Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.
It quickly and efficiently enhances the shape of your abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. It also presents an excellent way to get rid of abdominal fatty tissue, together with diet and exercise.
Contents
Before and After Photos
Procedure
A tummy tuck may be the right procedure for women who have been through:
Weight loss or weight gain
A tummy tuck removes excess fat (a consequence of gaining weight) as well as excess skin (a consequence of weight loss) in the abdomen area. This treatment may also help speed up the process of repairing abdominal muscles after weight gain.
Pregnancy
Women with children know that pregnancy can cause many changes in the body. Some of those changes are temporary, but many of them leave lasting effects, including separation and weakening of the abdominal muscles. Dr. Lefkovits is able to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while also tightening muscles on the abdominal wall.
Through this process, some stretch marks after pregnancy or extensive weight loss can also be removed.
The natural process of aging
Through the natural process of gaining and losing pounds, undeniably, your abdominal muscles stretch. When this stretching of the muscles happens above their elastic limits, they often cannot regain their original shape, leading to a droopy-looking stomach. Tummy tucks help you achieve a smoother, thinner stomach that looks natural and healthy.
Ideal Candidate
This surgery is a practical way to slim down and get back in shape, but there are some important things you should understand before determining whether you’re ready for this type of surgery.
A good female candidate is one who:
- is in good general health and has achieved a stable weight;
- has loose skin and/or excess skin and fat in the abdominal area;
- have been pregnant once or had multiple pregnancies, to tighten loose muscles;
- is not pregnant or breastfeeding; it is not advised that you get pregnant during your recovery period, which lasts approximately 6 weeks postoperative;
- is motivated to do the necessary exercises and follow the postoperative instructions.
- has realistic expectations of the outcome of this procedure;
A tummy tuck should not be used as a choice for losing weight.
An expert in tummy tuck for women can help you decide if you are a good candidate for this procedure. This is a part of the initial consultation with our plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits at Park Plaza Plastic Surgery.
Procedure
The operation at Park Plaza plastic surgery center is performed in Dr. George Lefkovits’s Manhattan-accredited and certified operating facility. This is an outpatient procedure, meaning that an overnight stay is not required.
The incision is being made along the lower part of your abdomen. The surgeon afterward delicately removes excess fat and skin. By removing hanging skin, the doctor is able to tighten up any loose abdominal tissue so you get a smooth body contour.
Full or Mini Tummy Tuck?
There are 2 types of tummy tucks:
- A full tummy tuck also referred to as complete tummy tuck or complete abdominoplasty
- A mini tummy tuck, also known as mini-abdominoplasty
A full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck differ in:
- the extent of surgery,
- the amount of skin removal,
- the abdominal muscle repair,
- and the recuperation.
A full tummy tuck involves an incision in the lower abdomen just above the pubic region. It entails the elevation of 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. A new opening is then made for the belly button. Drains are usually used.
A mini tummy tuck often involves the same type of incision as a full tummy tuck but the extent of surgery is much less. The skin elevation is usually only until the belly button. If the muscle is repaired, it only involves that of the lower abdomen. Drains may or may not be used. Recuperation is faster as returns to work.
A full tummy tuck is the best option for patients who have excess fat or skin above their belly button area. On the contrary, a mini tummy tuck is a reasonable option for patients who do not have much loose skin above the belly button but do have excess skin or fat below it. A mini tummy tuck provides pleasing results for those who do not desire to undergo an extended recovery or major scars from more extensive full tummy tucks procedures, but still want some improvement to their midsection after pregnancy and/or weight loss.
Before deciding, you will have an opportunity to speak with your plastic surgeon and hear their opinion and suggestion. No patient has the same body shape or the same goal. Your doctor will, therefore, recommend to you the type of tummy tuck surgery that is the most effective for you and that creates natural-looking results with minimal scars.
Tummy Tuck Healing Process
First weeks after tummy tuck
The first few days following tummy tuck procedures may be difficult as you recover from the anesthesia. You will likely experience some pain, which can be managed with medication.
After surgery, you will be swollen and probably feel some pain and discomfort. Most stitches will dissolve, except for the stitches around the navel area, which will be removed in approximately 7 days. Drains are removed in about 5 days.
At this point, the dressings are replaced with a fitted support garment that you will wear for four to six weeks. You can start exercising after 3 weeks, and progress through 6 – 8 weeks.
It is important how your dieting habits are after the procedure – try as much as possible to eat well-balanced, nutritious meals. Include complete meals in your diet and stick to them to maintain tummy tuck results.
Return to Work
You can return to work in one to two weeks following the procedure.
Exercise To Help You Feel Better
Bear in mind, it may take a while to feel like your normal self again. However, there are certain things during that period you can do for yourself to feel better. Exercise helps reduce swelling, lowers the chance of blood clots, and tones muscles, therefore helping you heal.
Dr. Lefkovits will instruct you about what type of activity you can, and cannot engage in. Follow your surgeon’s instructions and avoid strenuous exercise for the first 6 weeks.
Tummy Tuck Scar Healing Process
Scarring after the operation is present. The tummy tuck scar healing process takes 1 to 1.5 years. During this time, it should completely mature and become less visible.
We pay a lot of attention in order to make the best solution possible and make sure you can easily hide your scar, usually in your bikini line. More details about the placement and length of the scar are discussed during your initial tummy tuck appointment.
Tummy Tuck Before and After
Tummy tuck results speak for themselves – take a look at some of our satisfied female patients with great tummy tuck results – significant weight loss tightened loose muscles, and abdomen area completely flattened.
A 30-year-old female who had lots of loose skin as well as significant separation of her abdominal muscles. She is shown 6 months after a Tummy Tuck
A 28-year-old female patient that had an extensive ventral hernia because of having weak muscles of the abdomen. She also had hanging, sagging skin.
A 37-year-old female patient presented 1 year following a tummy tuck procedure. Scarring is not visible, since it is well hidden in the underwear:
If you have been thinking for some time about tummy tuck, you now may be asking yourself, “What is the average cost of a tummy tuck?” The average cost of a tummy tuck depends on several factors, and some of these include:
- the area of the body (abdomen) being treated;
- the type of procedure;
- your doctor’s experience – it is important to choose a plastic surgery center and plastic surgeon you can completely trust and feel safe with.
How to get a tummy tuck paid for by insurance?
Will insurance cover tummy tuck? Some insurance for tummy tuck may cover a part or even all costs associated with this cosmetic surgery procedure. If you have health insurance coverage that includes cosmetic surgery costs, make sure to check with them before scheduling an appointment with a cosmetic surgeon.
Tummy Tuck Pre Op Appointment
Before your procedure, you will meet with our plastic surgeon for a consultation appointment. This consultation is the time for you to ask any questions you may have about your tummy tuck and get to know our plastic surgeon. We will also discuss your expectations and goals during this appointment to ensure you get the best possible treatment plan for your body.
FREE Tummy Tuck Consultation
If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck surgery and get to know your options in Manhattan, New York, please call (212) 750-9494 to contact the Manhattan cosmetic surgery center and schedule your initial consultation at Park Plaza.
