Tummy Tuck Temp
Excellence in Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Overview
Cost: $8,000-$15,500
Recovery: 5-7 days
Anesthesia: General
Look I Have
Abdominal Appearance: Determine the look you have now and what you want to achieve from surgery
Anatomy
Upper/Lower Abdomen
Flanks
Belly Button
Pubic Area
Surgical Options
Technique: Mini, Standard, Extended, Circumferential
Incision Placement: How low
Additional Procedures: Pubic lift, liposuction
Surgical Timeline
Outline of the surgical timeline including information at every stage of the healing process
Before & After Photos
See a large gallery of tummy tuck before/after photos
Patient Testimonials
Read what actual patients say about their tummy tuck experience
FAQ
Do I need liposuction?
Will my scar show in low cut pants?
What are the risks?
Tummy Tuck Overview
Definition
A tummy tuck - also known as abdominoplasty — is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower abdomen. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. In most cases, the underlying muscles of the abdomen are tightened as well.
Characteristics
As a result of pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, the abdomen can lose its youthful appearance due to skin laxity, excess fat, loss of shape, and stretch marks.
It is important that you have a clear idea of what you want changed when you schedule your consultation. The most difficult question for a plastic surgeon to answer is: What do you think I need done
Common complaints:
- Loose skin
- Excess fat
- Stretch marks (especially below the belly button)
- Abdominal 'pooch' below the navel
- Lack of a waist line
- Droopy buttocks
- Disproportionately large waist compared to buttocks and/or breasts
Before and After Tummy Tuck Photos
Surgery Information
Anesthesia: General
Facility: Accredited outpatient surgical facility
Recovery: Back to work 2 weeks, approx. 4-6 weeks if job is strenuous or requires physical activity
Cost: Ranges from $8,000 - $15,000 depending on the type of tummy tuck needed. Price will increase if combined with another procedure such as breast lift or breast augmentation.
Cruise Plastic Surgery accepts the following forms of payment:
- Check
- All major credit cards
- Cash
- Financing: Prosper Lending, Care Credit, Alphaeon Credit
Tummy Tuck Overview
Dr. Joseph T. Cruise, board certified Newport Beach plastic surgeon, is a tummy tuck specialist who has performed hundreds of various types of tummy tucks over the years. As one of the most technically challenging cosmetic procedures, tummy tuck surgery requires a great deal of knowledge, skill and expertise to achieve an optimal result. Educating yourself is the key to selecting the best plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck. Take a look through this section to learn about Joseph T Cruise, MD's abdominoplasty philosophy and the types of tummy tucks he performs. We also encourage you to view his extensive tummy tuck before and after gallery so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not tummy tuck is right for you.
The medical procedure abdominoplasty is commonly known as a “tummy tuck.” This procedure effectively creates a tight, flat abdomen and is one of the most popular surgeries patients request.
An abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and fat using an incision just above the pubic bone. Depending on the type of tummy tuck, the incision can be as short or longer than a C-section incision. Orange County plastic surgeon, Joseph T Cruise, MD has developed a precise surgical technique in his over ten years’ experience, which minimizes and hides tummy tuck scars.
Patients who have gone through pregnancy or extreme weight loss or often frustrated with loose hanging skin, poor body shape, and stubborn excess fat. They usually find that diet and exercise cannot correct the problem to their satisfaction, and choose cosmetic surgery options such as liposuction and a tummy tuck to get the results they want.Joseph T Cruise, MD consults with each patient individually in his Orange County office to discuss the changes they desire from their cosmetic surgery. This consultation also includes a physical exam to asses the patient’s skin, fat, and body-type so that Joseph T Cruise, MD can provide his recommendations for liposuction or abdominoplasty. Your goals and your satisfaction are most important, and Joseph T Cruise, MD can only know what you need after meeting with you personally.
Cruise Plastic Surgery
The Look You Have
Tummy Tuck 360° View
Take a look at the graphics below and select the abdomen that is most similar to yours. To rotate images, place your mouse on any image and drag.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Standard Tummy Tuck
No Love Handles
Excess skin only below belly button. Skin above belly button is tight.
With Love Handles
Excess skin only below belly button. Excess fat in love handles (flanks).
