A tummy tuck in Orange County with plastic surgeon, Dr. Farbod Esmailian, can beautifully reshape the stomach, delivering a flatter, tighter look that will jumpstart your self-confidence and expand your wardrobe options. As a double board-certified authority in body sculpting, Dr. Esmailian provides superior results tailored to your needs.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Within the abdomen lies a resilient structure known as the abdominal fascia, consisting of connective tissue and muscle. This abdominal fascia serves the crucial role of supporting and securing the abdominal organs, while also contributing to the overall tone and aesthetic of the stomach. Although the abdominal fascia possesses considerable strength, it can undergo stretching during pregnancy and fluctuations in body weight. While it can bounce back and regain its original shape in certain instances, in other cases, it may sustain permanent distortions, resulting in a bloated appearance.

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What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

  • Firms, tones, and rejuvenates the lower body
  • Removes excess skin and fat
  • Tightens the underlying stomach muscles
  • Increases stamina and mobility
  • Restores a positive self-image
  • Enhances self-confidence
  • Enriches wardrobe choices
  • Long-lasting results
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Before & After Tummy Tuck

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Who Is a Good Candidate For Abdominoplasty?

Individuals who are typically candidates for tummy tuck are those who have lost a substantial amount of weight, as well as nearly every woman who has been pregnant, and those who have some degree of abdominal muscle laxity. Aging can also lead to unwanted changes in the abdomen. If you have a combination of excess or loose skin on your abdomen, stubborn abdominal fat, and separated six-pack muscles, you are an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure in Orange County. Abdominoplasty is designed to address any or all three of these conditions.

You may benefit from a tummy tuck if:1

  • You are at a stable weight
  • You are mentally and physically healthy
  • You are free from any major medical conditions
  • You are a non-smoker, or you are willing to quit before and after surgery
  • You are unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen
  • You have found no success contouring the body through diet and exercise
  • You have realistic expectations as to what a tummy tuck can accomplish
  • You are willing to follow Dr. Esmailian’s instructions
  • You are undergoing a tummy tuck to please yourself and not others

Patient Testimonials

My surgical date was December 26, 2019. I am more than happy with the results of my tummy tuck and breast augmentation. I have received nothing but compliments from various family members and friends for the work Dr. Esmailian preformed on me. Also, I am very satisfied with the services Dr. Esmailian and his wonderful staff have provided to me. They are all so welcoming, thoughtful and caring; the office is very clean, and well-organized.

P.R.

He gave me the best tummy tuck. My procedure included lipo, hernia repair and abdominal reconstruction. I highly recommend Dr. E. I was never uncomfortable. His staff was very professional. My surgeries were done beautiful. Thank you for all your help.

J.S.

What Can I Expect From My Consultation?

During your consultation, Dr. Esmailian will evaluate your candidacy for a tummy tuck and perform the necessary diagnostic tests.

This is the time for total honesty between doctor and patient. The more thorough, detailed, and transparent your consultation, the higher your chance of a successful, satisfying outcome.

Dr. Esmailian will discuss the following topics with you in-depth:

You may benefit from a tummy tuck if:

  • Your aesthetic goals and expectations
  • Your overall mental and physical health
  • Your medical and surgical background
  • Your current medications and supplements
  • Your allergies
  • The risks and benefits of abdominoplasty
  • What you can expect from recovery

How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

Abdominoplasty procedures are performed by Dr. Esmailian under general anesthesia in one of our fully accredited offsite surgical facilities. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Esmailian’s primary goal is to remove excess skin and give the stomach a flat, toned appearance. Additionally, he’ll work to tighten the abdominal fascia so that every layer of tissue is draped aesthetically over the contours of the stomach.

The full tummy tuck incision is created several inches above the pubis area,2 ensuring it is easily hidden following the procedure. Once the excess skin is removed, Dr. Esmailian will address the abdominal fascia by tightening it with permanent sutures. The remaining skin is then repositioned over the newly tightened structure. Abdominoplasty surgery generally takes about two to three hours to complete.

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Midriff of a woman with underwear on

The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure

While the standard or full tummy tuck is designed to treat both the upper and lower parts of the abdomen, the mini tummy tuck only addresses the lower abdomen (from the navel downward).3 The name 'mini' refers to the fact that only a small area above the pubic region is treated with this approach. Contrary to what some may believe, the incisions involved in this procedure are no smaller than the ones used in a standard tummy tuck.

Women who are already at or near their target weight are considered to be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. These women are already happy with their overall look but are struggling with certain issues following a pregnancy (muscle separation and excess tissue). C-section scars can also have an impact on this area, as they tend to bulge out.

