Is a Tummy Tuck painful?

In the first few weeks following your Tummy Tuck recovery process, you can expect to experience some medium-level pain, or at least some discomfort, during the first week. Your belly will be sore and swollen but may be more comfortable if you continue to use compression garments.

How many appointments will I need?

Most patients will have between three and six follow-up appointments after their abdominoplasty procedure (usually at week 1, week 2, and week 6). These check-ups are primarily so your provider can monitor your healing process and make sure you are satisfied with your results. We will also ask your permission to take post-op pictures near your final check-up appointment so that you can track your healing journey. Your provider will be able to give you a better idea of how many times you will need to return and how often during your consultation. He will always let you know if and when he expects to see you again at the end of your appointment.

How long until I see results?

Most patients will be able to see their results immediately with swelling gradually diminishing in the first 3 months and the incision line softening over the course of a year.

How long do the results of an Abdominoplasty last?

As long as you maintain a stable weight and regular exercise, results can be long-term. Prior to getting surgery, you should ideally be within your target weight range, as fluctuations of around 15-20 pounds can affect the appearance of results. Likewise, getting pregnant after a tummy tuck can also re-stretch the skin and separate abdominal muscles.

How long does it take for abdominal muscles to heal after a Tummy Tuck?

While post-op swelling may last several weeks, a full tummy tuck generally takes six weeks to heal and look normal. However, many factors influence the amount of time it takes for the separated abdominal muscles to heal and for the final results to appear, so this timeline varies from patient to patient.

How Long Will I Need to Take Off Work After Surgery?

Many patients find that they are ready to return to work within about two to three weeks. This may vary based on the type of job that you have. You may need more time off or return to work on light or modified duty if you have a physically demanding position as opposed to a role where you can be more sedentary.

How soon can I exercise after a Tummy Tuck?

Patients can start light walking right after surgery with a gradual progression to regular walking over the course of 1-2 weeks, light exercise at 3 to 4 weeks and full exercise approximately 6 weeks after surgery with clearance from your surgeon. During your check-ups with Dr. Nikfarjam, he will assess your recovery and inform you of when he feels it’s safe to increase your exercise routine.

Can I combine a Tummy Tuck with other procedures?

Many of our patients will combine their Tummy Tucks with other body contouring procedures such as Breast Augmentation , Breast Lift , Liposuction , or Thigh Lift . If you are interested in having any other cosmetic procedure performed, please discuss your desires with your provider during your Tummy Tuck consultation. He will be able to recommend the best procedures to help you obtain your preferred appearance with a flatter abdomen.

What are the risks associated with a Tummy Tuck?

Every surgery has its potential risks and side effects, and despite Dr. Nikfarjam’s best efforts to provide positive outcomes for every procedure, these are the following risks associated with Tummy Tuck procedures: Anesthesia risks Asymmetry Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis) Fluid accumulation (seroma) Infection Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Persistent pain Poor wound healing Possibility of revisional surgery Recurrent looseness of skin Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling Skin loss Suboptimal aesthetic result Unfavorable scarring If you begin to experience concerning reactions or have long-lasting side effects, please contact our office immediately.

Does the scar from a tummy tuck ever go away?

While your scars will still be visible at the six-month mark, they will begin losing their pigmentation, which means the red or brown coloration will fade substantially. A year after your procedure, any Tummy Tuck scars will likely be much less noticeable. Our team can help suggest some wonderful techniques to help reduce your scarring, as well as recommend any additional treatments to help the appearance.

What if I get pregnant after a Tummy Tuck?

This is a very common question because while patients want to look their best, life plans are constantly changing and pregnancy, or goals for pregnancy, can occur at any time. The good news is that it’s perfectly safe for a post-tummy tuck pregnancy. Your tummy tuck surgeon will typically recommend that you wait until you’re finished having kids to have a tummy tuck in order to prolong the results, patients can get pregnant following their tummy tuck surgery.

What happens if you experience weight gain after a Tummy Tuck?

