Dr. Laverson listens and will understand what you want. He will answer your tummy tuck related questions, discuss your expectations, and present you with choices for achieving your desired appearance. In some cases, Dr. Laverson may recommend a brief procedure two weeks before your scheduled tummy tuck surgery as an additional safety measure.
On the day of your tummy tuck surgery, you’ll be served by nursing staff and an expert anesthesiologist. You will know in advance everything that will happen.
- Type 1 and type 2 tummy tucks are short low scars with less skin removal.
- Type 3 and 4 tummy tuck have slightly longer scars, but they’re still low and in the bikini line.
- Type 5 tummy tuck is usually after massive weight loss. These women and men require large amounts of skin removal and longer scars are required.
Dr. Laverson goes beyond the traditional types of tummy tuck, such as mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. Those procedures often result in flat abdominal appearance, but with less natural contours and longer higher scars than are necessary
Dr. Laverson removes excess skin and fat as determined by your surgical plan and tightens your abdominal connective tissue to correct bulging and flatten your abdomen. He will also artistically shape your abdominal skin surface and belly button, and make every effort to locate scars where they’ll be hidden behind your preferred swimwear and intimate wear.
Tummy Tuck Recovery and Results
After tummy tuck, you’ll be supplied with a snug abdominal binder and all necessary medications for pain, muscle relaxation, and sleep, if necessary. Dr. Laverson will provide post-operative care instructions to follow at home. You can expect to be inactive for a week or two, with limited mobility and difficulty bending, lifting, or standing for long periods of time. The length of your recovery period will depend in part on the extent of your tummy tuck surgery, but you may need to take a week or two before you resume driving, two to four weeks off work, and six weeks or more before resuming your fitness routine. Core exercises and competitive sports should be avoided for a minimum of two months to facilitate stress free healing.
For the best body shape and the least scar visibility, follow our recommended post-operative routine, including application of a waist trainer or faja body shaper daily, and silicone tape to help your scar disappear. Want to see actual results? Check out our Tummy Tuck Before and After page.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: What’s Right for You?
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles, while liposuction focuses on fat removal without addressing loose skin. If you have sagging skin after weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck may be the better option. However, for patients with good skin elasticity looking to sculpt stubborn fat, liposuction can provide great results. In some cases, combining both procedures offers the best outcome for a smoother, more contoured midsection.

Am I A Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is not a method of weight loss. Some fat is removed during the procedure, but tummy tuck produces the best outcome for women who are at or near their ideal weight and need help tightening loose, sagging skin and a bulging abdominal wall after pregnancy. Excess skin and fat are reduced by the tummy tuck procedure.
The ideal tummy tuck candidate:
- Is in overall good health
- Is at a stable weight
- Has had a baby or lost a significant amount of weight
- Has loose, sagging skin around the abdomen
- Is not planning to become pregnant
- Has realistic expectations
Pregnancy after tummy tuck does not present any health risks, but there’s also no way to ensure that your tummy tuck results will last through a pregnancy. So if you’re planning to become pregnant again, it’s best to postpone your tummy tuck surgery until after you’re finished having children.
How Much Is A Tummy Tuck?
In general, the more extensive the amount of skin and fat to be removed during the procedure, the more a tummy tuck will cost. But it’s impossible to give an estimate on your tummy tuck cost without a physical examination and a discussion about your desired outcome. The tummy tuck cost varies widely from person to person, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Type of tummy tuck performed
- Type of anesthesia or sedation used
- Medical tests required
- Hospital fees
- Post-surgical garments
- Surgeon’s fees
- Prescriptions for medications
When you come in for a consultation with Dr. Laverson, he’ll be able to give you a clearer idea of how much you can expect to pay for your tummy tuck.
Feel Beautiful “Mommy Tummy” San Diego
Our plastic surgery mission is for everyone to Feel Beautiful and confident in their body. For a slimmer profile and a sexy, flat belly, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery might be right for you. Most of our patients after surgery have a fit, trim, attractive abdomen that supports body confidence in or out of clothing. For more information about Tummy Tuck or other body contouring procedures, call Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery at (858) 295-4001 to schedule virtual or office consultation today.
The Rancho Santa Fe San Diego office of Dr. Steve Laverson serves Moms in metropolitan San Diego, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Del Sur, La Jolla, LaJolla, Orange County, Los Angeles, and women travelling for surgery. If you’re considering Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck surgery in the San Diego, CA area, our cosmetic and plastic surgery clinic in Rancho Santa Fe, CA maintains high standards for surgical performance and compassionate care.