LJC is your best choice for plastic surgery and med spa treatments in Southern California and around the globe.
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La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre & Medical Spa
9850 Genesee Ave Suite 130
La Jolla, CA 92037
Call: (858) 452-1981 Text: (858) 203-2944
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
La Jolla Cosmetic Medical Spa - Carlsbad
7730 El Camino Real Suite C
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Call: (858) 788-7989 Text: (858) 203-2944
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Losing weight or having a baby are both exciting life events. Unfortunately, they often leave loose skin and stretch marks on your abdomen. And it can be nearly impossible to get your slim waist back, even with diet and exercise. If this sounds familiar, you might be a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in San Diego. After tummy tuck surgery, you’ll see a dramatic change in your body’s shape—and in the way you feel about yourself.
Firm up your tummy with the help of LJC’s board-certified plastic surgeons. Since 1988, they’ve helped thousands of people rediscover confidence in their bodies. Now, it’s your time to shine!
There are 3 basic types of tummy tucks that we perform at LJC in San Diego: mini tummy tuck, standard tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. Your surgeon will help you choose the right approach during your consultation.
The most limited and easiest tummy tuck to recover from is the mini tummy tuck.
The next step up from the mini tummy tuck is the standard tummy tuck.
As the name implies, the most involved procedure is the extended tummy tuck.
Today there are more options than ever to help you get a flatter tummy. But which is best for you? This largely depends on your personal goals and physical characteristics, and we’re here to help!
95.3% Patient Satisfaction
* These are actual patient comments verified by a 3rd party. The claims made represent the opinion of the author.
During your consultation with one of our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons, you’ll talk to him or her about your specific goals and concerns. You can also expect to:
After scheduling your surgery, you’ll attend an individual pre-op appointment to discuss your health history and make sure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Not sure how to get the look you want? Tell us about your goals, and we’ll show you the possibilities.
Try Our Treatment PlannerAs with other body procedures, you’re going to be happiest with tummy tuck results if you are not considering the procedure to solve weight issues. Although you don’t have to be at your ideal weight, it’s best to be near your target weight for the most satisfying results. If you are a post-massive weight loss patient, we recommend maintaining your goal weight for at least a year before considering cosmetic procedures.
Your body mass index (BMI) is an important factor in evaluating whether a tummy tuck is a good solution for you. Calculate your BMI here >>
Your board-certified plastic surgeon will perform your tummy tuck while you are under general anesthesia in our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite. (Mini-abdominoplasties can be performed under sedation and local anesthesia.) You’ll be under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist who will make sure you are safe and comfortable from start to finish.
The length of the surgery will depend on the extent of your tummy tuck and whether or not you need liposuction as well. You’ll know approximately how many hours it will take before you head into surgery. With the 2 more extensive tummy tucks—the standard and extended—your surgeon may recommend or require that you have a trained after-care nurse for your first post-surgical night. This ensures that you are receiving proper care and observation.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks to having a tummy tuck. Some of the risks specific to tummy tucks are hematomas, seromas, infection, and scarring issues. Your surgeon will go over risks with you and provide written information on risks as well.
Once home, you’ll continue with bed rest, but it is also important that you get up and move around several times a day. Plan your initial recovery so that there is a friend or family member with you at home for at least the first 3 to 5 days. You will need help with the basics.
You’ll be given very specific instructions about not lifting kids or weighty items and other guidelines to help you have a better result. You don’t want to strain your incision sites and potentially increase the width of your scars.
If you prefer, there are after-surgery assistants and after-surgery facilities that provide professional help during recovery. We are happy to suggest reputable providers if you desire this level of private care.
After a tummy tuck, you will likely experience some discomfort, which is managed with medication.
Plan on 2 to 3 weeks of recuperation time before you get back to your normal daily activities. This will vary with the type of tummy tuck you have, but it’s a good basic estimate. It’s important that you plan well so that you give your body time to heal in the best manner possible. You can usually resume exercise, with your surgeon’s clearance, about 6 weeks after surgery.
Any tummy tuck procedure involves an incision that will leave a scar on your abdomen. The size of the scar depends on the extent of your tummy tuck. In most cases, your surgeon will be able to make incisions, so the resulting scar is well-hidden by even minimal clothing, like your favorite swimsuit.
Once in a while, your surgeon may need to place a vertical scar in a tummy tuck procedure. This could be necessary if you have so much loose skin that horizontal tightening only is not enough to eliminate all the laxity. Most people happily accept the scar for the result. They consider it a good tradeoff for their new look and newfound confidence.
Since 1988, more than 36,000 patients have had safe, successful procedures at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre & Medical Spa.
While these scars will fade over time, we highly recommend adopting a proactive approach to scar care:
Ditch your muffin top without bottoming out your budget! With our affordable payment plans, you can jumpstart your transformation for as little as $219 per month. Put down $3,000 and qualify with average credit for 60 months. If your credit is above average or you can make a higher initial payment, you’ll achieve even more monthly savings!
Cost may vary depending on if you need a mini, standard, or extended tummy tuck. View fee ranges and get all the info you need on our pricing page.
Applying for plastic surgery financing with us is a snap online, or we’ll guide you through your options during your consultation. Now, there’s nothing stopping you from achieving the physique of your dreams!
It’s time for you to live your most confident and carefree life. Let’s make your dream a reality together. To get started, request your free consultation online or give us a call at (858) 452-1981. This is just the beginning!
Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre & Medical Spa Editor on September 15th, 2023. Meet Our Medical Editors
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