Pregnancy and weight loss can leave behind sagging skin, pockets of fat, and stretched, protruding muscles that won’t bounce back despite millions of crunches or a strict diet. You might be bothered by the way this looks, but it can be uncomfortable too—clothing doesn’t fit as well, and separated abdominal muscles can lead to back pain.
At Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery, tummy tuck surgery isn’t just something we offer—it’s a procedure Dr. Christa Clark is truly passionate about. Our board-certified plastic surgeon has performed hundreds of tummy tucks, combining expert technique with an artistic eye to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results. Widely recognized as a leading provider of body contouring in Granite Bay, we help patients from Roseville, Sacramento, and beyond remove excess skin, repair abdominal muscles, and reshape the belly button for a firmer, flatter midsection. The result? Clothes fit better, confidence rises, and your reflection feels more like you again.
A tummy tuck (aka abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat, tightens up those stubborn abdominal muscles, and reshapes the midsection for a smoother,
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Tummy Tuck
Mayo Clinic
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flatter profile.
Whether it’s post-baby belly, weight loss skin, or just the frustrating reality of aging, a tummy tuck can help restore contour and confidence.
Depending on your anatomy and goals, your tummy tuck procedure may also include liposuction for enhanced sculpting, and we’ll pay special attention to details like belly button placement—because yes, it matters. While this isn’t a substitute for weight loss, abdominoplasty can be a powerful part of your body contouring journey if you’re dealing with stretched-out skin, separated muscles, or stubborn areas of excess fat that don’t budge no matter how many crunches you do.
Our patients from Granite Bay, Roseville, and the greater Sacramento area often tell us the results are not only physical, but emotional too.
Take the first step toward a smoother, stronger midsection. Schedule a tummy tuck consultation today.
Tummy tuck surgery offers more than a flatter stomach—it can restore both physical comfort and body confidence. This cosmetic surgery procedure is especially helpful for individuals dealing with excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or stubborn fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise—and with Dr. Christa Clark’s expertise, it’s tailored to your body and your goals.
Benefits of abdominoplasty may include:
Tummy tuck surgery consistently ranks as one of the most satisfying procedures—especially when combined with liposuction. In fact,
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Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Improve Quality of Life, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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99%
of patients report being happy with their results. But beyond the numbers, we hear time and again how transformative the experience can be—not just physically, but emotionally too.
While most of our patients are women wishing to reverse the unwanted effects of pregnancy (a tummy tuck is a staple mommy makeover procedure), abdominoplasty isn’t just for moms. If you have excess, sagging skin after losing weight, or a protruding belly thanks to genetics or aging, a tummy tuck can help you too. A few things need to be a “yes” before you consider surgery:
A full tummy tuck repairs muscle separation, removes excess skin, and tightens the upper and lower abdomen. Most patients need a full tummy tuck to get the results they want after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
A mini tummy tuck concentrates on the area below the belly button. It’s a less extensive procedure that is great for those who are mainly bothered by sagging skin and excess fat on the lower belly but have generally good muscle tone. A mini tummy tuck won’t tighten sagging skin above the belly button, and incision length is about the same. Very few people are candidates for a mini tummy tuck.
Dr. Christa Clark performs both types of tummy tucks. They’ll let you know which one will benefit you most at your consultation. P.S.: both types of tummy tucks involve scars that are easy to conceal beneath a swimsuit bottom.
A top concern among tummy tuck patients-to-be is where their scars will be and what they will look like. This info will clear that up.
A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower belly, so there’s no belly button incision. Your surgeon removes excess skin and fat through a single incision just above the pubic bone.
During a full or standard tummy tuck, your surgeon makes one incision around the belly button and one thin, linear horizontal incision just above the pubic bone, running from hip bone to hip bone. Through these sites, they can tighten muscles, remove excess skin, and relocate your belly button into a natural position. The belly button scar is camouflaged by the natural belly button contours, and the lower incision is easily concealed by underwear or a swimsuit.
Our plastic surgeons use techniques that ensure your incision sites are well supported and your scars are as short as possible. You can help your scars heal optimally and fade beautifully by taking a few simple scar care measures:
To see what real tummy tuck patients look like several months after their procedures, browse our before & after gallery.
Why choose Dr. Clark? Abdominoplasty is a complex procedure that requires a skilled, qualified plastic surgeon who has the artistic talent to create a natural result. Dr. Christa Clark, MD, FACS brings years of experience in body contouring surgery, leading an expert surgical team with a no-compromise approach to safety—and a refreshingly real way of connecting with patients.
Before you schedule tummy tuck surgery, you’ll meet with Dr. Clark for a personalized consultation. This is where you’ll talk through your goals, evaluate your abdominal skin and muscle tone, and get into the details of your medical history. Dr. Clark will ask about previous surgeries, medications or supplements, lifestyle habits like smoking or alcohol use, and any health conditions that could affect your procedure or recovery.
Dr. Clark will also walk you through the different types of abdominoplasty procedures, from full tummy tuck to mini, and explain what’s realistic for your anatomy and expectations. If you’re considering combining your tummy tuck with other plastic surgery procedures—such as liposuction, breast augmentation, or part of a full mommy makeover—you’ll talk through those options, too. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, supported, and confident about your decision.
