Tummy Tuck
Despite being physically fit and in relatively good shape, many people are still bothered by an excess of skin and fat in the abdominal region that proves to be virtually impossible to get rid of with traditional diet and exercise. Often resistant to even the most nutritious diets and rigorous exercise routines, this buildup of redundant skin and fat can be caused by pregnancy, significant weight loss, genetics, and/or simply the natural aging process.
At 740 Park Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stafford Broumand, offers tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) to tighten and tone the midsection. By utilizing innovative surgical techniques, Dr. Stafford R. Broumand can help you achieve a rejuvenated figure with beautiful, natural-looking results.
What Is A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area while also tightening the muscles to create a firmer and flatter abdomen.1 Additionally, liposuction can also be performed to precision sculpt the treatment area. During a tummy tuck, excess fat and skin are skillfully removed from the abdominal region. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or the effects of aging, as these factors often result in stretched skin and weakened abdominal muscles that are unresponsive to diet and exercise alone. Moreover, a tummy tuck goes beyond just removing excess tissue. It also involves the intricate process of tightening the abdominal muscles. When pregnancy or weight fluctuations occur, the abdominal muscles can become separated or weakened, leading to a protruding belly. The procedure addresses this concern by repositioning and tightening these muscles, creating a more sculpted and toned midsection.
Additionally, in certain cases, liposuction may be incorporated into the procedure. Liposuction is a minimally invasive technique that allows for the precise removal of localized pockets of fat, further enhancing the overall contour and definition of the treated area. The combination of these techniques, when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, can yield remarkable results, helping patients achieve the abdominal appearance they desire.
A tummy tuck is a personalized procedure, and the specific techniques used may vary depending on the patient’s unique needs and goals. To determine if a tummy tuck is the right solution for you and to explore the best approach to achieve your desired results, it is recommended to consult with Dr. Stafford Broumand at 740 Park Plastic Surgery. During the consultation, Dr. Broumand will evaluate your individual circumstances and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your aesthetic objectives and overall health.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck
With personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, abdominoplasty at 740 Park Plastic Surgery with Dr. Broumand offers a range of advantages, including:
- Removes excess fat and skin for a flatter abdomen
- Tightens the abdominal muscles for improved tone
- Precisely sculpts the midsection with optional liposuction
- Enhances self-confidence and body image
- Achieves long-lasting results with optimal lifestyle modifications
Candidates For Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty can be a great surgical option for many men and women seeking to restore a flatter, tighter midsection. Good candidates for this procedure include individuals who have:
- Excess, hanging skin in the abdomen (with or without the presence of fat).
- Stretched and/or loose muscles of the abdominal wall.
- Stretch marks throughout the abdominal region
- Lost a significant amount of weight and/or underwent bariatric surgery.
In addition to these qualifications, candidates for tummy tuck surgery should be relatively healthy (no unmanaged medical risks), at or very near their desired weight, and have realistic expectations for the procedure. Those who smoke or use tobacco products must quit at least two weeks before surgery and have no intention of resuming afterward. During your consultation, all of these details will be discussed to determine if abdominoplasty is the right treatment for you.
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What to Expect During Your Abdominoplasty
Preparing For Tummy Tuck Surgery
To begin the abdominoplasty consultation, Dr. Broumand will carefully listen to your cosmetic desires and perform a physical evaluation to ensure tummy tuck surgery can effectively achieve your goals. Next, he will review your medical, family, and surgical history in full detail to make sure he has a full understanding of the complete picture. Once your plastic surgeon has a clear picture of your desired result, he will continue by outlining a personalized procedural plan based on your specific needs and anatomy. He will also help you visualize attainable goals and realistic expectations using VECTRA® XT 3D imaging—an innovative technology that enables ultra-high resolution digital images taken of your own body to be modified based on the proposed treatment plan. This provides an excellent opportunity to ensure you and Dr. Broumand are on the same page regarding expected results.
It is important to avoid blood thinners for two weeks prior to surgery. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise is highly encouraged. Our office staff can recommend a personalized plan based on your needs. Routine blood tests or appropriate medical clearance are also obtained. After your initial consultation, instructions are given as part of our informational pre-surgical packet and reviewed with you prior to surgery. Prescriptions are electronically submitted, picked up, and brought on the day of surgery.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
When you arrive on the day of your outpatient surgery, you will be greeted warmly by our staff and introduced to the members of our operating room team, several of whom have worked with our doctor for over two decades. Next, your plastic surgeon, Dr. Broumand, and our staff will walk you through the preoperative process and guide you to the operating room where you will change into surgical garments and sign preoperative paperwork. Every effort will be made to ensure you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible leading up to the time of your surgery.
