Stoker Plastic Surgery: David Stoker, MD
4640 Admiralty Way #1000
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: (310) 300-1779
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Los Angeles tummy tuck specialist and world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker creates a dramatic improvement for patients concerned about loose abdominal skin, excess fat, and stretch marks after pregnancy or weight loss. This comprehensive tummy tuck produces an hourglass shape that enhances a patient’s natural curves.
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Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is a procedure Dr. Stoker performs several times a week, often combining it with other procedures. His expertise includes years of research on innovative techniques used for tummy tuck surgery and elite training at the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at New York University Medical Center, widely regarded as the world’s premier plastic surgery residency program.
Dr. Stoker makes tummy tuck incisions as low as possible on the abdomen—just above the pubic area—so patients can wear small bikini bottoms, low-cut pants, crop tops, or any other fashion that reveals most of the the midsection. He discusses the location and length of the incision in detail with patients during their consultations, so they know what to expect. Typically, the length of the incision depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed.
Most of the abdominoplasty procedures Dr. Stoker performs include the following elements:
Dr. Stoker also rejuvenates the pubic area (mons pubis) as part of abdominoplasty surgery, something that many surgeons overlook. Dr. Stoker’s signature procedure, the pubic lift dramatically enhances the results of a tummy tuck. Dr. Stoker undermines and lifts the mons pubis area to flatten the mons, tighten the labia majora, and smooth the thighs.
| He is the author of multiple, large clinical studies on abdominoplasty safety. |
| He has authored a textbook chapter on abdominoplasty and body contouring. |
| He is a course instructor for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society. |
| He was a surgeon consultant for “The Biggest Loser,” NBC’s hit television series. |
| He was the exclusive surgeon for three seasons of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.” |
Candidates for a tummy tuck have some (or all) of the following concerns:
Good abdominoplasty candidates should be healthy non-smokers. Avoiding smoking is important to decrease risks. Although it’s better for patients to be near their ideal weight, many patients who are overweight are still good candidates for the procedure. Dr. Stoker helps patients understand the advantages and disadvantages for their particular situations when they visit him for a consultation.
Dr. Stoker typically spends an hour with each patient during their consultation. He uses this time to learn the patient’s primary concerns and goals, and understand what is really bothering the patient. Through understanding their specific motivations (such as feeling self-conscious at the swimming pool or wanting to fit better into clothes), Dr. Stoker is able to customize the procedure to obtain the best possible results.
Once Dr. Stoker has a deep understanding of what you would like to achieve, he works with you to determine his technique and treatment approach. He explains the spectrum of therapies available to treat each concern, the pros and cons of each treatment, and where he sees the patient falling along that spectrum.
His goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make the best decision for yourself. Dr. Stoker’s patient care and thoughtful, thorough approach ensure a smooth tummy tuck journey from start to finish.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon and body contouring specialist, Dr. Stoker customizes his technique during tummy tuck surgery to address each patient’s specific needs.
Creating a desirable hourglass shape for abdominoplasty patients includes sculpting the body with 360-degree liposuction, and sometimes adding fat grafting to the buttocks and breasts. Dr. Stoker also uses a technique called muscle plication, or muscle repair, to tighten abdominal muscles separated during pregnancy (a condition called diastasis recti).
Dr. Stoker tightens the abdominal muscles without cutting any muscle by using secure two-layer sutures for the fibrous fascia surrounding the muscles. This helps create a slimmer midsection, in addition to removing excess skin and pulling the remaining skin tight.
Dr. Stoker performs mini tummy tuck surgery for patients at his Los Angeles practice whose concerns are limited to the area below the bellybutton. It involves making a smaller incision than is used for a full tummy tuck—about 6 inches—and removing a smaller amount of excess skin from the lower abdomen. The best candidates for a mini tummy tuck don’t require repair of their abdominal muscles and are satisfied with the appearance of their upper abdomen.
Dr. Stoker performs a lower tummy tuck on patients with loose skin or muscle laxity primarily in the lower abdomen. There is no scar on the belly button. He positions the scar particularly low so the patient may wear small bikinis or underwear without exposing the scar. He’s also able to tighten the muscles of the lower abdomen. The limitation is that there is only a modest tightening of the skin of the upper abdomen with the lower tummy tuck.
The appearance of the bellybutton (umbilicus) following a tummy tuck is an often-overlooked aspect of the procedure, yet it is crucial to producing results that look natural. The techniques used by different plastic surgeons vary quite a bit—and so do the results.
Dr. Stoker honed his own special technique to accomplish these goals:
Each of these details contributes to creating beautiful bellybuttons for Dr. Stoker’s tummy tuck patients.