A mini tummy tuck is a great option, as the incisions are made in the waistline, keeping any scars hidden from view beneath underwear or a two-piece bathing suit. Beyond that, there are only 5 to 7 days of downtime following the treatment.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After your tummy tuck procedure is complete, Dr. Esmailian will stitch and bandage the incision site. He may choose to give you a specially designed garment or bandage to minimize swelling and support the abdomen as it heals.

Because abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure, you will receive information about how to care for your incision site. Additionally, you will be advised as to which positions offer you the greatest comfort while you recover from your tummy tuck procedure in Orange County.

During the healing process, you will need to limit all strenuous activities for at least four weeks and avoid bending at the waist.4 You may need to take a leave from work for up to a month to ensure the best tummy tuck results possible. Dr. Esmailian will inform you about your limitations and recovery time based on your particular circumstances.

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Tummy Tuck Results

Initially, your tummy tuck results may be difficult to see. Once the swelling dissipates and internal healing is complete, you will enjoy a firmer, flatter abdominal contour. Your stomach will be more proportionate with your weight and body type. Although you will see your new, slimmer profile within a week or two, your true results may take several weeks or months to become apparent.

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Dr. Esmailian
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Why Choose Dr. Esmailian in Orange County?

Dr. Esmailian’s care extends beyond the surgical techniques he delivers, and he wants to ensure that every aspect of your treatment is proper. He will not simply perform a procedure because a patient has come in requesting it. He will use his artistry and technical expertise to fully assess the situation, concluding only once the patient is completely satisfied with the options presented. It is this level of care that helps Dr. Esmailian deliver among the best tummy tuck results Orange County has available.

Schedule A Consultation For Tummy Tuck

Dr. Esmailian obtained his medical degree at the George Washington University School of Medicine, subsequently completing a General Surgery Residency Program at the elite University of Southern California. During his training, he was honored as an Outstanding Resident of the Year, Outstanding Resident Teacher of the Year, and Administrative Chief Resident. Dr. Esmailian continued to pursue his medical education at the Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis with a prestigious Plastic Surgery Residency, solidifying his grasp of complex aesthetic procedures. To schedule a personalized consultation to explore how a tummy tuck can enhance your physique and confidence, contact our office today. Let us assist you in taking the next step towards your ideal body.

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FAQs About Tummy Tuck

What can I do to get rid of swelling after tummy tuck surgery?

Can I wear a bikini after a tummy tuck?

Can you have a baby after a tummy tuck?

How much weight can I lose from tummy tuck surgery?

Can I tighten my loose abdominal skin without surgery?

How long should I wait to resume my workouts?

How soon after surgery can I start scar treatment?

Will a tummy tuck cause stretch marks?

What is the most comfortable and safe sleeping position after a tummy tuck?

Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?

What is the average time for drains to stay in after a tummy tuck?

How long after a tummy tuck does pain and soreness usually last?

How will weight gain after a tummy tuck affect my results?

What can I do to get rid of swelling after tummy tuck surgery?

Swelling is a normal part of any surgery. Not only does the area that has been operated on undergo swelling, but the entire body does. It is common to have the hands and feet swollen after the procedure. The compression garment provided to you will aid in reducing the swelling in the abdominal area. The rest of the body will slowly return to normal. We generally ask patients to wear some sort of compression for the first 6 weeks.

Can I wear a bikini after a tummy tuck?

Absolutely. The key things for a tummy tuck to be hidden are the height of the incision and the opening for the belly button creation. If these two aspects of the procedure are performed meticulously, it will be very difficult to discern if the patient has had any surgery performed when wearing a bikini.

Can tummy tuck surgery tone my stomach after pregnancy?

Following pregnancy, many women are left with excess, loose skin that is unsightly and bothersome. Compounding this, many women find it nearly impossible to reshape their bodies on their own through dieting and exercise. Abdominoplasty in Orange County with Dr. Esmailian can help create the flat, well-toned abdomen that has up to this point remained elusive.

Can you have a baby after a tummy tuck?

Although not ideal cosmetically, we have had patients get pregnant after a tummy tuck procedure and successfully carry their babies to term. Having a tummy tuck does not affect the pregnancy.

How much weight can I lose from tummy tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck procedure is not a weight-loss procedure. The skin and fat do not weigh much. In general, Dr. Esmailian has removed anywhere from less than a pound and up to 20 lbs in certain cases.

Can I tighten my loose abdominal skin without surgery?

