Congratulations to Dr. Joyce Chen on being elected Chairman,
Department of Plastic Surgery, Hoag Hospital Newport Beachand Hoag Hospital Irvine!
Body Procedure

Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty in Newport Beach

Tummy Tuck/AbdominoplastyA Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty helps to restore your natural youthful figure and improve your abdominal contour towards a flatter abdomen by removing excess fatty tissue and loose skin from the abdomen, while also tightening your abdominal muscles through suture plication.

Pregnancy, aging, weight loss or weight gain, can all increase skin laxity and the amount of excess skin in the abdomen, and also cause muscle laxity. Pregnancy often leads to diastasis recti or permanent separation of your rectus muscles, which can make you appear pregnant even when you are not. The muscle laxity and diastasis recti can also cause back pain from weakened abdominal muscles. A Tummy Tuck can help restore you towards your youthful, pre-pregnancy body.

Dr. Chen is world renown for her Tummy Tuck Transformations and long lasting natural results! Many of our patients travel afar to experience her unparallel artistry and surgical expertise. As a master surgeon, her surgical skills, breadth of knowledge, compassionate care, and depth of education and training at our nation’s top academic institutions places her among the elite in aesthetic plastic surgeons globally!

3 Types of Tummy Tuck

The most common type of Tummy Tuck performed is the Traditional or Full Tummy Tuck, which involves removing excess skin and fatty tissue, muscle tightening in both the upper and lower abdomen through suture plication, and transposing and rejuvenating the belly button. Please see below Dr. Chen’s muscle plication video and how she tightens the rectus muscle to allow the two arrows marking the edge of the rectus muscle to touch each other at the end, after the rectus muscle are plicated and tightened with permanent suture.

3 types of tummy tucks

Please note that the Tummy Tuck incision is very low, right below the bikini line, and usually from hip to hip. For most patients, the amount of skin and fat removed extends up to or above the belly button. Please see the diagram to the left illustrating the different lengths of incisions for the 3 different types of Tummy Tuck.

For some women who only have excess skin and fatty tissue below the belly button, a Mini Tummy Tuck can be done through a shorter incision. Muscle plication is performed only in the lower abdomen. No changes are made to the belly button. The excess skin and fat are then removed from the lower abdomen to achieve a washboard flat contour.

The third main type of tummy tuck is an Extended Tummy Tuck, which is recommended for women who have excess fat and loose skin that extends to their sides. For most patients like a Full Tummy Tuck, the amount of skin and fat removed extends up to or above the belly button.

Liposuction

Liposuction is often done to complement a Tummy Tuck, helping to contour and sculpt the waist and upper abdomen. Many women also choose to have Liposuction done in other areas such as the inner or outer thighs, upper arms, and/or back bra roll areas.

Before Tummy Tuck PhotoAfter Tummy Tuck Photo

For more Tummy Tuck Before/After photos, please view our Tummy Tuck photo gallery.

Please contact us for more information about Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chen, our female board certified plastic surgeon and body contouring expert, to restore and reclaim your youthful body and flatter tummy, and start your transformational journey with us today!

Tummy Tuck Patient Testimonials

If I could give a 6, I would for my Tummy Tuck by Dr. Chen!

5 Star Rating Submitted on January 31, 2020

Three kids and 20+ years later, at age 53 I finally turned the wish of losing my stretch marks into a reality. After researching doctors for several months, I made an appointment with Dr. Chen for a consultation. Her office is warm and inviting and her demeanor, kind and straightforward. I left that day with a surgery date. I am 4 weeks post-op and am amazed at my transformation. I can’t express enough how grateful I am for Dr. Chen’s incredible work as well as the care and understanding I have received from her and her support staff.

Overall Rating: 5

 

by SE

Tummy Tuck: I Am So Happy With My Results From Dr. Chen!

5 Star Rating Submitted on August 7, 2019

I am so happy with my results from Dr. Chen! From the first time I met her at my initial consult I could tell she was very professional and detailed. She answered all my questions and called me after hours to answer more. Her staff is friendly and professional as well. I would highly recommend Dr. Chen to anyone.

