Transform Your Waistline with Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck can redefine your silhouette by tightening muscles, removing excess skin, and creating a flatter, more youthful-looking abdomen.
Tailored Tummy Tuck Techniques for Natural Results
Factors like pregnancy, significant weight loss, and aging can stretch the skin and weaken the abdominal muscles, making it difficult to achieve a flat, toned midsection on your own.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tyler Frew offers personalized tummy tuck procedures to help patients regain confidence and enjoy a more sculpted, youthful physique. Each treatment is tailored to your anatomy and goals for optimal, natural-looking results.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a body contouring surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure helps create a firmer, smoother midsection and is often combined with liposuction for enhanced definition.
Whether your concerns are due to childbirth, weight fluctuations, or the natural effects of aging, abdominoplasty can dramatically improve your abdominal profile.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck offers a wide range of aesthetic and functional benefits, including:
Cosmetic Benefits:
- Eliminates stubborn fat that resists diet and exercise
- Tightens loose, sagging skin
- Flattens and contours the abdominal area
- Reduces the appearance of stretch marks
- Improves the way clothes fit
- Boosts confidence and body image
Medical Benefits:
- Helps relieve stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
- Improves core strength and posture
- Repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Makes exercise and physical activity more comfortable
These combined cosmetic and medical benefits make the tummy tuck a powerful solution for those seeking both aesthetic improvement and functional relief. By addressing excess skin, weakened muscles, and stubborn fat in one procedure, a tummy tuck can help you feel stronger, more confident, and comfortable in your body again.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Both women and men can benefit from abdominoplasty. Ideal candidates are:
- At or near their target weight
- In good overall health
- Struggling with loose skin or weakened abdominal muscles
- Done with childbearing (for women)
- Non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery
- Realistic about surgical outcomes and recovery
Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight-loss solution, but rather a body contouring procedure. If you have good skin tone but are mainly concerned with localized fat, liposuction alone may be more appropriate. During your consultation, Dr. Frew will help determine the right approach for your needs.
Artistry in Every Curve
How Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia at our accredited facility in Murrieta, CA. Dr. Frew carefully selects the surgical technique based on your anatomy and goals:
- Full Tummy Tuck – Ideal for patients with significant excess skin and muscle laxity; involves a horizontal incision from hip to hip, just above the pubic area.
- Mini Tummy Tuck – Best for patients with minimal loose skin below the navel; involves a shorter incision and quicker recovery.
In all cases, Dr. Frew removes excess skin and fat, tightens weakened abdominal muscles, and carefully closes the incisions for minimal scarring and optimal contour.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
After surgery, you’ll be fitted with a compression garment to support healing and minimize swelling. Movement will be limited at first, and it’s important to rest and follow all post-op instructions. Most patients return to light activity within two weeks, with full recovery expected around six weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Frew.
You may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, and tightness, but most patients feel significantly better within a few weeks and notice ongoing improvement as healing progresses.
Faster Recovery With Light Therapy
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tyler Frew incorporates photobiomodulation (light therapy) into his tummy tuck recovery protocol. This advanced technology uses healing wavelengths of light to:
- Reduce swelling and bruising
- Accelerate tissue repair
- Minimize discomfort
- Help patients return to daily life sooner
By combining his surgical expertise with innovative recovery support, Dr. Tyler Frew offers patients a more complete approach to healing.
Traditional tummy tuck recovery can be challenging, but with the addition of photobiomodulation therapy, patients experience less swelling, quicker resolution of bruising, and greater comfort throughout the healing process.
This means not only faster recovery but also an overall smoother experience compared to practices that rely solely on standard post-operative care. Dr. Frew’s commitment to advanced recovery methods reflects his dedication to patient safety, comfort, and results that last.
Tighten Your Tummy and Restore Your Confidence
If you’re tired of dealing with stretched, sagging abdominal skin or a bulging midsection, a tummy tuck could be the life-changing solution you’ve been looking for. Dr. Tyler Frew combines advanced surgical skill with a patient-first approach to deliver natural, lasting results.
Contact Balikian Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a flatter, firmer, and more confident you.
Elite Surgical Skill in Breast & Body Aesthetics
Dr. Tyler Frew is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery of the breast and body.
He is known for delivering natural-looking results through advanced techniques in breast enhancement, tummy tuck, liposuction, and mommy makeover procedures.
Dr. Frew combines surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-focused care, helping each individual restore confidence and achieve their personal aesthetic goals.
