Abdominoplasty Procedures
For many individuals, loose abdominal skin and stubborn fat persist no matter how disciplined their workout and diet routines may be. Whether due to pregnancy, aging, or weight loss, these changes can make it hard to achieve a firmer, more sculpted midsection. A tummy tuck—also known as abdominoplasty—can restore a tighter, smoother abdominal contour by removing excess skin, tightening underlying muscles, and eliminating resistant fat.
Dr. David Morwood, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Monterey, CA, offers expertly performed tummy tuck procedures tailored to each patient’s needs and aesthetic goals.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Address?
A tummy tuck is a surgical body contouring procedure designed to:
- Remove excess, sagging abdominal skin
- Tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles
- Reduce or eliminate stubborn fat deposits in the midsection
- Improve abdominal tone after pregnancy or significant weight loss
- Restore a flatter, more youthful-looking waistline
Post-partum patients often combine a tummy tuck with liposuction to refine the waist or with breast augmentation as part of a full mommy makeover.
View Before & After Photos
*Actual Patient
Disclaimer: there is no guarantee of specific results and the results can vary.
Candidates for Abdominoplasty: Who Can Benefit and Why?
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck in Monterey include individuals who:
- Are at or near their goal weight
- Struggle with loose abdominal skin and muscle separation
- Do not plan future pregnancies
- Are in good overall health and are non-smokers
- Have realistic expectations about results and scarring
During your consultation, Dr. Morwood will assess your goals and anatomy to determine if you’re a candidate for full abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck, or another body contouring option.
FAQs About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Monterey
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Monterey?
Tummy tuck pricing varies based on the complexity of the case and whether additional procedures like liposuction are involved. Detailed pricing will be provided during your personalized consultation with Dr. Morwood.
Does Dr. Morwood offer financing for tummy tuck procedures in Carmel?
Most abdominoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia and take 2 to 5 hours. During the procedure, Dr. Morwood will remove excess skin, repair abdominal muscles, and reshape the midsection for a flatter appearance. The incision is typically placed low on the abdomen, below the bikini line.
What should I expect during an abdominoplasty procedure?
Patients should anticipate some swelling and bruising after the procedure, which subsides within one to two weeks. This time period generally coincides with the return to activities that are not physically strenuous, to minimize ongoing swelling, intense physical activities or exercise should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Morwood, usually after four to six weeks of healing.
While initial improvements are noticeable early on, final results develop gradually as the tissues settle. Dr. Morwood provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
What is tummy tuck recovery like?
Patients usually return to work in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and their activity level. Swelling, tightness, and discomfort are common in the first few weeks. Light activity may resume after a month, while strenuous exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks or longer. Scars fade gradually and are placed to be easily concealed by undergarments and swimwear.
Will a tummy tuck rebuild my abdominal wall?
Yes. One of the key benefits of full abdominoplasty is rectus muscle repair—tightening stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), especially common after pregnancy.
Are there risks with a tummy tuck, and who isn’t a candidate?
Like any surgery, a tummy tuck carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, blood clots, or scarring complications. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Morwood significantly reduces these risks through advanced surgical techniques and personalized care.You may not be a candidate for abdominoplasty if you:
- Are planning future pregnancies
- Have significant medical conditions that impair healing
- Smoke and are unwilling to quit before and after surgery
- Have unrealistic expectations about results or scarring
Dr. Morwood will thoroughly evaluate your health history and goals during your consultation to ensure abdominoplasty is a safe and appropriate choice for you.
Why Choose Dr. Morwood for a Tummy Tuck in Monterey?
Dr. David T. Morwood is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience serving Monterey, Carmel, and surrounding Central Coast communities of California. His surgical approach is patient-centered and results-driven, always prioritizing safety and natural-looking outcomes. Browse our before-and-after photo gallery to see real patient outcomes, or read patient testimonials to hear how others felt about their experience with Dr. Morwood and his team.
Schedule Your Abdominoplasty Consultation in Monterey
For personalized recommendations, schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. David Morwood in Monterey—contact us today to take the first step toward achieving the abdominoplasty results you deserve.
