Tummy Tuck

Introduction

If you’ve long dreamed of a toned tummy but haven’t been able to achieve it with diet and exercise, our Newport Beach tummy tuck might be the best procedure for you. At our practice in Newport Beach, a tummy tuck is an extremely popular procedure for men and women interested in removing excess fat, and skin from the abdomen. The surgery is one of Dr. Sundine’s specialties and the results can be life-changing.

Dr. Sundine has three offices in Southern California and sees tummy tuck patients in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. Please review the comprehensive information about the surgery below. We look forward to meeting you and beginning this journey with you!

Tummy Tuck -- Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Sundine

What is Tummy Tuck?

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is an intricate cosmetic surgical procedure for removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen while tightening the lower abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty can dramatically improve the appearance of a protruding abdomen with redundant skin and fat. Dr. Sundine is a gifted tummy tuck surgeon who has helped many patients just like you achieve the firm, flat abdomen they desire.

Tummy Tuck Basics

  • Surgery Time: 2-3 hours
  • Recovery: Most patients return home on the day of surgery
  • Return to Work: 2 weeks
  • Results: Immediately! *Final results take up to 6 weeks as swelling reduces
Tummy Tuck -- Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Sundine

The Expertise of Dr. Sudine

Dr. Michael Sundine is an authority in aesthetics and an expert Tummy Tuck surgeon in Newport Beach. Below, are a few of his many qualifications

Mini-Tummy Tuck

Mini-tummy tucks are the same plastic surgery procedure as a full tummy tuck, just performed on patients with less fat and skin to remove. During a mini-tummy tuck, Dr. Sundine will make a small incision similar to the incision made during a cesarean section. The incision site is typically just a few inches and is made along your bikini or underwear line. Through this incision, he will excise loose hanging skin, remove excess fat, and tighten the underlying muscles for a firmer abdominal wall.

You will have a draining tube for one week, and wear a compression garment for six weeks. You may initially need to keep your waist bent to prevent over-extending your newly repaired abdominal muscles, but many patients can stand up straight after about two weeks. We recommend that most patients take at least two weeks off of work and limit their physical activity for around six weeks.

A mini abdominoplasty scar is small and easily concealed by underwear and swimwear. There is less scarring because, unlike a full tummy tuck, your belly button will not be moved or reconstructed.

What Are The Benefits

of a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

There are multiple benefits to getting Abdominoplasty surgery in Newport Beach with Dr. Sundine. Below, we’ve highlighted a few advantages of the cosmetic surgery:

  • Can help give you the body you’ve always dreamed of, providing a slimmer figure.
  • Gets rid of the “muffin top” or undesirable stomach bulge from your midsection
  • Improves self-confidence
  • Makes physical activity easier and more enjoyable
  • Removes stubborn fat
  • Tightens loose abdominal skin and stomach muscles

Who are the Best Candidates

For A Tummy Tuck?

The most suitable candidates for an abdominoplasty procedure are men and women who are in good general health, at their ideal body weight, and with a commitment to living a healthy lifestyle after surgery. The traditional tummy tuck procedure is also an excellent treatment option for older patients whose abdominal skin is droopy due to age-related weight loss or of skin elasticity.

If you are planning on having children or losing large amounts of weight, most patients should lose weight or postpone tummy tuck surgery because the abdominal muscles may stretch again after these significant physical changes. For patients who have had one or more pregnancies or have lost weight, tummy tuck surgery can often be combined with liposuction and lower body lift for optimal results.

Please keep in mind that this is not a weight loss treatment but rather a procedure that will remove excess fat and loose skin. If you are looking to lose a dramatic amount of weight, Dr. Sundine will be happy to meet with you and discuss your best options.

woman laying on white background -- Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Sundine

What’s The First Step?

The first step in getting a Newport Beach Tummy Tuck is to schedule a consultation. A tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Sundine will involve an evaluation of your abdomen to ensure that the procedure is right for you. You will be able to tell Dr. Sundine your aesthetic goals for the procedure, and he will go over the details of the surgery, including recovery and preparation to provide the best tummy tuck results possible. You will need to tell Dr. Sundine about your complete medical history, as this will help to prevent potential complications. This will include a discussion of any past procedures you have undergone, any medications or supplements you are currently taking, and any allergies you have. During your consultation, you must be as open and honest with Dr. Sundine as possible. Good communication with your surgeon always leads to the best results!

Once he has all of the information he needs, Dr. Sundine will write up your surgical plan, and if you agree with it, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your procedure’s date and time.

What to Expect on the Day of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck surgery is a major cosmetic procedure that is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia.

After creating the tummy tuck incision, Dr. Sundine separates the skin from the underlying fat and muscles and removes excess abdominal skin and any localized fat deposits. He also tightens the abdominal muscles (rectus muscles), which are often stretched after childbearing or weight loss. The muscles are stitched into a new, tighter position, and excess skin is removed. The remaining skin is draped over the abdomen and sutured in place. Depending on the extent of the procedure and whether it is being combined with other body sculpting treatments such as thigh lift or liposuction in Newport Beach the traditional tummy tuck surgery may last up to three hours or longer.

Dr. Sundine getting ready for surgery

Tummy Tuck

Recovery

Because a tummy tuck is a complex procedure, you may be asked to stay overnight at the surgical facility. For the first few days after surgery, you will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treatment area, which is relieved with pain medication. Tummy tuck surgery requires up to six weeks of recovery; however, you may return to work and resume light activities within seven to 10 days.

A support or compression garment is worn around the abdomen to reduce swelling. Surgical drains are also placed to assist in fluid drainage to the abdominal area and aid in proper healing. Dr. Sundine will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the incisions and drains until they are removed, which usually happens just a few days after surgery. Heavy lifting and strenuous physical activities should be avoided for several weeks.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Newport Beach, CA?

Financing

A Newport Beach tummy tuck procedure is a highly personalized procedure, and because every patient’s needs are different, and the surgery is tailored to each patient, the cost can vary. During your consultation, Dr. Sundine will give you his expert recommendations for a full tummy tuck procedure, provide you with all associated costs, and answer any questions. Financing options are available to our patients.

Why Choose Dr. Sundine?

Michael J. Sundine, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P. began his training at the University of Colorado where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in molecular biology and biochemistry. He then graduated from the St. Louis University School of Medicine where he received multiple honors, followed by completing his full residency in General Surgery at the University of California Irvine Medical Center, and became a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Surgery. Over the last 30 years of his career, Dr. Sundine has been featured on the Discovery Health Channel’s “Plastic Surgery Before and After” and in Los Angeles Magazine as a Southern California Super Doctor for Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Schedule A Consultation

Over the years many plastic surgery patients have visited Dr. Michael J. Sundine for all of their aesthetic needs. In addition to being a talented body contouring surgeon, he performs a number of breast and facial plastic surgeries. He is a well-known Newport Beach plastic surgeon. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation in the Orange County area and learning more about the tummy tuck benefits, please contact us today. We look forward to beginning this journey towards a flat tummy and firmer abdomen with you!

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Tummy Tuck FAQ’s

Your procedure questions answered.

Tummy Tuck Aftercare Instructions

Real Patients

Real Reviews

What I really like about Dr. Sundine is his vast experience and training. I also like the fact he did not try to sell me other procedures. He is also very down to earth and easy to talk to. I am very satisfied with the results and I highly recommend him.

After much research and multiple visits to other surgeons, I knew right away that Dr. Sundine was the perfect choice for me. I felt completely confident in his ability from the first visit to the last. I have been singing his praises to all of my friends and will recommend him to anyone searching for a plastic surgeon. Thanks, Dr. Sundine

Dr. Sundine is an excellent plastic surgeon! I have been using his services for almost 5 years. If you want to look years younger and fully refreshed I highly recommend that you use his services. Patients walk out looking naturally gorgeous, not overdone like some of the women in Orange County!

Dr. Sundine is the best plastic surgeon. Dr. Sundine’s excellent skills and knowledge has made my surgery turn out so well. But more importantly, it made me feel better about myself. Again, thank you Dr. Sundine for all you have done for me. You are the best surgeon!

I gave Dr. Sundine the highest possible review in each category because he truly deserved the highest reviews on every level. I am a very well recognized lawyer on the West Coast. My firm has spent millions of dollars on television advertising in which I appear. I could not afford to have a bad facelift or even for people to notice I had a facelift at all. I interviewed many physicians including some of the “celebrity” physicians. Ultimately, I chose Dr. Sundine.