No Love Handles
Excess skin below and above belly button. Most obvious when bending forward.
With Love Handles
Excess skin below and above belly button. Excess fat may make skin appear tighter than it is.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Circumferential Tummy Tuck
Two Stage
Very Little Fat
Loose skin extends over hips. This skin can easily be grabbed and has "muffin top" effect with tight clothes on. Stretch marks often present.
With Love Handles
Excess skin extends over hips. Excess fat may make skin appear tighter than it is. With liposuction this skin will likely become loose. Stretch marks often present.
With Little Fat
Excess skin goes completely around to back. Stretch marks often present. Not removing all excess skin will not create tight, shapely result.
With Excess Fat
Excess skin goes completely around to back. Excess fat will make skin appear tighter than it really is. Not removing all excess skin will not create tight, shapely result.
Significant Excess Fat Circumferentially
Two operations will be necessary. The first one is liposuction to remove the excess fat and the second is to remove the excess skin. Doing everything at once would be unsafe. A better option is to lose the excess weight with diet and exercise if possible.
Get The Body You Deserve
Surgical Options
Joseph T Cruise, MD will work with you to determine the best surgical plan to obtain your desired result. He will take into consideration the "Look You Have" and the "Look You Want."
Read about Joseph T Cruise, MD's Tummy Tuck Philosophy
Read about the Consultation & Physical Exam
Four Types of Tummy Tucks
Each body, each person’s concerns and desired outcomes, is different. As a tummy tuck specialist, Dr. Joseph Cruise understands the importance of customizing each person’s procedure to meet their unique situation, which is why he offers four types of tummy tuck:
Tummy tuck procedures will effectively remove unwanted excess abdominal skin and fat, as well as significantly improve any remaining stretch marks. The right type of tummy tuck for your body can dramatically alter your shape and silhouette.
Tummy Tuck Benefits:
- More clothing options
- Feel more comfortable in your clothing
- Improved confidence
- Improved intimacy
- Physical activity easier
- Motivated to live a healthier lifestyle
No matter which procedure is right for you, you should be aware that any abdominoplasty procedure will leave a scar that extends across the lower abdomen, near the public bone. Joseph T Cruise, MD’s incision scars are minimized by years of careful training and practice, and therefore are easily hidden.
Surgical & Recovery Timeline
Recovery Timeline - Understanding what to expect during recovery as well as how long it will take you to be fully healed, is key when deciding when to having your surgery.
Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos
View full tummy tuck photo gallery
Patient Testimonials
When considering rhinoplasty it can be very helpful to hear from others who have already recovered from surgery. Real Self, the number one online resource for learning about elective cosmetic procedures, is a great resource. You can even talk to others to get answers to your questions, receive emotional support, as well as get tips and advice.
“Joseph T Cruise, MD and his staff are indescribably amazing. Joseph T Cruise, MD is a master craftsman of cosmetic surgery, simply unparalleled. His staff is also very knowledgeable, caring, nurturing, patient, available, lovely, accommodating, etc. In short, they perfectly complement Joseph T Cruise, MD's ability and his quality work.
I have had 2 surgeries with Joseph T Cruise, MD: gynecomastia surgery in June 2012, then a circumferential body lift in December 2013. Words cannot describe how far Joseph T Cruise, MD has exceeded my expectations. I am, literally, a new man today. I am confident, bold, outgoing, friendly, optimistic, charismatic, etc., all as a direct result of the transformation that I underwent at Joseph T Cruise, MD's office.
My life is so much more fulfilling and meaningful now. I eat healthier, exercise on a regular basis and work as hard as I can to take care of and improve my new body. I feel as if Joseph T Cruise, MD has given me a fresh start on life and a chance to live to the fullest.
Attached is a before/after picture showing the transformation. I can't even describe how good I feel now and how many compliments I get everywhere I go. I take off my shirt WHENEVER possible. Sorry, a bit vain, I know, but I can't help it. I left my shirt on trying to hide my body for many years. Now it's time to make up for all that! ????
Joseph T Cruise, MD is focused on quality rather than quantity and will not agree to a surgery if he isn't 100% confident he can meet (and often exceed) your expectations. You will get personal 1 on 1 treatment and Joseph T Cruise, MD will cater to you specifically. He is also extremely personable. Be honest and open, as he will do the same.
