Tummy Tuck Surgery Expert in Santa Monica

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Abdominoplasty in Santa Monica by Dr. Karamanoukian

Tummy Tuck Los Angeles | Mommy Makeover | Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian | Kare Plastic Surgery Santa Monica

Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center  ·  Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Los Angeles

Tummy Tuck & Mommy Makeover in Los Angeles

Full abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck, diastasis repair, liposuction & complete mommy makeover — by UCLA-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica

Call (310) 998-5533 Request a Consultation
UCLATrained Plastic Surgeon
FACSDouble Board-Certified
20+Years Body Contouring
RealSelf 100Top Surgeon
PPOInsurance Accepted

Body Contouring After Pregnancy

Tummy Tuck Surgery in Los Angeles: Reclaim Your Body With Surgical Precision

Pregnancy, childbirth, and significant weight changes are among the most physically transformative events the human body can undergo. The abdominal skin stretches beyond its elastic limit, the rectus abdominis muscles separate along the midline (diastasis recti), and the underlying connective tissue loses the structural tension that once gave the abdomen its flat, toned contour. No amount of diet, exercise, or core training can close separated abdominal muscles or shrink stretched skin — these are structural changes that require surgery to correct.

At Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center in Santa Monica, UCLA-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS offers the full spectrum of abdominal body contouring — from mini tummy tuck to full abdominoplasty with diastasis repair, extended tummy tuck, reverse abdominoplasty, and comprehensive mommy makeover packages that combine abdominal surgery with breast restoration, liposuction, and body contouring in a single surgical session. With over 20 years of body contouring experience and a RealSelf 100 designation placing him among the top 0.4% of surgeons on the platform, Dr. Karamanoukian delivers the natural-looking, anatomically precise abdominal restoration that Los Angeles patients deserve.

His practice serves patients from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, West Hollywood, and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. For women who have completed their families and are ready to address the physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth — and for men and women who have achieved significant weight loss but struggle with the residual excess skin and tissue laxity that follows — Dr. Karamanoukian provides the surgical expertise that produces genuinely transformative results with scar placement planned from the first consultation with the same precision as the operation itself.

Tummy Tuck & Mommy Makeover Options at Kare

  • Full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with low bikini-line scar
  • Mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty) for lower abdominal pouch
  • Extended tummy tuck for circumferential skin excess
  • Reverse tummy tuck for upper abdominal laxity
  • Diastasis recti repair (rectus plication) for muscle separation
  • Umbilical hernia repair combined with abdominoplasty
  • VASER and tumescent liposuction of flanks, waist & hips
  • Mommy makeover: tummy tuck + breast augmentation
  • Mommy makeover: tummy tuck + breast lift (mastopexy)
  • Mommy makeover: tummy tuck + breast augmentation + lift
  • Lower body lift for post-bariatric patients
  • Arm lift (brachioplasty) combined with tummy tuck

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian: Why UCLA Surgical Training & Reconstructive Experience Make Every Difference

A tummy tuck is one of the most technically demanding operations in cosmetic plastic surgery — requiring not only the ability to safely excise skin and tighten muscle, but the aesthetic judgment to plan incision placement that heals within the bikini line, the surgical discipline to execute rectus plication that restores the natural abdominal wall architecture rather than creating an unnatural tightness, and the wound healing knowledge to manage the complex skin flap advancement that determines the final contour. These skills are not evenly distributed among surgeons who offer abdominoplasty in the Los Angeles market.

Dr. Karamanoukian’s UCLA plastic surgery training gave him a foundation in reconstructive abdominal surgery — including abdominal wall reconstruction, complex flap design, and the management of abdominal hernias and tissue defects — that profoundly informs his cosmetic abdominoplasty technique. His understanding of the blood supply to the abdominal skin flap (the superior epigastric and intercostal perforators), the safe zones of undermining that preserve flap viability, and the mechanics of wound closure tension allows him to achieve maximum skin excision and muscle tightening with a level of safety and wound healing predictability that surgeons without reconstructive training cannot match.

“A great tummy tuck is not just about removing skin. It is about restoring the anatomical architecture of the abdominal wall — tightening the muscles, repositioning the belly button to exactly the right location, and placing the incision where it will be completely hidden under any swimsuit. Every decision from the first surgical marking to the last suture is guided by how the patient will look and feel in twelve months.”

— Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS — Kare Plastic Surgery, Santa Monica

UCLAAcademic plastic surgery training
20+ YrsBody contouring experience
FACSDouble board-certified, Fellow ACS
RealSelf 100Top 0.4% of surgeons nationwide

Surgical Options

Tummy Tuck Procedure Options: Matching the Right Surgery to Your Anatomy

Not every patient needs the same operation. Dr. Karamanoukian evaluates each patient’s specific anatomy, degree of skin excess, muscle separation, and body goals to recommend the most appropriate procedure.

01

Full Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

The full abdominoplasty is the definitive abdominal body contouring procedure — addressing skin excess from the lower abdomen to the navel, diastasis recti muscle separation, residual fat deposits, and repositioning the navel (umbilicoplasty) to a naturally youthful location on the reconstructed abdominal surface. The low horizontal incision is placed precisely at or below the upper bikini line — where it is completely concealed by swimwear, underwear, and workout clothing — and extends from hip to hip in a gentle curve planned by Dr. Karamanoukian with the patient standing upright before surgery.

The procedure removes the entire lower abdominal skin panel between the navel and the pubic hairline — which typically contains the most severely stretch-marked and lax skin — then advances the upper abdominal skin downward, bringing the navel through a new opening in the repositioned skin at the correct anatomical position. The rectus abdominis muscles are plicated with permanent sutures along their entire midline length, creating a tighter, flatter abdominal wall that immediately corrects the diastasis and reduces the abdominal wall projection that sit-ups cannot address. The total procedure takes 2–3 hours under general anesthesia.

Best For: Patients with significant post-pregnancy or post-weight-loss skin excess from the lower abdomen to the navel, diastasis recti, and excess lower abdominal fat not responsive to exercise
02

Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty)

The mini tummy tuck uses a shorter incision than the full abdominoplasty and addresses only the skin of the lower abdominal panel below the navel — the area between the pubic hairline and approximately 5–8cm below the navel. It does not require repositioning the belly button, though mild umbilicoplasty (reshaping of the navel) can be performed simultaneously. The smaller incision and less extensive undermining result in a faster recovery of 7–10 days compared to the 2-week recovery of a full tummy tuck.

The mini tummy tuck is ideally suited for patients with a well-defined lower abdominal skin excess confined to the zone below the navel, with minimal or no diastasis of the upper abdominal muscles and good skin quality above the navel. It is Dr. Karamanoukian’s preferred option for the fit, athletic patient who is close to their ideal body composition but struggles with a persistent lower abdominal skin pouch from prior pregnancy or weight fluctuation that no amount of exercise corrects.

Best For: Lower abdominal skin pouch confined below the navel, minimal diastasis, near-ideal body weight, active patients wanting faster recovery; the “bikini line fix” for fit women with isolated lower abdominal laxity
03

Diastasis Recti Repair

Diastasis recti — the separation of the paired rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen — is present in the majority of women after pregnancy and is the primary reason that post-partum abdominal exercises produce disappointing results: when the muscles are separated, core exercises build the individual muscle bellies but cannot close the gap between them. The protruding, rounded lower abdominal contour that mothers describe as their “mommy pouch” is often as much a diastasis problem as a skin problem — and addressing skin without repairing the diastasis produces an incomplete result.

Dr. Karamanoukian repairs diastasis recti by placing a series of permanent, slowly dissolving sutures (typically Ethibond or Nylon) along the linea alba from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis — the full length of the midline — drawing the separated muscle edges together and recreating the flat, tense fascial foundation of the abdominal wall. This repair is performed as a component of every full abdominoplasty at Kare and can also be performed as a standalone procedure through a small midline incision when the patient has diastasis without significant skin excess.

Best For: Post-pregnancy abdominal muscle separation causing lower abdominal protrusion, the “mummy tummy” that does not respond to exercise, lower back pain from weakened core support
04

Liposuction Body Contouring

Liposuction is a powerful complement to abdominoplasty and an essential component of most mommy makeover procedures at Kare Plastic Surgery. While abdominoplasty removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal wall, liposuction addresses the three-dimensional fat deposits of the flanks, waist, hips, and outer thighs that determine the overall body silhouette and the definition of the waistline. Dr. Karamanoukian performs VASER ultrasound-assisted liposuction and traditional tumescent liposuction, selectively treating the fat compartments that resist diet and exercise while preserving the blood supply to the abdominal skin flap that is critical for safe wound healing after abdominoplasty.

Liposuction of the flanks and waist in combination with abdominal skin excision dramatically improves the three-dimensional hourglass contour visible from all angles — the “360-degree result” that is the hallmark of comprehensive body contouring. For many patients, the waist circumference reduction achieved by combining liposuction with tummy tuck is the most dramatic cosmetic change they have ever experienced.

Best For: Flanks, waist, hips, outer thighs, and love handles concurrent with abdominoplasty; essential component of most mommy makeover procedures; 360-degree waist definition and hourglass silhouette creation
05

Reverse Tummy Tuck

The reverse tummy tuck (reverse abdominoplasty) is a specialized technique indicated for patients with skin laxity confined to the upper abdominal region — the area above the navel that is not adequately addressed by a standard abdominoplasty, which excises the lower abdominal panel and advances skin downward. In a reverse tummy tuck, the incision is placed in the inframammary fold (the natural crease beneath the breasts), allowing the upper abdominal skin to be elevated and the excess excised through a scar that is completely concealed by the bra line and swimsuit top.

The reverse tummy tuck is most commonly indicated for patients who have previously undergone a standard abdominoplasty and developed new skin excess in the upper abdomen over time, for patients with post-bariatric skin excess limited to the upper abdominal zone, and for patients combining breast surgery with abdominal contouring where the inframammary access is already being used. Dr. Karamanoukian evaluates each patient’s specific distribution of skin excess at consultation to determine whether a standard, reverse, or extended abdominoplasty is the most appropriate approach.

Best For: Upper abdominal skin laxity above the navel, post-bariatric upper abdominal excess, post-standard-abdominoplasty upper abdominal recurrence, patients combining breast and abdominal surgery
06

Umbilical Hernia Repair

Umbilical hernias — protrusions of abdominal contents through a defect in the umbilical ring — are a common accompaniment to diastasis recti after pregnancy and are frequently identified at the tummy tuck consultation. While umbilical hernias are a medical condition covered by many PPO insurance plans when symptomatic, they are most practically and efficiently repaired simultaneously with abdominoplasty, as the operative access required for abdominoplasty provides excellent visualization and approach to the umbilical defect without requiring a separate incision or procedure.

Dr. Karamanoukian repairs umbilical hernias using a standard technique of reducing the herniated contents and closing the fascial defect with permanent sutures — providing durable, reliable hernia repair with essentially no additional recovery beyond the abdominoplasty itself. He coordinates with the patient’s insurance company for pre-authorization of the hernia repair component when combining this with cosmetic abdominoplasty, potentially offsetting a portion of the total surgical cost. All combined cosmetic/medical procedures are planned and documented with complete transparency at consultation.

Best For: Umbilical hernias identified at tummy tuck consultation; simultaneous repair during abdominoplasty avoids second procedure and anesthetic; insurance coverage for hernia component possible with appropriate documentation

The Mommy Makeover

Mommy Makeover Surgery in Los Angeles: Complete Body Restoration After Pregnancy

The mommy makeover is not a single defined procedure — it is a personalized combination of surgeries designed to address the full scope of body changes that pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding produce in a single operative session. By combining abdominal and breast surgery together rather than in separate procedures, patients undergo only one general anesthetic, one recovery period, and one set of pre- and post-operative appointments — a significant practical and financial advantage over staged procedures.

At Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center, Dr. Karamanoukian designs each mommy makeover individually at consultation — evaluating the degree of abdominal skin excess, diastasis recti, breast volume loss, ptosis, and overall body proportion before recommending the specific combination of procedures that will produce the most comprehensive restoration of the patient’s pre-pregnancy body contour. Most mommy makeovers at Kare combine at least two and often three concurrent procedures.

👢

Tummy Tuck + Breast Augmentation

The most common mommy makeover combination — full abdominoplasty with diastasis repair, liposuction of the waist and flanks, and breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants. This combination addresses the two most significant post-pregnancy body changes simultaneously: the loss of abdominal flatness and muscle tone, and the deflation of breast volume that breastfeeding and hormonal changes produce. The breast implants are placed through a separate inframammary incision at the same operation, adding approximately 45–60 minutes to the total operative time without a meaningful increase in recovery compared to the tummy tuck alone.

This combination is recommended for patients with adequate native breast skin envelope and minimal ptosis who primarily need volume restoration rather than tissue repositioning.

👣

Tummy Tuck + Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

For patients with significant breast ptosis (sagging) after pregnancy and breastfeeding — where the nipple-areola complex has descended below the inframammary fold or the breast tissue has lost its upper pole fullness — mastopexy (breast lift) is a more appropriate complement to abdominoplasty than augmentation alone. Dr. Karamanoukian performs periareolar, vertical (lollipop), or anchor mastopexy concurrently with tummy tuck, reshaping and elevating the breast tissue, repositioning the nipple to a youthful location, and removing the excess breast skin envelope in a single combined operation.

For patients who want both lifting and volume, augmentation mastopexy — breast lift with simultaneous implant placement — achieves both goals together, though Dr. Karamanoukian discusses the technical complexity and slightly higher complication rate of combined augmentation-mastopexy at every consultation.

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Tummy Tuck + Liposuction Body Contouring

Adding comprehensive liposuction body contouring to the tummy tuck addresses the three-dimensional fat distribution of the flanks, outer thighs, and back that determines the overall silhouette visible from all angles. Dr. Karamanoukian uses VASER ultrasound-assisted liposuction to selectively emulsify and remove fat from these compartments, creating waist definition, hip curvature, and overall body proportion improvement that abdominoplasty alone — which addresses only the anterior abdominal surface — cannot achieve. The combination of circumferential liposuction and frontal skin tightening produces the most comprehensive body contouring result available without the additional incisions of a lower body lift.

💪

Extended Mommy Makeover

For patients with more extensive post-pregnancy or post-bariatric body changes — including significant skin excess on the arms, thighs, or back in addition to the abdomen and breasts — an extended mommy makeover addresses multiple body areas simultaneously. Dr. Karamanoukian may combine abdominoplasty with arm lift (brachioplasty) for upper arm skin excess, thigh lift for inner thigh laxity, or additional areas of liposuction body contouring, designing the most comprehensive single-session restoration that is safe to perform within appropriate operative time limits. Extended mommy makeovers are carefully staged within a single session to maintain patient safety, with total operative time and blood loss closely monitored throughout the procedure.

Timing of mommy makeover surgery: Dr. Karamanoukian recommends waiting at least 3–6 months after completing breastfeeding before scheduling mommy makeover surgery — the breast tissue requires this period to stabilize at its post-breastfeeding volume before accurate assessment of ptosis and augmentation needs is possible. Patients should also be at or within 10–15 pounds of their goal body weight, as significant weight changes after surgery can alter the tummy tuck result. Family planning should be complete before surgery, as subsequent pregnancy can reverse the abdominal muscle repair and skin tightening achieved by abdominoplasty.

Patient Selection

Who Is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Los Angeles?

✓   Ideal Candidates for Tummy Tuck & Mommy Makeover at Kare Plastic Surgery

  • Women who have completed their family planning and are not anticipating future pregnancies — subsequent pregnancy after abdominoplasty can stretch the repaired abdominal muscles and skin, partially reversing the surgical result and potentially requiring revision surgery
  • Patients at or within 10–15 pounds of their stable goal body weight for a minimum of 3–6 months — tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, and significant weight fluctuation after surgery alters the contour result; the best outcomes are achieved in patients with a healthy, stable body weight
  • Women with diastasis recti — the abdominal muscle separation that produces persistent lower abdominal protrusion despite exercise — who have been frustrated by the inability of core training alone to create the flat abdominal contour they seek
  • Post-bariatric surgery patients who have achieved their weight loss goal and wish to address the excess skin, abdominal wall laxity, and body contour irregularity that significant weight loss leaves behind
  • Men or women with lower abdominal skin laxity and fat excess that persists despite consistent exercise and a healthy diet — recognizing that skin that has been stretched cannot retract on its own and requires surgical excision
  • Patients who are non-smokers or who have stopped smoking for a minimum of 4 weeks before and after surgery — smoking significantly impairs the blood supply to the abdominal skin flap and dramatically increases the risk of wound healing complications, skin necrosis, and poor scar healing after tummy tuck
  • Those who have had umbilical hernias identified on examination that can be repaired simultaneously with abdominoplasty, and who may qualify for partial insurance coverage of the hernia repair component of the procedure
  • Patients seeking a mommy makeover who have been at a stable weight since completing breastfeeding, typically waiting a minimum of 3–6 months after breastfeeding cessation before proceeding with combined breast and abdominal surgery
  • Adults in good overall health without significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic conditions that increase the risk of general anesthesia, assessed by pre-operative medical clearance from their primary care physician
  • Those with realistic expectations — understanding that abdominoplasty produces a significantly flatter, firmer abdominal contour and visible bikini-line scar that fades over 12–18 months, that swelling resolves progressively over 3–6 months, and that maintaining results requires a stable weight and healthy lifestyle after surgery

