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Tummy Tuck in Thousand Oaks

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is an excellent option for patients seeking to achieve a more contoured abdomen. At the Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery, located in Thousand Oaks, California, we offer customized tummy tucks in our fully accredited surgical suite. Our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in advanced body contouring and liposuction techniques. Whether you are looking to restore your pre-pregnancy figure or eliminate excess skin and fat after weight loss, a tummy tuck at the Kryger Institute ensures that you achieve an individualized and superior outcome.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Do?

Tummy tucks at Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery with Dr. Zol Kryger and Dr. Gil Kryger involve their expert reconstruction of abdominal muscles that have separated or stretched before using advanced surgical and liposuction techniques to remove excess fat and skin, creating a mid-section that is flatter, firmer, and more contoured.

Tummy Tuck: What Are the Benefits?

A tummy tuck offers a range of physical and aesthetic benefits, making it one of the most popular body contouring procedures available. These include:

  • Tighten abdominal muscles- The procedure can repair stretched or separated muscles, often caused by pregnancy or weight fluctuations, leading to a firmer core.
  • Removal of excess skin- A tummy tuck eliminates loose, sagging skin that may be resistant to diet and exercise. The procedure can relieve skin irritation from excess skin folds, particularly after significant weight loss.
  • Improved posture- Tightening the abdominal muscles can also help improve posture and reduce lower back pain caused by weakened core muscles.

Real Patient Experiences

At the Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery, we have experience in a vast array of surgical and non-surgical procedures. Click to see some before and after photos of tummy tucks.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Do?

Tummy tucks at Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery with Dr. Zol Kryger and Dr. Gil Kryger involve their expert reconstruction of abdominal muscles that have separated or stretched before using advanced surgical and liposuction techniques to remove excess fat and skin, creating a mid-section that is flatter, firmer, and more contoured.

Tummy Tuck: What Are the Benefits?

A tummy tuck offers a range of physical and aesthetic benefits, making it one of the most popular body contouring procedures available. These include:

  • Tighten abdominal muscles- The procedure can repair stretched or separated muscles, often caused by pregnancy or weight fluctuations, leading to a firmer core.
  • Removal of excess skin- A tummy tuck eliminates loose, sagging skin that may be resistant to diet and exercise. The procedure can relieve skin irritation from excess skin folds, particularly after significant weight loss.
  • Improved posture- Tightening the abdominal muscles can also help improve posture and reduce lower back pain caused by weakened core muscles.

Tummy Tuck Consultation: Who Is a Candidate?

A thorough consultation with either Dr. Zol Kryger or Dr. Gil Kryger is the first step in determining if a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you. During this initial appointment, they will discuss your goals, review your medical history, and physically evaluate your concerns. If you are compatible with the surgery, they will review anesthesia options, discuss incision placement, and create a personalized treatment plan customized to your needs. In addition to non-smokers who are in good general health, Ideal candidates may include:

  • Adults with a stable body weight and excess abdominal skin and fat.
  • Women who want to restore their pre-pregnancy figure.
  • Individuals who have experienced significant weight loss.
  • Those in need of muscle tightening and repair for diastasis recti.

For women  who are seeking a more comprehensive restoration of their pre-pregnancy body, visit our mommy makeover page. Tummy tucks can be combined with other body contouring procedures. Your consultation is an ideal opportunity to hear recommendations for any other aesthetic concerns you may have. 

Tummy Tuck: What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure typically takes between two and three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and whether liposuction is performed in conjunction. The surgery is performed with general anesthesia or with local anesthesia and twilight sedation.

Before surgery, the incision lines, usually placed low enough to be hidden by undergarments or swimwear, will be marked. For a full tummy tuck, an incision will also be made around the navel to reposition the belly button for a more natural appearance. Once the skin is lifted, the underlying muscles and tissues are tightened and stitched together which narrows the waistline and strengthens the abdominal wall. If necessary, liposuction is then used to eliminate excess fat before repositioning the overlying skin and trimming the excess tissue.

Tummy Tuck: Recovery and Results

Recovery from a tummy tuck is four to six weeks with a downtime period of approximately the first ten days to two weeks. Initial postoperative swelling and discomfort are managed with prescription medication and limited activity. For the first five to seven days, you will have one to two small tubes that drain excess fluid into a small bulb. A compression garment to be worn regularly during recovery may be recommended to support and shape healing tissues. The detailed aftercare instructions we provide will include drain and incision care.

