Cosmetic Plastic SurgeryCosmetic Plastic Surgery
Tummy Tuck
If you cannot eliminate the excess fat and loose sagging skin in your abdominal area, abdominoplasty may be for you. A firm, smooth abdomen will give your body a more contoured look, and boost your self-image.
Procedure
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a surgical procedure used to flatten the abdominal wall or stomach area. With pregnancy or fluctuations of weight, many patients develop skin laxity problems, as well as weakening of their muscular corset. This procedure removes excessive hanging skin, and repairs loose or stretched muscle, thereby, improving abdominal wall tone and structure. Skin that contains stretch marks on the lower abdomen may be removed as well, however, it may not be possible to remove all of them. The tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision across your lower abdomen(within or above the pubic area). The length of the incision varies depending on the amount of skin to be removed. In some cases an incision around the navel is made so that the excess skin above the navel is pulled downward and removed. The navel's position remains unchanged. Keep in mind, the lower abdominoplasty scar is hidden by the patient's undergarment. Even though the scar is considered permanent and visible it should fade over time.
Options
Mini-Tummy Tuck: If your skin laxity and muscle weaknesses are confined to the area below your navel, a mini-tummy tuck may be a good option. The scar will be shorter, and an incision around the navel is not required.
Abdominoplasty may be combined with Liposuction in some cases to improve overall body contour. The type of abdominoplasty needed will be determined at the time of your consultation.
Ideal Candidates
- Patients who seek abdominal wall contouring and are not candidates for abdominal liposuction
- Patients who are not planning to become pregnant in the future
- Patients with excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin
- Patients with weakened abdominal muscles from pregnancy or aging
- Patients who are in good health
- Patients with realistic expectations
- Patients who are doing it for the right reasons (i.e. for themselves)
Risks and Complications
Risks and complications may include but are not limited to excessive scarring, bleeding, infection, change in skin sensation, skin contour irregularities, blood clots with pulmonary complications, asymmetry, delayed healing, chronic pain, fluid or blood accumulations under the skin, as well as risks and complications associated with anesthesia. It is important to remember that complications can occur, but are rare.
Risks and potential complications of surgery are best discussed at the time of your consultation.
Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss, pulmonary and wound healing complications.
Recovery
Within the first week the drainage tubes put in during surgery to prevent fluids from accumulating will be removed. A support garment will be worn for two weeks. You should be able to return to work or school within two weeks. Exercises that work the abdominal muscles should be avoided for three months. Low impact exercise can be resumed within 2-3 weeks. High impact exercise may be resumed within 6-8 weeks. Abdominoplasty produces long lasting results as long as you can maintain your weight and do not become pregnant. After a tummy tuck, pregnancy will not hurt the mother or baby, but may alter the results. As with all cosmetic procedures, the final result will be apparent by about one year.
In/Out Patient
Abdominoplasty may be done as an out-patient under general anesthesia. The surgery usually takes 2-3 hours.
Information on this page is not a substitute for medical consultation or advice. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss the best treatments for you.
Call for a complimentary consultation:
(914) 241-7111
Lexington Avenue Suite 104
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914) 997-9090
311 North Street Suite 408
White Plains, NY 10605
(718) 548-5200
3333 Henry Hudson Parkway Suite 1-A
Riverdale, NY 10463
