Get a smooth and contoured abdomen.

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Many patients experience changes in the abdominal area following pregnancy, significant weight loss, aging, or fluctuations in weight that cannot be corrected through diet and exercise alone. A tummy tuck can help create a flatter, firmer, and more toned abdominal contour while improving overall body proportions and confidence.

During a full abdominoplasty, excess skin and fat are removed through an incision placed low on the abdomen, along with an incision around the belly button to allow for comprehensive contouring of the abdominal area. The procedure often includes repair of separated rectus abdominis, or “six-pack,” muscles, a condition commonly caused by pregnancy or weight fluctuations that can contribute to abdominal bulging and weakened core support. A mini tummy tuck may be appropriate for patients with more limited excess skin and laxity below the belly button and can often be performed with a shorter incision. Abdominoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and is frequently recommended for women following pregnancy or individuals who have experienced significant weight loss. During your consultation, your surgeon will determine whether a full or mini tummy tuck is best suited to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Tummy Tuck Benefits

A tummy tuck can dramatically improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing loose, excess skin and tightening weakened abdominal muscles. The procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who have stretched skin, muscle separation, or stubborn abdominal fullness that persists despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many patients appreciate that a tummy tuck not only improves abdominal contour but also enhances overall body proportions. By creating a flatter and firmer midsection, the procedure can improve clothing fit, restore confidence, and help patients feel more comfortable with their appearance.

Abdominoplasty, (Tummy Tuck) Before & After

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Good candidates for a tummy tuck are individuals who are bothered by excess abdominal skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or persistent abdominal fullness that has not responded to diet and exercise. Many patients seek treatment following pregnancy or significant weight loss when loose skin and muscle separation remain despite their efforts to improve their physique. Candidates should be in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations regarding surgery and recovery. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your abdominal anatomy, skin quality, and treatment goals to determine whether abdominoplasty is the most appropriate procedure for you.

Your Initial Tummy Tuck Consultation

Your consultation is an important step in planning your tummy tuck procedure. During this appointment, your surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your concerns and goals, and perform a detailed examination of the abdomen. Factors such as skin laxity, fat distribution, muscle separation, prior surgical scars, and overall body proportions will be carefully evaluated. This consultation also provides an opportunity to discuss procedure options, expected results, recovery requirements, and any questions you may have. Based on your examination, your surgeon will develop a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve natural-looking and proportionate results.

Tummy Tuck Procedure Options

Several types of tummy tuck procedures are available depending on the extent of correction needed. A mini tummy tuck primarily addresses concerns below the belly button and may be appropriate for patients with limited excess skin and minimal muscle separation. A full tummy tuck treats the entire abdominal area and typically includes muscle repair and repositioning of the belly button. For patients with more significant skin laxity or contour concerns, an extended tummy tuck may be recommended. Your surgeon will determine which approach is best suited to your anatomy, goals, and desired outcome.

Diastasis Recti and Abdominal Muscle Repair

One of the key benefits of a tummy tuck is the ability to repair separated abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti. This separation commonly occurs during pregnancy but can also develop due to significant weight fluctuations. Muscle separation may contribute to abdominal bulging, weakened core strength, and difficulty achieving a flat abdomen. During surgery, the abdominal muscles can be tightened and restored to a more natural position. Repairing the abdominal wall not only improves abdominal contour but may also enhance core support and overall body posture.

Tummy Tuck Results

A tummy tuck can create a flatter, firmer, and more sculpted abdominal appearance by addressing excess skin, unwanted fat, and muscle separation. Patients often notice significant improvements in their abdominal contour, waistline definition, and overall body proportions once healing is complete. While some improvement is visible immediately after surgery, final results continue to develop over several months as swelling resolves and tissues settle. When combined with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, tummy tuck results can be long-lasting and highly satisfying.

Tummy Tuck Scars and Healing

Because a tummy tuck involves removing excess skin, surgical scars are an expected part of the procedure. Incisions are typically placed low on the abdomen where they can be concealed beneath most underwear and swimwear. The exact length of the scar depends on the amount of correction required. Over time, tummy tuck scars generally fade and become less noticeable. Following proper wound care instructions, avoiding sun exposure, and maintaining a healthy recovery can help support optimal scar healing.

Abdominoplasty/ Tummy Tuck Videos

What to Expect

Abdominoplasty, or “Tummy Tuck” Pre-operative:

1. An abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck”, is an amazing way to surgically transform the appearance of your abdomen and waist! The surgeons at Plastic Surgery of Westchester will review your medical and surgical history, list of medications, and history of any personal or family complications associated with prior surgery (such as risk of bleeding, blood clots, wound healing problems, etc.). For most patients, your surgeon will ask for a medical clearance from your primary doctor and ensure that you are medically optimized prior to undergoing this procedure.
2. If you are post-partum, you should be done with breast feeding and of stable weight prior to surgery. If you have a history of weight loss, you should be at least one year out from a surgical weight-loss procedure and of stable weight for no less than 3 months. If you are diabetic, your diabetes must be well-controlled.
3. Please give your surgeon a list of medications that you take, including herbal supplements, as well as insight into any pre-existing medical conditions (don’t forget about a history of heart or lung problems, autoimmune diseases, wound healing problems, blood clots, or bleeding disorders).
4. Vitamins and anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin, Motrin®, Advil®, and Aleve®, etc.) should be discontinued no less than 1 week prior to surgery.
5. Current or recent smoking or tobacco use is a contra-indication to an abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck”. You must not smoke! Please refrain from any nicotine or tobacco use (including patches, gum and vapor cigarettes) for no less than 4 weeks prior to and 4 weeks after your surgery. Remember, any history of smoking can increase your risk for certain complications, such as wound healing problems and infection.

Abdominoplasty, or “Tummy Tuck” Post-operative:

1. An abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck”, usually can be done as an outpatient procedure in our fully-accredited Harrison operatory. You will need a caregiver to pick you up after surgery. Having a helping hand at home for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery is recommended.
2. The average time for healing can vary but is between 1 to 3 weeks. Depending on the type of work you do, you may need about 2 weeks off from work. You will have drainage tubes during that time. The average patient will need a total of 6 to 8 weeks off from any heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
3. When you are better healed, your surgeon will discuss and demonstrate massage and scar care techniques to keep your results looking fabulous!

As always, please bring a list of your questions and concerns to your pre-operative visits. It is important to understand your overall health and expectations in order to individualize your treatment plan.

Abdominoplasty, or “Tummy Tuck” FAQs

Facilities & Hospital Affiliations

Our surgeons have hospital privileges at Montefiore Medical Center, Jacobi Medical Center, Westchester Medical Center, Montefiore New Rochelle and New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital. They also perform procedures in their fully accredited operating room in Harrison, NY.

Our state of the art facility is professionally designed and decorated for your comfort. We are always interested to know if there is anything we can do to enhance your experience. We appreciate your suggestions and pledge to work as a team to make your time here a rewarding experience.

• Montefiore Medical Center
• Jacobi Medical Center
• Westchester Medical Center
• Montefiore New Rochelle
• New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital

Accreditation and Associations

We maintain an AAAASF accredited surgical suite, equipped like a hospital operating room with the privacy and ease of an office setting, offering full general anesthesia for more complex procedures as well as sedation and local anesthesia for other procedures. We enjoy a strong relationship with some of the finest hospitals in the area, offering overnight and extended post-operative stays if medically advisable. This is ideal for our out of town patients, those with little post-operative help, or those desiring a more private recovery. We can also arrange your stay at a variety of hotels within minutes of our facility and arrange an overnight “sitter” if desired.

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