Take a chance on Joseph T Cruise, MD if a cosmetic procedure is what you seek. I promise you will not be disappointed! Invest in yourself. Life is too short not to be as happy with yourself as possible. Don't let anyone talk you out of or into this. Do this for yourself!
”Erik, 32
Gynecomastia and Tummy Tuck
“I'm a 41 years old female and had a Circumferential Tummy Tuck surgery with Joseph T Cruise, MD 5 weeks ago and the results look amazing! I had a lot of loose skin around the stomach due to my 2 pregnancies and now it is all gone and flat! He is truly an artist of his work and gives a fantastic natural look! His staff is very knowledgeable of the procedure and extremely caring. I've wanted to do this for 15 years now and finally had this done with Joseph T Cruise, MD. My new bellybutton looks natural and very nicely made. I have healed very well with almost no pain at all. If you're looking for a cosmetic surgery definitely go with Joseph T Cruise, MD. I can't thank you enough Joseph T Cruise, MD for bringing this amount of happiness back into my life. ”
Negar, 41
Circumferential Tummy Tuck
“I felt so unattractive that I would not take family photos, attend parties with my husband, or plan family vacations. This all changed when a friend gave me Joseph T Cruise, MD’s number and encouraged me to go on one last consultation. When I met Joseph T Cruise, MD and his staff they were warm, welcoming, and made me feel at ease. But what really sold me was the way he explained the breast augmentation procedure. It was different than the way the other surgeons I consulted, preformed this procedures. I felt very comfortable with the time he took to answer all my questions regarding my fear of post surgery pain. I had heard the pain was horrible from a friend who had a small tummy tuck with another doctor. Joseph T Cruise, MD assured me that I would not be in pain. He was right as I do not tolerate pain well.
I can not thank you enough for the life changing mommy make over. You are truly an amazing surgeon with an artistic gift. I am in awe every time I look in the mirror. Dr Cruise, you transformed this frumpy 48 year old woman into one smoking hot lady; at least according to my husband. I still cannot believe the miracle you preformed on my breasts with the lift and implants they are beautiful and let’s not forget the extended tummy tuck. I now can wear things I have not been able to for 20 years. So thank you again, and a special thanks to Jessica and Jennifer for their support and caring. You two are truly beautiful young ladies. Joseph T Cruise, MD is very lucky to have you both working for him. ”
Heather, 48
Mommy Makeover (Secondary Breast Lift with Implant Exchange & Circumferential Body Lift)
“I was always a confident woman... Being a formal model and working in television and production, I’m inspired to keep an active, healthy lifestyle. Though I never thought about letting myself go, having children definitely took a significant toll on my figure. When you are single, you spend a lot of time focusing on yourself, your appearance, your body. Having children changes that focus, and although I am fortunate to have a great supportive husband and four beautiful boys to keep me busy; I wanted to feel the way I did about my body 10 years ago. So this year, my husband chose to help me get my former model body back.
It has been 10 months since the surgery, and I can honestly say I look better now than I did 10 years ago. Its funny how memory fades.. time goes by and you forget what it felt like pre nursing days. It may seem vain, striving to have the body you want, but how you look reflects how you feel. You project more confidence to other people when you are confident in your own skin.
My husband is ecstatic with the results as well. He compliments me more now than ever, and says I look even better after having our four boys than I did before. Even my boys notice... they say “MOM’S HOT”! This experience has been life changing; though I must say, you can’t do this for someone else you have to do it for yourself. My advice to any woman going through the procedure to choose a surgeon who will produce the most natural
results. ”Sally, 38, mother of four
Mommy Makeover
(Secondary Breast Lift with Implant Exchange & Circumferential Body Lift)
“Some people view Cosmetic Surgery as a means to an end. For me, it was just the beginning. Having my Mommy Makeover was the best thing I have ever done for myself. After gaining 80 pounds with both pregnancies, my breasts were deflated and my stomach stretched beyond the point of bringing it back with sit ups. I went to see other surgeons, but they either were cold or just seemed like they wanted money. My experience with Joseph T Cruise, MD and his staff was wonderful. They treated me like family and were always available when I needed them. The surgical experience was not nearly as painful or hard as I had imagined it would be and the results were exactly what I had hoped for.