Let’s talk about your goals and create a plan tailored just for you. Schedule your tummy tuck consultation today.
Once your tummy tuck is on the books, we’ll provide detailed pre-op instructions to help you prepare. Following these guidelines isn’t just about safety—it’s about setting yourself up for the best possible results.
Here’s what to expect in the lead-up:
Following your plan closely helps support a smooth recovery and optimal tummy tuck results.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to four hours, depending on the extent of correction. On the day of your procedure, Dr. Clark will make skin markings to guide incision placement—so everything stays hidden under your favorite underwear or swimsuit bottoms.
A full tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area. Through this incision, Dr. Clark will lift the abdominal skin, remove excess fat, and repair any stretched or separated abdominal muscles. The belly button is preserved but often repositioned to keep things looking natural and proportionate. If needed, liposuction may be performed at the same time to further sculpt the waistline or flanks.
Once the necessary adjustments are made, the skin is redraped, trimmed, and carefully sutured in place. Internal sutures help reinforce the abdominal wall, and surgical drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup during the early healing phase.
Every tummy tuck is customized to the patient’s unique anatomy and goals, whether it’s part of a mommy makeover, body contouring after significant weight loss, or simply to restore a smoother, firmer abdominal area.
Tummy tuck surgery is a major investment in your body—and that means your recovery deserves just as much attention as the procedure itself. While everyone heals at their own pace, here’s what you can generally expect in the days and weeks after abdominoplasty.
You’ll head home the same day, wearing a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support your abdominal area as it heals. Small drains may be placed under the skin to prevent fluid buildup; we’ll show you exactly how to care for them. Most tummy tuck patients take about two weeks off work, with additional downtime from exercise and heavy lifting for a total of four to six weeks.
Bruising, swelling, and soreness are all normal during the first stage of healing. Prescription pain medication can help with discomfort, and you’ll be encouraged to take short, gentle walks to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. It’s also common to feel some tightness or temporary numbness in the lower abdomen—those nerves need time to catch up.
You’ll return to the office for follow-ups with Dr. Clark so she can monitor your progress and remove sutures or drains as needed. While you’ll start to see results early on, it can take several months for swelling to fully subside and your new contour to settle in. Be patient with your post-op body—it’s doing big things.
Ready to feel more confident in your skin? We’re here to help. Contact us to schedule your tummy tuck consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
Yes—tummy tuck surgery does leave a scar. However, the incision is placed low on the abdomen, typically below the bikini line, and can be easily hidden by underwear or swimwear. Over time, the scar will fade significantly. Proper post-op care, including scar management products and protecting the area from sun exposure, can help optimize your result.
A tummy tuck may remove stretch marks located on the lower abdomen, particularly those beneath the belly button, if they fall within the area of skin being removed. Stretch marks above the belly button may shift downward but are less likely to be eliminated.
As with any surgical procedure, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) comes with some risk. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, changes in skin sensation, fluid buildup, poor wound healing, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Choosing a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon and following all pre- and post-op instructions can help minimize these risks.
Tummy tuck results can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle. However, future pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process can affect your long-term results. Most patients enjoy a flatter, more toned midsection for many years after surgery.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Instead, it’s designed to remove excess skin and fat and repair abdominal muscles after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. The best candidates are already at or near a stable weight before undergoing surgery.
Yes, absolutely. Many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction as part of a customized mommy makeover or comprehensive body contouring plan. Dr. Christa Clark frequently performs combination procedures to help patients achieve more balanced, harmonious results with a single recovery period.
Dr. Clark recommends waiting until you’re finished having children and have fully recovered from pregnancy—both physically and hormonally—before undergoing a tummy tuck. A future pregnancy could stretch the abdominal muscles and skin again, which may compromise your surgical results.
The cost of tummy tuck surgery varies based on the extent of the procedure, whether additional treatments (like liposuction) are involved, anesthesia, and facility fees. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed, personalized estimate that reflects your surgical plan. We can also discuss financing options.
At Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery, all tummy tuck procedures are performed by Dr. Christa Clark, a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience and a true passion for body contouring. Known for her meticulous technique and ability to create natural-looking results, Dr. Clark personally guides each patient through the process—from consultation to follow-up—with care, honesty, and attention to detail. Her fully accredited surgical suite in Granite Bay offers a safe, private setting designed for both comfort and exceptional outcomes.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Christa Clark at our Granite Bay office to learn more about tummy tuck surgery and other body contouring procedures. We welcome patients from throughout the Sacramento area, including Roseville, Folsom, El Dorado Hills and beyond, and are here to help you feel confident in your skin—no matter where you are in your journey.
The content on this site has been medically reviewed by the doctors at Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery.
1 Mayo Clinic. Tummy Tuck. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892. Accessed March 24, 2025.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Improve Quality of Life, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/liposuction-and-tummy-tuck-improve-quality-of-life-reports-plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery. Accessed March 24, 2025.
