If patients in San Diego are unhappy with the appearance of their belly, Dr. Kaweski at the Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery can help with a tummy tuck. Also known as an abdominoplasty, this procedure removes excess tissue from the midsection to produce a belly that’s flat and defined.


What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Both men and women in the San Diego area can benefit from a tummy tuck. It’s a revolutionary procedure that can transform your midsection to help them feel more confident in the way you look. The main benefits you will experience after an abdominoplasty include:

Elimination of excess skin, fat, and tissue from the belly.

Results that diet and exercise failed to achieve.

A leaner, flatter body contour, especially in patients who have recently lost a lot of weight.

Muscle tightening, which can be extremely helpful in women who have just given birth.

Reduction of urinary incontinence, which can sometimes happen in women who have given vaginal birth.

Better posture and decreased back pain, thanks to improved muscle tone.

Naturally, not all patients will experience these benefits, as everyone is different. Dr. Kaweski can talk more about what you can expect at your initial consultation.


Tummy Tuck Before/After Photos

Seeing is believing and Dr. Kaweski is proud to showcase her tummy tuck results in her gallery. Please click below to see the amazing tummy tuck work Dr. Kaweski can provide.
Patient 1 Tummy Tuck Before and After

View Before & After Photos


Who Is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Many people are candidates for a tummy tuck. Generally, it’s a procedure that meets the needs of people who:

Have just lost a lot of weight and have a lot of extra skin that won’t go away with diet and exercise.

Have given birth and are suffering from skin laxity or weak abdominal muscles.

Have just lost a lot of weight and have a lot of extra skin that won’t go away with diet and exercise.

With that said, not everyone is a candidate for a tummy tuck. The procedure is not intended for those looking to lose weight, as only small amounts of fat are removed to help contour the waistline. If you are not at or close to your ideal weight goal, Dr. Kaweski will most likely recommend another procedure instead, such as liposuction. To know for sure if you are a candidate for a tummy tuck, please call our San Diego office and schedule an initial consultation.


Our Tummy Tuck Process

The first step to attaining beautiful, natural-looking results from your tummy tuck surgery is
having an in-depth consultation with Dr. Kaweski. At your consultation, she will ask you
comprehensive questions and assess your body to better understand your goals and determine
how she can help you achieve them with a tummy tuck.

Your consultation is also the perfect opportunity to ask questions and alleviate your concerns
regarding surgery. Dr. Kaweski is here to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in her
surgical skills before moving forward with treatment.

After your consultation, it is time to set a date and prepare for your tummy tuck surgery. Dr.
Kaweski will provide a list of pre-operative preparation steps you should implement in the days
and weeks leading up to your surgery.

On the date of your tummy tuck with Dr. Kaweski, surgery will take place at her state-of-the-art
outpatient surgical center, which is conveniently located next to the main Aesthetic Arts
Institute of Plastic Surgery office in La Mesa.

After surgery, you will be treated with the utmost care by our highly trained and knowledgeable
post-op team. To ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible, we will provide post-op
recommendations and an easy-to-follow recovery plan.


The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Before your tummy tuck procedure, you will be put under general anesthesia. During surgery,
Dr. Kaweski will first make an incision from hip to hip between your pubic hairline and belly. On
women, this incision is made along your bikini line. The length and shape of the incision depend
on the extent of the treatment area and the amount of excess skin being removed. Additionally,
she may make another incision around your belly button if you are having excess skin removed
from the upper abdomen.

Next, Dr. Kaweski will carefully remove unwanted skin, fat, and tissue from the stomach area
and tighten and repair your abdominal muscles with sutures. Then, she will pull down the upper
abdominal skin, trim the excess tissue, and reposition the skin on your stomach for a slimmer,
more toned and contoured abdomen. Once the skin is placed in an optimal aesthetic position,
Dr. Kaweski will close the incisions.


What Is the Recovery Like From a Tummy Tuck?

Recovering from a tummy tuck requires patients to take it easy for several weeks. You’ll need someone to drive you home from the surgery center and help with your initial care. Additionally, it’s important to keep the upper body elevated with the knees flexed to lessen the pressure on the abdomen.

You will experience pain, swelling, and bruising, but over-the-counter medications can help alleviate this. While you can drive in a few weeks, you won’t be able to exercise for four to six weeks.


Excellence in Tummy Tucks in the San Diego Area

There is a reason San Diego and La Mesa women choose Dr. Kaweski for their tummy tucks and other plastic surgery needs. With more than 30 years of local and international plastic surgery experience, you can trust Dr. Kaweski to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results that will ensure you love your body! Schedule your consultation today at (619) 464-9876.


How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The price of a tummy tuck varies by patient. To get an estimate of what a tummy tuck would cost from Dr. Kaweski, please click here. The prices given are estimates only and exact pricing will be determined when you come in for an initial consultation. We are also happy to offer financing options to our patients.


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Address all of your concerns during your tummy tuck!

GET A MOMMY MAKEOVER!

Improve your overall appearance with just one surgery!

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Tummy Tuck and Pregnancy

Should I Wait Until After Pregnancy to Have a Tummy Tuck?

Yes, in most cases, it’s best for women to wait until after pregnancy to have a tummy tuck. Having a baby causes the body to change drastically, which may undo all the benefits gained from the tummy tuck.

Can a Tummy Tuck Repair My Diastasis Recti or C-Section Belly?

A tummy tuck is an excellent tool for repairing both diastasis recti and C-section flabbiness. During the tummy tuck, Dr. Kaweski can tighten the abdominal muscles to eliminate diastasis recti, as well as tighten droopy skin that’s a result of a C-section.


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A slimmer, more toned abdomen is something most men and women want, but not all are able to naturally achieve it. If you have been struggling to lose the extra inches around your midsection, talk to Dr. Kaweski about a tummy tuck. She can help you reach your goals and achieve the body shape you want.

Call us today to schedule your initial consultation!

Call Us Today: (619) 464-9876


Tummy Tuck FAQs

What’s the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A regular tummy tuck has a full incision that runs from hip to hip and corrects the lower and upper belly. A mini tummy tuck is a smaller version of the procedure that involves a smaller incision and only tackles the lower belly.

Will I Have a Drain After a Tummy Tuck?

Yes, most patients will have drains in place for about 7 to 10 days after the surgery. These help to remove fluid and keep things healing properly.

How Do I Know If I Need a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

Generally, a tummy tuck is used to help patients who have excess skin in their bellies. While some fat may be removed, the procedure is mostly used to tighten up the skin. Liposuction, on the other hand, can remove stubborn pockets of fat that refuse to disappear even with exercise.

Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures?

Yes! It’s common for patients in San Diego to combine a tummy tuck with a breast lift or augmentation (also known as a mommy makeover) to improve the appearance of the chest or liposuction in other parts of the body to get rid of a few extra pounds (liposuction can’t be done where the tummy tuck is being done, however). Having multiple procedures done at once reduces the recovery time compared to having each procedure individually.

How Long After a Tummy Tuck Until I Can Have Sex?

You’ll want to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after your tummy tuck to have sex. This gives your belly enough time to heal so you don’t tear open any incisions.