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.
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.
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..
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In general, a good candidate for a tummy tuck surgery will meet most of the following criteria.
However, the best way to determine if you should have a tummy tuck is to schedule an in-person examination with Dr. Christopher Verbin. Your consultation will accomplish several goals. First, it will allow you to explain your aesthetic goals and what you hope the surgery will accomplish. Second, it will allow your surgeon to examine the area of concern thoroughly and review your medical history. Afterward, Dr. Verbin can explain all your options in detail and answer any questions you may have about them. Finally, once you feel confident you have all the information you need to make your decision, you and Dr. Verbin can plan your course of treatment together.
The duration of tummy tuck results can last many years, as long as you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. Factors such as future pregnancies or significant weight fluctuations can alter the outcome. Engaging in regular exercise and following a balanced diet will help prolong the results.
Yes, combining a tummy tuck with additional procedures is possible. A mommy makeover is a common combination of procedures that often entails breast augmentation or reduction, alongside either a full or mini abdominoplasty. This helps us resolve several issues simultaneously, offering a more complete transformation of your body’s contours and reducing the total downtime by combining recoveries.
A tummy tuck can enhance your physical comfort and appearance by addressing loose skin, weakened muscles, and excess fat. It’s a comprehensive approach that can offer long-lasting results, reshaping your abdominal area for a more streamlined silhouette. If you’re considering this procedure, we at South Bay Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery are ready to assist. Please reach out at (310) 539-6500 or fill out our online form.