tummy tuck
get your FIGURE back!
Do you wish for a beautifully sculpted silhouette? Maybe you've undergone a few pregnancies. Maybe you've had significant weight loss. Or maybe you're showing some signs of aging with skin laxity and excess fat that you just can't seem to get rid of! With these life events, the human body undergoes irreversible changes that diet and exercise may not correct. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, reshapes your belly by fixing the underlying problems. Everyone is blessed with a unique body shape. Dr. Lisa Hwang will consider your individual anatomy and use that as a guide to restore your more youthful self, enhanced by body contouring!
Problems
SKIN Laxity.
With aging and weight gain, the skin stretches, sometimes forming striae, aka stretch marks. Although the skin is elastic, after significant stretching for prolonged periods of time, the skin loses some of its elasticity. Even after weight loss, many people are left with extra overhanging skin, and severe stretch marks can be disfiguring, impacting their self-confidence.
ExcesS FAT.
As we age, we notice diminishing metabolism as well as changes in our fat distribution. It may seem as though there are stubborn pockets of fat that just won't go away! I always encourage healthy diet and lifestyle changes prior to surgery. But body contouring surgery can help you achieve that hourglass figure you used to have or always wanted.
RECTUS Diastasis.
Have you mothers out there noticed that you seem to be bloated all the time, that you can't seem to hold your belly in the way you used to? With pregnancy, the abdominal tissue stretches so significantly in a localized area, which often causes the rectus muscles to splay apart. The strength layer between the muscles weakens and stretches out. So no matter how many crunches or ab workouts you try to do, it will not correct the laxity. In surgery, Dr. Lisa Hwang will identify and tighten these areas.
TUMMY TUCK Options
mini.
A mini tummy tuck addresses problems from the pubis up to the belly button. The incision is hidden within your bikini line and is oriented horizontally. As a smaller procedure, the resulting scar is shorter than that of a full tummy tuck.
full.
A full tummy tuck addresses problems from the pubis up to the chest to expose the full length of the abdominal muscles, allowing for plication. The belly button is detached and recreate. A taut belly button is absolutely critical for a beautiful, natural-appearing result--look out for that when choosing your surgeon!
Extended.
An extended tummy tuck extends farther laterally, extending around the hips towards the back. Candidates generally have more severe skin laxity or have more excess fat. Dr. Lisa Hwang always tells her patients that she must take the incision as far out as necessary to achieve a smooth contour of the hips.
SURGERY.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a major surgery that should be planned for months in advance, as it can significantly restrict your activity level. Surgery can take 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of the tummy tuck as well as liposuction, which is often performed as an adjunct for improved body contouring. Surgery is performed at a surgery center under general anesthesia. Patients are required to be accompanied by a responsible adult for 24 hours.
recovery.
After surgery, patients are dressed with soft foam pads and an abdominal binder, which provide support in the postoperative period. You will also have two drains, which you must monitory and empty daily. Depending on their output, they generally stay in for 1-2 weeks. Initially, you may have to remain slightly hunched, as your abdomen will feel very tight. By one week, you should be able to stand up straight, but the tightness will continue to improve over the first 3 months. You will experience swelling, bruising, and pain, which will be controlled by prescription pain medication.
activity.
The most important thing to do after surgery is to stay well-hydrated and to walk! Walking encourages blood flow in the legs to prevent blood clots from forming. Tummy tuck is a big surgery; even the most active patients must rest to aid in recovery. Please refrain from any heavy lifting over 10 pounds. Patients are generally recommended to take 2 weeks off work; patients with sedentary jobs may return to work earlier. At 3 weeks, you can begin to resume more active exercise, as tolerated. Continue to avoid core exercises for 6 weeks.
risks & complications.
Risks of tummy tuck include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, changes or loss in sensation, contour deformity, scarring, and asymmetry. Most importantly, patients should be aware of the risk for developing blood clots in the legs or the lungs, as this can cause serious morbidity if missed. Tightness/pain in calves or shortness of breath after surgery should be reported to Dr. Hwang.
RESULTS
Videos
* Warning: graphic images
Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck & BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)
Tummy Tuck & Liposuction
Mommy Makeover
Tummy Tuck / Liposuction
REVIEWS
"I'm just over a week post-op from a tummy tuck by Dr. Lisa Hwang. I can't believe how lucky I am to have had her as my plastic surgeon. I received a level of care from her that I've never received before from doctors. She called me daily to check in and ensure I was in perfect health for a safe surgery. She is kind, intentional, and most importantly an expert in her field. She was able to do extensive repair to my diastasis recti from a twin pregnancy. My recovery has been smooth and the results are better than I could've imagined. There is not one thing I would change about my experience, and it's all because of Dr. Lisa Hwang." — Patient Review on Yelp
"I just had a tummy tuck, 360 lipo and Bbl last Tuesday and I am feeling outstanding with the results. This has been an amazing life changing transformation. I can not walk close to my Mirror without seeing my body. I love it!!!! Thanks doctor Lisa you are now a person who I would never forget." — Patient Review on Yelp
"Lisa changed my life. I am so happy with my results. She's amazing and I already have a friend seeking her out as well. She made me very comfortable and answered all my questions right away day or night she responds. Truly cares about her patients. I couldn't be happier with my cup size. She gave me a tummy tuck that got rid of alot of skin, love handles and stretch marks. Gave me a new belly button and tighten my muscles back up. After 6 months postpartum I was wearing a bikini in Vegas. I feel and look amazing. She truly is amazing." — Patient Review on Yelp
"From day one, Dr. Lisa was professional, compassionate, and incredibly thorough. On the day of my tummy tuck, hernia repair, and lipo 360, I asked her last minute if she could also take some fat from my inner thighs. Not only did she say yes without hesitation, she also sculpted under my buttcheeks too. Dr. Lisa is not just a surgeon—she’s an artist and a perfectionist. My incisions are thin, clean, and beautifully placed. Even my post-op therapists at InHands Recovery have commented that it’s some of the best surgical work they’ve seen. At just 5 weeks post-op, I’m already seeing incredible results—my waist is snatched, my healing is smooth, and I feel like a new version of myself." — Patient Review on Yelp
FAQS
What kind of scar should I expect, and where will it be placed?
Many patients hope for transformative results of a tummy tuck with only incisions from liposuction, but it’s important to understand that excess, lax skin can only be corrected through surgical removal and repositioning of skin— scars are part of the process. The good news is that in our hands, scars are designed to be as discreet as possible. In most cases, they are placed low, below the natural crease of the lower abdomen, and shaped to sit within the borders of bikini bottoms, as shown in our before-and-after photos.
After pregnancy, most people develop loose skin in the lower abdomen, flanks, and hips. Significant weight loss can lead to skin laxity all the way around the waist to the lower back and buttocks, which may require a circumferential tummy tuck, or lower body lift. The purpose of these scars is to remove excess skin and reshape/tighten the body’s contour.
Typical scar patterns:
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Standard tummy tuck: A low, curvilinear incision just above the pubic area, sweeping upward toward the hip bones.
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Mild cases: In patients with minimal weight fluctuations or better skin elasticity, there may not be enough extra skin for the upper abdominal askin to reach all the way down to the pubic area. In these cases, after the belly button is detached to allow skin advancement, the remaining opening may be closed with a small vertical scar that intersects the lower abdominal scar.
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More severe cases (significant weight loss): The scar may extend around the hips and meet in the lower back just above the gluteal cleft. These incisions are designed with gentle curves to complement the body’s natural contours.
The belly button incision is hidden deep within the navel for a natural look.
Scar healing:
With healthy primary healing (no infection or wound breakdown), scars usually remain thin, curvilinear, symmetric, and flat. In the first 1–2 months, they may appear pink or slightly brown, depending on skin type. We provide silicone scar gel for use about 3 weeks after surgery, once the incisions have fully closed. Over the next 12–24 months, scars gradually soften and fade. Consistent scar care and diligent sun protection help achieve the best long-term results.
Will liposuction be included or recommended for my waist/flanks?
Dr. Lisa Hwang incorporates strategic liposuction 360 around the abdomen, waist, hips, flanks, bra roll, underarms, and back into nearly every tummy tuck. This step sculpts the silhouette from every angle, ensuring a harmonious, natural contour. Liposuction can also be performed on the arms and thighs. For patients who are already lean, only subtle refinement may be needed. For those with more fullness in these areas, a more comprehensive approach is taken to achieve balance and proportion of the whole body.
How long should I take off work for the recovery period?
Plan to take 2–3 weeks off. You will need 24/7 assistance for 1-2 weeks.
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Day 1-2: Expect the first two days to be quite difficult–you may even question your decision to undergo surgery. Focus on hydrating, and getting up (with assistance) to walk to the bathroom every 2-3 hours. At first, you’re encouraged to keep your hips flexed, and walking with your body hunched forward. Over the course of the first week, you will gradually begin to stand more upright.
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Day 3-4: You will start feeling better, and will feel ready to jump in the shower, and appreciate your results in the bathroom mirror! You will monitor your drain output–once they are <30cc/day each, they can be pulled. Typically, that occurs between 2-6 days.
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Week 1: Most patients can begin to stand upright, and walk around slowly but independently.
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Week 2: You should be walking upright, more easily and briskly.
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Swelling takes 6 weeks to 3 months to resolve, so you may continue to feel “tight.” The lower, center abdomen will likely have decreased sensation to touch, and be the last area in which swelling will resolve.
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Postoperative lymphatic massages are recommended starting within the first week after surgery–we recommend getting 1-2 massages/week for 4-6 weeks. Massages mobilize and reduce swelling while preventing uneven fibrosis.
Physically demanding jobs (lifting over 30–50 lbs, physical contact, athletics): You may need 3–6 weeks off, depending on your recovery and job duties. Scars strengthen significantly after 3 weeks, and develop maximum strength by 3 months. Since you may be deconditioned after surgery, I would advise returning to work with activity restrictions if you can’t take sufficient time off.
Pain Management and Activity Restrictions:
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Most patients take narcotic pain medication for up to 7 days.
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Do not drive while taking narcotic medications. Resume driving only when you're alert, off narcotics, and feel safe behind the wheel.
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Avoid lifting anything over 10 lbs for the first 3 weeks.
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From 3–6 weeks, you may resume light exercise and gentle weightlifting.
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Between 6 weeks and 3 months, you can gradually return to your normal fitness routine, or even build a stronger physique!
Always listen to your body and follow personalized guidance from your surgeon. Your recovery is a gradual process—and your safety comes first.
What credentials does Dr. Lisa Hwang hold?
Dr. Lisa Hwang, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and has completed extensive training, including full residencies in both general surgery and plastic surgery, followed by an aesthetic surgery fellowship endorsed by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Dr. Hwang is an active member of several esteemed professional societies, including ASAPS, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the California Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS, and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Her practice reflects a commitment to surgical precision, artistic vision, and compassionate, personalized care.
How much does a Tummy Tuck cost?
Costs can vary based on your individual goals. Reach out to us with the details of what you’re considering, and we’ll provide a ballpark estimate.