On PPO insurance coverage: The cosmetic components of tummy tuck — skin excision and abdominoplasty — are not covered by health insurance. However, if a concurrent umbilical hernia repair or medically documented diastasis causing functional impairment (lower back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction) is included in the procedure, the hernia repair component may qualify for PPO coverage. Dr. Karamanoukian’s office assists patients with insurance verification and pre-authorization documentation for the medically indicated components of combined cosmetic and reconstructive abdominal procedures.

Your Surgical Experience

The Tummy Tuck Process at Kare Plastic Surgery: Step by Step

Comprehensive Consultation & Surgical Planning

Dr. Karamanoukian performs a thorough physical examination of the abdomen — assessing the degree of skin excess, the extent and severity of diastasis recti, the distribution of residual fat, the quality and elasticity of the skin, and the position of the navel. He evaluates whether a full abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck, reverse tummy tuck, or extended procedure is most appropriate for the anatomy presented. The incision length and position are discussed with the patient in relation to their swimwear and underwear preferences. For mommy makeover patients, the breast examination and augmentation/lift recommendation are made in the same consultation. A detailed written surgical plan with realistic expectation-setting photographs is provided.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Pre-operative blood work, ECG, and medical clearance are arranged. Patients are advised to stop blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, herbal supplements) for 2 weeks before surgery. Smoking cessation for a minimum of 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery is mandatory and non-negotiable at Kare Plastic Surgery. A pre-operative appointment at 1–2 weeks before surgery includes surgical marking with Dr. Karamanoukian standing upright, final pre-operative photographs, anesthesia clearance, and prescription of post-operative medications. Patients are provided detailed written pre-operative instructions including dietary restrictions, showering protocol, and what to bring on surgery day.

Surgery Under General Anesthesia

Tummy tuck surgery at Kare is performed under general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist in Dr. Karamanoukian’s accredited Santa Monica surgical facility. The planned incision is confirmed on the marked, supine patient. The lower abdominal skin panel is excised, the abdominal wall is exposed, and rectus plication is performed with permanent sutures from xiphoid to pubic symphysis. Any umbilical hernia is repaired at this stage. Liposuction of the flanks is performed if included in the plan. The skin flap is advanced downward and sutured in layers; the navel is brought through the skin at the correct anatomical position and inset with fine sutures. A compression garment is applied in the operating room. Full abdominoplasty takes 2–3 hours; mommy makeover with breast surgery adds 1–2 additional hours.

Recovery & Post-Operative Care

Patients are discharged home the same day with a responsible adult caregiver for the first 24–48 hours. One or two small surgical drains are placed to prevent fluid accumulation and are removed at 7–10 days based on daily output. The compression garment is worn continuously for 6 weeks. Pain is managed with prescribed oral analgesics and typically resolves significantly by the end of the first week. Most patients resume desk work at 2 weeks; light exercise at 4–6 weeks; full exercise and core work at 6–8 weeks post-operatively. Swelling peaks at 2–3 weeks and progressively resolves, with the final abdominal contour visible at 3–6 months.

Scar Management & Long-Term Result

Beginning at 4–6 weeks post-operatively, Dr. Karamanoukian initiates a structured scar management protocol for the tummy tuck scar — silicone gel sheeting, sun protection with SPF 50+, and scar massage instruction. The scar transitions from pink to red to white over 12–18 months as it matures and is completely concealed within the bikini or underwear line throughout. For patients with early hypertrophic changes, intralesional triamcinolone injection is initiated promptly. Fractional CO2 laser or Vbeam treatment of the mature scar is offered at 12 months for patients wanting additional scar refinement. Post-operative follow-up appointments are scheduled at 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck & Mommy Makeover in Los Angeles

What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?