Abdominoplasty Reviews
“I am so beyond happy! My breast lift turned out so good, my tummy tuck is absolutely perfect, with a perfect belly button and my super flat tummy is flawless.”
“I’m 5 weeks out of surgery and I am very satisfied with Dr. Frew and his very kind staff. Complete professionalism as well as empathy.”
“10+++ service Dr Frew is knowledgeable and very informative of the care he will be providing on my upcoming surgery. Very impressed with all the over care and coordinated care I am about to receive.”
“Both the doctor and his assistant were very professional. I was made to feel at ease as well as having my questions and concerns addressed. The doctor is very thorough as well as being easy to talk to.”
Abdominoplasty FAQs
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
During your consultation, Dr. Tyler Frew will create a personalized tummy tuck plan based on your specific needs and goals. He will discuss the type of abdominoplasty recommended, the surgical techniques involved, and the anesthesia required. Only then will he provide a detailed cost estimate, since pricing depends on these individual factors.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, our team is committed to making high-quality care accessible. We accept a variety of payment methods and can assist you in finding low-interest medical financing options to make your tummy tuck more affordable.
What type of tummy tuck should I get?
The three most common techniques for tummy tucks are full, mini, and extended abdominoplasty.
During your consultation, Dr. Tyler Frew will take the time to understand your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam, which helps him determine the best option for your body.
A full tummy tuck addresses loose skin and separated muscles in both the upper and lower abdomen, making it the most common choice for women after pregnancy or patients who have lost a significant amount of weight.
A mini tummy tuck focuses only on the area below the belly button, which is ideal for patients who struggle with a small “pooch” or mild skin laxity.
For those with more extensive changes, the extended tummy tuck improves not only the abdomen but also the hips, flanks, and sometimes the upper thighs, offering the most comprehensive contouring.
What will my scars look like?
Surgical incisions for a tummy tuck vary depending on the type of procedure you receive. Dr. Tyler Frew uses the thinnest incisions possible to minimize scarring and strategically places them in less visible areas, such as along the pubic line or inside the belly button, so they can be easily concealed by underwear or swimsuits.
After your surgery, following our scar management guidelines is essential to help your incisions heal smoothly and fade over time, allowing them to blend naturally with your skin.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although it is possible to get pregnant after a tummy tuck, doing so can stretch the skin and muscles again and alter your results. Dr. Tyler Frew recommends waiting until you are finished with planned pregnancies and childbirth before undergoing abdominoplasty to ensure the most long-lasting outcome.
If you do become pregnant after surgery, a secondary tummy tuck can be performed to restore and refresh your results.
Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
Many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with other body procedures to achieve more dramatic and balanced improvements. During your consultation with Dr. Tyler Frew, you can discuss all of your concerns and goals so he can design a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs.
Some patients combine abdominoplasty with a thigh lift for a lower body lift, while others include liposuction or multiple procedures for full body contouring.
If you are looking to restore your body after pregnancy or significant weight loss, you may be an excellent candidate for a mommy makeover or post-weight-loss surgery, both of which can deliver comprehensive results.
How long is recovery after a tummy tuck?
Most patients need two to three weeks before returning to work and daily activities. Full recovery, including exercise and heavy lifting, usually takes six to eight weeks.
How much skin and fat can a tummy tuck remove?
A tummy tuck removes loose, stretched skin and tightens abdominal muscles. Liposuction can be added to remove excess fat. The exact amount varies depending on the patient’s needs.
Will a tummy tuck help with stretch marks?
Yes, if the stretch marks are located on the skin that is removed, usually below the belly button. Stretch marks outside this area may remain but can appear less noticeable after skin tightening.
Is a tummy tuck the same as liposuction?
No. Liposuction removes fat only, while a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles. The procedures are often combined for the best results.
How soon will I see results from a tummy tuck?
Improvements are noticeable right after surgery, but swelling can last several weeks. Most patients see their final results within three to six months as the body heals.
Are tummy tuck results permanent?
Yes, tummy tuck results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Aging will continue naturally, but the repaired muscles and tightened skin provide a lasting improvement.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
You may be a good candidate if you are healthy, close to your ideal weight, and have loose skin, separated muscles, or stubborn fat in the abdominal area. Dr. Frew evaluates each patient’s needs during consultation.
What is the best age for a tummy tuck?
There is no single “best” age for a tummy tuck. The most important factors are good health, skin elasticity, and being finished with pregnancy plans.
Many patients choose a tummy tuck in their 30s or 40s after having children, but the procedure is also common in patients in their 20s through 60s if they meet the right medical and aesthetic criteria.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon