Carmel Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons

Experience the Transformative Effect of an Abdominoplasty

Jun 22, 2026 @ 10:43 AM — by Carmel Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons
Tagged with: Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty

Understanding the abdominoplasty procedure, what it can accomplish for you, and how to choose a surgeon are essential first steps in your transformative experience.

What is a tummy tuck?

An abdominoplasty, also commonly known as a tummy tuck , is a surgical procedure designed to restore a flatter, firmer, and more youthful abdominal contour. The procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles, helping to create a smoother, more toned appearance.a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the muscles. Different types of tummy tucks are available, including mini, full, and extended. The right procedure for you will depend on your needs and aesthetic goals.

 

Who makes an ideal candidate for the procedure?

An abominoplasty can deliver life-changing results for individuals who struggle with excess abdominal skin, muscle separation, and stubborn fat deposits that do not improve with diet and exercise alone. Many patients seek the procedure after significant weight loss or pregnancy, when stretched skin and weakened abdominal muscles can affect both appearance and confidence.

Ideal candidates are in good overall health and have reached or are close to their goal weight. By addressing concerns that exercise cannot correct, abdominoplasty can help patients achieve a more balanced silhouette and renewed confidence in their appearance.

How can you find the right surgeon for your tummy tuck surgery?

It's important to do your research when choosing a surgeon. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tummy tuck surgery. Check their credentials, ask for referrals, read reviews from other patients, and review before and after photos of their work. Meet our board certified plastic surgeons, Dr Elizabeth Grasee and Dr Debra Bergman.

Once you've narrowed your choices, schedule a consultation with your chosen surgeon to discuss your goals and concerns. Good communication between patient and surgeon is key to getting your desired results.

The Abdominoplasty Surgery and What It Entails

What is involved in an abdominoplasty procedure?

A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between two to four hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. The surgeon makes an incision that enables the removal of excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. A new opening is fashioned in the redraped skin for the belly button.

What kind of results can you expect after the procedure?

It's important to have realistic expectations. While a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat and tighten the abdominal muscles, it's not a weight loss procedure nor a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

The full results of a tummy tuck may take several months to fully appear as the swelling subsides and the incisions heal. To maintain your results, avoiding significant weight fluctuations is essential.

Tummy tuck surgery can be a transformative experience for patients, providing a smoother, more toned abdominal area that significantly enhances self-image and confidence.

Check out our photo gallery to see the transformative effects of abdominoplasty.

Contact us to schedule a consultation. Carmel Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons provides a supportive environment in which you can feel at ease to discuss your goals.  Our physicians, Dr. Elizabeth Grasee and Dr. Debra Bergman will educate you on your procedure, evaluate your case, and help you decide the best course of action to achieve your desired outcome. We are committed to guiding you towards a solution that aligns with your personal preferences.