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by JK

My Life Will Forever Be Changed Because Of Dr. Chen, I Would Recommend Her To Everyone!

5 Star Rating Submitted on December 7, 2020

Great Results and Experience! It is the best decision I have ever made! Now, instead of avoiding mirrors, I can’t wait to look in them. I finally look the way I feel. Dr. Chen is truly a professional! I never felt embarrassed or ashamed of myself, and I was comfortable talking to her about what I wanted. She worked with me to complete all the treatments I requested and the results are amazing!

 

by MS

I’m Glad I Made The Decision And Even More Happy That I Chose Dr. Chen As My Surgeon!

5 Star Rating Submitted on October 9, 2023

After thinking about having surgery for years I finally decided to make an consultation for Tummy Tuck and Liposuction with Dr Chen and I’m so glad I did! She is so very sweet and understanding of all the concerns I had and answered all of my questions with confidence. I definitely felt more comfortable with my decision to go through with my surgery with Dr. Chen as my surgeon. A week after my full tummy tuck I am off all pain medications and back at work and feeling better and better every day. I’m glad I made the decision and even more happy that I chose Dr Chen as my surgeon and I can’t wait to see my final results!

Overall Rating: 5

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by AO

I Will Recommend Dr. Chen To Anyone!

5 Star Rating Submitted on June 25, 2019

I am very pleased with the results of my procedure (tummy tuck and liposuction) as of today. Dr. Chen and her staff are very helpful. I will recommend Dr. Chen to anyone. Thank you Dr. Chen and everyone in your office!

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by SC

Going to Dr.Chen for my Mini Tummy Tuck was the Best Decision I have ever made!

5 Star Rating Submitted on January 31, 2020

She and her staff made you feel very comfortable and welcomed. My results was everything I asked for!! I would definitely recommend her to friends and family without a doubt!

Overall Rating – 5
Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by NG

I wore a two-piece for the first time in 20 years!

5 Star Rating Submitted on April 24, 2017

I had a tummy tuck six months ago by Dr. Chen, and this past weekend I wore a two-piece for the first time in 20 years:)! I had never thought I would wear one again!

*Individual results may vary.

 

by CS

I’m so glad I did this for me and I am even more glad that I found Dr Chen to do it!

5 Star Rating Submitted on September 26, 2017

I’ve had a fantastic experience thus far! I made the HUGE decision to have a full tummy tuck and muscle repair after having two children and working extremely hard to lose weight and get fit and Dr Chen and Marcy (receptionist) have been amazing. My whole experience has been a breeze from my initial consultation through my surgery and recovery. I’m already thrilled with my surgery results and it’s not even been a month post op. I’m so glad I did this for me and I am even more glad that I found Dr Chen to do it! Their communication and accommodation are outstanding. Definitely recommend!

*Individual results may vary.

 

by RK

Dr. Chen Is Great!

5 Star Rating Submitted on December 29, 2021

Dr. Chen is great! I got a breast reduction and the results are amazing! My life is changed for the better because of her. She cares so much about her patients and makes them as satisfied as possible with the results. She is a hard worker, and someone who is very passionate about what she does so you can be sure that she will do her absolute best to get you the results you want, if not better. 100% recommend her!

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by MM

I Was Amazed!

5 Star Rating Submitted on January 15, 2019

Dr. Chen is really professional and she takes the time to explain the surgical procedure in the first consultation. I was amazed and made the decision to hire her for a tummy tuck and lipo. I had gone with two other doctors that I only saw their patient coordinator, saw what I wanted to get make myself done and they quoted me a price. I am recovery right now, and so far she has been great in following up. I love my results and am very happy. I have already recommended Dr. Chen to family and friends!

 

by DG

Dr. Chen is Wonderful!

5 Star Rating Submitted on April 24, 2019

She is compassionate and the follow up care for my tummy tuck was fantastic!

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by JC

Dr. Chen Has Given Me What I Wanted After 3 Kids And Two Hernia Repairs!

5 Star Rating Submitted on October 13, 2020

I am very happy with my tummy tuck as well as my belly button and aftercare that I was give!. She takes the time to ask what you want and any concerns you might have. Tummy Tuck with Lipo 5!

 

by KH

So Happy with my Tummy Tuck!

5 Star Rating Submitted on October 25, 2023

So Happy with my Tummy Tuck! Highly Recommend! Pain med free by Day 3!

Overall Rating: 5

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by JR

Just Amazing!

5 Star Rating Submitted on October 3, 2023

I was googling abdominalplasty surgeons and came across Dr. Chen’s website. I liked the fact that Dr. Chen is also a reconstruction plastic surgeon and works with babies who have cleft palate issues. For me that was the reason I chose to have a consultation with her and not some cosmetic doctor advertising for really cheap. My consultation went great and we were both on the same page as far as me having a diastasis and would need something more than just liposuction and a BBL. Although I really only wanted my muscle repaired and was not sure about having my skin removed too. Dr. Chen assured me that a tummy tuck was the way to go, since down the road after muscle repair, I would then have even more extra skin that would then need to be removed.

So I scheduled my surgery date 5 months down the road, since I had just started a new job and wanted to accrue time off. Dr. Chen told me that her patients usually only take 9-10 days off work for a tummy tuck. And over the 5 months I started to wonder if that would be enough time, since my co-worker had to take 4 weeks off for the same procedure minus the BBL that I also had done. I decided to use a recovery house for 2 nights, due to the fact my kids worked and wanted someone to look after me the first 48 hours. To my surprise, my recovery actually went very quick. By the second day I was down to 1 pain pill every 6 hours, and I was completely off them by day 5. The 3rd day after I came home, I was walking around on my own, making sandwiches and even washed my hair. I was even driving by the 7th day after surgery. My drains were already out by then too.

I would definitely recommend Dr. Chen to my friends and family!! She is just amazing and really does care about her patients! Dr. Chen even called me the first day after surgery to check in and see how I was doing!

 

by D

Love This Doctor!

5 Star Rating Submitted on October 13, 2020

I have my operation on Monday 9/21, I’m doing a BBL, Lipo and Tummy tuck! As of now, the office staff is amazing!!!! The doctor (Dr. Chen) is so patient and amazing!!!! I can’t wait to post before and after pictures!

 

by MM

Such a great doctor!

5 Star Rating Submitted on January 30, 2017

I definitely recommend doctor Chen Joyce she’s an amazing Doctor. She has a terrific staff, really helpful and she’s really patient. She answered all my questions professionally and thoroughly. I’m really blissful that I met doctor Chen Joyce. She did my tummytuck and liposuction waist. So far it has only been 9 days and I’m loving the results. She did an outstanding job . . Thank you so much doctor Chen Joyce!

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

*Individual results may vary.

 

by Jazmine S.

I Love Everything!

5 Star Rating Submitted on February 20, 2017

Dr. Chen is amazing and my go to doctor for EVERYTHING! I’m so glad I found her…I had a tummy tuck and lipo of my waist, hips, outer thigh, and back bra roll done! I’m going to refer some of my friends to her!

*Individual results may vary.

 

by KA

Mommy Makeover Happiness!!

5 Star Rating Submitted on February 25, 2019

Dr. Joyce Chen is amazing! She was my first mommy makeover consult, and I immediately decided she’d be my surgeon. Her expertise, kindness, and knowledge sold me. Dr. Chen explained everything and was very thorough. She spends the time with you to feel at ease with any questions or concerns. I had a mommy makeover and the surgery went really well. My surgery was done with greatness and no problems. She is great with follow ups, which were consistent and very appreciated. Her assistant Marcy is also very kind and helpful. My overall experience was really great! I would definitely recommend Dr. Chen to anyone in search of any plastic surgery needs. She is an amazing person & surgeon!

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by KB

Amazing Doctor, Amazing Results!

5 Star Rating Submitted on May 5, 2022

From the first day I met Dr. Chen I felt very comfortable in her knowledge of plastic surgery. I did a lot of research before I picked going to Dr. Chen. She was always very straight with her answers, explained to me what she thought was best for me and talked myself and my husband through every step of my procedure.

