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Tummy Tuck, La Jolla
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes loose abdominal skin and fat and can repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis) for a flatter, firmer midsection. At your La Jolla consultation, Tim Sayed MD evaluates your skin, muscle, and fat and discusses a full tuck, mini tuck, added liposuction, or no surgery.
The La Jolla consultation office is in University City, at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Consultations and follow-ups take place here. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices, not at the University City office.
Ask about operations similar to yours and how your health, tissue quality, and goals affect the plan.
What it is
A tummy tuck removes loose abdominal skin and fat and can repair separated abdominal muscle for a flatter midsection. It is usually cosmetic and is not a weight-loss procedure.
Where it is used
The abdomen and waist: loose skin, a lower-belly pooch, stretch marks below the navel, and muscle separation (diastasis) after pregnancy or weight loss.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia, as an outpatient procedure or a short overnight stay. It usually takes two to four hours, longer when combined with liposuction.
Downtime
Most people take about two weeks off desk work and avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for about six weeks while the repair heals.
Results
A flatter, firmer abdomen and a defined waist. With a stable weight, the result is long-lasting; the low scar fades over about a year.
Who it suits
Adults at a stable weight, in good health, usually done having children, with loose abdominal skin or muscle separation. A consultation confirms candidacy.
Why patients choose Tim Sayed MD
A great tummy tuck is about more than removing skin. The muscle repair must be secure, the waist contoured with liposuction, and the scar kept low and fine so it hides under a swimsuit. Tim Sayed MD is double board-certified and plans each tummy tuck around a flat, natural, lasting result.
A full tummy tuck typically uses a low abdominal incision, tightens or repairs the abdominal wall when indicated, removes excess skin and fat, and repositions the navel. A mini tuck addresses a smaller lower-abdominal concern with a shorter incision and usually less muscle work. Liposuction of the waist or flanks may be added when appropriate. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss operation and does not prevent future weight or pregnancy changes. Scars are permanent, though often placed low enough to sit under many swimsuits. Perfect symmetry and a scar that is invisible in every garment cannot be promised. Results are not guaranteed; further surgery may be needed. Related options for La Jolla patients include liposuction in La Jolla, body lift in La Jolla, and body contouring surgery in La Jolla.
Consultation
Bring notes on prior pregnancies, weight changes, and abdominal surgeries. You do not need to choose full versus mini before the examination.
Ask whether muscle repair is indicated, where the scar would sit, whether drains are likely, and whether liposuction of the flanks should be added. Review lifting limits and the help you would need at home. Future pregnancy, nicotine use, or unstable weight may affect whether and when surgery is appropriate.
Matching the operation to the problem matters. Loose skin and muscle separation need a tuck; isolated fat with firm skin may need only liposuction. Dr. Sayed assesses skin, fat, and muscle together so the plan fits your body.
Compare a tummy tuck with a mommy makeover
The procedure
Ask to see photographs relevant to your concerns. The same practice gallery is used for both offices; these are not location-specific results. Photographs do not guarantee your outcome. Practice photo gallery information for La Jolla patients
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4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121
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A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes loose abdominal skin and fat and can repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis) for a flatter, firmer midsection. At your La Jolla consultation, Tim Sayed MD evaluates your skin, muscle, and fat and discusses a full tuck, mini tuck, added liposuction, or no surgery. The La Jolla consultation office is in University City, at ---
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Tummy tuck risks include anesthesia complications, bleeding, infection, fluid collection, poor wound healing or separation, unfavorable scars, asymmetry, numbness, blood clots, delayed healing of the skin flap, and the need for further surgery. Muscle repair adds tightness and activity restrictions. Smoking increases wound-healing problems. Discuss drains, hospital versus outpatient setting, VTE prevention, and your medical history. Seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, or wound concerns.
Tummy tuck risks include anesthesia complications, bleeding, infection, fluid collection, poor wound healing or separation, unfavorable scars, asymmetry, numbness, blood clots, delayed healing of the skin flap, and the need for further surgery. Muscle repair adds tightness and activity restrictions. Smoking increases wound-healing problems.
Discuss drains, hospital versus outpatient setting, VTE prevention, and your medical history. Seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, or wound concerns.
Cost and financing
The practice’s current tummy tuck range is $8,000–$15,000, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and the compression garment. The same range framework applies at both consultation offices. Combined liposuction or breast surgery increases the quote. Full and mini plans are priced differently.
