About Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance and contour of the abdominal area. It involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer abdomen.

  • Average Cost: $20,000 to $23,000
  • Discomfort Level: High
  • Typical Recovery Period: Several Weeks to Months
  • Anesthesia Options: Local, General, or IV Sedation

Education and training – with a tummy tuck, it matters. 

Dr. Graw has dedicated years to a premier education at the top institutions, including The Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Medical School, and Stanford Plastic Surgery. Following her extensive training in plastic surgery, Dr. Graw was selected to the most prestigious advanced aesthetic surgery fellowship in the nation (which only a select few plastic surgeons have undergone), to perform hundreds of cosmetic procedures under the tutelage of the nation’s most respected plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills, CA.

    A woman’s perspective: Dr. Graw.

    Dr. Graw has always held a passion for body sculpting, whether through artwork or exercise, due to her deep interest in the musculature of the human body. 

    Her unique background and outstanding surgical skills, coupled with her life’s journey as a mother of two, equip her with a one-of-a-kind perspective when treating the abdominal area. For a tummy tuck performed with meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional results, you can trust that you are under the care of one of the most talented plastic surgeons in the Bay Area. You will feel supported and empowered, and will experience an extraordinary level of personal care and attention from beginning to end.

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    The ideal tummy tuck: surgery combined with 360-liposuction

    To achieve an optimal result from tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Graw may advise  you to undergo 360-liposuction as well, in order to really define your waist and create a more feminine silhouette.

    What can a tummy tuck do for my figure?

    The effects of pregnancy or age-related body changes often lead to unwelcome changes in your figure, which can be resolved with a custom tummy tuck. This procedure addresses the following problems:

    • Stubborn abdominal fat
    • Sagging or excess skin left from weight gain or pregnancy
    • Stretch marks on the lower abdomen
    • Split abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), creating a tummy bulge that lingers, no matter how much you diet and exercise
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    "There is a distinct wow factor with my procedure that they can't get with other surgeons. From a flat rectangular shape to a very feminine hourglass shape. We retain the natural shape but make it look prettier, sexier and more feminine.”

    Dr Graw

    Creating an hourglass figure

    This approach creates a more comprehensive sculpting effect, with a sculpted belly and narrowed waist, and more proportionate, sexier curves. Most surgeons only perform the tummy tuck without liposuction, which often results in a square-shaped appearance. Though the belly flattens, your true feminine curves do not show. Looking for more of  the hourglass look? This specialized technique of Dr. Graw’s  may be for you.

    The ultimate body sculpting procedure – drainless tummy tuck.

    If you feel that your confidence in your body has been impacted due to a bulging abdomen, and you often wear loose tops or avoid swimsuits, imagine feeling your confidence restored! A tummy tuck is the ultimate body sculpting surgery, and when performed by Dr. Graw, you can expect a supportive, empowering journey with exquisite results. 

    Most other plastic surgeons will use drains that you have to manage after surgery. Dr. Graw’s tummy tuck procedure is drainless, except for in rare circumstances, as Dr. Graw uses special advanced techniques that make drains unnecessary. 

    What is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

    The price of a tummy tuck depends on the type of tummy tuck required to achieve your aesthetic goals, the complexity of the procedure, and whether you are having additional procedures such as breast augmentation or additional liposuction. During your consultation, we will examine your abdominal area, discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals, and determine what your tummy tuck will entail. From there, we will design a customized surgical plan for your tummy tuck, including your exact cost.

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    FAQs

    Will stretch marks be gone?

    Can you tell me more about an umbilical-float tummy tuck, or a mini-tummy tuck?

    What is a tummy tuck like to experience?

    Will stretch marks be gone?

    Stretch marks located on the lower abdomen can often be removed.

    Can you tell me more about an umbilical-float tummy tuck, or a mini-tummy tuck?

    During a traditional tummy tuck procedure, your belly button will be repositioned to the ideal spot on your new abdominal skin. However, some individuals do not have enough excess skin to have their original belly button opening removed with the excess skin. For these patients, if they mainly have excess skin in the lower belly, they may be candidates for an umbilical-float tummy tuck, in which the umbilicus remains whole, and ultimately scar-free. Others may have a combination of minimal excess skin and no separation of abdominal muscles. These patients may be good candidates for a mini-tummy tuck. Various options exist for the various types of bodies! As such, come in for a consultation with tummy tuck expert, Dr. Grace Graw, and she will thoroughly discuss these options with you.

    What is a tummy tuck like to experience?

    The duration of the surgery will vary, based on your unique condition, but it can range between three to six hours. You will be under general anesthesia, and under the care of Stanford-trained anesthesiologists who will help you through your surgery and immediately after in the recovery unit. At the end of the operation, Dr. Graw will likely place you in contouring foam pieces and a compression garment to help with contouring and decreasing swelling during the recovery process.

    Recover at home, with help.

    A tummy tuck procedure usually requires 2-3 weeks of recovery time, depending on the individual and the type of procedure performed. When you are stable and comfortable in the recovery unit, you will be released to go home with your caregiver. It is imperative that you have personal support during the first few days. To minimize discomfort, Dr. Graw will prescribe you a multi-modal pain regimen. You will also see Dr. Graw closely for follow-up appointments, in order to ensure an optimal recovery. 

    Watch your figure transform as you heal

    You should expect to set aside a 2-3 weeks to rest and recover, and will need to avoid any heavy lifting, including pets and children. As well, you should plan to have another adult to help you, especially during the first few days. You will likely feel well enough to start enjoying your new figure at the three-week mark, but healing varies based on age, health, and the extent of the procedure. Usually, you will be able to return to light activities at week two, and normal activities progressively from weeks four to six after the surgery.

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    Sensations – what to expect

    You may feel some strange physical sensations during healing, such as tightness, sharp, shooting pains, pulling, or numbness, which will lessen day by day. 

    As the weeks and months pass, your external and internal scars will heal, and your nerves will regenerate. As your body settles, residual swelling will decrease over a year. One hundred percent of our patients are thrilled with their new slender and sculpted figures and newfound confidence in wearing form-fitting clothing.

    Dr. Graw performs tummy tuck surgeries servicing Palo Alto, Menlo Park, & Atherton.

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