Tuck
Our tummy tuck procedure allows women and men in Southern California to achieve a flat, well-toned abdomen. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes loose, excess skin around the abdominal area, making it an excellent option for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or women who have been pregnant.
Dr. Daniel Kolder also recommends this procedure for both men and women who are unable to achieve a flat tummy due to excess skin and/or stretched muscles near the abdominal area. Dr. Kolder and his team are committed to providing the highest quality of care and personalized attention to each patient.
With decades of experience performing customized body contouring surgeries, an artist eye for detail and a reputation for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Kolder is well-equipped to help you achieve your dream physique.
Tummy Tuck Surgeries
Tummy Tuck Surgeries
Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can achieve excellent results following weight loss, pregnancy or the natural aging process. However, it is not a weight loss procedure and cannot replace traditional weight loss methods. The most important questions to ask yourself when deciding if you could be a good candidate for a tummy tuck
are:
• Are you in good overall health?
• Are you finished having children?
• Are you within 10 to 15 pounds of your ideal weight?
• Do you have time to take off work and other responsibilities to focus on tummy tuck recovery?
• Do you have realistic expectations for your results?
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
During your initial tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Kolder at our Camarillo or Studio City office, you will be able to ask any questions you may have about the surgery. After reviewing your medical history, listening to your goals and expectations and completing a physical evaluation, Dr. Kolder will let you know his personalized recommendations. During this time, he will discuss the procedure in detail with you, including the risks, benefits, alternatives, preparation, procedure steps and what to expect during recovery.
You will also be able to see tummy tuck before and after photos so you know what kind of results you can expect. It is important to realize that the tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. This surgery works best for men and women who are already at or near a healthy weight, but who are uncomfortable with a protruding belly caused by loose skin and/or damaged muscles.
Tummy Tuck Techniques
Dr. Kolder offers both full abdominoplasty and the mini tummy tuck. Most patients can expect to see the best results with a full tummy tuck, though there are instances where a mini tummy tuck can be appropriate.
A full or classic tummy tuck is able to address excess skin and fat in both the upper and lower abdomen, or both above and below the belly button. Thus, results tend to be more comprehensive than with a mini tummy tuck, which only improves the area below the belly button. The advantage of the mini tummy tuck technique is that it typically requires a shorter incision. Dr. Kolder will help you decide if a full or mini tummy tuck could be best for you based on your physical evaluation and personal goals.
A tummy tuck can also be included as part of a mommy makeover, which most commonly includes procedures like abdominoplasty, liposuction and breast augmentation and/or a breast lift. In most cases, Dr. Kolder is able to perform a mommy makeover in a single surgery, thus reducing overall recovery time and delivering comprehensive results.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Your tummy tuck will be performed under general anesthesia at our own ambulatory surgery center. Your procedure could take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to complete, depending on the specifics of your surgery. Women who choose to include a tummy tuck as part of a larger mommy makeover can expect a longer surgery time than those who opt solely for abdominoplasty.
Dr. Kolder begins a tummy tuck by creating a horizontal incision beneath your belly button to repair the underlying abdominal muscles and, in most cases, eliminate small amounts of stubborn fat through liposuction. Excess skin is then removed, existing skin is tightened, the belly button is repositioned and the incision is sutured.
Plan to have an adult drive you to and from your procedure and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours, but ideally longer to help you around the house during your initial stage of recovery.
Recovering from Tummy Tuck Surgery
Once your tummy tuck is complete, you will need to take some time away from work and some other daily activities. The amount of work that you may need to miss will depend on how physically demanding your job is and the
complexity of your procedure. Dr. Kolder generally recommends planning on taking 2 to 3 weeks off work to recover after a tummy tuck.
Some swelling, bruising, tenderness and discomfort are to be expected in the days following your tummy tuck. Pain medication, cold compresses and wearing a special compression garment can be used to help ease these symptoms, which should continue to gradually improve.
While you will need to limit strenuous physical activity for several weeks as you heal from abdominoplasty, Dr. Kolder recommends lightly walking around the house every hour for at least five minutes to promote circulation and reduce the risk of complications during recovery.
Around 6 to 8 weeks after a tummy tuck, most people are cleared to resume normal physical activities and exercise.
Tummy Tuck Results
At first, your abdomen will appear bruised and swollen, and your scar will appear red and raised. However, over the next few weeks, your body will continue to heal and scarring will gradually flatten and fade. Your results will continue to improve as swelling and bruising diminish over the coming weeks.
Generally speaking, you should have a good idea of what your final outcome will look like around three months after getting a tummy tuck. However, it can take up to six months or more for all swelling to completely subside and for your final results to fully develop.
Once you are fully healed, your incision lines can be easily hidden beneath your underwear and most bathing suits. With the excess skin gone and the underlying muscles repaired, you will finally be able to enjoy your tighter, well-contoured silhouette.
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Tummy Tuck FAQs
Tummy tuck costs will include items such as fees for anesthesia, surgeon’s fees, use of operating room facilities and other costs. Additionally, the exact cost of your tummy tuck will vary based on the specific details of your procedure. You will receive a more accurate tummy tuck cost estimate at your consultation, once Dr. Kolder has created an individualized tummy tuck approach for your needs. We are also happy to go over our plastic surgery financing options with you at this time if you are interested.
