Gene K. Lee, MD, MPH
Tummy Tuck in
Beverly Hills, CA
Many men and women struggle with loose, excess skin and stubborn fat in the circumferential part lower portion of their abdomen. These unfortunate changes are common after weight loss and childbirth. After pregnancy or significant weight loss, the skin isn’t always able to retract back to its natural position. These symptoms usually cannot be addressed by exercise and diet alone. A tummy tuck is a popular and preferred surgery that can directly tighten sagging skin, repair abdominal muscles, and improve a flat, toned abdominal appearance.
Dr. Gene K. Lee at LA MÔEM PLASTIC SURGERY uses his advanced medical education and proficient skills to customize his approach for each tummy tuck procedure he performs. Dr. Lee is a well-trained facial and body plastic surgeon with a deep understanding of the intricacies of anatomy, meaning that he delivers safe and long-lasting tummy tuck results.
To learn more about how a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills with Dr. Gene K. Lee can improve your figure, contact us online today to schedule your consultation. Our practice is located in Beverly Hills, and we welcome guests from across the state, including the Inland Empire, San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, and the greater Los Angeles Area.
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Why Would Someone Consider A Tummy Tuck?
The breasts are comprised of skin, subcutaneous fat, and the breast tissue including glands. During a woman’s puberty, the breast tissue develops and takes shape. Some women achieve breasts that are naturally proportional to their overall figure. However, due to genetics and other factors, some women notice a lack of tissue, resulting in smaller or disproportionate breasts. Breast augmentation offers a solution to this cosmetic issue.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty, colloquially referred to as a “tummy tuck,” is a body contouring surgery that addresses issues of skin laxity, muscle weakness, and accumulation of stubborn subcutaneous fat along the lower abdominal region.
During a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Lee creates an incision that spans along the lower abdomen, allowing him to trim away excess skin, reshape tissue, repair separated abdominal muscles, and tighten the remaining skin so that it lies flat and is better contoured.
Potential scarring is often an area of concern for many patients interested in a tummy tuck procedure. To help reduce scarring, it’s important to partner with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Gene K. Lee. His expertise in advanced techniques and guidance throughout your recovery will help encourage proper healing that will reduce visible scarring. Additionally, he is careful to place the incision lower on the abdomen, usually right above the pubic bone, to help ensure that it remains hidden beneath underwear and low-rise bathing suit bottoms. It’s also important to remember that with proper care, scars will fade while your results continue to improve your self-confidence, mobility, and health.
What Concerns Can A Los Angeles Tummy Tuck Address?
Treatable concerns a tummy tuck can address include:
- Excess subcutaneous fat
- Excess loose or sagging skin
- Diastasis Recti (separation of the abdominal wall)
- Firmer, flatter waistline
- Strategically placed, hidden scars
- Removal of stretch marks along the lower abdomen
- Long-lasting slimming results
Different Tummy Tuck Procedures
Based on Dr. Gene K. Lee’s recommendations during your initial consultation, he will tailor your abdominoplasty procedure to meet your desired aesthetic goals. He performs several techniques to create aesthetically pleasing results and achieve a superior body contour.
Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
The most common technique used for a tummy tuck procedure is referred to as a traditional or full tummy tuck. This technique addresses excess abdominal wall skin and fat that sits both above and below the belly button. These corrections require true customization. An incision is made just above the pubic hairline so that Dr. Lee can access the weakened abdominal muscles once the skin is lifted from the abdomen. A second incision circles the belly button to allow for detaching the skin from the belly button. The redundant extra skin is then pulled taut and trimmed, and the remaining skin, fat, and fascia are sutured together.
Mini Tummy Tuck
For some women and men, their abdominal wall laxity only involves excess skin in the abdomen below the level of the belly button. In this case, a mini tummy tuck can improve the appearance of the lower abdomen with less extensive undermining of the abdominal skin and fat. Similar to a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck also utilizes an incision that is made just above the pubic hairline so that Dr. Lee can remove the excess skin. There is no additional incision around the belly button.
What Adjuncts Are Commonly
Performed
With A Tummy Tuck?
Breast Augmentation
Women will often choose to combine their tummy tuck with a breast augmentation to create balanced proportions and accentuate the results of their tummy tuck. Voluptuous breasts can enhance the appearance of the natural curve and shape of your abdomen, making it appear smooth and contoured. During a breast augmentation, Dr. Lee and the patient decide on either saline or silicone breast implants that are placed inside the breast pocket, either underneath or above the pectoral muscles. The implants provide instant and long-lasting enhancements to the breasts for a total body makeover.
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Breast Lift
The abdomen isn’t the only area of the body that can be affected by weight loss or pregnancy. The breasts are also susceptible to changes that come from these life events. Similar to the stomach, the breasts can droop and become pendulous after breastfeeding or a weight loss transformation, which can cause debilitating discomfort, skin rashes, and lowered self-esteem. Dr. Lee uses advanced techniques depending on your level of breast sagging to lift the skin, reshape the breast tissue, and reposition the nipples so that they return to a natural, youthful position on the chest.
