Tummy Tuck in San Diego, CA
A tummy tuck procedure rejuvenates the abdominal region by extracting excess fat, tightening the abdominal muscles, and removing excess sagging skin. At Pollack Plastic Surgery, conveniently located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, board certified plastic surgeon Robert Pollack, MD, offers an innovative approach to the tummy tuck procedure to residents of San Diego, La Jolla and nearby communities in California.
What is a tummy tuck 2.0?
The traditional tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens the abdominal muscles to reduce protrusion of the belly. It helps sculpt the waistline, eliminates excess skin, and produces a toned and smooth abdominal region. As a secondary benefit, the procedure may also eliminate stretch marks, scars, moles, and other imperfections of the skin in the areas where excess skin is removed.
At Pollack Plastic Surgery we perform what we call the “Tummy Tuck 2.0,” which is an improvement over the traditional tummy tuck procedure and results in less pain and a faster recovery period. Dr. Pollack is one of the first plastic surgeons in San Diego to perform tummy tucks using this innovative technique.
HOW MUCH DOES A TUMMY TUCK 2.0 COST IN SAN DIEGO?
The cost of a tummy tuck varies for each patient depending on the extent of the procedure and other procedures performed in tandem. Health insurance providers typically do not cover the tummy tuck, as with most other cosmetic procedures. Pollack Plastic Surgery keeps costs manageable for all of our patients by offering easy financing plans through CareCredit® and accepting flexible payment options. In general the cost for Tummy Tuck 2.0 is no more than traditional tummy tuck ranging between $8,000-11,000.
Benefits of OUR Tummy Tuck 2.0
Dr. Pollack’s signature Tummy Tuck 2.0 procedure offers many benefits over a traditional tummy tuck.
- Dramatically less pain
- Up to 50% Faster recovery
- Reduced need for post-op pain medication
- No drains used
WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK 2.0?
Many adults experience a loss of skin laxity and a weakening of the abdominal muscles following dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, or simply as a result of the aging process. The Tummy Tuck 2.0 is ideal for patients with weakened abdominal wall muscles, and for patients with loose skin in the abdominal region. For patients with smaller, localized fatty deposits and healthy skin tone, liposuction may be a more suitable, less-invasive option. The Tummy Tuck 2.0 procedure is regularly performed successfully on adult men and women, producing dramatic, long-term results. Candidates for a tummy tuck procedure should be in good health, have no plans for future pregnancy, and maintain a stable weight close to their ideal weight.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TUMMY TUCK 2.0 PROCEDURE?
The tummy tuck is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia and requires an incision across the bikini line, and another smaller incision in around the belly button. The abdominal skin is lifted off the muscles from the pubic area to the breastbone. The muscles of the abdominal wall are then pulled tight like an internal corset. This not only flattens the stomach but also pulls in the waistline. The skin is pulled down to the pubic area to create a taut, flat abdominal contour. Excess loose skin is trimmed away, which usually gets rid of the original belly button hole, and a new hole is made for the belly button to come through the skin. Liposuction is almost always included in the Tummy Tuck 2.0 to shape the hips which are not affected by a traditional tummy tuck alone.
The tummy tuck procedure at Pollack Plastic Surgery is also drainless, which means in recovery there are no drains in the incisions. This is possible due to a special quilting suture technique Dr. Pollack uses to secure the undersurface of the skin to the muscle layer, thereby eliminating space where fluid might typically accumulate. Most patients agree that drains are one of the most unpleasant aspects of a traditional tummy tuck and by eliminating drains we can significantly improve the quality of your recovery.
CAN A TUMMY TUCK 2.0 BE COMBINED WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
The Tummy Tuck 2.0 may be performed as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination with other procedures as part of a mommy makeover. Many patients choose to combine the Tummy Tuck 2.0 with breast enhancement surgeries such as a breast lift or breast augmentation. Combining several procedures in a single treatment session is an effective way to reduce recovery time as well as costs.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING RECOVERY FROM A TUMMY TUCK 2.0?
You should prepare in advance to have someone drive you home from the procedure and provide basic care for the first several days. Most patients require about 7-10 days to recover from a Tummy Tuck 2.0 which is about 50% less than recovery from a traditional tummy tuck. You may return to regular physical activity and exercise after six weeks. In order to allow full healing of internal tissues, it is important that you refrain from straining or heavy lifting during the first 6 weeks after surgery. During the first 2 weeks after surgery Dr. Pollack will have you wear an abdominal binder or compression girdle that helps to minimize swelling of the abdomen and provides support.
Dr. Pollack’s signature Tummy Tuck 2.0 uses a long-lasting pain medication called Exparel that is injected into the tissues during the tummy tuck procedure. This revolutionary medication gives effective pain relief from the time you wake up after the procedure to up to 72 hours after the procedure without the use of a pain pump or disorienting high doses of oral pain medication. Thus, your recovery is shorter than with a traditional tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Pollack’s signature Tummy Tuck 2.0 reduces episodes of post-operative nausea, waking up in pain because of missed dose of pain medication, and allows easier movement initially after surgery.
IS IT SAFE TO BECOME PREGNANT AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?
Although a tummy tuck procedure does not affect your ability to safely carry a healthy pregnancy to term, we recommend postponing your tummy tuck until after pregnancy, because pregnancy may alter the results of your surgery, requiring additional treatment.
Pollack Plastic Surgery, conveniently located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, provides residents of La Jolla, Mission Hills, and surrounding communities in California with an array of plastic surgery procedures, including the popular tummy tuck and our signature Tummy Tuck 2.0, to help achieve a more youthful and toned physical appearance. Contact our office to set up a consultation.