Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) performed by Dr. Sassan Alavi with over 1,500 procedures completed. Removes excess abdominal skin, tightens the abdominal wall, and flattens the lower abdomen following pregnancy, weight loss, or ageing. Procedure runs 2–3 hours. A temporary drain tube is placed post-operatively. A compression support garment is worn for 3–4 weeks. Male tummy tuck also available. Consultation required for pricing.

Tummy tuck surgery at Center for Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego is performed by Dr. Sassan Alavi, who has completed over 1,500 abdominoplasty procedures. The surgery — formally called abdominoplasty — removes excess skin and subcutaneous fat from the lower and mid-abdominal wall, tightens the underlying abdominal musculature, and creates a smoother, flatter abdominal contour that diet and exercise cannot achieve when significant skin laxity or abdominal wall weakness is present. Common candidates are patients who have experienced significant weight loss leaving excess skin, post-partum patients with abdominal skin laxity and diastasis recti (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles at the midline), or patients whose skin elasticity has diminished with age. The procedure begins with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen, typically placed low enough to be concealed by underwear or swimwear. The skin and fat are lifted off the abdominal wall up to the rib cage, and the rectus abdominis muscles are tightened with permanent sutures in the midline — this muscle repair simultaneously narrows the waist and reduces the appearance of abdominal protrusion. The umbilicus is repositioned through a new opening in the thinned and elevated abdominal skin flap, and excess skin is excised before the flap is sutured closed. A temporary surgical drain tube is placed post-operatively to remove accumulated fluid from the dissected space during the first week of healing. A compression support garment is worn for approximately 3–4 weeks to support the healing tissues and reduce swelling. Surgery runs 2–3 hours. The clinic also performs a male-specific variant of the tummy tuck tailored to the different fat distribution and skin laxity patterns common in male patients. Abdominoplasty is frequently combined with liposuction of the flanks and back and with breast procedures as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover. Pricing is by consultation.