Tummy Tuck in Torrance, CA

A tummy tuck can address concerns that go beyond appearance. While many patients consider it for a smoother, flatter abdomen, the surgery can also help with functional issues such as separated abdominal muscles or excess skin that causes discomfort. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center in Torrance, CA, we approach each case by carefully considering both the cosmetic and practical benefits this surgery can provide. Regardless of your reason for pursuing a tummy tuck, we will customize your surgery to suit your unique situation and provide attentive care throughout the process.

What Is a Tummy Tuck? 

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure for men and women that removes loose skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles. We perform it through an incision that runs low across the abdomen so it can be hidden beneath clothing. During surgery, we lift and reposition the tissues, repair separated muscles, and remove any excess skin.

What Can a Tummy Tuck Address? 

Loose and Sagging Abdominal Skin

After weight changes or pregnancy, skin can lose its elasticity and no longer conform to the shape of your abdomen. A tummy tuck can remove loose skin that hangs or folds, which not only improves appearance but can also make clothing more comfortable..

Separated or Weakened Abdominal Muscles

Pregnancy and weight gain can stretch the abdominal wall to the point where the muscles separate. When you have weak ab muscles, they cannot support the midsection properly, and this can cause bulging or a lack of core stability. A tummy tuck allows us to bring these muscles back together and tighten them, which can help restore strength and improve the function of your abdomen.

Stubborn Fat Deposits in the Midsection

Sometimes fat pockets remain in the midsection even when you follow a healthy lifestyle. A tummy tuck is not designed for weight loss, but it can help reduce stubborn fat that collects around the lower abdomen. In certain cases, we may also use liposuction during the procedure to remove more fat.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks often develop in areas where the skin has been stretched quickly, such as during pregnancy. When we remove excess skin in a tummy tuck, some of those stretch marks may be removed as well, particularly those located on the lower abdomen. While not every mark can be eliminated, the skin that remains is smoother and firmer.

Belly Button Concerns

A tummy tuck can also address issues with the appearance of your belly button. In cases where significant skin removal is needed, we may reposition the belly button so it looks natural within the newly tightened abdominal contour. This step helps the overall result appear balanced and proportionate.

Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower abdomen and is used when there is a lot of loose skin or muscle separation. We make an incision low across the abdomen and another around the belly button, which allows us to remove excess tissue and tighten the entire abdominal wall. This approach can also include repositioning the belly button so the final result looks balanced and natural.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck focuses only on the area below the belly button. The incision is shorter, and we do not reposition the navel, which can mean a quicker recovery compared to a full procedure. This technique is a good choice if you have mild loose skin or muscle laxity confined to the lower abdomen.

Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Improved Core Stability

When the abdominal muscles are stretched or separated, they cannot provide the same level of support. Tightening these muscles during a tummy tuck restores strength and stability to your core. A stronger core can make daily activities feel easier and may even reduce discomfort that comes from muscle weakness.

Improved Posture

Weakened abdominal muscles often cause the back to compensate, which can lead to poor posture and back pain. Once we repair the muscles and remove excess tissue, you may notice it feels more natural to stand upright. Better alignment in the spine can also reduce strain on the lower back.

Long-Lasting Results

A tummy tuck removes extra skin and repairs muscles in a way that does not need to be repeated if you maintain a stable weight. While natural aging will still affect your body, the improvements made during surgery can last for many years.

Combining Tummy Tuck With Other Surgeries

• Breast Augmentation: Combining a tummy tuck with breast augmentation allows you to address two areas at once. While the tummy tuck reshapes the midsection, implants can add fullness and restore breast volume, often after pregnancy or weight changes.
• Breast Lift: When sagging breasts are a concern, a breast lift can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck. The lift repositions the breasts to a higher, more youthful placement, complementing the flatter abdominal contour created during surgery.
• Liposuction: Liposuction can refine areas that a tummy tuck alone may not address, such as the flanks or upper abdomen.
• Thigh Lift: A thigh lift removes loose skin and tightens the upper legs, which pairs well with the abdominal reshaping of a tummy tuck. Combining these procedures can help create a more balanced appearance between the midsection and lower body.
• Hernia Reduction: In some cases, a hernia can be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck. By addressing both issues in one surgery, you avoid multiple recoveries and benefit from a stronger abdominal wall once the repair and tightening are complete.

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Preparing for a tummy tuck begins with a consultation where we review your medical history, current health, and goals for surgery. You may need to complete lab work, adjust certain medications, and stop smoking in advance to support proper healing. We also recommend arranging time off work and setting up a comfortable recovery space at home so you can focus on rest. Following our instructions closely before surgery helps reduce risks and allows us to move forward safely with your procedure.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Anesthesia

A tummy tuck is always performed under anesthesia, so you do not feel discomfort during surgery. Before the procedure, we will go over your health history and explain the anesthesia options, helping you understand what to expect. The goal is to keep you relaxed and safe while we work.

Incision Placement

The incision is usually made low across the abdomen, just above the pubic area, so it can be hidden under most clothing and swimwear. If we need to address skin from the upper abdomen, we may also create a small incision around the belly button. We can remove excess skin while keeping scars as discreet as possible.

Muscle Tightening and Fat Reduction

Next, we bring your muscles back together using sutures and secure them in place to restore strength. If extra fat is present in the midsection, we may use liposuction at the same time to smooth the contour.

Skin Removal

After the muscles are repaired, the skin is pulled downward so that folds and stretched areas can be removed. Any loose skin present at the bottom is removed, and the remaining skin is carefully repositioned for a smooth finish.

Repositioning the Belly Button

When large amounts of skin are removed, the belly button may need to be adjusted to match the new contour of the abdomen. We create a small, natural-looking opening and secure the navel in place.

Sutures, Drains, and Dressings

Once the work is complete, we close the incisions with sutures and may place small drains to reduce fluid buildup during the first stages of healing. Dressings are applied to protect the area and keep it clean. Before you leave, we provide clear instructions on how to care for the incisions, manage the drains if they are placed, and support your recovery in the first few weeks.

Aftercare Recovery

Immediately After Surgery

Right after a tummy tuck procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where we monitor you as the anesthesia wears off. Your abdomen will be bandaged, and a small drain will be placed to prevent fluid buildup and promote proper healing. It is normal to feel tightness or pressure in the abdominal area, and we will provide you with clear instructions on how to rest comfortably and move in ways that protect your surgical site during the first few days.

Pain Management and Mobility

Discomfort is expected in the early stages, but medications, rest, and ice packs will keep it manageable. Walking short distances, even within the first day, is important because it improves circulation and lowers the risk of complications such as blood clots. Although movement may feel challenging at first, it becomes easier as swelling decreases and the body begins adjusting to the changes from surgery.

Recovery Expectations and Timeline

Healing after an abdominoplasty procedure takes place gradually, and it is helpful to know what to expect ahead of time. Swelling and bruising often last for a couple of weeks, and drains are generally removed within one to two weeks. We recommend a compression garment to support the abdominal area as it heals, and while you may start feeling stronger within the first month, the final results develop slowly as the swelling continues to subside in the following months.

Returning to Normal Activities

Most people are able to return to light activity and desk work within two to three weeks, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and movements that strain the core should be delayed for at least six weeks. Everyone heals at a slightly different pace, so we will give you specific guidance on when it is safe to add more physical activity. By gradually resuming your daily routine, you protect your results and give your body the proper time it needs to recover fully.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Preparing your home in advance can make the recovery process much more comfortable. Create a resting area with extra pillows, keeping essentials close by, and get as much help as you can with household tasks or childcare to make the first few weeks less stressful. Attending follow-up visits, wearing your compression garment as directed, and following all instructions closely are some of the best ways to support smooth healing and long-lasting results.

Potential Risks and Considerations for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Every surgical procedure comes with some risks, and a tummy tuck is no different. Potential concerns include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, or fluid buildup beneath the skin. Scarring is expected, but we make every effort to place incisions in areas that can be hidden by clothing. There is also a chance of numbness or changes in skin sensation around the abdomen, which can improve gradually as nerves heal. We review all possible risks with you before surgery so you have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to support safe recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery

How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?

Results from tummy tuck surgery are considered long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and follow healthy lifestyle habits. Most patients enjoy the benefits for years, and combining the procedure with a healthy diet and regular exercise helps preserve the outcome. Pregnancy or significant weight changes in the future can alter results, which is why timing surgery around your long-term goals is important.

Will a Tummy Tuck Help Me Lose Weight?

A tummy tuck is not designed as a weight loss surgery, but it can make your abdomen appear slimmer and more proportionate by removing loose skin and tightening muscles. Some fat may also be removed in the process, but it is usually a modest amount. If you want to lose weight, this should be done before the surgery. 

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Tummy Tuck

Selecting a surgeon is one of the most important steps in planning a tummy tuck. Dr. Christopher Verbin has been licensed to practice medicine in California since 1992 and has performed more than 10,000 surgical procedures. His extensive background in multiple surgical specialties, combined with his artistic eye, allows him to approach cosmetic surgery with precision and creativity.

About Our Services in Torrance, CA

At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, we welcome patients from Torrance and the surrounding South Bay cities, including El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, Lomita, and Carson. We also serve patients traveling from nearby areas such as San Pedro and Long Beach. Dr. Verbin performs most procedures in our fully accredited outpatient surgery facility, which meets the rigorous standards of the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). We also maintain staff privileges at Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Little Company of Mary Hospital.

Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation in Torrance, CA

A tummy tuck can address loose skin, separated muscles, and stubborn fat deposits, creating an abdomen that feels stronger and more comfortable. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center in Torrance, CA, we use surgical techniques that reshape the abdominal area while also supporting functional improvements like core stability. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (310) 539-6500 or contact us through our online form.