I had a breast augmentation, breast lift, extended tummy tuck and lipo in my stomach and back. The day of surgery I was very nervous, the nurse at the surgical center were so nice and praised Dr. Chen as much as I did. When Dr. Chen arrived, she made me feel at ease. I am currently almost 8 weeks post op and I have NO REGRETS!

If I were to do it again, I would a thousand times with Dr. Chen. After surgery, she contacted me at home to make sure I was doing well, gave me a number to contact her if I had any concerns. She always answered and was always so reassuring. I can’t express how thankful I am to have found her. My body is still changing, but boy what a change it has been. Thank you, Dr. Chen, for making me smile again and being confident in my appearance again.

Overall Rating: 5

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by Anonymous

Dr. Chen Is The Best!

5 Star Rating Submitted on February 11, 2021

She was very helpful and extremely informative with my initial visit and diagnosis and continued to be throughout the whole process. A little background on my need for surgery… After having 5 children, my body didn’t exactly go back to normal! I had severe diastasis recti that was causing all sorts of other issues, mainly extreme back pain, (2 bulging discs, to be exact). After having gone through decompression therapy to fix my back, the chiropractor told me that I should consider surgery on my diastasis recti, to maintain stability of my back. Dr. Chen confirmed that this would be very beneficial, so I decided to have an abdominoplasty and breast implants as well, the full mommy makeover. I nursed all 5 of my babies for 12 months each, and was left with very little! My self-esteem was low, and I just wanted to look the way I did before I breastfed all of them, and be able to fill my normal bra again. Dr. Chen advised me on which implants would get me back to my pre baby size and assured me she could make me look great! I have always been an active person, and lived a healthy lifestyle, and have been a size 0 my whole life, even after all five babies. I would talk about my issues with friends or family members, but they didn’t really understand why I wanted to do this, since I was still petite. My pants still fit on my waist, but I had an overlap of skin, every time I would sit down. I was self-conscious and I didn’t want to wear anything form fitting. Dr. Chen understood all my concerns and was confident she could fix them all. During surgery, she was able to fix my 3 inch diastasis recti gap, remove 6 inches of extra skin and made me feel amazing! It was a huge success. I am also back to my normal bra size and my self-confidence is back! I am about 2 1/2 months post op and am able to run and exercise again! I am continuing to regain movement of my abs and can’t wait to be fully and completely healed and to continue to feel more and more normal. Thank you Dr. Chen for your amazing work and to your excellent staff for all your help! Overall Rating: 5 stars!

 

by Anonymous

Mommy Makeover – Excellent Experience!

5 Star Rating Submitted on July 29, 2020

I had my mommy makeover (breast implant exchange, tummy tuck and liposuction) last June 5, 2020 (in the middle of the pandemic). My surgery was originally scheduled in March but then due to the State’s mandate to stop all elective surgeries due to Covid-19, my surgery got postponed. I regularly got updates from Dr. Chen’s staff & as soon as the restrictions were lifted, my surgery was immediately scheduled.

Despite the multiple procedures done on me, the recovery is going very smoothly. I was off pain meds by the end of the first week. I feel very well taken care of by Dr. Chen and her wonderful staff (Marcy, Christina & Crystal). It’s very easy to book my regular follow-up appointments & whenever I have a post-surgery question, I get an expert response right away. I feel very comfortable whenever I’m at the clinic because they are very friendly and accommodating.

It’s been 7 weeks since my surgery and the results are everything I expected and more! My breasts look very natural & the tummy tuck got rid of my stubborn stretch marks.

I am very happy that I chose Dr. Chen over the other surgeons in the area. Best! Decision! Ever!

Other Ratings:
Ease of Appointment – 5
Promptness – 5
Courteous Staff – 5
Accurate Diagnosis – 5
Bedside Manner – 5
Spends Time with Me – 5
Follows Up After Visit – 5

 

by AD

Love This Doctor!

5 Star Rating Submitted on October 13, 2020

I have my operation on Monday 9/21, I’m doing a BBL, Lipo and Tummy tuck! As of now, the office staff is amazing!!!! The doctor (Dr. Chen) is so patient and amazing!!!! I can’t wait to post before and after pictures!

 

by MM