Diet and exercise can only do so much. When loose skin, separated muscles, or stubborn fat stand between you and the body you've worked for, a tummy tuck delivers what the gym cannot—a flat, firm abdomen that reflects your effort.
Schedule Consultation View ResultsA tummy tuck—medically known as abdominoplasty—is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. The result is a flatter, firmer midsection that diet and exercise alone cannot achieve.
This procedure is particularly transformative for women after pregnancy (when abdominal muscles often separate) and for anyone who has lost significant weight but is left with loose, hanging skin. A tummy tuck doesn't just remove the excess—it restores your core structure.
Beyond aesthetics, abdominoplasty restores function and structure that may have been compromised by pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or aging.
Remove the loose skin and stubborn fat that won't respond to diet or exercise—revealing the toned stomach underneath.
Repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) to restore core strength and eliminate the "pooch" that crunches can't fix.
Create a slimmer, more contoured waist by removing excess tissue from your flanks and midsection.
Stretch marks on the lower abdomen are removed along with excess skin—those that remain become less visible.
With your core muscles tightened, many patients experience better posture and reduced lower back strain.
Finally feel comfortable in fitted clothing, swimwear, and your own skin—without constantly hiding your midsection.
If you still look pregnant months or years after giving birth—despite diet and exercise—you may have diastasis recti. This is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (your "six-pack" muscles) that occurs when the connective tissue between them stretches during pregnancy.
No amount of crunches or planks will fix diastasis recti. In fact, certain exercises can make it worse. The only permanent solution is surgical repair, which is performed as part of a tummy tuck. During the procedure, I bring the separated muscles back together at the midline, restoring both your core function and a flat abdominal profile.
After three kids, I thought I'd never feel like myself again. Dr. Neavin gave me my body back. I can finally wear clothes that fit the way they should—and I feel strong again.
Tummy Tuck Patient
Not everyone needs the same procedure. During your consultation, I'll recommend the approach that addresses your specific concerns with the least invasive technique possible.
Addresses a small amount of loose skin and fat below the navel. Shorter incision, no belly button repositioning, and faster recovery. Ideal for patients close to their goal weight with minimal excess.
Removes excess skin above and below the navel, tightens separated muscles, and repositions the belly button. The standard procedure for post-pregnancy or significant weight loss patients.
Extends the incision around the hips to address excess skin on the flanks and lower back. Often combined with liposuction for maximum contouring after major weight loss.
"A tummy tuck isn't just about removing skin—it's about rebuilding the foundation. The muscle repair is critical for both appearance and function, and the belly button needs to look natural, not surgical."
With over 20 years performing body contouring procedures in Beverly Hills, I've refined my tummy tuck technique to deliver results that look natural while restoring true core strength. My approach prioritizes three elements: precise muscle repair that holds long-term, a low incision hidden beneath underwear and swimwear, and a belly button that looks like you were born with it—not the telltale sign of surgery.
As an expert in fat transfer techniques, I often incorporate liposuction to refine the waistline and flanks, and in select cases, I use fat grafting to smooth contour irregularities or enhance the results. This combination of techniques—removing what shouldn't be there and adding where needed—creates a more complete transformation than a tummy tuck alone.
I perform all abdominoplasty procedures at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals, where my patients receive the highest level of safety and care throughout the surgical experience.
During your consultation, I'll examine your abdominal area, assess skin quality and muscle integrity, and discuss your aesthetic goals. We'll talk about your medical history, previous surgeries (including C-sections), and lifestyle factors. I'll explain which type of tummy tuck is most appropriate for your situation and show you before-and-after photos of patients with similar starting points. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what the procedure can—and cannot—accomplish.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the extent of correction needed. I make a low, curved incision along the bikini line, hidden by underwear and swimwear. Through this incision, I tighten the underlying muscles by stitching them together at the midline, remove excess skin and fat, and reposition the remaining skin for a smooth, flat contour. For a full tummy tuck, I create a new opening for your belly button, carefully shaping it to look natural. The incision is closed in layers to minimize scarring.
Tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction for enhanced waist contouring, and it's a core component of the mommy makeover. For patients who want to address multiple areas at once—abdomen, breasts, and body—combining procedures means one recovery period instead of several. During your consultation, we'll discuss whether combining procedures makes sense for your goals and health status.
Recovery requires patience, but most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is. Here's what to expect.
Walk slightly hunched, manage discomfort with medication
Drains removed (if used), start walking more upright
Desk jobs possible, still no heavy lifting
Exercise cleared, core exercises begin gradually
The best tummy tuck candidates share certain characteristics. Here's how to know if abdominoplasty might be right for you.
If loose skin, stubborn fat, or separated muscles are keeping you from feeling confident in your body, a tummy tuck may be the solution. Schedule a consultation to learn what's possible for you.
Schedule Consultation (310) 858-8811