Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

What does a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) address?

A tummy tuck removes the excess, loose abdominal skin left by pregnancy or major weight loss and repairs the stretched abdominal wall — including separated midline muscles — for a flatter, firmer profile. Dr. Wai-Yee Li performs abdominoplasty in Arcadia and Pasadena, Los Angeles.

Pregnancy and significant weight loss can leave the abdomen with loose skin and stretched muscle that no amount of exercise repairs. A tummy tuck — abdominoplasty — removes the excess skin and tightens the abdominal wall for a flatter, firmer profile, performed by Dr. Li in Arcadia and Pasadena, Los Angeles.

What a tummy tuck addresses

Excess, loose skin — the apron of skin left behind after pregnancy or major weight loss, including weight lost with GLP-1 medications.
A stretched abdominal wall — the midline muscles can separate (diastasis) and stay that way; repairing them is what restores a flat, supported core.
A stretched or displaced navel — repositioned naturally as part of the operation.

Dr. Li's approach

Dr. Li plans the incision to sit low, where clothing and swimwear cover it, and closes it with the layered technique she uses in her reconstructive work — the goal is a scar that fades into a line you stop thinking about. Where liposuction of the flanks will improve the result, she says so; where it won't, she says that too.

Often part of a bigger picture

Many patients pair abdominoplasty with breast surgery after pregnancy or weight loss — a breast lift or reduction — or with an arm lift after major weight loss. What can safely be combined is decided at consultation, always with recovery in mind.

To see what a tummy tuck could do for your shape, book a consultation with Dr. Li or call 626.888.9728.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?

Liposuction removes fat; it cannot tighten muscle or remove loose skin. An abdominoplasty does both — repairing the abdominal wall and removing the excess skin — which is why it is the answer after pregnancy or major weight loss.

Does a tummy tuck repair separated muscles?

Yes. Repairing the midline separation (diastasis) is a core part of the operation and what restores a flat, supported core.

Where is the scar?

Low across the abdomen, planned to sit beneath clothing and swimwear lines, and closed in layers so it fades into a fine line.

Meet your surgeon

Dr. Wai-Yee Li,
MD PhD FACS

A female board-certified plastic surgeon in Arcadia, Los Angeles, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery — with a focus on the best surgical outcomes, less pain and minimal scarring.

Meet Dr. Wai-Yee Li ›