Custom-tailored for each patient, the abdominoplasty technique Dr. Broumand typically employs is a modified approach that blends the respective advantages of mini and full tummy tuck methods. During the procedure, a horizontal incision is first made inconspicuously along the lower abdomen. Through this incision, abdominal muscles spanning from the pubic region to the ribcage are gently tightened, and excess skin is removed. The remaining skin is then pulled tight and secured with sutures for a smoother, firmer appearance. If needed and/or desired, liposuction can also be performed to eliminate localized fat buildups in the midsection, and the belly button can either be preserved or relocated for an optimal result. The abdominoplasty procedure is conducted under general anesthesia and generally takes approximately two hours to complete, though this will ultimately depend on the individual’s specific needs and cosmetic desires.
Following treatment, you will awake feeling as if you have just taken a restful nap. Our operating room team (along with our board-certified anesthesiologist) will be present to greet you, and they will help you walk with assistance to the recovery room, ensuring that you are in no pain. After about an hour in this recovery room, a staff member will evaluate your condition to make sure you feel well enough to return home. If so, they will coordinate a close friend or relative to pick you up and return home that day.
Tummy Tuck Recovery & Results
Some degree of scarring is expected following abdominoplasty. The length and width of your tummy tuck scar will depend on how much skin is removed, as well as how closely scar management directions are followed after surgery. The abdominoplasty incision is made along the lower abdomen, enabling it to remain concealed underneath most bathing suits and underwear varieties.
During the recovery period, some minor swelling and/or bruising can often be expected, but these side effects will gradually subside over time. A compression garment will be provided to help hasten this process. At our practice, Dr. Broumand generally uses a 72-hour anesthetic pain medication known as EXPAREL® to help minimize any pain that may be experienced in the first few days post-op. After this time, any discomfort—though rare—can typically be managed with medication. The majority of individuals feel well enough to return to non-strenuous work and regular daily routines after about seven days, but it is advised that strenuous activities and vigorous exercise be avoided for a minimum of one month, as any action that places strain on the abdomen during this time may negatively impact proper healing. Once the swelling from surgery has dissipated, patients should begin to notice the full effects of the procedure—a smoother, flatter-looking abdomen with enhanced abdominal contour and improved skin elasticity.
Schedule A Consultation For Tummy Tuck
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Broumand, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals through tummy tuck surgery.
FAQs About Tummy Tuck Surgery
- What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?
- Will there be visible scarring after a tummy tuck?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with tummy tuck surgery?
- Can a tummy tuck help me lose weight?
- How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
- Are there non-surgical alternatives to a tummy tuck?
- Can I combine any other cosmetic surgery procedures with tummy tuck?
A full tummy tuck addresses loose skin and diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation) on the entire abdominal area, including the upper and lower abdomen, and involves repositioning the belly button. In contrast, a mini tummy tuck is a less extensive procedure that focuses primarily on the lower abdomen and may not require repositioning the belly button.
Yes, there will be some scarring, but Dr. Broumand will make incisions in inconspicuous areas, such as below the bikini line, to minimize their visibility. Scars will gradually fade over time with proper care.
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and adverse reactions to anesthesia, among others.2 Dr. Broumand will discuss these risks with you during your consultation in New York City and provide guidance on minimizing them.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure; it is intended to remove excess skin and fat and tighten abdominal muscles.3 It may result in a slight reduction in weight, but it is not a substitute for weight loss through diet and exercise.
The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, but they can be affected by factors such as aging, pregnancy, and significant weight fluctuations. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prolong the results.
While non-surgical options like liposuction and body contouring treatments exist, they may not achieve the same level of improvement as a tummy tuck for individuals with excess skin or muscle laxity. Dr. Broumand can discuss the best approach for your specific needs.
Combining other cosmetic surgery procedures with a tummy tuck can be an excellent way to enhance your overall body contour and achieve comprehensive aesthetic improvements. This approach, often referred to as a “mommy makeover” when tailored for post-pregnancy patients, allows you to address multiple concerns in a single surgery. Depending on your individual goals and needs, you can consider combining a tummy tuck with procedures like a breast lift or breast augmentation. This combination not only helps you achieve a harmonious balance between your upper and lower body but also maximizes your tummy tuck results by addressing issues like sagging skin and breast shape simultaneously. During your consultation with Dr. Stafford Broumand at 740 Park Plastic Surgery, we can discuss your unique goals and recommend a customized treatment plan that may include combining these body procedures for optimal outcomes.