Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Newport Beach
Full, Mini & Extended Tummy Tuck Procedures for Refined Contouring
Abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and, when needed, repairs separated abdominal muscles for a flatter, firmer midsection. At Beyond Restore in Newport Beach, we offer three main versions, a full, mini or extended tummy tuck, and recommend one based on your anatomy and goals.
Performed by Dr. Andrew Jarminski, a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon, or Dr. Paris Sabo, a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon.
A tummy tuck is often considered after pregnancy, weight loss or changes that come with age. It starts with a free consultation.
What Is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
Abdominoplasty reshapes the midsection by removing loose, stretched skin and some fat from the abdomen. Unlike non-surgical contouring, it can also repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) by stitching them together, a step called muscle plication. Depending on the version, the belly button may be repositioned so it sits naturally on the new contour, and liposculpture, done with our 3-in-1 technique (VASER, HD Liposculpture and Renuvion J-Plasma), may be added to refine the waist and flanks.
A tummy tuck is a contouring procedure, not a weight-loss procedure. It tends to work well once you are at or near a weight you can maintain.
At Beyond Restore, your plan considers not only appearance but also comfort and how your core feels day to day.
Who Is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck if you:
- Have stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) after pregnancy
- Have excess or sagging abdominal skin after weight loss, pregnancy or aging
- Want a firmer abdominal wall for both comfort and appearance
- Are at a stable weight you can maintain and are in good overall health
- Don’t smoke or use nicotine, or are willing to stop for the period your surgeon specifies
- Are finished having children, or understand that a future pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again
- Have realistic expectations about scarring and recovery
During your free consultation, your surgeon reviews your medical history, anatomy and lifestyle and recommends the approach that fits you: a full, mini or extended tummy tuck, or a different option.
How Abdominoplasty Works (Surgical Technique)
A tummy tuck usually begins with an incision low on the abdomen, placed so the scar can sit within the bikini line. Its length depends on the version: shorter for a mini, hip to hip for a full, and longer, toward the flanks, for an extended tummy tuck.
Through this incision, your surgeon tightens separated abdominal muscles when needed (rectus plication) and removes excess skin and fat. In a full or extended tummy tuck, the belly button is usually repositioned through a small incision so it sits naturally on the new contour.
Beyond Restore’s tummy tucks don’t use drains. The anesthesia options and where each is performed are explained under What to Expect below.
Types of Tummy Tucks: Full, Mini and Extended
Not every abdomen needs the same operation. The right version depends on where your loose skin is, whether your abdominal muscles have separated, and your goals. Here is how the three main types compare in general terms.
Full Tummy Tuck (Full Abdominoplasty)
The most complete standard option. It treats the abdomen above and below the belly button: excess skin and fat are removed, separated muscles are tightened as needed, and the belly button is repositioned. The incision runs low, roughly hip to hip within the bikini line, with a small incision around the belly button. It is generally for loose skin and muscle separation above and below the navel, often after pregnancy.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Focuses on the lower abdomen, below the belly button, through a shorter low incision. Muscle tightening, if needed, is limited to the lower abdomen, and the belly button is usually not repositioned. It is generally for a smaller amount of loose skin low on the abdomen, with good skin and muscle tone above the navel.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Carries the correction of a full tummy tuck further, toward the flanks and hips, through a longer incision, so loose skin on the sides can be removed too. Muscle tightening and belly button repositioning are included as needed. It is generally for loose skin that wraps around the sides, often after significant weight loss.
Loose skin mainly above the belly button is treated with a different approach, through an incision in the breast crease. Learn more on our Reverse Tummy Tuck page.
At Beyond Restore, each technique is planned around your anatomy and goals.
