For many of my patients, no matter how much they exercise regularly and watch what they eat, they inevitably carry excess weight in their midsection. For men, this tends to be around the abdomen, while for women, fat typically collects around the lower stomach, hips and thighs. Can anything be done to address a flabby, drooping stomach? Yes, a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty).
This plastic surgery procedure produces excellent results—strengthening weakened stomach muscles, beautifying the belly button, reducing fat, creating a tighter abdomen and enabling clothes to fit more comfortably and attractively.
Of course, as I tell all my patients who are considering a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty is surgery, and surgery should never be taken lightly. Even so, the vast majority of people do very well with this procedure and are thrilled with the results.
10 things to keep in mind when considering a tummy tuck
A tummy tuck takes loose, flabby skin that has lost its shape and elasticity and transforms it into a flatter, smoother, more toned abdominal surface. So that people considering this procedure can be as informed as possible, I’ve put together this list of 10 important facts to think about beforehand:
- The best candidate for a tummy tuck is a male or female in good health. A pre-op physical is required and can be carried out by your primary care physician.
- Certain medications and/or supplements may need to be temporarily discontinued prior to surgery. If you smoke, you should stop at least 2 weeks before and 4 weeks following the procedure to minimize the risk of complications.
- Abdominoplasty targets stomach fat and will not take away deposits in other areas (although it can be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction, for additional fat-reducing benefits).
- Not everyone undergoing a tummy tuck has the same amount of fat and skin removed. In fact, some of my patients opt for a mini-tummy tuck because their excess fat and skin is below the belly button.
- Abdominoplasty is not covered by medical insurance when performed for cosmetic purposes.
- Tummy tuck surgery is performed in our fully licensed ambulatory surgery center, The Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester. Our patients go home an hour or so after surgery.
- Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common occurrences following a tummy tuck and typically go away after a week or two.
- You may be able to return to work in a week or so following surgery. Most activities can usually be resumed within 1-2 weeks and exercise after 6 weeks. Keep in mind that these time frames are subject to the type of work you do, the extent of your surgery and how quickly your body heals.
- The cost of a tummy tuck varies from person to person and is generally determined by the complexity of the surgery and the physical characteristics of each individual patient.
- The results of a tummy tuck benefits are permanent! However, if you lose or gain or lose a considerable amount of weight after the surgery, this could compromise your results.
If you are considering a tummy tuck
If you are interesting in having a tummy tuck, please contact me for a free consultation. I have performed hundreds of tummy tucks and am highly experienced in this specialized type of plastic surgery. I am happy to meet with you, answer your questions, and discuss how this procedure can give you the beautiful results you desire.
To learn more about plastic surgery body procedures
For further information on body slimming and toning procedures, you might find these pages helpful on my website:
Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With years of experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, he consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body.
