Tummy Tuck in San Diego, CA
Refined Contours With a Signature Drainless Technique
- Helped develop the Cali-Tuck™ abdominoplasty
- Specializes in post-pregnancy and weight loss contouring
- Known for low-visibility suture lines
Why Choose Us for Tummy Tuck
Pioneer of the Cali-Tuck™
Our plastic surgeon in San Diego, CA, is certified by the American Board of Surgery, meaning he holds himself to the highest ethical standards and consistently delivers optimal patient outcomes. Dr. Charleston Chua is also an award-winning surgeon, having won awards for cosmetic surgery, liposuction, breast augmentation, and more.
Designed for Post-Pregnancy and Weight Loss Bodies
At Chua Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of body contouring options and med spa services so your dream figure is well within reach. We can address deflated breasts, sagging skin, stretched abdominal muscles, wrinkles, skin irregularities, and more. Dr. Chua will work with you one-on-one in a private setting to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your concerns.
Low-Visibility Scars With a High-Precision Approach
Dr. Chua is an award-winning surgeon, a published author, and a presenter in general and plastic surgery. He has earned the trust of his patients and was even entrusted with the patients of world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Singer when he retired.
What to Expect With the Cali-Tuck™
The Cali-Tuck™ is Dr. Chua’s preferred approach to tummy tuck surgery designed to tighten and reshape the midsection while avoiding the hassle of surgical drains. Traditional abdominoplasty often requires external tubes that collect fluid and must be emptied daily. The Cali-Tuck™ uses layered internal sutures to create natural pathways for fluid absorption, eliminating the need for drains and supporting a more comfortable recovery.
Here’s what a patient's journey typically looks like:
Before Surgery: Planning Your Treatment
Dr. Chua will assess your anatomy, goals, and skin quality to determine whether a full, mini, or extended tummy tuck is best. Every Cali-Tuck™ includes some degree of liposuction, and the incision is carefully planned to sit low on the abdomen, often below the bikini line.
During Surgery: Precise Sculpting Without Drains
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes a few hours. Dr. Chua will remove excess skin, tighten underlying muscles, and use liposuction to enhance contour. His internal suture technique eliminates the need for drains, reducing the risk of irritation or infection.
Recovery and Results: A Smoother Path to Healing
Most patients return to daily activities within 2 to 3 weeks, and resume exercise by week 4 or 6. You’ll wear a compression garment to support healing, and your incisions will be placed as discreetly as possible. Final results reveal a flatter, firmer abdomen with natural-looking definition.
A Surgeon With Elite Training
and Trusted Results
Dr. Charleston Chua brings a rigorous academic background and hands-on surgical expertise to every procedure. His dual training in general and plastic surgery allows him to approach tummy tuck cases with a unique blend of technical depth and aesthetic precision.
- Graduated from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in a highly selective class
- Completed a five-year General Surgery residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UC Davis, where he served as Chief Resident
- Elected Chair of the Resident Medical Staff and Chair of the Resident COVID Task Force
- Honored with top surgical awards for mentorship, teaching, and clinical leadership
Today, Dr. Chua continues to build on that foundation by offering patients in San Diego a safer, more comfortable approach to body contouring through the Cali-Tuck™ technique.
“The results were amazing.”
“I held back on getting a tummy tuck for a long time because I was terrified of the scar. Scar healing and aesthetics was very important to me. When looking at the doctor’s I was researching work, I felt that Dr Chua’s were the most minimal. I think his work and care are top notch and would recommend to anyone looking for a true professional.”
— Jennifer, 5-Star Review
Combine Procedures for Enhanced Results
Many patients choose to combine their tummy tuck with other procedures to achieve more dramatic or comprehensive body contouring. Dr. Chua regularly performs multi-area transformations and will build a surgical plan around your goals, anatomy, and recovery preferences.
Popular combinations include:
- Liposuction: Adds targeted fat removal to areas like the flanks or thighs for a smoother silhouette
- Brazilian Butt Lift: Uses your own fat to enhance curves after midsection sculpting
- Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift: Addresses breast volume or positioning for patients post-pregnancy or weight loss
- Mommy Makeover: A personalized bundle of procedures designed to restore your pre-pregnancy shape
If you’re interested in pairing your tummy tuck with other treatments, Dr. Chua will walk you through the safest, most effective options during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks in San Diego, CA
Will I have visible scars after surgery?
Dr. Chua uses thin, low-positioned incisions to minimize scarring. Most tummy tuck scars are hidden within the bikini line or placed discreetly in the belly button. Following your scar care plan will help optimize healing and reduce visibility over time.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Yes, but pregnancy may impact your results. Dr. Chua recommends completing your family before undergoing a tummy tuck. If you do become pregnant afterward, revision surgery may be an option.
Will a tummy tuck help me lose weight?
Not directly. A tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin and tighten muscles; not to reduce body weight. It’s best suited for patients who are already at or near their goal weight but want to improve contour, especially after pregnancy or weight loss. If additional fat removal is needed, Dr. Chua may recommend combining your tummy tuck with liposuction.