Full vs. Mini vs. Extended Tummy Tuck at a Glance
| Mini | Full | Extended | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area treated | Lower abdomen, below the belly button | Whole front of the abdomen, above and below the belly button | Whole front of the abdomen plus the flanks and hips |
| Incision | Shorter, low on the abdomen | Low, roughly hip to hip, plus around the belly button | Longest, extending toward the flanks, plus around the belly button |
| Muscle tightening | Lower abdomen only, if needed | Above and below the belly button, as needed | Above and below the belly button, as needed |
| Belly button | Usually not repositioned | Repositioned | Repositioned |
| Generally for | A small amount of loose skin low on the abdomen | Loose skin and muscle separation above and below the navel, often after pregnancy | Loose skin that wraps around the sides, often after significant weight loss |
| Recovery | Often the shortest of the three | In between | Often the longest of the three |
This is a general guide. Your surgeon will recommend a version after an in-person exam.
Benefits of Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck can change both how your abdomen looks and how your core feels. Benefits vary from person to person.
Flatter, Firmer Abdomen
Removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall can create a smoother, more proportionate midsection.
Repair of Muscle Separation (Diastasis Recti)
Stitching separated rectus muscles together can firm the abdominal wall and improve abdominal tone and core support.
Core Support and Comfort
Some patients find that a firmer abdominal wall makes posture and everyday movement feel more comfortable.
Better Clothing Fit
Many patients find fitted clothing and swimwear sit more smoothly, with fewer bulges or folds.
Low Scar Placement
The incision is placed low on the abdomen so the scar can usually sit beneath underwear or swimwear. A tummy tuck does leave a scar, which softens and fades gradually over many months. Once your incision has healed, optional scar-care support such as silicone therapy and PRP is available.
Long-Lasting Results
With a stable weight and healthy habits, results can last for many years. Aging, weight changes and pregnancy can still change your shape.
What to Expect: Before, During & After
Before Surgery
Your journey starts with a free consultation at our Newport Beach clinic, 1501 Westcliff Dr #303. Your surgeon reviews your anatomy, medical history and goals and recommends a full, mini or extended tummy tuck, or a different option. Pre-operative steps include lab testing, incision planning and detailed instructions, which may include pausing certain medications and supplements and stopping smoking and nicotine. You’ll arrange for someone to drive you home and help you for the first few days.During Surgery
At Beyond Restore, a tummy tuck is offered two ways: awake under local anesthesia in our onsite surgical suite, or under general anesthesia at an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC). You and your surgeon choose the approach at your consultation, based on your plan. The procedure typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the technique and whether other procedures are combined. Techniques may include muscle plication and belly button repositioning. No drains are used.After Surgery
- You’ll wear a compression garment (faja) for about 8 weeks, as directed, to help control swelling and support healing.
- Soreness, tightness and swelling are expected. It’s normal to walk slightly bent at the waist at first to protect the incision.
- We recommend lymphatic massage after surgery. It may help with swelling and comfort while you heal.
- Light walking is encouraged early on to support circulation. Most patients return to light activity within about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Exercise can usually resume around 4 weeks, once your surgeon clears you.
- Follow-up visits let your surgeon check your healing.
Results Timeline
- Week 1: Compression garment (faja) in place, limited movement.
- Weeks 2 to 3: Swelling decreases, light walking is encouraged, and most patients return to light activity.
- Around 4 weeks: Exercise can usually resume, once your surgeon clears you.
- 3 to 6 months: Your final abdominal contour may become visible as residual swelling resolves. Scars continue to soften and fade over the following months.
You’ll wear your faja for about 8 weeks. Recovery may be shorter after a mini tummy tuck and longer after an extended one. Individual results vary. Our gallery’s Body tab includes a Mommy Makeover case that included a tummy tuck.
Risks and Safety Considerations
A tummy tuck is surgery, and every surgery carries risk. Your surgeon will review your personal risk factors and how we work to reduce them.
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia, and blood clots.
- Tummy tuck-specific risks: fluid buildup (seroma), wound-healing problems, visible scarring, asymmetry, and temporary or lasting numbness of the abdominal skin.
Not smoking, following your aftercare plan and keeping your follow-up visits can help lower some risks. Results vary, and no surgeon can guarantee a specific outcome.
Tummy Tuck vs Alternatives
- Tummy Tuck vs HD Liposculpture: Liposculpture removes fat but doesn’t remove significant loose skin or repair separated muscles. A tummy tuck can do both, and the two are sometimes combined; when they are, the liposculpture uses our 3-in-1 technique (VASER, HD Liposculpture and Renuvion J-Plasma).
