Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a body-contouring procedure that can restore a flatter and smoother abdomen and a more defined waist. This procedure removes excess fat and skin from the midsection and repairs weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). (1)

Dr. John T. Alexander II or Dr. Jordan Kaplan can perform a tummy tuck to help you transform your figure and address each of your personal concerns at Alexus Surgery Center & Medspa.

If you are ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander, please contact us online or call our San Diego office at (888) 463-9532.

Before and After Photos

Signature Silhouette (Mommy Makeover) Before & After Patient #1294
Signature Silhouette (Mommy Makeover) Before & After Patient #1294
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1317
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1317
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1324
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1324
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About Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can address inelastic skin and stubborn fat around the abdomen and waist. Our surgeons often perform this procedure to address the physical, lasting effects of pregnancy—it is also an effective solution for correcting the natural effects of aging or post-weight-loss concerns. (2)

Benefits

Tummy tucks bring several transformative benefits, including:

  • Redefined Figure: The primary benefit of a tummy tuck is its ability to restore a flatter stomach and more contoured waist.
  • Corrected Weakness: Your surgeon can perform this procedure to address diastasis recti, or the separation of the abdominal muscles.
  • Smoother Skin: Your surgeon removes excess skin from around the abdomen to restore a smoother, tighter look and feel.
  • Improved Proportions: This procedure can restore the transition between your chest, upper abdomen, flanks, waist, lower abdomen, groin, and upper thighs, creating a balanced, proportional physique.
  • Accentuated Contours: An abdominoplasty can highlight your natural curves.
  • Tailored Treatment Plans: Your surgeon tailors your procedure around your anatomy, medical history, and desired results.

Candidates

Suitable candidates for a tummy tuck include those interested in addressing sagging skin and fat around the abdomen, as well as abdominal muscle separation.

You should be at a stable weight before this procedure. It is optimal that you are finished having children, as fluctuations in your weight or pregnancy will affect your results. You should also be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should be non-smoking and willing to quit using nicotine. Our surgical team will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Tummy Tuck Consultation

During your personal consultation, your surgeon will meet with you to discuss your procedure. They will ask you about your medical history, personal concerns, and desired results. They will also assess your abdomen to ensure you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Your surgeon will use this information to create a personalized solution for your concerns. They will also gladly answer and address any questions you may have.

To schedule your personal consultation with your surgeon, please submit our online consultation form or call our San Diego office directly at (888) 463-9532.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your procedure, you will need to begin making certain preparations. To help, your surgeon will give you a detailed set of instructions, which may include:

  • Avoiding Certain Supplements: Under the proper medical guidance, discontinue using any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning or antiplatelet properties.
  • Preparing Transportation: Ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure.
  • Requesting Time Away: Make arrangements to step away from your responsibilities and commitments to give yourself ample time to heal.
  • Fill Your Prescriptions: Before your procedure, acquire any medications you will need throughout your recovery.
  • Avoid Certain Substances: Cease the consumption of any alcohol and nicotine in the weeks leading up to your tummy tuck.

Procedure

After you receive the appropriate anesthesia and the treatment area is cleansed, your surgeon will make an incision in your lower abdomen, extending from hip to hip on the bikini/underwear line. This incision placement makes the scar easily concealable beneath clothing, even low-cut pants and swimsuits.

Using this incision to access the underlying structures, your surgeon will address muscle separation (also known as diastasis recti) with sutures. They will carefully remove excess skin and use liposuction to strategically target excess fat. This combination of techniques can create a stunning waistline and an enhanced hourglass figure, depending on patient goals. For male patients, the surgeon focuses on a more masculine shape to highlight muscle definition.

If necessary, they will reposition your belly button to ensure a natural look. They will create a small incision in the new location and bring the navel up through it. They will then suture it into place.

Recovery

After your tummy tuck, we will send you home with your abdomen wrapped in snug dressings. We will loosen these dressings the next day, but they must remain on for approximately 48 to 72 hours initially. Throughout this period, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and soreness in the abdomen. These effects will gradually subside on their own, but you may further manage them with a cold compress, prescribed medications, and plenty of rest. In addition to the dressings, your surgeon will also provide you with a compression garment to wear as you recover. You will need to wear this garment for at least four weeks, as it will decrease any swelling and maintain your new contours as your tissues settle and heal.

You may return to your job and other activities after focusing on resting for approximately one to two weeks. However, you should refrain from participating in anything arduous until your surgeon approves. There are no restrictions after six weeks.

Your surgeon will give you a full set of post-operative instructions to help you navigate each phase of your recovery. You must follow each one as he directs, as the quality of your aftercare will directly influence the quality of your results.

Results

As you continue to recover, the results of your tummy tuck will become more pronounced. Your abdomen will appear flatter and more defined, your skin will feel smoother and tighter, and your abdominal wall will feel firmer. You will also be able to notice other improvements, such as better-fitting clothing and an elevated sense of self-confidence.

The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, with effects that you can enjoy for several years to come. However, you must maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle to preserve your new silhouette.

Cost of Tummy Tucks in San Diego, California

The cost of your tummy tuck will vary depending on several factors, such as the type of corrections your surgeon makes and the overall complexity of the procedure itself. Once your surgeon has met with you to discuss each of these details, they will provide you with a comprehensive price estimate. We additionally offer financing for those who qualify.

For further inquiries about pricing, please request a consultation online or call (888) 463-9532

FAQ

What concerns can a tummy tuck address?

A tummy tuck can address the lasting concerns of pregnancy and weight loss. These include sagging skin, accumulated fat, and the separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti).

Can a tummy tuck reduce the appearance of stretch marks?

While a tummy tuck may remove redundant skin containing most of the stretch marks, this procedure does not correct stretch marks that remain in the skin that is not removed.

What type of anesthesia will be used during my tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks typically require either general anesthesia during the procedure to ensure patient comfort. Anesthesia details will be discussed further during your personal consultation.

How long does it typically take to recover from a tummy tuck?

Many of our patients can return to their normal routines after focusing on resting for about one to two weeks, although patient experiences may vary. It will take several more weeks before they can return to more strenuous activities with their surgeon’s approval.

Will there be any scarring after my tummy tuck?

Every surgical procedure carries the risk of scarring. However, scarring will likely fade as you continue to recover. Your surgeon will also provide you with scar minimization techniques you may integrate into your aftercare routine. The scar placement is very low on the abdomen, so it can often be hidden even beneath revealing clothing and swimsuits. If you have any questions about scarring, your surgeon can answer them during your personal consultation.

Can I include any other procedures in my tummy tuck?

Yes! Tummy tucks pair effectively with several other procedures. Most commonly, they will feature liposuction to address stubborn fat deposits and further refine the midsection. Many women will also undergo a tummy tuck alongside liposuction and breast procedures for a comprehensive mommy makeover—this is a combination of procedures specifically designed to address the unwanted effects of pregnancy on the body. To explore all potential combination options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander or Dr. Kaplan.

References

  1. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
  2. Checking your browser – reCAPTCHA. Nih.gov. Published 2024. Accessed May 8, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7969168/#sec11