Immediate results following your tummy tuck will be improvements in the shape and contour of your abdomen, with ongoing results continuing to emerge as internal swelling continues to subside. By six months, most patients see their final, refined results—a flatter, firmer, and more toned appearance in the abdomen. Patients can help ensure a smooth recovery and tummy tuck results that last for years by following their recovery plan, maintaining a stable weight, eating healthy and staying active.

Tummy Tuck Surgery: Why Choose the Kryger Institute?

Dr. Gil Kryger and Dr. Zol Kryger are highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Their deep expertise in abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, and advanced plastic surgery techniques makes them the ideal choice for patients seeking optimal results from a tummy tuck. Whether addressing post-pregnancy changes or significant weight loss, our surgeons are renowned for their precision and skill in delivering beautiful, natural-looking outcomes. Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery is one of Ventura County’s leading providers of tummy tucks and advanced body procedures. Visit the following page to watch a video and take a virtual tour of the institute. 

What is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

Due to the customized nature of the procedure, the cost of a tummy tuck varies among individual patients. We will provide you with a detailed price breakdown during your initial visit so you can understand all aspects of the procedure and make an informed decision. 

Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation in Thousand Oaks Today

To learn more about our procedures including tummy tucks, we invite you to request an appointment. Our patients appreciate the top-tier care and privacy afforded to them by having their procedures conducted in our on-site and fully accredited surgical suite. To ask a question or to schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck, contact us today at the Kryger Institute for Plastic Surgery in Thousand Oaks.

Tummy Tuck in Thousand Oaks: FAQs

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Is financing available for a tummy tuck?

Yes, The Kryger Institute of Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer the option of financing your tummy tuck through our reputable partner. Contact our office for more information on acceptable methods of payment and financing plans.
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After tummy tuck surgery, can I go home the same day?

A tummy tuck can be done safely as an outpatient, and most patients will be able to go home the same day. In some cases, our surgeons may recommend that you spend a night in the hospital after surgery. Also, some patients may prefer to spend a night or two in the hospital if they have young children at home or live alone.
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Will I have to have drainage tubes after a tummy tuck?

Yes, it is common to have one or two small drainage tubes to help prevent the buildup of excess fluid. The drains are inserted near the incision site and connected to a small bulb that collects the fluid. While the use of drains varies depending on the specifics of your procedure, they are generally removed within a week or two after surgery. Our surgeons will provide detailed instructions on how to care for them during your recovery.
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How long is the downtime following a tummy tuck?

Patients should plan for up to two weeks of downtime before resuming light physical activities. The majority of patients return to driving and more physically strenuous activities or work between four and six weeks.
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When can I travel after a tummy tuck?

Patients should not drive for at least four weeks, or until cleared to do so. Except as a passenger during short car rides, you should not plan on traveling until you have had your first postoperative visit, and the drainage tubes have been removed. Typically, this occurs five to seven days after surgery. If you have a higher risk of developing blood clots, except for attending post operative appointments, you should not travel at all until you have been cleared.
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What kind of scars can I expect with a tummy tuck?

Our surgeons have extensive experience in scar development and wound healing and are committed to using every available technique to minimize the visibility of incisions. Be sure to inform them if you are prone to developing raised scars or scars that extend beyond the original incision lines. Incisions typically take one to two years to fully heal and flatten out. By carefully following the activity restrictions and incision care instructions, as well as attending all postoperative appointments, patients can help avoid complications. If necessary, our surgeons can take interventive steps to address any concerns.
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What can I expect with the long-term results from a tummy tuck?

Once the excess skin and fat are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened, the improvements are considered permanent. If you exercise, eat healthy and maintain a stable body weight, you will avoid the return of excess fat in the abdominal area, and enjoy the results of your tummy tuck for years to come.

Meet Your Surgeons

Our surgeons have over a decade of experience in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and have trained at the premier medical schools and programs in the country. They serve on the editorial board of the Journal of Microsurgery, have published numerous scientific papers, presented at many national and international conferences, and have edited a comprehensive plastic surgery textbook used by surgeons around the world. Learn more about our surgeons or request a consultation.