Having the surgery was a launch pad for my health, I started eating better and working out and actually lost 80 pounds after the surgery. My whole family has now benefited from the positive changes I made since having my Mommy Makeover. We are all running as a family and the healthiest we have ever been. I actually look better now than I did on my wedding day!”
Stacey, 40
Breast Lift Augmentation, Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
FAQ
What are the different types of tummy tucks
Joseph T Cruise, MD performs 4 Types of Tummy Tuck procures:
- Mini Tummy Tuck
- Standard Tummy Tuck
- Extended Tummy Tuck
- Circumferential Body Lift
Should I have liposuction?
Whether or not you should have liposuction will be determined at your consultation with Joseph T Cruise, MD. He will evaluate your body and provide his recommendation.
A large majority of Joseph T Cruise, MD's patients do have fat removal of their abdomen and flanks with their tummy tuck procedure. Using a specialized technique, Joseph T Cruise, MD is able to sculpt the abdomen to give patients a youthful flat tummy and attractive look from all angles, not just the front view of the abdomen.
I want a low incision and natural looking belly button. Is this possible?
Joseph T Cruise, MD understands that all tummy tuck patients want the lowest incision possible, so it is not visible with low cut pants and bathing suits. While not all plastic surgeons are able to achieve the ideal incision placement, Joseph T Cruise, MD is known for his low tummy tuck incisions and natural belly button technique. This can be seen in our tummy tuck before/after photo gallery.
Standard way of placing an incision around the opening for belly button. The incision is made in the shape of simple circle. The incision does not recess inward, therefore, is more apparent.
Joseph T Cruise, MD hides the incision inside and allow sthe new belly button to be much more attractive and natural appearing. (Courtesy of Joseph T Cruise, MD)
Will my stomach muscles need to be tightened?
In general, most patients, especially those who have gone through pregnancy, would get a better result with a muscle plication (stitching the muscles together in the middle). A corset or hour-glass result can be achieved with muscle tightening.
During the consultation Joseph T Cruise, MD will assess your abdominal wall tightness to determine the best procedure for you.
An easy test for you to try is to lay flat on your back with no shirt on and perform a half sit up. Notice if there is a long bulge down the midline of your tummy. If so, then you need a muscle repair to improve the results. If the tummy stays tight and strong, you likely won't need a repair.
What is a pubic lift?
A pubic lift can be performed in combination with an abdominoplasty to improve function and appearance. This procedure lifts and tightens the area of the mons pubis, the soft mound located over the pubic bone and just above the female genitalia.
While the abdominoplasty removes excess tissue and skin from the midsection, the pubic lift (monsplasty) focuses on the area below. When excess skin begins to sag around the mons pubis, it can interfere with urinary function and reduce sexual enjoyment. It can also cause significant embarrassment, which can further impair intimate relationships. Lifting and tightening the area can result in restored urinary function, greater sexual enjoyment and improved self-confidence.
What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?
Complications occur in less than 4% of patients nationwide (reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
The most common complications are in this order:
- Hematomas (blood collections)
- Infections
- Blood Clots (venous thromboembolism)
- Lung-related problems
Diabetes and smoking—two major surgical risk factor
Patients with poorly controlled diabetes ,and/or those who are unable to completely stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and after surgery, will not be considered for tummy tuck surgery.
What is the cost of a tummy tuck?
Joseph T Cruise, MD's tummy tucks range in price from $8,000 - $15,000. The cost depends on the type of tummy tuck needed. If additional procedures are added on, there will be an increase in the cost, however combining procedures is more cost effective than having separate surgeries.
Can I see pictures of your patients?
Looking at examples of people about the same height and weight as you can demonstrate what result to expect from tummy tuck surgery. Photos also show you the work of the surgeon.
When can I go back to work after surgery?
When can I work out after tummy tuck surgery?
Most patients are cleared to return to all physical activity at 3 months. Every patient heals at a different rate, and some tummy tucks are more invasive than others, so please refer to Joseph T Cruise, MD's recommendation for your individual situation.
949-644-4808