At New You, we strongly encourage all of our patients to maintain a healthy diet pre-and post-surgery. Most Tummy Tuck patients have worked extremely hard to lose their excess weight, so we’d hate to see all of that time, money, and dedication be for naught. While tummy tuck surgery can help provide patients with the abdominal contour they’ve been dreaming of, it’s only as permanent as your commitment to it. The procedure repairs stretched and weakened abdominal muscles, lifts sagging skin in the upper and lower abdomen and lower, and also improves the belly button’s appearance. However, if you do gain weight after your procedure and gain more loose skin, it’s possible that other body contouring treatments can be done such as liposuction. If the abdominal muscles do separate again, Dr. Nikfarjam may recommend a min-tummy tuck or an extended tummy tuck — depending on the extent of the weight gain and abdominal muscle separation. blood clots skin removal flatter stomach remove excess fat recovery period abdominoplasty surgery breast surgery massive weight loss excess skin folds excess abdominal skin horizontal incision ambulatory surgery facilities

Will I be able to look at Before and After photos of previous patients?

Of course! We want you to feel as confident as possible before your surgery, which is why we can provide you with some photos taken of real anonymous clients, before and after their procedure. This way you will be able to get a better feel for the type of results you can expect and also help you get a sense of what is realistic and how people’s bodies who are similar to yours have changed. You can see where scars will be visible and what they may look like as well.

Tummy Tuck

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Introduction
Tummy Tuck

Weight loss is an incredible achievement, but depending on the degree of change, some patients are left with stretch marks and loose, sagging skin. Board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Jeremy Nikfarjam and Dr. Micheline Goulart of New You Plastic Surgery, offers Tummy Tuck in New York to help his patients feel higher self-esteem by removing excess skin and fat caused by sudden and significant weight gain or loss. To learn more about this procedure and what it can do for you, please continue reading the information below.

New You Plastic Surgery has multiple locations across New York and New Jersey, providing tummy tuck surgery to patients from their offices in Roslyn (Long Island), Manhattan, Poughkeepsie, NY, and Englewood (New Jersey).

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What is a Tummy Tuck?

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) aims to remove excess skin and fat deposits from the stomach with the additional benefit of repairing abdominal muscles, which in turn, improves your abdominal contour and gives your stomach a flatter appearance.

As we get older, there are a myriad of things that can wreak havoc on our midsection, particularly extreme weight loss and childbearing. These circumstances can make it incredibly difficult to regain tone and tightness in the lower abdomen again, regardless of how many sit-ups we do or the extent of caloric intake we control.

This frequently happens during pregnancy when the stretching of the stomach causes the abdominal muscles to separate. Once this happens, no amount of diet or exercise will deliver the results you desire, not until the muscles are repaired. Often, the skin is stretched beyond the limits of natural repair during pregnancy and weight fluctuation, leaving the individual with stretch marks and loose, hanging skin and excess fat around.

A tummy tuck procedure addresses these concerns by streamlining and sculpting loose skin around the midsection, restoring your abdominal anatomy to a more youthful state. The procedure can also restore the weakened abdominal muscles or separated abdominal muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. Even if a patient is at their normal body weight, excess tissue on their belly can protrude for many reasons, including:

Aging
Heredity
Pregnancy
Prior surgery
Significant fluctuations in weight

We like to encourage our patients to be as close to their target weight before undergoing this surgery, as it is an outpatient procedure and not a substitution for a weight loss or unwanted fat loss procedure. You will also be able to have significant weight loss and maintain your weight gain and results for longer with a proper diet and exercise.

Also known as a complete or traditional abdominoplasty, it is the most common type and involves making a low horizontal incision between the hip bones and removing excess fat and skin from the abdominal tissue. The abdominal muscles are tightened to create a more toned and sculpted appearance. The belly button is moved to a new position. A typical surgery is ideal for people with a significant amount of skin and fat laxity.

Sometimes referred to as a “short scar” tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck is among the abdominoplasty procedures great for patients who are concerned about removing excess skin and fat, but are limited to the area below the bellybutton. One of the major benefits of a mini-tummy tuck surgery is the shorter incision and no belly button incision when compared to a traditional tummy tuck.

Unfortunately, a mini-tummy tuck incision isn’t appropriate for patients who need abdominal muscles repaired or are trying to get abdominal skin or the stretch marks above the belly button removed.

An Extended Tummy Tuck is a more involved version of the traditional tummy tuck surgery that involves making a longer incision that extends further around the sides of the body to address these areas. This surgical procedure is ideal for people with a significant amount of fat and skin in the abdominal and hip areas. Just like in a full tummy tuck, the belly button is also repositioned.

