Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) San Diego

The tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure used to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and tissue.

Dr. Vincent Marin is among the leading board-certified plastic surgeons in San Diego, California, and has performed hundreds of tummy tucks to satisfied men and women from all over the world.

Cost & Financing

In La Jolla and San Diego, the typical tummy tuck procedure costs $12,000 – $15,000. This may be higher or lower depending on the type of procedure you will undergo, the anesthesia used, or the location of your surgery. Frequently, it is part of a mommy makeover, so undertaking additional procedures (such as breast enhancement or labiaplasty) will also increase the overall cost.

Because the tummy tuck is regarded as cosmetic surgery, the costs will be not be covered by insurance. Marin Aesthetics instead offers plans from various providers to help with your finances. We also accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards.

Abdominoplasty Before and After Photos

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Types of Tummy Tuck

Dr. Vincent Marin performs three types of tummy tucks. Each one is tailored to the needs of every patient. Most of the time, it is combined with a liposuction procedure, to minimize the fat around the abdomen and enhance the overall body contouring result.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Otherwise known as a mini-abdominoplasty, this procedure targets any excess skin and abdominal bulging below the belly button. However, depending on your shape and needs, you may not need abdominal wall tightening. The resulting scar is a thin, easily-hidden line along the lower abdomen.

Standard Tummy Tuck

Standard abdominoplasty tightens the entire abdominal wall, from just above the pubic bone to a little below the breast bone. Incisions will be made along the lower abdomen, frequently from hip-to-hip. The scar length is based upon the extent of excess skin that you have at the time of surgery. The muscles are tightened along the length of the entire abdominal wall, and any excess skin will be removed. Finally, Dr. Marin will locate and create a new belly button. The scars are longer than in a mini tummy tuck, but just as thin and easily concealed.

Extended Tummy Tuck

This technique is utilized if you have significant extra skin and fat on the abdomen, flanks, hips, and back. It is similar to the standard approach with an additional scar extending around the waist toward the lower back. The abdominal wall is also tightened from the sternum-to-the pubic bone. The scar is, by necessity, longer but still thin and simple enough to conceal.

Before & During the Procedure

• Anesthesia
  A highly skilled and experienced anesthesiologist from ASMG, the largest provider of anesthesiologists in San Diego, will provide your general anesthesia. The additional numbing fluid will be administered before and after the surgery to minimize pain, reduce bleeding, and greatly shorten recovery time.
• Your Team
  Dr. Vincent Marin will be leading the team consisting of a board-certified anesthesiologist, a registered nurse, and a scrub tech.
• Surgery Time
  The procedure should be over in 2 ⁠— 4 hours. Dr. Marin will extend the operating time as he sees fit, in order to reach your desired body shape.

Recovery & Scars

Abdominoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure, but you may opt to stay the night if you underwent an extended tummy tuck or combination surgery such as a mommy makeover. Dr. Marin will see you for post-operative instructions then clear you to go home.

Full recovery can take anywhere from 2 weeks (for a mini tummy tuck) to 6 weeks (for an extended tummy tuck). During the entire recovery period, it is recommended to avoid any sort of physical activity until Dr. Marin gives you permission once swelling and pain have resolved in about 6 weeks. A drain tube may be attached to your abdomen for a week, to control excess fluid collection. Additionally, you can resume work and limited daily activities within 2 weeks.

Your New Look After Tummy Tuck

*The images and content provided on this website are developed to educate the public on the procedures offered at Marin Aesthetics. Individual results vary per patient. To assess your candidacy per procedure, we strongly recommend scheduling a formal consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Vincent Marin.