“Dr Sigler suggested the tummy tuck instead of just liposuction and I do not regret following her advice!  My tummy looks flat, more youthful, the belly button looks really natural and shows no scar.  The scar from removing the excess skin is so low, I can hide it under a bikini”— Sharon, San Diego, CA

Mini & full tummy tucks
Both of these procedures are usually performed in conjunction with liposuction of the upper abdomen and flank area.  A smaller incision is made in the bikini area and no incision is made around your belly button. Your surgeon will remove the excess skin and fat through this incision. Permanent sutures will also be placed through this incision to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.

Extended tummy tuck
This procedure is the one that leaves an incision and later a scar that goes beyond the hip area and is usually performed on patients who have a great deal of excess of skin.  The long scar is preferred than the dog ears that may occurs if the surgeon leaves a shorter wound with extra skin hanging on both sides of it.  These dog ears will need revisión at a later stage.

Regardless of which procedure you have, your incisions are closed with running sutures under your skin which are easy to remove when the wound is healed.  Smal drains may also be inserted to eliminate fluid buildup.  Snug elastic bandages are then applied to the area

Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.

You are an ideal candidate if:
• You are in good health
• You have reached your ideal weight
• You do not smoke
• Your pre-op lab work is normal
• You are willing to follow post-operative instructions
• You are able to take 7-14 days off work to rest at home and heal

Pricing may vary upon each patient's specific request and condition. Contact Dr. Sigler for pricing and payment by clicking this link for a consultation or by phone:
English: +1 (619) 735-6832
Spanish: +52 (664) 634-3790

Consultation
During the consultation, your medical history will be taken in order for Dr. Sigler to evaluate your general health.  A careful examination will also be conducted.  Together with Dr. Sigler, you will discuss the procedure and communicate your desires, your concerns and the results you hope to achieve. You may bring photographs to show Dr. Sigler examples of what you are looking for. Dr. Sigler will go over details of the procedure itself and the possible risks and complications as it pertains to any medical or structural issues she sees in your case.  She will go over the type of anesthesia to be used. Once you have all your questions answered, you will both agree on a surgery plan and a proposed date. Photos are taken before and after the surgery in order to determine the amount of improvement.

Setting Your Surgery Date
A deposit is required to confirm the date and time of the procedure. See pricing and payment above for details.

If You Smoke
If you smoke, this habit should be stopped at least two months prior to surgery. This includes vaping and marijuana smoking.

Two Weeks Prior to Surgery
Review and download this list of medications and supplements to avoid. Stop taking any medication on this list two to three weeks before the surgery.  Avoid any intake of aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen (excedrin, Motrin, Aleve, Advil), vitamins that include vitamin E, and energy drinks as well. Arrange for family or friends to be available for assistance when you return home to recuperate. Clear your schedule. Make a list and organize your environment to be safe and conducive to bedrest. Stock your kitchen and plan ahead for a period of time spent watching TV, reading or simply relaxing.

Labwork
Pre-op labwork should be done two weeks before the surgery with your own doctor, and then sent to Dr. Sigler. If you prefer Dr. Sigler to do the labwork, you will need to make arrangements prior to your surgery date. Required labwork includes:   CBC (Complete Blood Count), CMP (Chemical Metabolic Panel), PT (Prothrombin Time) and INR, PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time) and any other labwork specific to your particular medical condition(s), such as a Thyroid Hormonal Panel.If you are over 50, it will be necessary to have a cardiovascular assessment including an EKG and possibly a chest x-ray. Dr. Sigler will advise.

Approval for Surgery
If you are currently undergoing treatment for a medical condition or disease, a letter from your treating specialist must be sent to Dr. Sigler at least two weeks prior to the surgery stating you are cleared to go ahead with the procedure, and include any pre-op and post-op recommendations in order to avoid possible complications during or after the surgical procedure.

Night before Surgery
You are required to fast for at least 8 hours prior to surgery. Eat a lighter dinner and do not eat or drink past midnight.Day of SurgeryDo not eat or drink anything except a little water. Allow sufficient time to get to the surgery center. Using Dr. Sigler’s car service is usually the most efficient way to ensure a timely arrival. Intake is typically scheduled two hours prior to the actual surgery. You will meet with Dr. Sigler for your pre-op consultation, pre-op photos and markings on body or face, and for a final discussion about your procedure. Paperwork is completed and final prepping by your surgical team is carefully performed.

Bed rest is recommended for the first day. Any pain or discomfort is treated with pain medications.  If drains are used they may remain in place for seven days until discharge fluids decrease.  Sutures will be removed in 1 to 2 weeks.  There will be some scarring that will fade significantly over time. Silicon sheets and pressure are ideal to treat the hyperrrophic scars in this area.  During one month you must refrain from any strenuous activity or lifting. Most patients are back to work between two to three weeks, depending on the degree of surgery.