Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the abdomen and tightens separated muscles to help create a more sculpted figure. Tummy tucks are highly popular, being the third most-performed procedure in the country in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with over 170,000 performances in 2023 alone. (1)
Dr. George Lefkovits is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and the director of Park Plaza Plastic Surgery. He has more than 30 years of experience and has performed thousands of procedures to help each of his patients feel more comfortable and confident. A leader in his field, he has been published in peer-reviewed plastic surgery literature and has given numerous presentations at both international and national meetings.
If you are interested in exploring how you can benefit from a tummy tuck, please reach out today to schedule a consultation! Submit our online contact form to reach us, or call our Manhattan office directly at (212) 750-9494.
We are also available via email: [email protected]
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to smooth and contour the abdomen through the removal of excess tissue. This procedure can also tighten the abdominal muscles, restabilizing the core and creating a firmer, more toned look. Depending on a patient’s concerns, Dr. Lefkovits can perform either the full tummy tuck or the mini tummy tuck.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck, also known as a traditional tummy tuck, involves an incision in the lower abdomen just above the pubic region. It typically addresses the skin up to the ribs and usually requires the repair of the entire length of the abdominal muscles. The amount of skin removal usually extends to the belly button. Dr. Lefkovits can reposition and reconstruct the belly button if necessary. A full tummy tuck tends to require the placement of drains as well.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a variation of the tummy tuck procedure reserved for less extensive corrections. This procedure only addresses concerns below the navel, offering a shorter recovery time and a smaller incision. (2) Belly button reconstruction is not a standard inclusion in this variation. The mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients who may not need to repair any underlying muscle or those who have loose skin primarily in the lower abdomen.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Patients can experience several benefits through a tummy tuck, which may include:
- Flatter Abdomen: Removing excess skin and tightening muscles will contribute to a smoother, slimmer, and more contoured abdomen and waist.
- Improved Core Stability: Dr. Lefkovits can tighten separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) to strengthen the core. (2)
- Balanced Proportions: Patients can enjoy a more balanced, proportional silhouette after removing excess or hanging skin.
- Enhanced Confidence: Many patients report an improvement in their self-esteem and confidence after undergoing a tummy tuck.
Ideal Candidates
The most suitable candidates for a tummy tuck are men and women interested in addressing the excess skin around their abdomen to achieve a slimmer, more toned appearance. Those who have recently undergone a significant weight change may also be recommended for this treatment, as well as postpartum women.
Candidates should be in good overall health and hold realistic expectations regarding their results. Patients should also be nonsmokers or prepared to quit. Dr. Lefkovits will determine each patient’s candidacy at their personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
Each patient will be asked to attend a complimentary personal consultation with Dr. Lefkovits before their tummy tuck procedure. This meeting allows our team to get to know each patient more personally and to understand how we can help them achieve their goals. Dr. Lefkovits will first discuss each detail of the procedure before gathering more information on each patient’s medical history, desired outcome, and concerns. During the consultation, Dr. Lefkovits will share numerous before-and-after photos, not only to demonstrate his aesthetic expertise but also to help determine the results and proportions you are striving for.
Dr. Lefkovits will customize the procedure to maximize benefits and address the patient’s unique concerns. Following this, preoperative and postoperative instructions will be provided, in addition to an all-inclusive cost.
To schedule your complimentary consultation, please contact us online or call our New York office at (212) 750-9494.
Preparation
Each patient will receive a set of personalized preoperative instructions from Dr. Lefkovits, guiding them on how to properly prepare for their procedure. Patients should ensure they follow each direction for the smoothest recovery and most ideal results.
- Stop using nicotine several weeks before the procedure and throughout recovery.
- Discontinue taking any medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties.
- Avoid consuming alcohol.
- Arrange transportation home after the procedure.
- Schedule time off work and social activities to focus on rest and recovery.
- Fill all prescribed medications in advance.
Recovery
Following a tummy tuck, it is normal for patients to experience some swelling or bruising, but these effects will gradually dissipate on their own. Any discomfort experienced can be managed with medication under the guidance of Dr. Lefkovits. Patients will need to wear a supportive garment for several weeks to help minimize swelling and to protect their new figure.
Patients can expect to return to non-strenuous work after a week or two, but they should avoid physical activities and strenuous tasks for several more weeks. Dr. Lefkovits will help guide patients on what types of exercise they can engage in. Additionally, he will ask patients to return to the office for follow-up appointments so that our team may monitor their progress.
Results
Following a tummy tuck, patients will be able to notice a significant difference in their figure, particularly in the form of a smoother and flatter abdomen and a more contoured torso. The waistline will also be noticeably tighter and more defined, and many patients report improved self-esteem and confidence. (3) The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying their new silhouettes for years. However, they will need to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to maintain these effects, as fluctuations in weight or pregnancy can affect their results. Any remaining scarring will continue to fade and can easily be hidden underneath clothing.
Corresponding Procedures
Several procedures can be performed alongside a tummy tuck for more comprehensive results, with one of the most popular being the mommy makeover. A mommy makeover is a combination of multiple procedures that restore a more desirable figure in postpartum women. This procedure is fully customized to each individual and can combine aspects from any or all of the following:
To learn more about the other procedures we offer, please read Dr. Lefkovits’s blog!
Cost of a Tummy Tuck in NYC
The cost of each patient’s tummy tuck will depend on several factors, such as the surgical techniques used, the complexity of the correction, and whether any additional procedures are performed. Dr. Lefkovits will provide an all-inclusive quote after establishing a treatment plan during each patient’s consultation.
Our practice also offers several financing options that help make treatments more accessible.
To unlock the full cost of your tummy tuck, please schedule a consultation by calling (212) 750-9494 or contacting us online.
FAQ
How long is the tummy tuck procedure?
A tummy tuck procedure can last between two to four hours. The exact timing can depend on several factors, such as the type of surgical techniques being used and whether or not any additional procedures are being performed. The mini tummy tuck is typically shorter than the full tummy tuck, as it involves less extensive skin removal, no belly button reconstruction, and no muscle repair in most cases.
Will there be any visible scarring after my tummy tuck?
There will be scarring after a tummy tuck; however, scarring will gradually fade over time. Dr. Lefkovits makes the incision in a discreet location along the bikini line so that patients can easily hide their scar beneath clothing and swimsuits. How long will the results of my tummy tuck last? The results of a tummy tuck can last a long time, but you will need to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to preserve these effects. Weight fluctuations or pregnancy can alter results.
How long will my recovery be after my tummy tuck?
Each patient’s recovery timeline will vary depending on their personalized treatment plan, but most patients can usually return to work after a week or two. You will need to get approval from Dr. Lefkovits before you resume more strenuous activities.
Can I combine my tummy tuck with another treatment?
Yes, a tummy tuck may be combined with other procedures for more comprehensive results. If you are interested in complementing your tummy tuck with another procedure, please reach out to our office for more information.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
- Klinger M, Klinger F, Giannasi S, et al. Aesthetic and Functional Abdominoplasty: Anatomical and Clinical Classification based on a 12-year Retrospective Study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2021;9(12):e3936. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003936