- Abdominoplasty vs Panniculectomy: A panniculectomy removes an overhanging apron of skin, often after major weight loss, mainly for functional reasons. A tummy tuck is a contouring procedure that can also include muscle repair and belly button repositioning.
- Mini vs Full Tummy Tuck: A mini tummy tuck treats the lower abdomen only, while a full tummy tuck addresses loose skin and muscle laxity above and below the belly button. See the comparison table above.
Want the full picture? Read our Tummy Tuck in Newport Beach: Candidacy, Recovery & Cost Guide.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Questions Answered
How long is the recovery from a tummy tuck?
Recovery depends on the version and on you. Most patients return to light activity within about 2 to 3 weeks, and exercise can usually resume around 4 weeks, once your surgeon clears you. You’ll wear a compression garment (faja) for about 8 weeks, and we recommend lymphatic massage after surgery. Swelling keeps settling for months, and the final contour may be visible at about 3 to 6 months.
Will I have drains?
No. Beyond Restore’s tummy tucks don’t use drains. Your care team will give you instructions for caring for your incision and managing swelling, including wearing your compression garment as directed.
Where will my tummy tuck scars be?
The main incision is placed low on the abdomen, so the scar can usually sit within the bikini line. Its length depends on the version: shortest for a mini, roughly hip to hip for a full, and extending toward the flanks for an extended tummy tuck. A full or extended tummy tuck usually also leaves a small scar around the belly button. Scars soften and fade over many months but don’t disappear completely. Once your incision has healed, optional scar-care support such as silicone therapy and PRP is available.
Can a tummy tuck repair diastasis recti?
Often, yes. During a tummy tuck, your surgeon can stitch the separated rectus muscles together (plication), which firms the abdominal wall and can improve your contour. Whether you need muscle repair, and how much, is assessed at your consultation.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with liposculpture or a mommy makeover?
Often, yes. Many patients combine a tummy tuck with liposculpture of the waist and flanks, done with our 3-in-1 technique (VASER, HD Liposculpture and Renuvion J-Plasma), or with breast surgery as part of a mommy makeover, when it is safe and sensible for their health. Combining procedures can change the length of surgery and your recovery. We’ll decide together at your consultation.
Which type of tummy tuck is right for me?
It depends on where your loose skin is, whether your abdominal muscles have separated, and your goals. A mini tummy tuck may suit a small amount of loose skin below the belly button. A full tummy tuck treats loose skin and muscle separation above and below the belly button. An extended tummy tuck also addresses loose skin that wraps around the flanks, often after significant weight loss. Your surgeon will recommend an option after an in-person exam at your free consultation.
Will I be awake or asleep for my tummy tuck?
At Beyond Restore, a tummy tuck is offered two ways: awake under local anesthesia in our onsite surgical suite, or under general anesthesia at an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC). You and your surgeon choose the approach at your consultation, based on your plan. Either way, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
How long will I wear a compression garment?
Plan on wearing a compression garment (faja) for about 8 weeks after your tummy tuck. It helps control swelling and supports healing. Your care team will fit you and tell you exactly how to wear it.
When can I exercise after a tummy tuck?
Light walking is encouraged early on to support circulation, and most patients return to light activity within about 2 to 3 weeks. Exercise can usually resume around 4 weeks, once your surgeon clears you based on how you’re healing.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible, but it can stretch the skin and abdominal muscles again and change your result. That’s why many surgeons recommend waiting until you’re finished having children. If you’re planning a future pregnancy, talk with your surgeon about timing.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is surgery, and every surgery carries risk. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, fluid buildup (seroma), wound-healing problems, visible scarring, asymmetry, and temporary or lasting numbness of the abdominal skin. Your surgeon will review your individual risks at your consultation. Results vary, and no surgeon can guarantee a specific outcome.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Newport Beach?
Cost depends on the type of tummy tuck (mini, full or extended), any combined procedures such as liposculpture, the anesthesia and setting, and your pre- and post-operative care. We’ll give you a personalized quote at your free consultation so you know what’s included before you decide. Financing is available through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry.