Yes, but incisions are placed low on the abdomen and are usually hidden by underwear or swimsuits. Scars fade significantly over time with proper care.

Can Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?

Yes, stretch marks on the lower abdomen can be removed if they are within the area of skin that is excised. Marks above the belly button usually remain.

Will My Belly Button Look Natural?

Yes. Dr. Breitbart repositions and reshapes the belly button during surgery to ensure a natural appearance.

How Long Do Results Last?

Tummy tuck results are considered permanent, but weight fluctuations or pregnancy can affect them. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle preserves your outcome.

Can I Have Children After A Tummy Tuck?

Yes, pregnancy after tummy tuck is safe. However, pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again, so many women wait until after having children.

Can Men Get A Tummy Tuck?

Absolutely. Many men choose abdominoplasty after significant weight loss to remove excess skin and achieve a firmer, more defined abdomen.

Tummy Tuck Long Island - Abdominoplasty Manhattan

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat while tightening weakened abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer midsection. This treatment is commonly sought by individuals who have experienced changes due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging that cannot be corrected through diet and exercise alone. By addressing both surface-level concerns and underlying muscle structure, a tummy tuck can significantly improve abdominal contour and overall body proportions.

Dr. Arnold S. Breitbart, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience performing body contouring procedures for patients in Long Island and Manhattan, NY. His training at NYU Medical Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering, combined with recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, reflects a strong foundation in both surgical precision and aesthetic planning. His approach to abdominoplasty focuses on individualized treatment to achieve natural-looking, balanced results.

Tummy Tuck Photo Gallery

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The result is a smoother, firmer, and more toned midsection.

Many patients choose to have a tummy tuck after:

Pregnancy, which stretches the abdominal wall and skin
Significant weight loss, leaving loose folds of skin
Natural aging, which leads to sagging skin and loss of muscle tone

Dr. Arnold Breitbart performs surgery at his Long Island and Manhattan offices, tailoring the procedure to each patient’s anatomy and goals. For enhanced results, tummy tucks may be combined with other procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, or other body contouring procedures.

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The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck provides both cosmetic and functional improvements for patients with abdominal concerns that cannot be addressed through lifestyle changes alone.

Common benefits include:

Removal of excess, sagging skin
Repair of separated abdominal muscles
Improved core strength and abdominal support
A flatter, more contoured midsection
Better clothing fit and overall body proportions

These improvements can contribute to long-lasting results when supported by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

What a Tummy Tuck Fixes That Exercise Can’t

Even with a healthy lifestyle, certain abdominal concerns cannot be corrected through diet or exercise alone. A tummy tuck addresses structural and skin-related issues that workouts simply can’t fix, including:

Loose, overhanging skin that causes irritation, rashes, or discomfort
Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that create a persistent “pooch”
Skin laxity after pregnancy or weight loss that does not retract
Clothing fit issues, such as waistbands rolling or pants gapping

Dr. Breitbart frequently sees patients who are frustrated despite being fit and active. Abdominoplasty restores the abdominal foundation by tightening muscles and removing excess skin—something no amount of core work can achieve.

Why Do Patients Choose Dr. Arnold Breitbart?

Double board-certified plastic surgeon, with advanced fellowship training in breast reconstruction at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Decades of surgical experience performing breast augmentation with a proven record of safety and satisfaction. View his Before & After Breast Augmentation Gallery for examples of his results
Customized implant selection and incision techniques to achieve natural, balanced, and personalized outcomes
AAAASF-accredited surgical suite, providing hospital-level safety in a private, comfortable environment
Nationally recognized expert, honored by Castle Connolly and Newsday. Explore Dr. Breitbart’s Honors & Awards
Artistically inspired approach, combining surgical precision with a refined sense of proportion and aesthetics, praised consistently in Patient Reviews

Are You a Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for the procedure if you:

Are in good overall health and at a stable weight
Have stretched or sagging abdominal skin
Have separated or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
Struggle with a “pooch” or hanging skin that doesn’t improve with diet and exercise
Have lost significant weight or completed pregnancies and want to restore your figure

Important considerations:

Candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit before surgery.
If you plan to become pregnant, it is best to postpone surgery, as pregnancy can reverse results.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure but can refine your figure once you are close to your ideal weight.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction vs. Panniculectomy

Many patients are unsure which procedure best fits their needs. While these surgeries are sometimes combined, they address very different concerns:

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Best for patients with loose skin and muscle separation. Tightens the abdominal wall and removes excess skin for a flatter, firmer abdomen.
Liposuction
Removes localized fat but does not tighten skin or repair muscles. Ideal for patients with good skin elasticity.
Panniculectomy
Focuses on removing hanging skin (pannus) for comfort and hygiene, not cosmetic contouring or muscle repair.

During your consultation, Dr. Breitbart will evaluate skin quality, muscle integrity, and body proportions to recommend the most effective approach—or a combination—for natural, balanced results.

Procedure Overview

Dr. Breitbart customizes every tummy tuck procedure. The details depend on the degree of correction needed, but most involve:

Incision Placement – A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen, usually below the bikini line so it is discreetly hidden.
Excess Skin and Fat Removal – Loose skin and fat are removed to smooth the midsection.
Muscle Repair – Separated or weakened abdominal muscles are tightened, creating a firmer abdominal wall.
Skin Repositioning – The remaining skin is pulled taut, and the belly button is reshaped or repositioned for a natural look.

Scar Placement & Belly Button Aesthetics

One of the most common concerns patients have is scarring and the appearance of the belly button. Dr. Breitbart places significant emphasis on these details.

Incisions are placed low on the abdomen, carefully designed to sit beneath underwear or swimwear.
Scars are planned based on your anatomy, not a one-size-fits-all template.
The belly button is reshaped and repositioned, not simply “moved,” to maintain natural depth, proportion, and contour.

Dr. Breitbart’s meticulous approach helps avoid telltale signs of surgery, such as high scars or an unnatural-looking navel, which are common concerns with less experienced surgeons.

Types of tummy tucks

Full Tummy Tuck – Tightens muscles and removes excess skin across the entire abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck – Focuses on the lower abdomen for patients with a small amount of skin laxity below the belly button.
Extended Tummy Tuck – Addresses the abdomen, hips, and flanks for patients with more significant skin excess

Expectations & Results

After surgery, patients enjoy:

A flatter, more toned stomach
A slimmer waistline and improved proportions
Long-lasting results that can be maintained with a healthy lifestyle

When to expect results:

Results are visible immediately after surgery.
Swelling will gradually subside over the following weeks.
Final results are typically seen within 3–6 months once healing is complete.

When combined with liposuction or other procedures, tummy tuck surgery can dramatically improve overall body contour.

What Is the Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline?

Most patients can return to work and light activities in 1–2 weeks. However, full recovery takes longer, and you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks.

Typical recovery timeline:

Week 1–2: Light walking encouraged, most patients return to desk work.
Week 2–4: Gradual increase in activity, but avoid heavy lifting or core exercises.
Week 4–6: Resume more vigorous exercise with your surgeon’s clearance.
After 6 weeks: Most restrictions lifted; swelling continues to improve.

Post-surgical care includes:

Wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling and support healing
Possible use of temporary drainage tubes to prevent fluid buildup
Following Dr. Breitbart’s incision care instructions to promote healing and minimize scarring

Swelling and tightness are normal during recovery, but discomfort is generally well managed with prescribed medication.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The cost of abdominoplasty depends on several factors, including the extent of correction needed and whether additional procedures are performed.

Your personalized quote from Dr. Breitbart will include:

Surgeon’s fees
Anesthesia fees
Operating room/facility costs
Pre- and post-operative care
Compression garments and medical supplies

Financing options are available allowing patients to budget treatment with manageable payments.

Since tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by insurance.

Plastic Surgery Consultation

During your plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Breitbart will:

Review your medical history, medications, and previous surgeries
Perform a physical examination of your abdomen
Discuss your aesthetic goals and concerns
Recommend the most appropriate surgical technique
Explain recovery expectations and potential risks

Patients are encouraged to bring questions such as:

Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Which tummy tuck technique do you recommend for me?
Can I combine abdominoplasty with other procedures?
How do you handle complications if they arise?
Can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?

This detailed consultation ensures you have realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.

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Tummy Tuck FAQs

Discomfort is normal but usually manageable with prescribed medication. Pain typically improves within the first few days.

Tummy Tuck Consultation Long Island, NY

A tummy tuck can provide lasting improvement in abdominal contour by addressing excess skin and muscle laxity in a comprehensive way. A detailed evaluation helps determine the most appropriate surgical approach based on anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. Patients considering treatment can explore options designed to create balanced, natural-looking results with a focus on long-term outcomes. To learn more about tummy tuck procedures with Dr. Arnold S. Breitbart, MD, in Long Island and Manhattan, NY, schedule a consultation, call (516) 365-3511 today.