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Liposuction
Liposuction is the most common procedure combined with an abdominoplasty and is used to help remove excess fat and remodel the abdominal contour. During liposuction, Dr. Lee uses a hollow tube called a cannula that is strategically inserted into the abdomen to suction away unwanted subcutaneous fat cells. Because a tummy tuck doesn’t innately address the accumulation of fat, liposuction can enhance the results of your abdominoplasty, lending to a slimmer, flatter stomach.
Learn More
Breast Augmentation
Women will often choose to combine their tummy tuck with a breast augmentation to create balanced proportions and accentuate the results of their tummy tuck. Voluptuous breasts can enhance the appearance of the natural curve and shape of your abdomen, making it appear smooth and contoured. During a breast augmentation, Dr. Lee and the patient decide on either saline or silicone breast implants that are placed inside the breast pocket either underneath or above the pectoral muscles. The implants provide instant and long-lasting enhancements to the breasts for a total body makeover.
Learn More
Breast Lift
The abdomen isn’t the only area of the body that can be affected by weight loss or pregnancy. The breasts are also susceptible to changes that come from these life events. Similar to the stomach, the breasts can droop and become pendulous after breastfeeding or a weight loss transformation, which can cause debilitating discomfort, skin rashes, and lowered self-esteem. Dr. Lee uses advanced techniques depending on your level of breast sagging to lift the skin, reshape the breast tissue, and reposition the nipples so that they return to a natural, youthful position on the chest.
Learn More
Liposuction
Liposuction is the most common procedure combined with an abdominoplasty and is used to help remove excess fat and remodel the abdominal contour. During liposuction, Dr. Lee uses a hollow tube called a cannula that is strategically inserted into the abdomen to suction away unwanted subcutaneous fat cells. Because a tummy tuck doesn’t innately address the accumulation of fat, liposuction can enhance the results of your abdominoplasty, lending to a slimmer, flatter stomach.
Learn More
How Is a Los Angeles Tummy Tuck Performed?
Dr. Lee performs tummy tuck surgery as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia is in full effect, Dr. Lee creates a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, just above the pelvis, that extends from hipbone to hipbone.
Through this incision, he will tighten the abdominal wall with sutures placed deep within the muscles to reinforce their strength. Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, creating a flatter and firmer abdominal appearance. If any additional skin and fat in the upper abdomen region need to be addressed, a second incision is made around the navel, then Dr. Lee will use liposuction to further contour the midsection.
Finally, the incisions are closed, and the entire abdomen is carefully wrapped in a compression binder to help reduce swelling and provide additional support. You’ll be taken to a recovery room to wake up from anesthesia while being closely monitored by our nursing staff.
What To Expect From A Tummy Tuck Recovery
On the day of your tummy tuck procedure, plan to arrive at our accredited surgical facility two hours before your procedure start time to complete registration and address any questions or concerns that you may have about your procedure. Then, Dr. Lee and his surgical team will bring you back to the pre-operative area, where you’ll meet your experienced surgical staff, and Dr. Lee will begin mapping out and prepping the surgical area while reviewing your case a final time. At this point, an anesthesiologist will begin your sedation through IV, and you’ll be put into a deep sleep.
Once the surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit, where you’ll wake up from surgery and be under close monitoring until you are discharged. Some patients stay overnight at the aftercare facility for pain management and care to ensure they are set up for a comfortable and successful recovery.
The recovery period for a tummy tuck varies from patient to patient. During this time, you will need to refrain from engaging in any strenuous activities. We want you to start ambulating and walking on the same day of surgery to prevent any blood clots. After 4 to 5 days, most patients are able to stand up straight, spend more time on their feet, and are taking prescription pain medication.
After two weeks, patients can resume normal working hours as long as their occupation isn’t too strenuous. If your job requires prolonged periods of standing, heavy lifting, or a lot of activity, it may take up to a month before you can return to work.
Dr. Lee and the rest of the team are always available to guide and support you through your post-surgery care. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled at the time of your hospital release so that we can closely monitor your recovery and results.
Schedule Your Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck With Dr. Gene K. Lee
To learn more about what tummy tuck surgery can do to improve your figure and determine your candidacy for surgery, contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Gene K. Lee. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Meet Gene K. Lee MD, MPH
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
At LA MÔEM PLASTIC SURGERY, Dr. Gene K. Lee combines advanced surgical training with a thoughtful, ethical approach to aesthetic care. Known for his natural-looking results and deep respect for each patient’s unique goals and cultural identity, Dr. Lee creates personalized treatment plans focused on safety, integrity, and long-term satisfaction. When you choose Dr. Lee, you’re choosing a surgeon who values your trust and is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best—authentically.
