For a lot of women, after multiple pregnancies or extreme weight loss, their stomach muscles become soft, flabby and distended. In many cases, even a healthy diet and exercise do not fix the problem. One solution that I often suggest that is effective and has long-lasting results is a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty.

A tummy tuck surgically tightens weak, separated abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat. The result? A flatter, tighter, more toned midsection. In addition, many of my patients experience improved posture and decreased back pain after having this procedure, due to the tightened muscles supporting their spine. To learn more about the range of body sculpting  procedures I offer, click here.

How does a tummy tuck “fix” sagging skin?

Requiring 1-2 hours in the operating room under general anesthesia, a typical tummy tuck removes several pounds of stomach fat and excess skin, and tightens weakened and/or separated abdominal muscles. It can also decrease stretch marks caused by pregnancy, and dramatically improve scars from previous surgeries, such as a Caesarean section, stomach stapling or an appendectomy.

For a full explanation of a tummy tuck, watch this short video

To learn more about tummy tuck surgery, watch my short video by clicking on the image below.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Having performed hundreds of tummy tucks with very few complications, I am very experienced in this procedure. In my plastic surgery practice, I have found that the best candidates for abdominoplasty:

• are in good health
• have sagging skin, loose muscle and excess fat which they want removed
• are within 20% of their ideal body weight
• have had significant weight loss and have kept it off for at least 6 months
• do not smoke
• men are also good candidates for a tummy tuck, especially if they have experienced extreme weight loss

Who should not consider a tummy tuck? 

If you plan to get pregnant, you should postpone a tummy tuck until after you've had children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened, and future pregnancies can separate those muscles. Also, if you’re planning to lose a lot of weight, you should not have a tummy tuck.

How long do the results last?

The results of a tummy tuck are permanent. However, if you lose or gain a considerable amount of weight after the surgery, or get pregnant, this could negatively affect your results.

How soon can I go back to work?

In most cases, you should 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.

How long is recovery time?

Swelling, bruising and some amount of pain and discomfort are common following a tummy tuck but typically go away after a week or two.

How is a tummy tuck different from liposuction?

During a tummy tuck, liposuction is used to extract excess fat but it does not have the ability to tighten and tone muscle. The great benefit of a tummy tuck is that it flattens the tummy, tightens the stomach muscles and narrows the waist, which liposuction does not do.  

Is it safe?

One of the first questions patients ask me when they’re considering having a tummy tuck is: is it safe? Like any procedure, there are some risks involved, but with the proper patient selection—meaning that you’re healthy, without other medical problems, you’re a non-smoker, you’re in good shape, and you’re having the procedure done in the right location with the right surgeon—the procedure can be done very safely.

For more details, come see me

To learn more about what happens during a tummy tuck, come in and see me. I’m happy to sit down with you for a consultation and we can go through things in a lot more detail.

I perform my procedures at the Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester

For almost every plastic surgery procedure I perform, I use the Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester. As the standard of excellence in the region, this technologically advanced, leading-edge facility was specifically designed by our group of surgeons (Cosmetic Surgery Associates) to provide our patients with the highest level of care, personal privacy and optimal surgical results.

The Surgical Specialty Center is Medicare approved, state licensed and meets all current requirements at the top level of New York State. To learn more about the Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester, watch this short video by clicking on the image below.

Insurance coverage

Insurance companies consider a tummy tuck to be elective cosmetic surgery and usually do not cover it, which means the procedure would be self-pay.

Considering a tummy tuck?

I understand that choosing to have a tummy tuck is an important decision for a person, male or female. I also know how much it means to each and every patient to achieve the results they want. If you are thinking about getting a tummy tuck and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me and I will send you additional information prior to your appointment. To make sure you are fully informed about your surgery options and understand exactly what results to expect, I will take all the time you need to make sure your questions are answered.

For more information about tummy tucks, I recommend these 3 blogs

So that you can be fully informed before you decide to have a tummy tuck, I’ve written several blogs explaining this procedure and its many benefits:

• Top 5 Reasons To Have A Tummy Tuck
• The Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
• Is This The Perfect Time For A Tummy Tuck?

To learn more about the many body contouring procedures I offer

There are several body procedures available to you in my plastic surgery practice. To learn more, please visit these pages on my website:

• Body Procedures
• Butt Augmentation
• Brazilian Butt Lift
• CoolSculpting
• EmSculpt®
• Liposuction
• Lower Body Lift
• Mommy Makeover
• Tummy Tuck

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 highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.