What is Abdominoplasty?

Commonly known as a tummy tuck, an abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the abdominal area. It involves removing excess skin and fat, tightening underlying muscles, and reshaping the abdomen, resulting in a firmer, more contoured midsection. This transformative surgery is often sought by individuals looking to achieve a toned appearance after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or due to natural aging.

Faint palm tree with no color

Tummy Tuck Before & After

View Tummy Tuck Gallery

Get the Rejuvenated Outcome You’re Envisioning

In his pursuit of artful transformation, Dr. Bolitho's reputation resonates with technical excellence and remarkable results:

  • Almost 30 years of experience 
  • Board-certified in plastic surgery in four countries
  • Board-certified anesthesiologists ensuring safety and comfort
  • Operating suite meeting rigorous national standards
  • Focused on delivering beautiful, natural-looking outcomes
Banner media
Woman in two piece bikinni standing in front of ocean

Why Do People Choose to Get a Tummy Tuck?

  • Enhanced Abdominal Contours: Removes excess skin and fat, resulting in a smoother and more contoured midsection.
  • Tightened Muscles: Repairs stretched or separated abdominal muscles(diastasis recti) for improved core strength and posture.
  • Stretch Mark Reduction: Can significantly diminish stretch marks, particularly in the lower abdominal area.
  • Improved Confidence: Achieve a firmer and more youthful appearance, boosting self-confidence.
  • Post-Weight Loss Transformation: Ideal for individuals seeking to refine their appearance after significant weight loss.
  • Post-Pregnancy Restoration: Addresses abdominal changes caused by pregnancy, restoring pre-pregnancy contours.
  • Long-Lasting Results: When maintained through a healthy lifestyle, results can be long-lasting.
Faint black and white palm tree

Tummy Tuck Techniques

There are multiple abdominoplasty procedures available. Dr. Bolitho can tailor a procedure to achieve your desired transformed appearance.

Full Abdominoplasty:

  • Removes excess skin and fat from the entire abdominal area.
  • Repairs abdominal muscles for enhanced core strength.
  • Ideal for significant skin and muscle laxity, often after weight loss or pregnancy.

Mini Tummy Tuck:

  • Targets the lower abdominal region with smaller incisions.
  • Addresses minor skin and muscle concerns, often focused below the belly button.
  • Suitable for those with less extensive laxity and a shorter recovery period.

Liposuction:

  • Focuses on fat removal and body contouring, primarily in the abdominal area.
  • Ideal for patients with good skin elasticity and localized fat deposits.
  • May be combined with tummy tuck procedures for comprehensive results.

How is an Abdominoplasty Performed?

While no two tummy tuck procedures are identical, you can expect a few hours of surgical time for a full abdominoplasty procedure.

  1. Anesthesia: Receive anesthesia for a comfortable experience during the surgery.
  2. Incision: A horizontal incision is made above the pubic area, customized based on the type of abdominoplasty.
  3. Diastasis recti muscle repair: If needed, abdominal muscles are tightened and repaired for improved core strength.
  4. Excess Skin Removal: Excess skin and fat are carefully removed, revealing a smoother abdominal contour.
  5. Repositioning: The remaining skin is repositioned, and a new belly button opening is created if required.
  6. Incision Closure: Sutures or adhesive seal the incisions, contributing to minimal scarring.
  7. Drain Placement (if necessary): Temporary drains may be inserted to prevent fluid accumulation.
Banner media

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Immediately after surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications and proper care. Dr. Bolitho will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. You'll likely need to wear a compression garment to support the healing process and minimize swelling. Most patients are able to resume light activities within a week or two, with more strenuous activities gradually reintroduced over the following weeks. It's important to follow Dr. Bolitho's guidance closely during the recovery period to achieve the best possible results.

Doctor media

How Can Dr. Bolitho and His Skilled Team Help You?

In the pursuit of achieving clients' desired aesthetic outcomes, Dr. Bolitho and his dedicated team are committed to ensuring complete satisfaction. With nearly three decades of experience in the field, Dr. Bolitho's quadruple board certification in plastic and reconstructive surgery, along with his highly qualified staff and board-certified anesthesiologists, guarantee a seamless technical execution of the results. Beyond his exceptional skills as a physician, Dr. Bolitho places great importance on fostering enduring client relationships built on trust. This ethos drives him to maintain the highest safety standards and devote ample time to guide and support clients throughout their entire journey, from initial consultation to full recovery.

Find Out What Results Are Possible for You

Contact our La Jolla practice now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bolitho and see what he can do to bring about the aesthetic changes you want.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 858-326-2212.
Contact Us