Serving Los Alamitos, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Orange County, Cypress, Cerritos, Lakewood, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and the greater Los Angeles area.
1) What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Excess, inelastic skin in the abdomen can result from significant weight loss, genetics, aging, or pregnancy, with pregnancy being a common cause. After childbirth, the abdominal muscles can separate along the midline, leading to a persistent lower-belly bulge and a constant need to tighten your core. Unfortunately, no amount of sit-ups or core exercises can fully close this gap when the muscle wall has stretched apart. It requires surgical repair.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is one of the most transformative body contouring procedures available today. Unlike diet and exercise, which can reduce fat but cannot address loose skin or separated muscles, abdominoplasty physically removes excess skin and repairs the underlying muscle wall. The result is a flatter, firmer abdomen that is simply not achievable any other way.
Dr. Raman Mehrzad performs tummy tuck procedures for patients throughout Los Alamitos, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Orange County, and the greater Los Angeles area. Each procedure is customized to your anatomy, skin laxity, and aesthetic goals, whether that means a full abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck, or a tummy tuck combined with liposuction for enhanced contouring.
2) Who Is a Good Candidate?
- You have loose abdominal skin or a lower-belly pooch that persists despite a healthy lifestyle
- Your abdominal muscles separated after pregnancy (diastasis recti)
- You have reached a stable weight and do not plan significant future weight loss
- You are a non-smoker or can stop smoking before and after surgery
- You have realistic expectations about scars and recovery time
- You want improved core strength and a smoother waistline in clothing and swimwear
3) How the Procedure Works
- Consultation and markings: Dr. Mehrzad evaluates muscle separation, skin laxity, and scar placement options.
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia for comfort and safety throughout the case.
- Incision: A low horizontal incision is placed where it can be hidden beneath underwear or a bikini bottom.
- Muscle repair: Separated rectus muscles are sutured together to flatten the midline.
- Skin removal and contouring: Excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is redraped smoothly.
- Optional liposuction: Flanks or upper abdomen may be sculpted for a more defined waist.
- Closure: Layered sutures, drains if needed, and a compression garment are applied.
4) Recovery Timeline
Week 1: Expect soreness, tightness, and limited mobility. You will walk bent at the waist initially. Prescription pain medication and a compression garment help manage discomfort. Most patients need help at home for the first few days.
Week 2: Bruising and swelling begin to improve. Many desk workers return part-time or full-time depending on job demands. Drains, if placed, are often removed during this period.
Month 1: You gradually stand more upright. Light daily activity is fine, but heavy lifting and core strain remain off limits. Scar care instructions start once incisions have healed.
Month 3: Swelling continues to settle and your final contour becomes clearer. Scars fade with sun protection and silicone therapy. Most patients resume unrestricted exercise after surgeon clearance, typically around 6 to 8 weeks.
5) Risks and What to Expect
- Visible scarring along the lower abdomen (planned to be concealed by clothing)
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation around the incision
- Seroma or fluid collection, managed with drains and follow-up care
- Bleeding, infection, or wound healing delays (uncommon with proper aftercare)
- Blood clots, minimized with early walking and surgical precautions
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities, addressed if they occur
You will receive written aftercare instructions, a follow-up schedule, and direct access to our team throughout recovery. Serving patients from Los Alamitos, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Orange County, Cypress, Cerritos, Lakewood, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and the greater Los Angeles area.
6) Before and After Gallery
Review the before and after gallery on this page to see real tummy tuck results from patients in Los Alamitos, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and across Orange County. Individual results vary based on starting anatomy, surgical plan, and healing.
7) Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Los Alamitos?
Pricing depends on whether you need a mini or full abdominoplasty, muscle repair, liposuction, or combination procedures such as a mommy makeover. During your consultation you receive a transparent written quote and information about financing options.
Can a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
A full tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located on the skin that is excised, typically in the lower abdomen below the belly button. Marks outside that zone may remain or improve only slightly.
Will a tummy tuck help with diastasis recti?
Yes. Muscle plication during abdominoplasty brings the separated rectus muscles back together, which can improve core stability and flatten the midline in a way exercise alone cannot.
How long before I can exercise after a tummy tuck?
Light walking starts immediately. Most patients resume gentle cardio in 2 to 3 weeks and full core or heavy workouts after surgeon clearance, usually around 6 to 8 weeks.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with liposuction or breast surgery?
Yes. Mommy makeover combinations are common. Dr. Mehrzad will discuss safety, operative time, and recovery when multiple procedures are planned together.
Is a tummy tuck right after pregnancy?
We generally recommend waiting until you are finished having children and have been at a stable weight for several months. Future pregnancy can stretch repaired muscles and skin again.