Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin while tightening weakened abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer profile. (1)
Despite maintaining a good diet and exercise regimen, achieving the flat, sculpted abdomen that you desire can be a seemingly daunting task. Significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the natural aging process can all result in excess skin and body fat that does not seem to respond to healthy lifestyle practices. With the popularization of GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), more and more patients are achieving massive weight loss. This can be great for one’s health, but this level of rapid weight loss can leave patients with sagging skin, especially around the abdomen. Additionally, a history of C-section, abdominal surgery, stretch marks, and the stretching of the muscle layer or fascia can also lead individuals to feel dissatisfied with the appearance of their midsection. These experiences can be frustrating for many, but the good news is that these struggles can be addressed through cosmetic and functional treatments. If you are experiencing any of these concerns, you could perhaps be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.
Dr. Elie Levine is one of New York’s elite board-certified plastic surgeons and is the Director of Plastic Surgery at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC. Patients from around the world flock to Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC to seek treatment from Dr. Elie Levine. If you are interested in revitalizing your look with one of the many transformative cosmetic procedures offered by Dr. Elie Levine, such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Elie Levine by contacting us online or by calling (212) 988-1800.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Tummy Tuck Procedures
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the abdomen. It involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles to create a firmer and more toned midsection. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy, leading to loose or sagging abdominal tissues. Candidates are also often those who have had a C-section, stretch marks, or past abdominal surgeries. Tummy tuck procedures are among the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. (2) This procedure often involves an incision around the bikini line, followed by the removal of excess skin and fat along with tightening of the abdominal muscles.
Scar Minimization and Umbilical Rejuvenation
Dr. Elie Levine’s patients often rave about the placement of their scars and their lack of visibility. This is because he takes great care to make sure that his patients are left with minimal visible scarring after they heal from their tummy tuck by using precise techniques to create a natural and harmonious appearance. While some practitioners may not make this same effort, Dr. Elie Levine also aims to make the tummy tuck scar as low as possible, allowing patients more freedom when it comes to wearing revealing or low-sitting pants, undergarments, and swimwear.
Umbilical rejuvenation is another key element in the tummy tucks Dr. Elie Levine performs; after his procedures, the umbilical scar is often completely contained within the belly button, allowing patients to feel confident with their results and the appearance of their midsection.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck procedures can provide many benefits to patients who seek them. Some of the benefits often associated with this procedure include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Enhanced Appearance: A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat while tightening abdominal muscles, creating a flatter, more toned abdominal profile. This can help patients achieve a more sculpted and youthful look.
- Improved Posture: Weak or separated abdominal muscles and stretched fascia can contribute to poor posture and back pain. By tightening these muscles, a tummy tuck can provide better spinal support, leading to improved posture and reduced discomfort.
- Increased Confidence: Many patients experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence after the procedure, feeling more comfortable in fitted clothing and swimwear. This can lead to an overall improvement in quality of life and body image.
- Repair of Separated Muscles: Pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations can cause the abdominal muscles to separate. A tummy tuck can repair and strengthen these muscles, restoring core stability.
- Reduction of Stretch Marks and Loose Skin: By removing excess skin, a tummy tuck can eliminate stretch marks, particularly those located in the lower abdomen, resulting in smoother and firmer skin.
- Potential Health Benefits: Some patients may experience relief from certain medical conditions, such as hernias or skin infections caused by excess skin folds, making the procedure beneficial beyond cosmetic improvements.
Ideal Candidates
Tummy tuck procedures can appeal to a wide variety of potential candidates. People with excess skin, muscle weakness, and localized fat in the abdominal region may be good candidates for a tummy tuck, especially if they are experiencing loose skin and excess fat that 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 an abdominoplasty. Ultimately, your eligibility for a tummy tuck procedure will be determined by Dr. Elie Levine during your personal consultation.
To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Elie Levine, contact Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC online or by calling (212) 988-1800.
Personal Consultation
A personal consultation with Dr. Elie Levine is the first step in the tummy tuck process. During this meeting, Dr. Elie Levine will assess your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine the right treatment plan for you based on your goals. This consultation will serve as a great opportunity for you to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have about tummy tuck procedures or cosmetic treatments in general. After obtaining enough information, Dr. Elie Levine will work to create a personalized treatment plan for you that will include details about the procedure as well as what to expect during the preparation and recovery processes. The goal of this consultation is to be informative for both you and Dr. Elie Levine.
To get started on your rejuvenation journey through a tummy tuck procedure, schedule a personal consultation online or call Dr. Elie Levine at (212) 988-1800.
