Abdominoplasty & Tummy Tuck Surgery in New York

Even if you maintain a good diet and conscientious exercise program, in some cases you may not be able to achieve the flat, sculpted abdomen that you desire.  Excess skin left over after significant weight loss cannot be tightened by doing extra sit-ups.  Abdominal muscles that have been stretched and weakened from pregnancies cannot be restored by eating fewer calories and spending more time at the gym.  It can be particularly frustrating when body changes result in a permanent bulge in the tummy that can’t be addressed despite your best efforts.  Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, can help.  Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat, while tightening abdominal muscles in order to create a firmer, flatter, abdominal profile.

Dr. Elie Levine’s approach to abdominoplasty minimizes scarring and stresses a beautiful, well-sculpted abdomen with a natural-looking belly button.*  While all tummy tuck surgery results in an abdominal scar, Dr. Levine takes care to ensure the scar is well-hidden in the bikini line beneath most low-cut bathing suits and underwear.  Additionally, Dr. Levine can help patients avoid the tell-tale signs of surgery around the belly-button area, which are not only harder to conceal, but also unnecessary.  Unlike many surgeons, Dr. Levine takes a meticulous, technically advanced approach to ensure that the belly button is completely natural looking, with all scars hidden inside.  Dr. Levine may also supplement abdominoplasty with targeted liposuction in order to further improve body contours.  Abdominoplasty can achieve excellent, long-lasting results that may be well-maintained for years.*

WHAT CAN TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY) DO FOR ME?*

Remove excess skin in the abdomen

Remove excess fat in the abdomen

Tighten abdominal muscles

Create a firmer, flatter tummy

Tighten lax skin and restore muscle tone after weight loss or pregnancy

Reduce tummy bulges

Restore youthful balance and proportion to your figure

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?

People with tummy bulges, excess skin, muscle weakness, and localized fat in the abdominal region may be good candidates for abdominoplasty, especially if the loose skin and excess fat is resistant to diet and exercise.  Women whose abdominal muscles have been stretched and weakened by pregnancy, as well as people who have lost a significant amount of weight may also benefit from a tummy tuck procedure.  If you are planning to become pregnant or lose a significant amount of weight, you should wait before having abdominoplasty.  Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss whether you are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. 

TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY) AT A GLANCE
Procedure*	Recovery*	Post-Op Care*
Performed in our accredited in-office surgical facility	Go home same day	Compression garments recommended for 1-2 weeks
Surgery time approximately 2 hours	Back to work in 10-14 days	Sutures will dissolve on their own
General anesthesia	Light cardio exercise in 1-2 weeks	Post operative lymphatic massage may be recommended
Local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure	More strenuous exercise in 4-6 weeks
	Most early swelling resolves in 1-2 weeks

Can tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) be combined with other procedures?

Yes.  Abdominoplasty is often combined with a small amount of liposuction in order to better shape and sculpt the body.  In addition, a tummy tuck may be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction.  Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedures or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs. 

What is a “mini” tummy tuck?

As the name implies, a mini tummy tuck is a less extensive version of a full tummy tuck.  During a mini tummy tuck, small amounts of excess fat and skin are removed from the lower abdominal region.  A mini tummy tuck produces a shorter scar, with reduced patient recovery time as compared to a traditional full tummy tuck.*  A mini tummy tuck is an ideal procedure for people with only a small amount of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. 

How is tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery performed?

A full tummy tuck can address skin, fat, and muscle in the upper, mid, and lower abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck targets only the lower abdomen.  During a full tummy tuck, a horizontal incision will be made across the bikini line.  The abdominal muscles will be tightened, fat will be removed, and any extra skin will be trimmed.  The belly button will remain in a natural position and secured in place, with scars carefully hidden inside. A mini tummy tuck requires a shorter incision, without the need to reposition the belly button. 

Will there be scars after tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery?

Yes.  Tummy tuck surgery results in a scar across the bikini line.  This scar is usually well concealed by most undergarments and low-cut bathing suits.  Unlike many surgeons, Dr. Levine also takes extra time to ensure a natural-looking belly button, with scars hidden inside. 

How can I prepare for tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your abdominal region, including the quality of the skin, soft tissue, and muscles.   He will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery.  He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have. 

What type of anesthesia will be used?

We usually recommend general anesthesia for tummy tuck surgery.  You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs. 

What should I expect during tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery?

Most tummy tuck surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).  The length of your procedure will depend on many factors, but on average, the procedure usually takes about 2 hours.*  After your procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery.  You will be able to go home the same day with a friend or family member. 

What can I expect after tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery?

Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs.  In general, you may expect to have mild to moderate swelling for 1-2 weeks after your procedure.*  Most patients report mild to moderate pain after the surgery, which is usually well-tolerated with medications.  At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home.  We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery.  Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being. 

Is there anything I can do before and after my procedure to maximize results?

One of the many wonderful qualities that sets us apart at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC is our ability to use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results.  With expertise in both plastic surgery and dermatology, Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine work together to help prepare, protect, and treat the skin before, during, and after your procedure.  As one of New York’s leading dermatologists, Dr. Jody Levine will customize a skincare regimen that includes pre-surgical measures to optimize your skin, as well as post-surgical skincare that can help prevent irritation, alleviate bruising and inflammation, and promote faster healing.   Unlike other practices, we include these unique pre- and post-surgery skincare packages as part of your surgical plan.  Our pre-surgery facials and microdermabrasion treatments help prepare your skin for surgery and ensure the best recuperation.  Post-operative packages include lymphatic massage with our skilled medical aesthetician in order to enhance circulation, support healing and improved immunity function, and leave the skin looking radiant and healthy.*  With our extensive array of lasers, we are able to provide post-surgical laser treatments to best accelerate your healing.  The Drs. Levine will be happy to discuss with you the best skincare approach for your specific needs. 

How can I find out more about tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?

Dr. Elie Levine will be happy to meet with you to discuss abdominoplasty. Please call our office at 212-988-1800, or make an appointment online for a personal consultation in our New York City offices.