The process of losing weight and toning your body can be halted by stubborn areas of fat, such as the abdominal area. Sometimes diet and exercise alone are not enough to shape and slim the abdomen, and here at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we offer a tummy tuck procedure to help you beat the bulge for good.
Contact Nuance Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule a consultation at our Folsom, California office. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Sumida will create a customized surgical plan for you.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Formally known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is one of our most highly requested procedures. It works by removing a surplus of fat and skin in the abdominal area, and typically restores muscle for smoother skin and a tighter, more toned stomach.
Even individuals with normal body weight may experience abdominal protruding or sagging, which can be caused by several factors, including:
- Significant fluctuations in weight
- The aging process
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Prior surgery
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Flatter, Smoother Abdomen
By removing excess fat and skin, a tummy tuck creates a sleeker abdominal contour. The result is a stomach that appears flatter, tighter, and more proportionate to the rest of your body.
Improved Clothing Fit
Many patients find that clothing sits more comfortably after surgery. Styles that once felt restrictive or unflattering—like fitted dresses or jeans—can now be worn with ease and confidence.
Repair of Separated Muscles
Pregnancy or significant weight changes can lead to diastasis recti, where abdominal muscles stretch apart. A tummy tuck repairs and tightens these muscles, restoring core strength and stability.
Reduction of Stretch Marks
When extra skin is removed, stretch marks located below the belly button are often eliminated or significantly reduced, leaving the abdominal area smoother in appearance.
Long-Lasting Results
With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, results can last for many years. Unlike temporary cosmetic treatments, a tummy tuck offers enduring improvements to both form and function.
Types of Tummy Tucks
Not every tummy tuck is the same. Different techniques are designed to meet different needs. Whether you’re concerned about a small lower belly bulge, stretched muscles from pregnancy, or significant excess skin after weight loss, Dr. Kenneth Sumida can recommend the most effective approach to achieve your goals. Understanding the types of tummy tucks available will help you know what to expect and determine which option is best suited to your body.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen, below the belly button. This less invasive option is ideal for patients with mild skin laxity or a small “pooch” that hasn’t responded to diet or exercise. It requires a shorter incision and generally offers a quicker recovery compared to a full tummy tuck.
Full Tummy Tuck
The full abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdominal area, both above and below the belly button. In addition to removing excess fat and skin, this procedure typically repairs separated abdominal muscles, creating a flatter, firmer core. A full tummy tuck is often recommended for patients who have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy-related changes.
Extended Tummy Tuck
For individuals with more extensive skin laxity or fat accumulation, an extended tummy tuck may be the best option. This procedure extends beyond the abdomen to include the flanks and sometimes the lower back, delivering a more comprehensive contouring effect. It is especially effective for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and want to enhance the overall appearance of their midsection.
What to Expect from a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck reshapes the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin while tightening underlying muscles for a firmer, smoother contour. At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we want you to feel informed and supported at every stage of your journey. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after your procedure:
Before Surgery
Your experience begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Kenneth Sumida. He will evaluate your abdominal area, review your medical history, and discuss your concerns and goals.
Together, you’ll determine whether a mini, full, or extended tummy tuck is right for you, and whether combining the procedure with liposuction or another treatment would enhance your results. You’ll also receive tailored pre-operative instructions and any necessary medical clearances to ensure your safety.
During Surgery
A safe and effective procedure, a tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia and is often followed by an overnight hospital stay. It typically takes two to four hours, depending on the type of procedure. Dr. Sumida will make an incision along the lower abdomen, carefully placed to be hidden beneath most clothing and swimwear. He will remove excess skin and fat, repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles if needed, and sculpt a smoother contour. In some cases, the belly button is repositioned for a more natural appearance.
Often, liposuction is used with this procedure to help shape the abdominal contour. Dr. Kenneth Sumida will discuss this option with you during your consultation.
What is Recovery Like?
Dr. Kenneth Sumida will apply dressings or compression garments as needed to minimize swelling. Scarring appearance depends on the body shape of the individual, but generally tummy tuck scars run from the lower abdomen to as far as the lower back.
You will be encouraged to get up and move relatively quickly after surgery, as this will encourage your body’s natural healing and get you back to your normal routine more quickly. But it is typically advised to not perform any physical activity for the first 10 days. Strenuous activity should be avoided altogether for at least 6 weeks.
Dr. Kenneth Sumida and the Nuance medical team will be available during your recovery process to not only track your progress but to also guide you on how to care for your incision sites and reduce the risk of infection and adverse effects. During your consultation, you will be made aware of the possible risks and side effects from having a tummy tuck procedure.
While your abdominal area is healing, it may be difficult to see the results of the procedure. The results are permanent, although fluctuations in body weight can have detrimental effects to the outcome.
Maintaining Your Tummy Tuck Results
The improvements from a tummy tuck can last for many years, but long-term success depends on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Patients are encouraged to follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a stable weight to prevent stretching the abdominal area again. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can alter your results, so it’s best to consider surgery once you’ve reached your goal weight and are done having children.
In addition to lifestyle habits, good skincare and avoiding smoking can help support the quality and elasticity of your skin over time. While natural aging will continue, these daily choices play a major role in extending the longevity of your results.
Combining a Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures
In many cases, a tummy tuck can be performed alongside other body contouring procedures for more comprehensive results. The most common combination is a tummy tuck with liposuction, which helps refine stubborn fat deposits around the waist and flanks, creating a smoother, more defined silhouette. Dr. Kenneth Sumida will guide you during your consultation on whether adding liposuction or other procedures will enhance your outcome.
Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
While a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles, it is not primarily designed to remove large amounts of fat. This is where liposuction can play an important role. When performed in combination with a tummy tuck, liposuction can target stubborn fat deposits around the waist, flanks, or upper abdomen to create a smoother, more sculpted result.
By combining these two procedures, patients benefit from both improved contour and muscle repair, resulting in a more dramatic transformation. Liposuction can also refine areas beyond the abdomen, such as the hips or thighs, to enhance overall body balance. During your consultation, Dr. Kenneth Sumida will determine whether adding liposuction to your tummy tuck will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Full Body Rejuvenation with a Mommy Makeover
A tummy tuck is also a cornerstone of the Mommy Makeover, a customized plan designed to address multiple changes brought on by pregnancy, breastfeeding, or fluctuations in weight. Depending on your goals, this may include a tummy tuck with breast augmentation or lift, liposuction, or other body procedures performed in one surgical session.
By combining treatments, patients can achieve a more balanced transformation while also streamlining their recovery process into a single timeline. Dr. Sumida will carefully evaluate your health, goals, and anatomy to determine if combining procedures is both safe and effective for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you struggle with loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or a protruding belly that does not improve with diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and do not smoke.
Common signs that a tummy tuck may be right for you include stretched abdominal skin, separated muscles from pregnancy (diastasis recti), sagging after significant weight loss, or persistent fat deposits in the midsection. During your consultation, Dr. Kenneth Sumida will review your medical history, evaluate your abdominal contour, and design a personalized surgical plan to help you achieve your goals.
It is not recommended to use a tummy tuck procedure as a weight loss solution, but along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this procedure can help remove stubborn areas of fat that impede the weight loss process.
Cost and Financing Options for Tummy Tucks
We understand that cost plays an important role when considering a tummy tuck. Pricing can vary depending on the type of tummy tuck you choose—mini, full, or extended—as well as whether additional procedures, such as liposuction, are performed simultaneously. Anesthesia fees, surgical facility costs, and post-operative care are also factored into the total. During your consultation, Dr. Kenneth Sumida will provide a detailed cost estimate along with financing options to make your treatment more manageable and accessible.
Risks and Considerations of Tummy Tucks
While a tummy tuck is a safe and widely performed procedure, all surgeries carry some degree of risk. At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, your health and well-being are our top priority. During your consultation, Dr. Kenneth Sumida will review the procedure in detail and explain any potential complications, which may include:
- Infection or bleeding
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Delayed wound healing
- Numbness or changes in abdominal sensation
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Unfavorable scarring
By carefully following all pre- and post-operative instructions, wearing compression garments as directed, and attending scheduled follow-up visits, you can reduce the likelihood of complications and support a smoother recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks
How noticeable will my scar be?
The scar from a tummy tuck typically runs low on the abdomen, placed strategically so it can be hidden under most clothing and swimsuits. Its appearance varies depending on individual healing and skin type, but it generally fades and softens over time. Patients can use scar care treatments, such as silicone sheets or creams, to help improve its appearance. Dr. Sumida will provide personalized guidance to minimize long-term visibility.
Can men get tummy tucks?
Yes—tummy tucks are not limited to women. Men often choose the procedure after significant weight loss, when exercise and diet alone cannot tighten loose skin. It can help restore a firmer, flatter midsection and improve body confidence. Just like with women, candidates should be healthy, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the outcome.
Is a tummy tuck the same as liposuction?
No, although the two procedures are often performed together. Liposuction only removes fat, but it does not address loose skin or stretched abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck goes further by tightening the muscle layer and removing excess skin for a more complete transformation. Combining both techniques can provide the most natural-looking, balanced results.
When will I see my final results?
Initial improvements are noticeable once swelling begins to subside, usually within the first few weeks. However, full results take time, with most patients seeing their final outcome around six months after surgery. During this period, the body continues healing, and scars gradually improve in appearance. Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle can enjoy long-lasting, stable results.
Can a tummy tuck help with back pain or posture?
For some patients, yes. A tummy tuck repairs separated abdominal muscles, which strengthens the core and provides better support for the spine. Improved core stability can lead to better posture and, in some cases, relief from lower back discomfort. While it is not a treatment specifically for back pain, it may offer additional functional benefits beyond aesthetics.
Why Choose Nuance Cosmetic Surgery for Your Tummy Tuck?
At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that deciding to have a tummy tuck is a personal and transformative choice. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your unique anatomy, and create a surgical plan that restores a flatter, smoother abdomen while highlighting your natural body shape.
Our AAAASF-accredited surgical center in Folsom, CA offers a safe, private environment where you can feel cared for at every stage—from your first consultation through your recovery. Dr. Kenneth T. Sumida, a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring, uses advanced techniques to deliver results that are natural-looking, balanced, and long-lasting.
Patients throughout the greater Sacramento area trust Nuance for our commitment to patient safety, artistic precision, and individualized care. Whether you want to repair stretched muscles after pregnancy, remove excess skin following weight loss, or simply regain confidence in your figure, we are here to guide you toward results that help you look and feel your very best.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
Whether you’re restoring your midsection after pregnancy, addressing changes from weight loss, or simply ready to enjoy a flatter, firmer abdomen, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Here at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we want you to look confident, feel confident and be confident. Contact us today for a consultation or to inquire about our other body procedures. Offering top-rated cosmetic surgery in California by Dr. Kenneth Sumida, one of the best Plastic Surgeons in Folsom.
