Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Cohen, MD, FACS, performs customized tummy tuck surgery in Beverly Hills to remove excess skin, tighten weakened muscles, and sculpt a flatter, firmer midsection tailored to each patient's anatomy and goals.
Tummy Tuck Topics
Boutique Precision From a Body Sculpting Expert
Dr. Robert Cohen brings Ivy League training, decades of surgical experience, and an artistic eye for natural-looking proportions to every abdominoplasty he performs. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Cohen is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and recognized as a thought leader in aesthetic body contouring.
After completing his surgical residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and a coveted aesthetic surgery fellowship in Los Angeles under Dr. W. Grant Stevens, Dr. Cohen built a boutique Beverly Hills practice centered on meticulous technique, safety, and individualized patient care.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying musculature.
Dr. Cohen typically addresses:
- Skin excision: Removing stretched, sagging skin from the lower and mid-abdomen
- Muscle repair (plication): Suturing the separated rectus abdominis muscles back to the midline to restore core strength and a narrower waistline
- Fat removal: Incorporating liposuction to refine the waist, flanks, and surrounding contours
- Navel repositioning: Creating a natural-looking belly button within the newly tightened skin
A tummy tuck in Beverly Hills with Dr. Cohen can also permanently repair diastasis recti, the separation of the "six-pack" muscles that commonly occurs after pregnancy. Surgical plication is the only method proven to correct moderate to severe cases, restoring core integrity and flattening the abdominal profile in ways that exercise alone cannot.
Tummy Tuck Basics
Watch Dr. Robert Cohen discuss why a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a highly effective solution for removing excess abdominal fat and loose skin, restoring a flatter, firmer midsection.
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Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Dr. Cohen evaluates each patient individually during a private consultation. Ideal candidates are at or near a stable weight, have excess abdominal skin or separated muscles that do not respond to diet and exercise, and are in good overall health. Patients should be non-smokers and hold realistic expectations about outcomes and scarring.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. The Mayo Clinic advises that patients planning significant future weight loss or pregnancy should discuss timing carefully with their surgeon, as both can affect results.
Tummy Tuck Cost in Beverly Hills
The cost of a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills varies depending on the extent of correction required, whether muscle repair is performed, and whether the procedure is combined with liposuction or other body-contouring treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Robert Cohen will evaluate your anatomy and goals to create a customized surgical plan and provide detailed pricing information. If you are considering abdominoplasty, a personalized consultation is the best way to understand your treatment options and overall investment.
What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Patients who undergo abdominoplasty at Dr. Cohen's Beverly Hills practice can expect:
- A firmer, flatter midsection with sculpted contours
- Restored core strength through muscle repair
- Reduction in lower-abdomen stretch marks on the excised skin
- Improved posture and reduced back pain from a stronger abdominal wall
- Enhanced wardrobe confidence and long-lasting results
- Complementary contouring when combined with liposuction or breast procedures as part of a mommy makeover
Research has also shown that abdominoplasty may improve symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and can repair certain ventral hernias during the same operation.
Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos
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About this patient
This 34-year-old mother of 5 came to my office because she was unhappy with breast drooping and a stretched out abdominal area after multiple pregnancies. As an active woman, she wanted her physique to reflect her athletic nature...
About this patient
This woman came to my practice because she had multiple concerns. Her large breasts were causing back and shoulder pain. She wanted to improve the appearance of her abdominal area including the large abdominal scar from a non-elective surgery performed by another surgeon. She also wanted...
About this patient
This 38-year-old woman came to my medical practice because she was unhappy with the changes her body had undergone after pregnancy. She wanted to find out whether a Mommy Makeover could provide all the changes she wanted: fuller breasts and a flatter, smoother abdomen. I determined...
About this patient
This patient is a 34 year old female who presented to my practice with interest in 'Mommy Makeover' surgery. Specifically, this patient wished to have fuller, perkier breasts, and a flatter, more toned waistline...
About this patient
This 35-year-old woman came to my practice because she was interested in revision breast surgery and Mommy Makeover surgery. She had undergone prior breast augmentation by another surgeon and was dissatisfied with her results. She was also unhappy with the appearance of her abdomen...
What Types of Tummy Tucks Does Dr. Cohen Offer?
Dr. Cohen customizes each procedure to the patient's anatomy and goals. Options include a full tummy tuck addressing both the upper and lower abdomen with muscle repair and navel repositioning, a mini tummy tuck targeting only the lower abdomen with a shorter incision, an extended tummy tuck that wraps beyond the hip bones for patients with excess skin on the flanks, and a circumferential abdominoplasty (body lift) for patients who need 360-degree contouring after massive weight loss. Liposuction is frequently incorporated to further sculpt the waist and flanks.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen for Your Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills?