Request a written quote for your proposed operation. Ask which planned procedures and follow-up services it covers and what could add to the cost. Cosmetic body contouring is typically not covered by insurance; confirm with your insurer if you believe a portion may qualify.
Many patients need about two weeks away from desk work and longer before full activity; bent posture early on may protect a muscle repair. Drains, if used, are removed when output allows. Exact timelines are individualized — follow your surgeon’s instructions rather than a fixed calendar.
Arrange an adult to drive you home from the operating facility and help with daily tasks. Ask about medications, garment use, drain care, sleeping position, and lifting limits. Walk gently as directed. Do not drive while sedated or until cleared and able to control a vehicle safely.
Core exercise and heavy lifting require clearance. Scars mature over many months. Report fever, increasing redness, drainage changes, or breathing symptoms promptly.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office where you had your La Jolla consultation.
Surgeon experience: a double board-certified surgeon reflects training and a secure, natural result.
Practice pricing information for La Jolla patients · Financing information for La Jolla patients
Recovery
Many patients need about two weeks away from desk work and longer before full activity; bent posture early on may protect a muscle repair. Drains, if used, are removed when output allows. Exact timelines are individualized — follow your surgeon’s instructions rather than a fixed calendar.
Arrange an adult to drive you home from the operating facility and help with daily tasks. Ask about medications, garment use, drain care, sleeping position, and lifting limits. Walk gently as directed. Do not drive while sedated or until cleared and able to control a vehicle safely.
Core exercise and heavy lifting require clearance. Scars mature over many months. Report fever, increasing redness, drainage changes, or breathing symptoms promptly.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office where you had your La Jolla consultation.
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
He earned his medical degree at the UCSF School of Medicine, completed general surgery training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard, and returned to UCSF for his plastic surgery fellowship.
Ask about operations similar to yours and how your health, tissue quality, and goals affect the plan.
Office
For your La Jolla consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office’s San Diego postal address shown below.
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than Newport Beach.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first consultation. Those visits take place at your consultation office, so discuss the choice before scheduling.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, obtain the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions from the team. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange transportation from the accredited operating room and for return visits to this office. If you will recover outside the area, discuss how long to remain nearby and when you must return; no fixed stay length applies to everyone.
Tim Sayed MD, La Jolla / University City
Address
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121
Phone
(858) 247-2933
Hours
Mon 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tue–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM PT; Sat–Sun closed
Bring your questions about shape, candidacy, and recovery. New or urgent symptoms should not wait for elective cosmetic planning.
FAQ
The practice range is $8,000–$15,000, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility fees, and the compression garment. Request a written quote for your proposed procedures and ask about any additional fees. This practice-wide range framework applies at both consultation offices.
Recovery timing is individualized. Follow your surgeon’s instructions. Your follow-ups take place at the same University City office as your La Jolla consultation.
A tummy tuck removes loose abdominal skin and fat and can repair separated abdominal muscle for a flatter midsection. It is usually cosmetic and is not a weight-loss procedure.
A full tuck addresses more of the abdomen and often includes muscle repair and navel repositioning. A mini tuck suits a limited lower-belly concern. The exam decides.
Yes. A permanent scar is expected, typically low on the abdomen. Scar quality varies; invisibility in every situation cannot be promised.
When diastasis is present and appropriate to repair, the abdominal wall can be tightened during the tuck. Not every patient needs or benefits from muscle repair.
Often with liposuction or as part of a mommy makeover when medically appropriate. Combining increases operative time and recovery demands.
Removed skin does not return, but aging, weight change, and pregnancy can alter the result. Stable weight supports longevity; permanence is not absolute.
Future pregnancy can stretch the repair and skin again. Many patients prefer to wait until childbearing is complete; discuss your plans at consultation.
Walking starts early as directed. Core work and heavy lifting wait for clearance, often around six weeks or longer. Your surgeon sets the schedule.
Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collections, wound-healing problems, unfavorable scars, numbness, blood clots, and further surgery.
Liposuction of the waist or flanks may be added when it improves contour and is safe. It is not automatic and affects the quote.
Candidacy depends on health, stable weight, skin and muscle findings, and realistic goals. Smoking and planned pregnancy often lead to delay.
Tightness and soreness are expected, especially with muscle repair. Pain is managed with a plan discussed before surgery; experience varies.
The office is in University City at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Monday hours are 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tuesday–Friday hours are 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Pacific Time. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. Call (858) 247-2933.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office as your consultation. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices. Obtain the operating facility’s address before arranging transportation. If traveling, discuss how long to remain nearby and when to return for follow-up.
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