There is no other way to tighten loose abdominal skin without surgery. Skin that has been stretched from pregnancy or weight gain and then weight loss will have lost its capacity to snap back. The only way to achieve a flat abdomen is to remove the extra skin and stretch the rest of the skin down. Liposuction, whether it is laser (smart lipo), Vaser (ultrasonic lipo), or power-assisted (PAL), will not tighten sagging skin in the abdominal region significantly enough to give an appreciable and consistent result. Some of the newer modalities, such as BodyTite that rely on radiofrequency, have shown a bit more contraction of the skin over Vaser lipo and other similar techniques. But again, the results of these types of non-surgical treatments are not very significant when compared to a tummy tuck.

How long should I wait to resume my workouts?

Dr. Esmailian suggests a downtime of 6 weeks before patients can resume full activity. This means the patient can go back to the gym and restart their workouts. You should start slow and listen to your body. Everyone has a different rate of healing. You will not harm any part of the procedure after resuming full activity at 6 weeks, but your body may not quite be ready.

How soon after surgery can I start scar treatment?

Our patients have a special tape placed on their incisions at the time of surgery. This tape will provide compression, staying on for about 2 weeks. Once the tape is removed, we ask our patients to start our scar treatment regime. This usually begins with a silicone gel cream that we have our patients use for 3 months, applying it twice per day in the morning and evening. After this period, we provide our patients with an order form to purchase and start applying silicone gel strips to their incisions. To have the best outcome from the surgical scars, we ask our patients to use the tape for up to one-year post-op. Remember, scar outcome depends on three factors: The surgeon, the patient, and how well a scar treatment program is undertaken.

Will a tummy tuck cause stretch marks?

Tummy tuck surgery will not cause stretch marks. Any stretch marks that are seen at or below the belly button before surgery will be removed. Any stretch marks above the belly button generally will remain but will be moved down with the pulling and repositioning of the skin.

What is the most comfortable and safe sleeping position after a tummy tuck?

We ask our patients to sleep with their backs elevated as well as their thighs. We want to be in a beach chair position. This takes the tension off the incision and skin and allows better perfusion to the area.

Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?

No. Insurance may cover what is termed as a panniculectomy. This is the simple removal of the lower part of the pannus (hanging skin) and closure. It does not involve any cutting around the umbilicus; hence it does not address the muscles or any skin above the belly button. It is for severe cases of excess skin and fat.

What is the average time for drains to stay in after a tummy tuck?

5-14 days.

How long after a tummy tuck does pain and soreness usually last?

Everyone is different, but the first 48 hours are the most difficult time of recovery. After the first two days, most of our patients don’t require any more pain medication in the form of narcotics. Most will resort to Tylenol after that.

Can a tummy tuck help contour the body after weight loss?

Weight loss can be a proud accomplishment. Unfortunately, depending upon the amount of weight lost, it can also create skin that is now loose since it has less mass to cover. In this case, no amount of exercise or fitness can correct it since the skin itself has lost elasticity. This condition can present a significant burden, both physically and cosmetically. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and re-contour the body, restoring a toned, youthful appearance. For those who have lost significant amounts of weight, a body lift in addition to abdominoplasty may be an ideal option to address these issues comprehensively. Dr. Esmailian’s patients regard him as providing among the best body contouring results Orange County has available.

How will weight gain after a tummy tuck affect my results?

If a patient gains weight after any kind of procedure, including a tummy tuck, the body follows the same patterns as it did beforehand. Weight gain can affect the results, which is why maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. Dr. Esmailian only operates at a time when the patient is stable at their current weight.

Can I combine any other procedures with a tummy tuck?

Yes, you can combine other cosmetic surgery procedures with a tummy tuck. A popular combination is the Mommy Makeover, which typically includes a tummy tuck along with breast augmentation and breast lift if required, along with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction. Combining surgeries can offer the advantage of a single recovery period and more cohesive results, but it also means a longer operation and potentially higher risks. It's crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Esmailian to discuss your goals so he can customize a surgical plan designed to meet your needs.

1 ASPS. Tummy Tuck Candidates. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/candidates. Accessed February 1, 2024.
2 ASPS. Tummy Tuck Procedure. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/procedure#. Accessed February 1, 2024.
3 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. The mini-abdominoplasty. Available: https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/abstract/1987/03000/the_mini_abdominoplasty.6.aspx. Accessed February 1, 2024.
4 Mayo Clinic. Tummy Tuck. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892. Accessed February 1, 2024.
5 ASPS. Tackling common tummy tuck myths. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/tackling-common-tummy-tuck-myths. Accessed February 1, 2024.

Page updated: May 18, 2024

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