This patient lost 150 lbs. and turned to Dr. Stoker to complete her transformation with a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. She was particularly pleased with the appearance and location of her belly button.
This mother was in her 40s when she had Dr. Stoker perform a tummy tuck as part of a multi-procedure Mommy Makeover. She was also pleased with her post-surgical belly button.
In addition to placing incisions as inconspicuously as possible, Dr. Stoker uses meticulous surgical techniques to minimize scarring. To ease tension on the healing incision, he undermines beneath it and uses a multi-layered closure, with each progressive layer further diminishing tension. He also everts the edges so that as sutures are absorbed, the incision flattens to a very thin line. Additionally, the use of progressive tension sutures across the undermined area reduces tension on the incision and minimizes the need for drains.
There are numerous post-op treatments for scar care, including silicone scar gel and tape, fractional CO2 laser treatments, Kenalog injections, and microneedling. We often spend months or even years following up to ensure tummy tuck scars are as undetectable as possible.
Beyond the exceptional cosmetic results Dr. Stoker delivers, our patients enjoy an unrivaled tummy tuck experience.
Dr. Stoker and his team apply pneumatic compression boots to warm and massage your legs. This improves circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. We use a long-lasting antimicrobial prep to sterilize your skin and minimize the risk of infection.
In addition, your anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist, hand-picked by Dr. Stoker to ensure your safety. During tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Stoker also administers an injections of Exparel®, a local, non-opioidate analgesic that keeps you comfortable for up to 3 days after surgery.
Your tummy tuck takes place in our state-of-the-art operating suite that exceeds the highest accreditation standards for safety and excellence. From high-performance LED lights to extra-thick memory foam OR mattresses, each detail has been carefully considered with your comfort and safety in mind.
We use special warm-air blankets during and after your tummy tuck as well as a double-underbody warm water circulator. These not only enhance comfort but also reduce complication rates. Our robust OR staff includes at least 3 specialized nurses, all of whom have exceptional training and bedside manner.
Dr. Stoker has extensive postoperative protocols in place to ensure a rapid, smooth recovery. You will be well-prepared by our nurses for what to expect and can contact our office at any time if you need additional support. Dr. Stoker treats every patient as a patient for life, so your care does not end with a follow-up appointment! He is always available to support you in your aesthetic goals.
Following a tummy tuck, patients should take at least 1 week to recover before returning to work, but this varies depending on the extent of your surgery and the physical nature of your job. It’s best to gradually ease back into your exercise routine and avoid strenuous workouts for approximately 6 weeks after your tummy tuck.
Dr. Stoker provides detailed post-op instructions to all patients, and it’s very important that you follow them closely to help you recover as quickly as possible and minimize the risk of complications. His postoperative care protocols also include a same-day phone call and next-day appointment to monitor your initial recovery.
A tummy tuck may remove stretch marks on the lower abdomen, but those above the bellybutton may remain. However, the skin tightening that occurs as part of a tummy tuck improves the appearance of the remaining stretch marks.
The scars for a tummy tuck are inside the bellybutton and at the lower abdominal waistline. Ideally, the scar should be positioned so that a low-cut bikini bottom covers it.
The improvements last indefinitely when patients maintain a stable weight and do not become pregnant. The aging process will continue, so there may be some minor skin laxity at some point in the future.
While a tummy tuck can be a great way to feel more comfortable and confident, there are times when it may be best to hold off on having the surgery, including:
Dr. Stoker does make exceptions to these guidelines and welcomes you to come in for a consultation to discuss your unique situation.
Many abdominoplasty patients combine liposuction on their flanks or thighs to enhance their results. Liposuction , as mentioned, is a crucial component of the Hourglass Tuck. Additionally, some women choose to get breast enhancement surgery at the same time as a tummy tuck, a combination of procedures usually called a Mommy Makeover.
Dr. Stoker has conducted extensive clinical research on the safety of tummy tucks and combined procedures. In his hands, there is no increase in complication rates when combining a tummy tuck with other operations. Of course, not all patients are candidates for combined surgical procedures. That decision is made on an individual basis in a detailed consultation.
Complications that may occur after a tummy tuck include bleeding, infection, seroma, delayed wound healing, and venous thrombosis. The complication rate may be decreased with experienced and diligent postoperative care. Even patients with complications are still likely to be pleased with their ultimate abdominoplasty improvements.
If you are looking for an abdominoplasty specialist in Los Angeles, Dr. Stoker is considered one of the leading body contouring specialists in the nation. You may use the online form to request a consultation at his Marina del Rey practice or call us at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.
