Ethos Plastic Surgery

What makes a tummy tuck look natural?

Dr. Xu’s approach to abdominoplasty comes down to three details.

- Belly button design. An inverted U incision, tucked upward, keeps the scar hidden and the result natural.

- Abdominal wall tightening. Patients are sat upright during surgery to check for irregularities — supplemental sutures are added where needed.

- Incision placement. Designed around each patient’s wardrobe and swimwear preferences, with drains placed through the same incision. No additional scars.

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The belly button is one of the most important details in a tummy tuck.

During abdominoplasty, a separate incision is made around the navel — and how it’s designed directly affects the final aesthetic. Dr. Xu has refined her technique over time, moving away from the traditional oval approach toward a narrower, reverse shield shape with a subtle hooding effect. This creates a more natural appearance and better conceals the incision.
Every detail is customizable — patients with specific preferences for shape or design are welcome to discuss that during their consultation.

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What does arm lift recovery look like?

Brachioplasty recovery requires some patience. The arms are sensitive, and for the first four to six weeks, range of motion is limited and a compression garment is worn consistently. Some patients also experience temporary tingling as the nerves heal.

Because the incisions are long and dissection is involved, it is one of the more involved recoveries — but most patients find the outcome well worth it.

By six weeks, activity is unrestricted and compression is no longer needed.

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Thinking about an arm lift?

The right approach depends entirely on your anatomy. Some patients have minimal skin laxity localized to the upper arm, while others have excess skin extending onto the lateral chest — each requiring a different plan.

For patients pursuing total upper body rejuvenation — often following significant weight loss — an arm lift may be combined with a breast lift or implants in stages. Addressing the lateral chest in these cases is often key to achieving the most aesthetic breast shape as well.

Incisions are designed with both contour and concealment in mind.

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What goes into a well-executed arm lift?

Dr. Xu’s approach to brachioplasty is centered on smooth, natural contours — from the upper arm through the elbow transition zone. Incision design is customized to each patient’s anatomy, with careful attention to the apex region to prevent contracture.

Liposuction is performed simultaneously to refine contours and improve tissue dissection. Meticulous, controlled technique is prioritized throughout — avoiding more aggressive approaches in favor of precision and minimal trauma.

The result is a clean, natural silhouette that integrates seamlessly with the arm’s natural shape.
Click the link in our bio to book a consultation. 🤍

What goes into a well-executed arm lift?

Dr. Xu’s approach to brachioplasty is centered on smooth, natural contours — from the upper arm through the elbow transition zone. Incision design is customized to each patient’s anatomy, with careful attention to the apex region to prevent contracture.

Liposuction is performed simultaneously to refine contours and improve tissue dissection. Meticulous, controlled technique is prioritized throughout — avoiding more aggressive approaches in favor of precision and minimal trauma.

The result is a clean, natural silhouette that integrates seamlessly with the arm’s natural shape.
Click the link in our bio to book a consultation. 🤍

Will there be visible scarring after lower blepharoplasty?

For most patients, Dr. Xu uses a transconjunctival incision — a tiny, hidden incision on the inside of the eyelid — to remove excess fat and smooth the under-eye area with no visible external scarring. If excess skin is present, a small incision along the lower lash line may be needed, but it heals beautifully and remains virtually undetectable.

Every plan is tailored to your unique anatomy for the most natural-looking results. Call us at (415) 504-1124 to learn more.

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