Tummy Tuck

What Sets Dr. Ackerman Apart as the Premier Tummy Tuck Practice in Newport Beach?

• Dr. Boris M. Ackerman is known throughout Newport Beach and Orange County for his detail-driven approach to body-contouring procedures and natural-looking tummy-tuck results tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
• As a Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ackerman is affiliated with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
• Dr. Ackerman has completed extensive medical and surgical training focused on aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, as well as advanced body-contouring techniques and surgical precision.
• Patients benefit from treatment at a QUAD-A-accredited surgical facility that prioritizes safety, privacy, comfort, and high surgical standards at every stage of care.
• Dr. Ackerman customizes every tummy tuck procedure to address concerns such as muscle separation, loose skin, abdominal fullness, and waistline definition.

Tummy Tuck Quick Facts

• Surgery Time: About 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of corrections needed and whether other procedures are included; it is typically performed under general anesthesia.
• Price: The cost of a tummy tuck varies depending on the type of abdominoplasty performed, the extent of correction needed, whether liposuction or muscle repair is included, and anesthesia and surgical facility fees. For an exact price, please ask during your consultation.
• Recovery: Many patients can return to work and light activities within two to three weeks, but should avoid strenuous activity for six to eight weeks.
• Results: Tummy tuck results last a long time and can be maintained for years if you maintain a stable weight, live a healthy lifestyle, and follow aftercare instructions.

Good candidates for a tummy tuck are people who want to address loose skin, stretched muscles, or abdominal fullness that has not improved with diet and exercise. Ideal candidates include those who:

• Are bothered by loose abdominal skin or weakened core muscles
• Are at a stable weight and generally within 15–20 pounds of their goal weight
• Are in overall good health, are non-smokers, and have realistic expectations
• Have abdominal changes after pregnancy, and are ideally done having children, since future pregnancy or major weight gain can affect results
• Have excess skin or loose tissue after significant weight loss

In fact, data published by NAVMDS found that tummy tuck procedures increased by 75% between 2020 and 2024, indicating a major rise in clients seeking abdominal contouring following both weight loss and pregnancy.2

A tummy tuck is a body-contouring cosmetic surgery option that can improve how your stomach looks and feels after pregnancy, weight changes, or aging. Common benefits include:

• A flat tummy with smoother contours
• Repaired, stretched, or separated abdominal muscles; tightening the underlying muscles can support a firm tummy, improve core strength and abdominal function, support better posture, and may help ease chronic lower back discomfort or symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
• Removed loose, hanging skin and excess fat that do not respond to exercise
• Improved waistline definition and overall body proportions
• Clothing fits more comfortably, which can improve body image and self-confidence, help you wear your favorite styles without feeling self-conscious, and even encourage a more active lifestyle

Getting ready before surgery can make your recovery smoother and help you heal better. Before your tummy tuck, you should:

1. Stop smoking and avoid nicotine products several weeks before surgery to support healthy healing
2. Maintain a stable weight leading up to your procedure for optimal long-term results
3. Arrange for transportation and assistance during the first stage of recovery
4. Prepare loose, comfortable clothing and recovery essentials before surgery day
5. Follow all pre-operative instructions provided by Dr. Ackerman regarding medications, supplements, and eating guidelines

While you heal, Dr. Ackerman recommends that you should:

1. Wear your compression garment exactly as instructed to help reduce swelling and support healing tissues
2. Avoid lifting heavy objects or performing activities that strain the abdomen for at least 6 to 8 weeks to support proper healing.
3. Take short walks throughout the day to help improve circulation and support healing.
4. Sleep in a slightly bent position to reduce tension on the abdominal incision.
5. Follow all incision care instructions to help minimize scarring
6. Give your body time to heal fully before returning to demanding workouts or activities
7. Expect some temporary numbness or changes in abdominal sensation, which can last several months or longer as nerves heal
8. Ask whether a drainless tummy tuck may be appropriate; this specialized method uses progressive tension sutures to reduce the need for surgical drains

Dr. Ackerman aims to provide tummy tuck results that look natural and beautifully complement your overall physique. There are four main components of tummy tuck surgery, and this customized approach combines key elements of abdominoplasty surgery to improve contour and create more waist definition for an hourglass shape.

The removal of excess skin and fat that may fold or hang over the abdominal area.

• Muscle repair treats the appearance of an abdominal pooch using an internal corset technique. This step is vital for restoring tone to your stomach.
• Liposuction can help remove excess fat and better define the contours of the abdomen.
• Stretch marks can be treated if they are present on the skin. Most patients notice a reduction in visibility or the number of stretch marks they had following surgery.

The incision for a tummy tuck sits low on the abdomen in the pubic area. The length of this incision will vary depending on the extent of skin excision required. While most incisions and the resulting scars can be easily hidden with clothing, undergarments, and swimsuits, you should always evaluate before-and-after photos to assess the quality of a surgeon’s incision techniques. Dr. Ackerman will advise as to which approach is best suited to you.