As a highly experienced plastic surgeon, I feel strongly that my patients should be as well-informed as possible before undergoing any kind of plastic surgery procedure. In addition, they should be realistic about the results they are expecting to see after surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is an effective, highly successful way to reduce excess fat and loose skin, and tighten and tone weakened or separated stomach muscles. The result? A smoother, firmer, more shapely midsection. To learn more about the range of body sculpting procedures I offer, click here.
A tummy tuck will improve, not completely transform, your life
As I tell my patients who are considering this surgery, it’s important to understand that a tummy tuck will not give you an entirely new life or suddenly make you look like a supermodel or movie star. Your age, muscle tone, body type, amount of fat and the elasticity of your skin will ultimately determine the end result.
For some people, having a tummy tuck motivates them to live a healthier lifestyle and finally give up some bad habits, such as binge eating. For others, a tummy tuck is a permanent solution to the loose, sagging skin that resulted from losing a significant amount of weight.
Whatever your reason for having this procedure, a tummy tuck can be a wonderful turning point in your life, boosting your self-esteem and enabling you to feel confident about your body and yourself.
For more details, watch this short video
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery, watch my short video by clicking on the image below.
6 important things to consider before having tummy tuck surgery
1. Examine your motivation
Before undergoing a tummy tuck, it's important that you feel positive about yourself in general and that what you are seeking is to: 1) lose unwanted fat and bulges in your midsection and 2) gain a more sculpted, shapely silhouette. You should not expect this surgery to give you an entirely new life.
2. Manage your expectations
A tummy tuck won't immediately make you look like a swimsuit model. Your age, muscle tone, skin elasticity, level of fitness, body frame and amount of fat and skin that you want removed all play a part in what the end result will be. Remember, your goal is to achieve the best you you can be.
3. Be aware of your emotional state
If you're going through an emotional trauma (divorce, depression, loss of a job, death of a loved one), I would strongly recommend against having a tummy tuck until you have had time to work through these issues. For a few days after the surgery, you will experience a certain amount of pain, bruising and discomfort, possibly to a large degree. If you're already feeling down, this can make you feel even worse. Your mental state can also negatively impact your healing by suppressing your immune system, which could cause your body to take longer to heal.
4. Have a good support system
While you are healing from tummy tuck surgery, it is very important to have supportive people around you who can see you through the challenging first few days and help you with ADLs (activities of daily living). Before scheduling the surgery, I advise patients to line up these support people ahead of time.
5. Know the risks
Like any surgery, there are routine risks associated with abdominoplasty, such as bleeding, bruising and infection. Make sure that you are fully informed about what you are committing to and that you can handle a temporary setback. If a problem does develop, you will want to have a strong doctor-patient relationship in order to undergo whatever further action needs to be taken. Remember, you and your surgeon are partners going on this journey together.
6. Have a clear idea of what you want
An open and honest discussion of your goals and a review of before-and-after tummy tuck photos (realistic, unretouched) is critical to a successful outcome. Most importantly, throughout the entire process, from initial consultation to post-surgery recovery, I remind my patients to have realistic expectations of what their “new” body will look like so they will be truly happy with their results.
Is it safe?
A common question patients ask me about 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.
Add liposuction for even better results
If you decide to have liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck, I can remove unwanted fat from around your waist, hips, thighs and buttocks as well as your tummy, giving you even more dramatic results. Sometimes I can re-use this unwanted fat and transfer it to your buttocks to enhance their size and shape, which is known as a Brazilian butt lift.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
My answer to this common question is that there is no one standard price. Recognizing that every person’s body and expectations for tummy tuck surgery are unique to them, I determine the exact cost of a tummy tuck after I have met with the patient, evaluated her body type, amount of fat stores, overall physical condition and her personal goals and expectations. Then together, we will decide what type of procedure will achieve the best possible results. For further pricing details, please contact me.
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.
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:
- 12 Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Getting a Tummy Tuck
- Loose Skin From Weight Loss? Consider a Tummy Tuck.
- Ready For A Flatter, Smoother, Sexier Tummy?
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.
