Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) on Long Island & NYC

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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Obtaining a flatter, firmer midsection is a goal for men and women of all ages. Dr. Breitbart performs tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, in Long Island and Manhattan to help patients achieve a more attractive midsection by removing excess skin and fat from the stomach area and tightening abdominal muscles. For a complete contouring of a patient’s body, Dr. Arnold Breitbart can combine abdominoplasty with other plastic surgical procedures.

Best Tummy Tuck Candidates

Healthy men and women who have tried dieting and exercise and are still unhappy with how their abdominal area looks are good candidates for a tummy tuck. Dr. Arnold Breitbart offers abdominoplasty surgery to help people restore their figure after pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, or other factors that have caused excess skin and flab to appear in the midsection. Often, the skin in the abdominal area becomes stretched and saggy after pregnancies or as a result of losing a significant amount of weight. Many people feel self-conscious and frustrated when attempts to tone their abdomen are unsuccessful. Abdominoplasty, either alone or in combination with other body contouring procedures, can help patients achieve a more toned physique when diet and exercise are not enough.

Info on Tummy Tuck Procedure

To begin tummy tuck surgery, a very low incision is made and excess skin and fat are removed. The skin and muscle are tightened by Dr. Arnold Breitbart, who is careful to make sure that any scarring will be hidden by a bathing suit or underwear for a natural-looking, toned stomach in almost any situation. Depending on the extent of surgery, abdominoplasty may be performed as an outpatient procedure or with an overnight hospital stay. Most patients take approximately one to two weeks to recover before returning to work.

Results from Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck patients enjoy a firmer, better-toned abdominal region and a more sculpted figure overall after the surgery. As long as patients continue with a reasonable diet and exercise plan, abdominoplasty results will last for many years, and can be permanent. For more effective results, a tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction.php, breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction, in order to achieve an improved overall body contour.

Learn More about Abdominoplasty

If you are unhappy with the contour of your midsection, and dieting and exercise have failed to get rid of unwanted skin and flab around your stomach, experienced plastic surgeon Arnold Breitbart, M.D. can help. To find out if you are a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), schedule a consultation at our Long Island or Manhattan office.

Tummy tuck FAQs

Tummy Tuck FAQs

When can I start exercising after abdominoplasty?

Moderate exercise can usually be resumed within 1-2 weeks. More vigorous exercise, such as running, heavy lifting, and abdominal strength exercises, can be started 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Is there much pain after abdominoplasty?

For most patients, the pain is not severe, may last a few days, and is usually well-controlled with pain medication during this time. Most patients are ready to return to work and resume their daily activities within 1-2 weeks.

How long does it take to see the final result?

You will notice the dramatic improvement in your tummy shape immediately after surgery. There may be slight to moderate swelling, however, which will gradually subside over the next several weeks.

Should I be at my ideal weight before having an abdominoplasty?

Patients close to their ideal weight will have the best possible tummy shape after abdominoplasty. Even patients that are moderately overweight can benefit from an abdominoplasty, since the surgery will remove the excess hanging skin and fat, and tighten the tummy. Many of these patients will find it easier to be more active after a tummy tuck, and can go on to lose even more weight. Patients who are severely overweight are usually best served by weight reduction prior to the tummy tuck. At your consultation, Dr. Breitbart will let you know if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

Can I have breast surgery or liposuction.php at the time of a tummy tuck?

Breast surgery, including breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction, can often be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck. Many patients like the idea of combining multiple procedures in order to optimize their result. liposuction.php, including that of the thighs, hips, neck, or other areas, is often also done at the time of the tummy tuck. At your consultation, Dr. Breitbart can discuss with you the appropriateness of combining other surgeries with your tummy tuck.

What is a compression garment and why is it important after tummy tuck?

Post-tummy tuck, a snug-fitting compression garment will be placed around your abdomen. Similar to Spanx or a girdle, the garment applies steady, gentle pressure to your abdominal tissues and reduces swelling and fluid buildup. It also protects the healing incisions.

Dr. Breitbart will advise you as to how long you should wear the garment. Some women opt to switch from the compression garment to a regular pair of Spanx after a few weeks. In total, expect to wear some sort of compression garment for up to six weeks after surgery.

Does the belly button move during tummy tuck surgery?

No, the belly button remains attached to the abdominal muscles at all times during surgery. However, Dr. Breitbart moves the skin around the belly button and recontours the belly button so it flatters the new abdominal contours. He is meticulous in his surgical technique to produce a belly button that appears natural and attractive.

Can tummy tuck eliminate stretch marks?

Tummy tuck can remove those stretch marks located within the lower abdominal skin that is removed during surgery. Stretch marks located on the upper abdomen may remain after surgery.

Can I have a tummy tuck before having children?

Yes. The surgery does not have any effect on the ability to safely conceive and have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

The only drawback of having children after a tummy tuck is that the pregnancy can negate some of the benefits of surgery. If you become pregnant after tummy tuck, your abdominal muscles and skin may remain stretched out to some degree after pregnancy; depending on your situation and personal preferences, a tummy tuck revision may be indicated later on.

Although everyone’s circumstances and goals are different, if you want the longest-lasting tummy tuck results, it is ideal to delay your surgery until after you are finished having children.

Are tummy tucks for women only?

The majority of tummy tuck patients are women who want to improve their bodies after pregnancy; however, the surgery can benefit men, too. Dr. Breitbart has helped men who have lost a lot of weight and are left with loose folds of skin, separated abdominal muscles and stubborn fat deposits around the stomach. Men usually want a defined, muscular-looking abdomen as compared to women, who like a slim shape and narrow waist.

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

Your tummy tuck results are considered permanent as long as you maintain your weight and health. Becoming pregnant or gaining a significant amount of weight will have a deleterious effect on your surgical outcomes.

Dr. Breitbart recommends eating a nutritious, balanced diet, exercising regularly and following other healthy lifestyle habits. If you are like many patients, you may actually find new motivation to eat right and work out after surgery because you want to maintain your new look.

Over time, your abdominal tissues may relax to some degree due to age, but your stomach will not look as saggy or stretched-out as it did prior to surgery.

Tummy Tuck Cost

Tummy Tuck ManhattanAbdominoplasty is a customized procedure and may be combined with liposuction or other plastic surgeries for best results. Dr. Breitbart and our team will provide a detailed quote at the time of your consultation that covers the exact fees based on your needs. Our Long Island and Manhattan offices offer cosmetic surgery financing options for interested parties who wish to improve their body shape but require a payment plan. Some patients travel from out of town or from other states or countries to see Dr. Breitbart, and our office can help with some aspects of traveling planning.

As cosmetic surgery is typically not covered by health insurance, Dr. Breitbart makes every effort to help patients find the right plan for their circumstances. Some financing choices include Alphaeon Credit, Care Credit, PatientFI Credit and United Credit. These institutions provide funding for patients to access treatments and procedures and offer transparent policies for payment plans without surprise fees.

Tummy Tuck Consultation

Tummy Tuck Long IslandYour one-on-one consultation with Dr. Breitbart is a detailed meeting to discuss your cosmetic concerns and determine if you're a candidate for tummy tuck. He will ask about medical conditions, drug allergies and previous surgeries. Make sure you provide a list of your current medications, vitamins or supplements, as some medicines may complicate the procedure and healing process.

Dr. Breitbart will evaluate your abdomen and other body areas that may bother you due to stubborn fat or loose skin. He will recommend the procedure that will help you reach your body goals, and he may take "before" photos to document your tummy tuck journey. If abdominoplasty is suitable for you, Dr. Breitbart will outline the procedure details and go over the outcomes and risks involved.

We recommend patients bring a list of questions to ask during this thorough consultation. Some questions you may wish to ask include:

  • Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
  • How much experience do you have with my chosen procedure?
  • What surgical technique would you recommend for me?
  • How are surgical complications during and after tummy tuck handled?
  • Do you have a tummy tuck before and after gallery I could see?
  • What can I expect during recovery?
  • What can I do to help ensure the best results?

Dr. Breitbart is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs procedures at an accredited surgical facility emphasizing patient safety and successful outcomes. He has helped many patients reach their body goals with tummy tucks and is a leader in his field.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

You will have dressings or bandages over the incisions after tummy tuck and a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your new abdominal contour. Temporary drainage tubes may be used to help your body eliminate excess fluid during the healing process.

Dr. Breitbart will provide you with specific instructions to care for incisions and drains and may prescribe topical or oral medicines during tummy tuck recovery to help you heal and reduce post-operative risks. These instructions will outline the limitations for exercise and certain movements and list concerns to look for during recovery.

Please get in touch with our offices to discuss any concerns you have during recovery and attend all follow-up visits for the best outcome.