Tummy Tuck Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions about abdominoplasty surgery in Manhattan & NYC

Reduce unwanted fat, sagging skin, and loose stomach muscles today!

If you’re frustrated by the appearance of your stomach, you may want to consider abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck. Dr. Elan B. Singer at EBS Plastic Surgery provides tummy tucks in Manhattan, including mini tummy tucks. Contact Dr. Singer’s office today to learn more about the plastic surgery options we offer.

Common Questions About Tummy Tucks

Before you decide to have a tummy tuck, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss your goals for the procedure, your options for treatment, and any current health conditions you have that may affect the surgery. Here are some common questions that people have about the procedure?

What is a tummy tuck? A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that can provide a person with a tighter, flatter-looking stomach by removing excess skin and fatty tissue from your abdominal area. During the procedure, the surgeon will also tighten the muscles in your abdomen.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck? Tummy tucks are a good option for people who have not been able to change their appearance using diet and exercise, often because of aging, recent pregnancy, or recent surgery. If you are interested in a tummy tuck, you should have a relatively stable weight and be in good overall health. You should also be a non-smoker.

What are the possible complications of a tummy tuck? As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks for a tummy tuck. Some possible complications include infection, scarring, numbness, and skin discoloration. Your surgeon will thoroughly discuss your current health status with you—including any medications you are taking, any allergies you have, and any past surgeries you have undergone—in order to minimize the risk of complications.

What is a mini tummy tuck? While a complete tummy tuck focuses on the entire abdomen, a mini tummy tuck is focused on the area between the navel and the pubic bone. If your sagging skin and belly fat is located below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be the best approach for you. However, mini tummy tucks are not recommended for those with fluctuating weights or those who anticipate pregnancy in the future.

How long does it take to perform a tummy tuck? A complete tummy tuck may take anywhere from one to five hours, while a mini tummy tuck typically takes between one and two hours. The recovery times are also different: It takes most patients four to six weeks to recover from a complete tummy tuck, but one to three weeks for a mini tummy tuck.

A mini tummy tuck is less invasive than a tummy tuck and focuses on the skin between your belly button and pubic bone. The goal of a mini tummy tuck is to tighten the muscles in your lower abdomen, while a tummy tuck tightens muscles above and below your belly button. Mini tummy tucks are ideal for those who have minor sagging between their belly button and pubic bone and have stretched stomach muscles and skin. They are not ideal for those who plan on getting pregnant or are still trying to lose weight.

It is normal to have a loose/sagging stomach due to:

  • Prior surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Heredity
  • Aging
  • Extreme fluctuations in weight

Both procedures include liposuction, but a mini tummy tuck is generally considered an outpatient procedure, while a tummy tuck is an inpatient procedure. A tummy tuck takes anywhere between one hour and five hours to complete and a mini tummy tuck takes less than two hours. Recovery time for a mini tummy tuck is anywhere from one to three weeks, while a tummy tuck takes about four to six weeks to recover from. To determine whether you need a tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck, please call Dr. Singer at EBS Plastic Surgery in NYC today by dialing (212) 517-5600.