This all depends on where your stretch marks are located. Because a tummy tuck removes a lot of the skin in the lower abdomen, any stretch marks in this area will be removed. However, this does not guarantee that you will be stretch-mark free after surgery.
Dr. Kolder recommends that you come within 10 to 15 pounds of your ideal target weight before moving forward with a tummy tuck to see the best possible results. To minimize the risk of complications, most plastic surgeons recommend reaching a BMI of 30 or under prior to getting a tummy tuck.
Finding the right plastic surgeon near you for your tummy tuck requires a mix of research and in-person visits to ensure the best pick on paper is also a great fit for you on a personal level. Start by verifying medical credentials like certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery online, read online reviews and view before and after tummy tuck photos to narrow your search. Once you have a shortlist of plastic surgeons near you who offer abdominoplasty, schedule a consultation with your top picks to find the best fit for you.
While the majority of people who get a tummy tuck are between the ages of 30 and 50, there is no “best” age to get this procedure. Likewise, there is no technical upper age limit to getting a tummy tuck.
Your tummy tuck procedure itself will not be painful, as it is performed under general anesthesia. For most people, the first few days to a week after getting a tummy tuck are the most uncomfortable. Symptoms like discomfort, tenderness, swelling and bruising are usually easily managed with a proper compression garment, over-the-counter or prescription pain medication and plenty of rest. These symptoms generally begin to dissipate by the second week of your abdominoplasty recovery.
While a tummy tuck is a relatively safe procedure, all surgeries pose potential risks. Some of the possible risks associated with a tummy tuck include:
- Wound healing complications
- Complications with anesthesia
- Scar asymmetry
- Numbness or changes in skin sensations
- Blood clots
- Infection
A tummy tuck is strictly a cosmetic procedure and does not affect your ability to become pregnant and carry a pregnancy to full term. However, pregnancy can and likely will change the results your tummy tuck provided. This is why most surgeons recommend a tummy tuck after you have your family and no longer plan on having children.
Because a tummy tuck removes excess skin, both women and men can expect their clothes to fit much better after this procedure. While results will vary from person to person, many of Dr. Kolder’s patients notice dropping 2 to 3 clothing sizes once they’ve fully healed from abdominoplasty.
A tummy tuck procedure can provide long-lasting results. However, this depends entirely on you and your lifestyle. In order to maintain your results over time, you will need to follow a healthy diet and maintain a stable body weight. Gaining weight can again stretch out the skin and muscles of the abdomen, undoing your tummy tuck results.
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Board certified plastic surgeon with expert-level artistic precision.
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Dr. Kolder has earned a reputation for excellence by creating results that consistently exceed his patient’s expectations. We are excited to learn about your cosmetic goals and work with you to create a custom treatment plan with your ideal outcome. To get started, reach out to us by phone, or click on the link below to speak with a Pacifica team member and set up your initial consultation today.
Written By: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.
More about Dr. Daniel G. Kolder | Last Reviewed: September 25th, 2025
Tummy Tuck Camarillo
Sculpt Your Midsection with Care & Confidence
Having a stomach area that does not respond to diet or exercise is a common concern. Loose skin, weakened muscles, stretch marks, or stubborn fat deposits can remain even when you are at your ideal weight. If you can relate, a tummy transformation may be the right solution for you.
Our experienced tummy tuck surgeon combines medical expertise with artistic precision. Patients from across the region visit us for safe, effective, and comprehensive treatments that deliver a flatter, firmer, and more proportioned silhouette.
What Is a Tummy Tuck
A “tummy tuck,” or abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that:
- Removes excess skin and fat in the abdominal area
- Repairs and tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles
- Reshapes the waistline for improved definition and smoother contour
We also offer variations—mini tummy tuck, full abdominoplasty, or extended tummy tuck—depending on the amount of tissue involved and your desired results.
Who’s a Good Candidate
- Individuals at or near a stable, healthy weight
- Those with skin laxity after pregnancy, weight changes, or aging
- People with diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles) unresponsive to exercise
- Healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations and commitment to recovery
The Procedure & Recovery
- Performed under anesthesia, with incisions placed low to keep scars hidden under clothing
- Muscle repair, removal of excess skin, and optional liposuction for refined contouring
- Compression garment provided to support healing and reduce swelling
- Initial recovery typically 1–2 weeks; full physical activity usually resumes after 4–6 weeks
Benefits & What to Consider
- Improved abdominal firmness, contour, and overall body profile
- Removal of excess skin that may cause discomfort or hygiene issues
- Enhanced confidence and better fit in clothing
It is important to note that full restoration takes time. Scars may be visible during the healing process, and future weight fluctuations or pregnancies can affect results.
If you are considering this procedure, choosing skilled surgeons for tummy tuck surgery in Camarillo ensures results that look natural, feel strong, and last. Our clinic is defined by the highest standards of safety, quality, and meticulous patient care.