A full abdominoplasty removes the entire lower abdominal skin panel from the navel to the pubic hairline, repairs diastasis recti muscles along the full length of the midline, and repositions the belly button to its correct anatomical position on the advanced skin. It is the comprehensive operation for patients with significant post-pregnancy or post-weight-loss skin excess and muscle separation. A mini tummy tuck uses a shorter incision, removes only the skin of the lower abdominal zone below the navel, may include limited diastasis repair of the lower rectus muscle only, and does not require navel repositioning. It is appropriate for fit patients with a small, isolated lower abdominal skin pouch and minimal muscle separation. Dr. Karamanoukian makes this determination at physical examination at consultation — the physical findings, not the patient’s preference, define which procedure is correct.

Can exercise fix diastasis recti without surgery?

No. Diastasis recti is a structural separation of the abdominal muscles at the midline fascial junction (linea alba) — a mechanical disruption that no amount of core exercise can close. Core exercises build the individual muscle bellies on either side of the separation, but cannot draw the separated edges back together and may actually worsen the diastasis by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. The only definitive correction for diastasis recti is surgical plication — suturing the separated muscle edges together along the midline. This is performed as a core component of full abdominoplasty at Kare Plastic Surgery and is the procedure that produces the flat abdominal contour that exercise cannot achieve in patients with true diastasis.

How long does a mommy makeover take to recover from?

Recovery from a mommy makeover depends on the combination of procedures performed. For tummy tuck combined with breast augmentation, most patients take 2 weeks away from desk work, avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks, and feel fully recovered socially and professionally at 3–4 weeks. Combined breast lift and tummy tuck has a similar recovery timeline. The tummy tuck component generally determines the overall recovery timeline, as the abdominal muscle repair requires the most healing time of any component in the standard mommy makeover. Most patients describe their recovery as significantly more comfortable than they anticipated, with the functional limitation being the inability to stand fully upright for the first 3–5 days as the skin tension accommodates the new position.

Will I have a visible scar after tummy tuck?

Yes — every abdominoplasty produces a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen. However, the character and visibility of that scar are profoundly determined by how it is planned and executed. Dr. Karamanoukian marks the incision with the patient standing upright, in the position that best represents natural skin tension, placing the scar precisely at or below the upper edge of the patient’s bikini line and underwear. When properly planned, the tummy tuck scar is completely concealed by all swimwear styles including bikini bottoms. The scar matures from pink to white and softens progressively over 12–18 months. Post-operative scar management with silicone, sun protection, and laser treatment at 12 months produces consistently excellent cosmetic scar outcomes at Kare.

Can a tummy tuck be done under local anesthesia?

A full abdominoplasty requires general anesthesia due to the scope of the operation — the extensive skin undermining, muscle plication along the full abdominal wall, and navel repositioning cannot be adequately performed with patient comfort under local anesthesia alone. Mini tummy tucks can occasionally be performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation in selected patients, but this approach limits the extent of the muscle repair possible and the degree of skin resection achievable. Dr. Karamanoukian discusses the appropriate anesthesia approach for each planned procedure at consultation and performs all abdominoplasty procedures at his accredited Santa Monica surgical facility with a board-certified anesthesiologist.

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Los Angeles?

The total cost of abdominoplasty in Los Angeles varies based on the scope of the procedure (full vs. mini vs. extended), whether concurrent liposuction or other procedures are included, anesthesia and facility fees, and post-operative care costs. Published price ranges in the Los Angeles market for full abdominoplasty typically span from $8,000 to $18,000+ depending on surgeon experience, facility, and procedure complexity. A personalized all-inclusive cost estimate is provided at consultation once Dr. Karamanoukian has assessed the anatomy and recommended the appropriate procedure. Financing through CareCredit and other patient financing programs is available. PPO insurance coverage may be available for the umbilical hernia repair component when combined with cosmetic abdominoplasty.

Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation in Los Angeles

Reclaim your body after pregnancy or weight loss with the surgical precision and natural results that Dr. Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center delivers. Contact our Santa Monica office today to begin your consultation.

(310) 998-5533 Request a Consultation

Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center  ·  804 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403  ·  (310) 998-5533

Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS — Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon  ·  UCLA-Trained  ·  Tummy Tuck & Mommy Makeover Specialist  ·  RealSelf 100  ·  PPO Insurance Accepted