Despite a healthy lifestyle, stubborn belly fat, loose skin, and weakened abdominal muscles can remain, especially after weight loss or pregnancy. If you seek a toned, sculpted midsection, a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills with Dr. Brian Shafa offers transformative results.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat while tightening weakened abdominal muscles. The result is a firmer, flatter, and more youthful-looking abdomen. Whether caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, or genetics, a tummy tuck can help restore core strength and confidence.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
Tummy tuck pricing with Dr. Shafa starts at $6,000, depending on your surgical plan and whether additional procedures (such as liposuction) are involved. Your personal quote will include:
- Surgeon’s fees
- Anesthesia
- Facility costs
- Compression garments & post-op care
Dr. Shafa provides transparent, personalized quotes after an in-depth consultation.
Tummy Tuck Instagram Video with Dr. Shafa
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Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
You may be a strong candidate for an abdominoplasty in Beverly Hills if:
- You have loose or sagging abdominal skin
- You experience muscle separation (diastasis recti)
- You’re at a stable weight and done having children
- Diet and exercise haven’t resolved your concerns
If you plan future pregnancies or still have weight to lose, it’s best to postpone surgery for lasting results.
What to Expect Before, During & After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Your Private Consultation
Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Brian Shafa in our Beverly Hills office. He will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and design a custom treatment plan that fits your body and lifestyle.
The Procedure
- Duration: 1 to 5 hours
- Anesthesia: General
- Technique: Excess skin and fat are removed, abdominal muscles tightened, and the belly button may be repositioned
- Add-ons: Liposuction may be used to refine contours
- Recovery: You’ll leave with bandages, compression garments, and possibly surgical drains
What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?
Before your tummy tuck procedure, take steps to prepare your home for your recovery. Have ice packs in the freezer, loose and easy clothing available, and a hand-held shower head and bathroom chair to make your recovery faster and more comfortable. Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to stay with you and assist you for the first few days. You must quit smoking at least two weeks before your tummy tuck surgery, and fill all your prescriptions before the date of your surgery, as well as arrange for transportation to and from the surgical center.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
Day of Surgery
- Wear a compression garment to control swelling
- Surgical drains may be placed
- You’ll need assistance for the first 24–48 hours
- Follow all aftercare instructions closely
3–7 Days After
- Avoid bending, lifting, and standing for long periods
- Pain and tenderness are normal and manageable with medication
- Focus on a light diet, hydration, and fiber intake
- Avoid alcohol, sun exposure, and smoking
2–3 Weeks After
- Return to work if your job isn’t physically demanding
- Gradually increase light activity
- Follow up with Dr. Shafa to monitor healing
2–3 Months After
- Bruising and swelling mostly resolved
- Resume normal exercise (pending surgeon approval)
12 Months After
- Scars fade significantly
- Enjoy your long-term, sculpted results
Abdominoplasty After Pregnancy
It’s best to wait until:
- You’ve finished having children
- Your weight is stable
- At least 6–12 months have passed since delivery
- You’ve allowed your body to fully heal
Consult Dr. Shafa for personalized recommendations.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
When is the best time to get a tummy tuck after pregnancy?
It’s best to wait until you’ve finished having children, your weight is stable, at least 6–12 months have passed since delivery, and your body has fully healed. Consult Dr. Shafa for personalized recommendations.
Will insurance cover my abdominoplasty?
Insurance carriers typically only cover medically necessary procedures. Since tummy tuck surgery is primarily performed for cosmetic reasons, it doesn’t usually qualify for reimbursement. However, if excess abdominal skin is causing irritation, rashes, or infection, insurance may pay for a part of the surgery. You will need to check with your individual carrier.
Is a tummy tuck painful?
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, so you will not be awake during the most painful portions of the treatment. Afterward, your discomfort will be managed through pain medications provided by Dr. Shafa. Most clients find that they heal quickly, thanks to Dr. Shafa’s conservative, precision-oriented techniques.
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks, particularly those located on the lower abdomen, as this skin is typically removed during the procedure. However, stretch marks outside the area of skin removal will remain.
Can I have a tummy tuck after a C-section?
Yes, many women choose to have a tummy tuck after a C-section to address excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. Dr. Shafa can often use or minimize the existing C-section scar during the procedure.
How soon after weight loss can I have a tummy tuck?
Dr. Shafa generally recommends waiting until you’ve reached and maintained your goal weight for at least six months before considering a tummy tuck. This ensures the best, most stable results.
Will a tummy tuck help with diastasis recti?
Yes, a tummy tuck can repair diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles have separated, often due to pregnancy. Dr. Shafa will tighten the muscles during the procedure to create a flatter, more toned abdomen.
Why Choose Dr. Shafa for My Tummy Tuck?
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Shafa balances artistry, surgical precision, and deep compassion in every procedure. He tailors your treatment to your body and goals, ensuring natural-looking, lasting results in a welcoming, discreet environment.
Advanced Options Available:
Ask about Lux Lipo, Dr. Shafa’s signature procedure combining VASER, Renuvion, and liposuction for enhanced definition and skin tightening. It’s a powerful complement to tummy tuck surgery.
Financing & Payment Plans with Dr. Brian Shafa
At Dr. Brian Shafa Plastic Surgery, we offer flexible finance options to make your procedure more affordable:
- Custom payment plans tailored to your budget
- CareCredit® financing – pay over time with low monthly installments
- All major credit cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover)
- Cash payments also accepted
Ask us about creating a payment plan that works for you. We're here to help you move forward with confidence.
References
- Shafa, B. S., Wu, C., & Chen, A. (2014). Abstract P37: Fibrin sealant in abdominoplasty to reduce complication rates. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 133(4S), 1049. https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/citation/2014/04001/abstract_p37__fibrin_sealant_in_abdominoplasty_to.102.aspx
- Tremblay, J.-F., Wrone, D. A., Moy, R. L., & Shafa, B. (2003). Liposuction complications. In R. S. Narins (Ed.), Safe liposuction and fat transfer (pp. 25–32). CRC Press. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/b14090-25/liposuction-complications-jean-francois-tremblay-david-wrone-ronald-moy-brian-shafa
- Shafa BS, Patel PK, Zhao L. Can the Apple Measure Augmented Reality App be Used in Plastic Surgery? In: Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2019 Abstracts. American Society of Plastic Surgeons; 2019. https://asps.confex.com/asps/2019am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/38636
- Shafa, B. S., Wu, C., & Chen, A. (2014). Abstract P37: Fibrin sealant in abdominoplasty to reduce complication rates. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 133(4S), 1049. https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/citation/2014/04001/abstract_p37__fibrin_sealant_in_abdominoplasty_to.102.aspx
