At Lahar Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, I’ve had the privilege of helping many women and men restore their abdominal contours and feel more confident in their bodies through expertly performed tummy tucks.
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed today. It offers more than just a slimmer waistline — it corrects excess skin, stubborn fat, and weakened abdominal muscles, creating a firmer, more youthful midsection.
Many of my patients choose this procedure after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or as part of a post-weight loss transformation to regain their shape and confidence.
This comprehensive guide will answer the most common questions about tummy tuck surgery and help you decide whether this transformative procedure at Lahar Plastic Surgery is right for you.
1. What Is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve the shape and tone of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles.
It is especially popular among individuals who have:
- Experienced pregnancy
- Undergone major weight fluctuations
- Noticed skin laxity and muscle weakening with age
During the procedure, I make a precise incision — typically along the lower abdomen — to remove excess tissue. I carefully tighten the underlying muscles to restore core strength and re-drape the skin for a smoother, natural-looking contour. In some cases, the belly button is repositioned for optimal aesthetics.
Unlike liposuction, which primarily removes fat, a tummy tuck also corrects muscle separation and skin laxity — two key factors in achieving a tight, sculpted abdomen.
2. Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills?
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck include individuals who:
- Are in good general health
- Maintain a stable body weight
- Struggle with excess abdominal skin or muscle laxity that does not improve with diet and exercise
Common candidates include:
- Women who have experienced one or more pregnancies
- Individuals who have undergone significant weight loss
- Those dealing with age-related abdominal changes
Additional considerations:
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit prior to surgery
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure outcomes
- Not planning future pregnancies (which can impact results)
During your private consultation at Lahar Plastic Surgery, we’ll discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and goals to determine if abdominoplasty is right for you.
3. What Are the Different Types of Abdominoplasty?
At my practice, I offer several variations of tummy tuck procedures tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals:
Full Abdominoplasty:
A traditional tummy tuck with an incision from hip to hip, ideal for significant skin excess and muscle separation.
Mini Abdominoplasty:
A smaller incision below the belly button, targeting lower abdominal skin laxity and mild muscle looseness.
Extended Abdominoplasty:
Targets excess skin and fat extending beyond the abdomen to the flanks and lower back — often for patients after major weight loss.
Reverse Abdominoplasty:
Tightens upper abdominal skin through an incision under the breasts, addressing isolated upper abdominal laxity.
Fleur-de-lis Abdominoplasty:
Involves both vertical and horizontal incisions, ideal for patients with massive weight loss and extensive skin redundancy.
I’ll help you choose the right procedure based on your anatomy and desired outcomes.
4. What Can I Expect During the Recovery Process?
Recovery is a key part of your tummy tuck journey, and I prioritize helping my patients heal comfortably and safely.
Here’s a general timeline:
Immediate Post-Op (First Few Days):
- Expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort (well-managed with medication)
- You’ll begin light walking early to promote circulation.
First 1–2 Weeks:
- Wear a compression garment to support healing.
- Return to light activities, but avoid lifting and strenuous exercise.
4–6 Weeks:
- Gradual return to normal activity.
- Continued attention to incision care and scar management.
6–8 Weeks & Beyond:
- Most patients resume full activities.
- Scars mature over 6–12 months; I provide scar care guidance for optimal fading.
My practice provides detailed post-operative instructions and ongoing support to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible.
5. How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?
A tummy tuck delivers long-lasting results when combined with:
- Stable weight maintenance
- Healthy diet and exercise
While the natural aging process continues, the muscle repair and skin removal are permanent. Future pregnancies or weight fluctuations can impact results, which is why timing is important.
Many of my patients enjoy their improved abdominal contours for years to come with proper lifestyle habits.
6. What Are the Risks of Abdominoplasty?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks to consider:
- Infection (rare, controlled with antibiotics)
- Scarring (strategically placed, will fade over time)
- Seroma (fluid accumulation, occasionally requiring drainage)
- Blood clots and anesthesia risks (mitigated with proper protocols)
- Delayed healing (higher risk in smokers or certain medical conditions)
At Lahar Plastic Surgery, patient safety is my top priority. I conduct thorough preoperative evaluations and follow evidence-based techniques to minimize risks.
7. What Is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills?
Tummy tuck costs vary based on factors such as:
- Surgeon expertise (choose a board-certified plastic surgeon)
- Procedure complexity
- Facility and anesthesia fees
At Lahar Plastic Surgery, we provide transparent, all-inclusive pricing during your consultation so you can plan with confidence.
👉 Insurance coverage:
Typically considered cosmetic and not covered unless medically necessary (e.g., functional impairment or hernia repair). We can discuss these nuances during your consultation.
8. Will I Have Visible Scars?
Yes — incisions leave scars, but I take great care to place them in low-visibility areas, such as along the bikini line.
Scar appearance evolves over time:
- Initially red or pink
- Gradually flatten and fade over 6–12 months
I offer advanced scar management protocols, including silicone treatments and laser therapy, to optimize your results.
9. Can a Tummy Tuck Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Absolutely — many of my Beverly Hills patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with other procedures for comprehensive enhancement:
- Liposuction: Contours stubborn fat deposits.
- Breast augmentation or lift: Popular in Mommy Makeover plans.
- Body lift: For post-weight loss patients needing full-body contouring.
Combining procedures can be highly effective but requires a personalized approach — we’ll carefully plan your treatment for both safety and beautiful results.
10. How Should I Prepare for Surgery?
Proper preparation is key to a successful tummy tuck and recovery:
- Consultation: We’ll review your goals and surgical plan.
- Medical clearance: Share your full medical history; quit smoking 4+ weeks before surgery.
- Medications: Follow my guidance on any medications or supplements to stop pre-surgery.
- Lifestyle: Eat well, stay active, and prepare your home for recovery.
- Support: Arrange help for the first few days after surgery.
At Lahar Plastic Surgery, I’ll guide you through every step of preparation and recovery for a safe, comfortable experience.
Is a Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck Right for You?
If you’re ready to restore your abdominal contours, enhance your confidence, and achieve a natural-looking result, a tummy tuck at Lahar Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills may be the perfect solution.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I take great pride in helping my patients look and feel their best — with beautiful, customized outcomes and expert support throughout recovery.
👉 Schedule your private consultation today to learn more about how a tummy tuck can transform your body and your confidence. I look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.
August 14, 2025by Nicholas Lahar, M.D.
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Lahar Plastic Surgery is a trusted provider of Beverly Hills plastic surgery. Serving patients across Southern California, Dr. Nicholas Lahar is known for delivering some of the best possible plastic surgery results with a very personalized touch. He offers rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, as well as tummy tuck and facelift procedures using advanced surgical techniques. Dr. Lahar has extensive training, an artistic eye, and brings warmth and compassion to every patient experience. Focused on minimal scarring, gentle methods, and innovative recovery, Lahar Plastic Surgery helps patients achieve refined and natural-looking results.
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