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 2006
- Ivy League trained with advanced fellowship experience in aesthetic surgery
- Published researcher and lecturer who teaches advanced techniques to fellow plastic surgeons
- Multiple "Top Doc" awards from Castle Connolly and peer-voted publications
- Key opinion leader and consultant for Sientra
- Boutique practice where Dr. Cohen personally oversees every step from consultation through recovery
- 4.9-star rating with over 207 verified patient reviews
"My experience was "top notch"! Dr. Cohen and staff kept in touch with me, beginning with my consultation visit, throughout my recovery time and follow up appointment. The office staff was quick to respond to my inquiries, the professionalism and care provided by Dr. Cohen’s office far exceeded my expectations." - patient Real Self reviews
What to Expect Before & During your Tummy Tuck
Every procedure begins with a private consultation at Dr. Cohen's Beverly Hills office, where he conducts a thorough evaluation, reviews your medical history, and develops a customized surgical plan tailored to your goals.
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical suite:
Incision Placement: Placed low on the abdomen so the resulting scar stays hidden beneath standard swimwear and underwear.
Muscle Repair: Separated abdominal wall muscles (diastasis recti) are pulled together and reinforced with permanent internal sutures for a flat, firm core.
Liposuction Contouring: Targeted liposuction is performed when appropriate to sculpt the flanks and refine the waistline.
Closure: Flap skin is tightened, excess skin is removed, and incisions are closed with self-dissolving sutures.
Exparel Pain Relief
Exparel is a long-acting local anesthetic administered directly into the surgical site during the procedure.
Duration: Delivers continuous pain control for approximately 72 hours (3 days) post-surgery.
Key Benefits: Significantly reduces early post-operative pain, lowers reliance on oral narcotic medications, and allows for earlier, more comfortable mobility.
Progressive Tension Suturing
This advanced internal closure technique uses progressive tension sutures to anchor the abdominal flap directly to the underlying tissue layer by layer.
Fluid Reduction: Eliminates dead space beneath the skin, drastically lowering the risk of fluid accumulation (seroma).
Drainless Recovery: Reduces or entirely eliminates the need for uncomfortable temporary surgical drains.
Tension Relieving: Spreads closure tension evenly across the tissue, promoting flatter, cleaner scar formation.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
| Phase | What to Expect | Activity & Guidelines |
| Days 1–3 | Peak swelling and tightness; maximum pain control via Exparel. | Rest with head and knees slightly elevated. Short, frequent walks around the room to encourage blood circulation. |
| Week 1 | Early healing; swelling stabilizes; tight sensation while standing fully straight. | Wear your compression garment 24/7. Focus on light home mobility; no lifting or strenuous home chores. |
| Weeks 2–3 | Noticeable increase in energy; tension eases, allowing you to stand fully upright (days 10–14). | Safe to return to desk work and light daily activities. Avoid heavy lifting (>10 lbs) and core strain. |
| Weeks 4–6 | Internal tissue strength consolidates; swelling steadily subsides. | Gradual return to light-to-moderate exercise (cardio, light weights) by Week 6 with surgical clearance. |
| Months 3–6 | Residual micro-swelling resolves; incision lines fade from pink to soft skin tone. | Full resumption of all physical activities and high-intensity core workouts; final sculpted contours emerge. |
Tummy Tuck Risks and How Dr. Cohen Reduces Them
To ensure patient safety and optimal results, Dr. Cohen utilizes targeted mitigations for common surgical considerations: progressive tension suturing eliminates internal dead space to prevent seroma (fluid buildup) and avoid drains, strict nicotine cessation (4–6 weeks pre- and post-op) preserves blood flow for proper wound healing, and short operative times paired with Day 1 ambulation keep blood clot risks minimal. Additionally, precise dissection protects major nerves, ensuring that temporary abdominal numbness gradually resolves, while carefully tapered bikini-line incisions prevent lateral skin puckering ("dog ears"), which can be easily smoothed in-office if minor gathering occurs.
Tummy Tuck FAQs (Abdominoplasty) Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tummy tuck help repair separated abdominal muscles?
Yes. Many patients develop a condition called diastasis recti, where the abdominal muscles separate due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging. During a tummy tuck, these muscles can often be tightened and repaired, helping create a flatter, stronger abdominal contour.
What is the ideal weight for a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills?
Patients typically achieve the best results when they are close to their goal weight and have maintained a stable weight for several months. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure but rather a body contouring surgery designed to address excess skin and weakened abdominal tissues.
Will a tummy tuck improve my posture?
For some patients, repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck can improve core support, which may contribute to better posture and greater physical comfort during daily activities.
How soon after weight loss should I consider a tummy tuck?
Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting until your weight has stabilized for at least six months before undergoing a tummy tuck. This helps ensure the most predictable and long-lasting results while minimizing the risk of future skin laxity.
Can a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
Stretch marks on the excised skin are permanently removed. Marks outside the excision area will remain but may appear less noticeable on tightened skin.
How long do results last?
Results can last many years with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies may affect the outcome.
Can I have children after a tummy tuck?
Yes, but pregnancy may reverse results. Dr. Cohen generally recommends completing your family before scheduling surgery.
How do I avoid an unnatural belly button or "dog ears"?
Both are hallmarks of surgeon skill. Dr. Cohen takes great care to create a small, naturally recessed navel and uses strategic skin excision and layered closure to prevent excess tissue folds at the incision ends.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation With Dr. Cohen
Dr. Robert Cohen, MD, FACS, invites you to schedule a private consultation at his Beverly Hills practice. Contact his office today at (310) 288-0641 or visit the online scheduling page to book your appointment.