of nicotine for several weeks before and after surgery

The tummy tuck incision will continue to fade over time, patients who maintain their weight with healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle can enjoy the enhancements of their procedure for many years.

How should I prepare for tummy tuck surgery?

You’ll need to make arrangements for transportation and overnight care for the day of surgery either at home with a loved one or professional caregiver. If needed, our office is happy to assist with information and recommendations for aftercare services in your home or at a private recovery facility. Following tummy surgery, it may be several weeks or longer before you are cleared to drive, making it necessary to arrange for transportation until then.

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Los Angeles?

The cost of a tummy tuck varies based on the extent of the procedure and individual treatment plans. Our practice is pleased to offer the convenience of financing your abdominoplasty through a trusted healthcare lender. The individualized treatment plan provided during your consultation will include detailed price information.

Will a tummy tuck remove all belly fat?

A tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin and repair abdominal muscles, but it is not a weight loss procedure. For patients who have stabilized and healthy body weight, liposuction during a tummy tuck can target and remove isolated fat deposits.

Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures?

Yes! Many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction or a mommy makeover for more comprehensive body contouring.

Learn More

Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck Procedure

Preparation

You’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions from the doctor. If you smoke, stop smoking well in advance of the surgery. Avoid aspirins or other anti-inflammatory medications.

Make arrangements for someone to drive you home, stay with you overnight, and drive you to Dr. Minniti’s office the next day. If you require more extensive post-surgical care, the doctor will refer you to an aftercare facility near the surgery center staffed by registered nurses.

Surgery

Surgery is performed in Dr. Minniti’s office building in an accredited surgical facility in Beverly Hills, CA. An experienced anesthesiologist administers a general anesthesia so you sleep through the procedure. You’ll be closely monitored for one or two hours after surgery.

Small tubes placed beneath the abdominal skin drain excess fluids and pump anesthetic medication possibly reducing your discomfort. Gauze dressings cover the wound; your abdomen is held in shape with an elastic binder.

When your recovery room nurse clears you, you may be able to go home or to an aftercare facility overnight.

Recovery

Taking short walks the day after surgery may improve circulation. Straining, bending, lifting, and sitting for long periods of time should be avoided for several days; this may increase swelling or cause bleeding.

Dressings are changed the day after surgery by Dr. Minniti. You return to Dr. Minniti’s office three days after surgery to examine the anesthetic catheter and drains. The compression binder possibly comes off one or two weeks after surgery.

Time for recovery varies depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty and your physical condition. You may be able to return to work 1-3 weeks after surgery and possibly resume most normal activities including mild exercise after a few weeks. There may be mild discomfort, swelling or numbness in the abdomen for a few weeks. Report severe pain to your doctor.

Risks & Complications

You can avoid surgical complications by carefully following the doctor’s instructions. Potential risks include fluid that accumulates under the skin, which can be reduced but requires several visits to the doctor.

More serious complications include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Tissue loss along parts of the horizontal incision is also possible, particularly when surgery is extensive, which can delay healing and prolong recovery. Revisionary surgery is helpful when incisions have healed poorly.

Diabetes or other medical conditions and smoking increase your risk of serious complications.

Results

Tummy tuck may enhance your body contour. With a flat tummy, you may be more comfortable in your clothing and more confident about your appearance.

Incision lines may fade over time. The doctor takes care to position them in places possibly concealed by bathing suits and undergarments.

Your abdomen may remain firmer for years unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or undergo pregnancy after tummy tuck.

The doctor’s office, conveniently located in Beverly Hills (Los Angeles), offers complimentary parking.

Schedule Your Consultation

Why Choose Dr. Minniti for Your Tummy Tuck in Los Angeles?

As an experienced plastic surgeon and body contouring expert, Dr. Gerald Minniti specializes in customized abdominoplasty procedures that deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. His expertise in advanced surgical techniques ensures optimal outcomes with minimal scarring and enhanced safety. The key advantages of choosing Dr. Minniti’s to perform tummy tuck surgery include:

Board-certified expertise in plastic surgery
Personalized consultations and treatment plans
State-of-the-art surgical facilities located on-site
Exceptional post-operative care for optimal healing

Visit the following pages to learn more about Dr. Minniti, view before and after photos and read patient testimonials.

Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation in Beverly Hills

If you’re ready to achieve a firmer, flatter abdomen, request a one-on-one evaluation to learn more abdominoplasty. To get started, contact the office of Dr. Gerald Minniti in Beverly Hills today to schedule a tummy tuck consultation.

Schedule Your Consultation