Preparation
The preparation process will look different for each patient, as each procedure is customized for each individual. Dr. Elie Levine will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions to guide you through every step of the preparation process. In general, patients are advised to refrain from the use of tobacco and nicotine, as well as the use of certain medications, including those with blood-thinning properties, as these are known to increase the risk of complications during surgery and the healing process. Patients are advised to make arrangements for travel home after the procedure, as well as postoperative care for the first few days of recovery.
Procedure
Your tummy tuck procedure will take place in the comfort of the accredited surgery center located at our Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC office. The treatment is administered under general anesthesia and will likely last around two to three hours. Once anesthesia has been administered and it is deemed that the patient is comfortable, Dr. Elie Levine will begin the procedure by making an incision in an area that minimizes visible scarring. After the incision is made, he will remove excess skin and fat and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles as necessary. Following this process, he will close the incisions with sutures, and patients will be temporarily monitored at the Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC office.
Recovery Process
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, and this can be managed with prescribed medications. Dr. Elie Levine also places a long-acting pain reliever along the surgical site to drastically decrease discomfort. You can expect to return home the same day of the procedure, but should avoid strenuous activities until otherwise noted by Dr. Elie Levine. In general, patients can resume light activities within two to three weeks and engage in more strenuous exercises once Dr. Elie Levine advises it is acceptable and safe to do so. Most patients can expect to return to work in 10-14 days, depending on the demands of their jobs.
Sutures will dissolve on their own, and it might be recommended that you wear compression garments after your procedure. It is advised to schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Elie Levine to monitor your progress. For some patients, it is recommended that they receive postoperative lymphatic massages to help manage the recovery process.
Results
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience, such as Dr. Elie Levine, results from a tummy tuck can be transformative. While dramatic improvement changes will be visible immediately after surgery, the best results typically become apparent in the following weeks and months as swelling subsides. After healing, patients can expect a flatter, more toned abdomen and an overall enhanced body aesthetic. Many patients report improvements in confidence when it comes to their overall appearance following this procedure. A majority of patients who undergo abdominoplasty procedures report they are satisfied with the results and would undergo the procedure again. (3) It is important to note that patients should make an effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle following this procedure to maintain desired results.
Combination Procedures
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a group of procedures designed to help women fully rejuvenate their bodies, oftentimes after pregnancy. A tummy tuck is often incorporated into a mommy makeover, as many women experience diastasis recti, or the separation of the abdominal muscles, during pregnancy. Mommy makeovers also often include breast procedures, such as a breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction, liposuction, RF-assisted liposuction, and other body contouring procedures.
Menopause Makeover
With the onset of menopause, many women experience hormonal changes and weight fluctuations that can impact different areas of the body, including the appearance of the abdominal region. Incorporating a tummy tuck into a menopause makeover can help these patients achieve a tighter, more youthful-looking abdomen.
Liposuction
While a tummy tuck effectively addresses excess skin and repairs separated muscles, it is not designed primarily to remove stubborn fat deposits. For this reason, Dr. Elie Levine often uses liposuction during tummy tuck procedures to provide patients with more impactful results.
BodyTite™
Unlike a tummy tuck, this minimally invasive skin-tightening procedure does not require skin removal. BodyTite™ uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to simultaneously melt fat and tighten the skin when combined with liposuction. This procedure complements the results of a tummy tuck by enhancing patients’ body sculpting.
Cost of a Tummy Tuck in New York City
The cost of a tummy tuck varies based on factors like the extent of surgery and additional procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Elie Levine will provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your specific surgical plan. This is also a good time to discuss the financing options offered by Plastic Surgery and Dermatology of NYC to those who qualify.
FAQ
How long does the surgery take?
The duration of a tummy tuck varies but typically ranges from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Will there be visible scars?
Dr. Elie Levine uses precise techniques to strategically place the scars for tummy tuck procedures. Unlike some other practitioners, he makes it a goal to make the tummy tuck scar as low as possible so that patients can easily conceal it beneath revealing garments. He also specializes in umbilical rejuvenation, which ensures that the belly button retains a natural appearance after a tummy tuck.
When can I return to work?
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within 2 weeks, depending on individual healing and job requirements.
Are the results permanent?
The results are long-lasting if a stable weight is maintained; however, significant weight fluctuations can affect outcomes.
References
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Hammond DC, Chandler AR, Baca ME, Li YK, Lynn JV. Abdominoplasty in the Overweight and Obese Population. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2019;144(4):847-853. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000006018