Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) San Diego
Actual Patient
The tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure used to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and tissue.
Dr. Vincent Marin is among the leading board-certified plastic surgeons in San Diego, California, and has performed hundreds of tummy tucks to satisfied men and women from all over the world.
Cost & Financing
In La Jolla and San Diego, the typical tummy tuck procedure costs $12,000 – $15,000. This may be higher or lower depending on the type of procedure you will undergo, the anesthesia used, or the location of your surgery. Frequently, it is part of a mommy makeover, so undertaking additional procedures (such as breast enhancement or labiaplasty) will also increase the overall cost.
Because the tummy tuck is regarded as cosmetic surgery, the costs will be not be covered by insurance. Marin Aesthetics instead offers plans from various providers to help with your finances. We also accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards.
Types of Tummy Tuck
A mommy makeover procedure can be very intensive but generally focuses on the breasts, abdomen, and buttocks. Some women will undergo various combinations of rejuvenation procedures to augment their new look.
Otherwise known as a mini-abdominoplasty, this procedure targets any excess skin and abdominal bulging below the belly button. However, depending on your shape and needs, you may not need abdominal wall tightening. The resulting scar is a thin, easily-hidden line along the lower abdomen.
Standard abdominoplasty tightens the entire abdominal wall, from just above the pubic bone to a little below the breast bone. Incisions will be made along the lower abdomen, frequently from hip-to-hip. The scar length is based upon the extent of excess skin that you have at the time of surgery. The muscles are tightened along the length of the entire abdominal wall, and any excess skin will be removed. Finally, Dr. Marin will locate and create a new belly button. The scars are longer than in a mini tummy tuck, but just as thin and easily concealed.
This technique is utilized if you have significant extra skin and fat on the abdomen, flanks, hips, and back. It is similar to the standard approach with an additional scar extending around the waist toward the lower back. The abdominal wall is also tightened from the sternum-to-the pubic bone. The scar is, by necessity, longer but still thin and simple enough to conceal.
Before & During the Surgery
Before & During the Procedure
Anesthesia
A highly skilled and experienced anesthesiologist from ASMG, the largest provider of anesthesiologists in San Diego, will provide your general anesthesia. The additional numbing fluid will be administered before and after the surgery to minimize pain, reduce bleeding, and greatly shorten recovery time.
Your Team
Dr. Vincent Marin will be leading the team consisting of a board-certified anesthesiologist, a registered nurse, and a scrub tech.
Surgery Time
The procedure should be over in 2 — 4 hours. Dr. Marin will extend the operating time as he sees fit, in order to reach your desired body shape.
What to expect for your
TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)
Length
1 — 3 hours (depending upon the extent of the procedure)
Anesthesia
General
in/outpatient
Outpatient
Duration of Results
Permanent
rISKS
Pain, bleeding, infection, fluid collections, wound healing problems, blood clots
rECOVERY
Back to work: 1 — 2 weeks
More strenuous activity: 4 — 6 weeks
SIDE EFFECTS
Temporary swelling, bruising, and mild pain.
Final APPEARANCE
2 — 3 months
Wonderful doctor and staff. Â Location of their clinic is beautiful. Â Worth every penny.
Yelp
Your New Look After Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck will allow you to enjoy an enhanced and more aesthetically-appealing abdominal area. The procedure restores your body from the unwanted effects of significant weight gain and loss, pregnancy, along with removing unsightly stretch marks. Ultimately, an abdominoplasty gives you a flatter, tighter, and more beautiful abdomen.
Recovery & Scars
Abdominoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure, but you may opt to stay the night if you underwent an extended tummy tuck or combination surgery such as a mommy makeover. Dr. Marin will see you for post-operative instructions then clear you to go home.
Full recovery can take anywhere from 2 weeks (for a mini tummy tuck) to 6 weeks (for an extended tummy tuck). During the entire recovery period, it is recommended to avoid any sort of physical activity until Dr. Marin gives you permission once swelling and pain have resolved in about 6 weeks. A drain tube may be attached to your abdomen for a week, to control excess fluid collection. Additionally, you can resume work and limited daily activities within 2 weeks.