Aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and childbirth all leave lasting marks on the abdomen. Men and women of all ages desire a firm and sculpted midsection, but it often seems that when it comes to toning the abdomen, no amount of dieting or exercise is enough. Tummy tuck surgery is an option for patients who are tired of fighting with sagging abdominal skin, stubborn pockets of fat, and loose abdominal muscles that are standing in the way of the contours they want.
What a Tummy Tuck Can Achieve
Flatter Midsection
Hanging skin and excess fat on the abdomen can be unflattering. Tummy tuck surgery allows you to attain a flatter, slimmer midsection that you can proudly show off. Wear the clothes you want to wear and feel confident in your body.
Pre-pregnancy Physique
Pregnancy and childbirth wreak havoc on your abdomen. These physical changes can alter the way women see their bodies, which can negatively affect their self-esteem. Tummy tuck surgery restores the abdomen to a pre-pregnancy state.
Firmer Abdominal Muscles
Not only does tummy tuck surgery address the excess skin and fat that accumulates in the abdominal region, but it also addresses muscle tone. Muscles are tightened to reveal stronger, sculpted, and more youthful contours.
Dr. Reichner
As an experienced provider of plastic surgery in Orange County, Dr. Reichner’s highest priority is complete patient satisfaction. He provides each patient with individualized care and precise surgical techniques to help them look and feel their best. Your decision to have cosmetic surgery can be both an exciting and rewarding time in your life. Our team will work to make this process both positive and enjoyable.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
During tummy tuck surgery, an incision is made on the lower abdomen from hip bone to hip bone. Dr. Reichner’s technique involves making a V-shaped incision that is placed much lower than a traditional tummy tuck incision for easier concealment and more natural-looking results.
Tighten Muscles
After the incision is made, Dr. Reichner first addresses any loose or separated abdominal muscles that may have resulted from pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Using internal sutures, tissues are brought together, lifted, and tightened to reveal better abdominal tone.
Remove Fat Pockets
Undesirable, stubborn pockets of fat in the abdomen are removed via liposuction. A hollow tube will suction away excess fat cells to smooth the abdomen.
Address Excess Skin
Once the underlying muscles have been tightened and excess fat has been removed from the lower part of the abdomen, the remaining skin is pulled down and the excess is trimmed away.
Belly Button Reconstruction
The amount of skin that is stretched and removed during a tummy tuck often results in an ill-placed and unnatural-looking belly button. Dr. Reichner performs belly button reconstruction to restore the navel to an aesthetically pleasing shape and position. An incision is made around the belly button to protect the tissue underneath and allow the navel to be moved. Fat is removed from the location of the new belly button to create a natural-looking indentation.
Concerns
Recovery
Tummy tuck surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure, but a short hospital stay may be necessary. It is essential that patients rest for the first two weeks of their recovery, as they will be bruised and sore and cannot put too much strain on the abdomen. To promote comfort and circulation, patients will be wrapped in a compression garment and should go for light walks to increase blood circulation and prevent blood clots. Most patients can return to work after two weeks, as long as their job is not physically strenuous. All strenuous activity and exercise must be stopped for at least six weeks.
scars
Tummy tuck surgery will result in a scar. Dr. Reichner makes the incision much lower than other tummy tuck techniques. This allows the scar to be lower and easier to conceal with underwear and bikini bottoms. All scarring will fade with time.
Pain
Dr. Reichner performs abdominoplasty under general anesthesia so that there is no pain during the procedure. Following the surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Oral pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate this. The swelling and bruising should begin to subside after a few weeks; however, residual swelling may be present for up to a few months.
Tummy Tuck Results

Frequently Asked Questions
Is my tummy tuck permanent?
The results of your tummy tuck surgery should be long lasting, if not permanent, as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additional weight gain or future pregnancies may reverse the effects of your surgery.
Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck surgery, or would I better benefit from liposuction?
When deciding between a tummy tuck or liposuction, you must look at the amount of skin and muscle laxity that you have. Liposuction addresses localized pockets of fat in the abdomen but does not address the underlying muscles and cannot tighten skin. Tummy tuck surgery utilizes liposuction to remove excess fat but also removes excess skin and tightens loose abdominal muscles. Candidates for tummy tuck surgery should be in good health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations about their results.
What will my tummy tuck cost?
The cost of your tummy tuck depends on several factors including the techniques used by Dr. Reichner, anesthesia costs, operating room fees, and surgical fees. A detailed and accurate cost estimate will be provided during your consultation.
Can I combine other procedures with my tummy tuck?
While tummy tuck surgery is often performed as a standalone procedure, it can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction of the hips, thighs, or buttocks, or it can be performed as part of a Mommy Makeover, which includes either a breast lift or breast augmentation.
What are the potential risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
A tummy tuck is a safe but invasive surgical procedure that involves risks such as:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Impaired wound healing
- Scarring
- Allergic reactions
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering a Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Orange County, contact our office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Reichner. Our team looks forward to providing exceptional care at every step of your treatment journey.