During surgery, Dr. Nikfarjam or Dr. Micheline Goulart tightens slack abdominal muscles, removes tissue and excess skin from the abdominal and flank regions, and resecures the skin. As with a traditional tummy tuck, repositioning the navel is typically required. Recovery takes longer than a standard tummy tuck due to the longer incision and more extensive tucking. Expect two to three weeks of recovery time, at a minimum.

This technique is best for adults who have had significant weight loss, excess skin, a flabby abdomen, or those who find difficulty slimming down their love handles or back fat regions.

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What are the benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Patients who have opted for Tummy Tuck in New York at New You Plastic Surgery have been able to see some of the following examples of the benefits that this cosmetic surgery can provide:

Better overall flexibility
Gives your body a better appearance and can increase self-confidence
Have significant skin laxity
Improved control over bodily functions
Increases your tolerance for more intense exercises once that excess skin is gone
Minimize the risks for certain medical conditions
Motivates to lose excess weight and achieve better health
Prevents painful hernias
Relieves stress urinary incontinence (after pregnancy, some women find they have an issue with accidental leaks)
Repairs issues such as diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal wall) which often results from straining during pregnancy
Stronger and improved core

Who Are The Best Candidates For A Tummy Tuck?

At New You Plastic Surgery, we believe good Tummy Tuck candidates in New York should have some of the following characteristics:

Bothered by the aesthetic of your abdomen
Committed to maintaining results through a healthy diet and routine exercise
Has no abdominal wall laxity
In good overall physical health
Keeps realistic expectations for their tummy tuck results
Has good skin elasticity
Maintained a stable, healthy body weight
Non-smoker and can commit to staying so
Tried losing weight in the abdominal area with limited or no success

What’s the
first step?

Dr. Nikfarjam consultation | New You Plastic Surgery in New York

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Tummy Tuck First steps

The first step in getting a Tummy Tuck in Long Island and New York City is to contact New You Plastic Surgery. When you come in for your consultation, you will be able to meet with Dr. Nikfarjam or Dr. Micheline Goulart and discuss what you’re looking to achieve from the procedure. He will also be able to answer any questions that you may have, give you an examination of your stomach and body type, and ask you questions about your medical history.

You should be very open and honest when talking about your medical history as this will help your provider determine if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure and make the safest decisions when creating your surgical and treatment plan.

Once your plan has been made and you agree with it, then you will meet with our Patient Coordinator who will help you select your surgical procedure and date. You will also be given a list of instructions that will help give you a more optimal surgical experience.

What to expect on the day of Tummy Tuck surgery

When you come in for your Tummy Tuck, it will begin with you being administered some anesthesia in the form of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on what is discussed during your consultation. When you are fully sedated, your provider will begin making her strategic incisions.

A full tummy tuck utilizes a horizontally oriented incision placed between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The shape and length of the incisions are determined by the amount of excess skin. After your abdominal skin is lifted, the weaker, underlying abdominal muscles are repaired. If necessary, your provider will make a second incision around the pubic area and your naval to remove the excess skin in your upper abdomen.

Your provider then pulls down the upper abdominal skin and removes excess skin. The remaining skin is sutured together and a new opening for the belly button is created. Your provider will pop the belly button up through the surface and suture it into position. Finally, the incision is closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips.

Finally the wound is injected with a long acting analgesic and the incision is closed with multiple layers of sutures and an adhesive with well padded dressings and compressive binder are applied.

Tummy tuck is typically 1-2 hours.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After your surgery, you will be able to return home to recover in peace, however, you should have a friend or family member available to give you a ride home. You will have dressings or bandages applied to your incisions and you may also be wrapped in an abdominal binder (elastic bandage or compression garment) to minimize swelling and give underlying muscles in your abdomen additional support. Your provider may temporarily insert some small tubes called drains under your skin to help drain any blood or fluid that collects.

You will likely be sore during the first week or so and should plan on resting and taking some downtime the first few days post-surgery, this is to reduce scarring and avoid any excess bruising or swelling. You may be able to return to work after a few days but only if you have light work, there should be absolutely no heavy lifting until your provider clears you to do so. Most patients require at least two to three weeks before they can do even gentle tasks.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost In Long Island and New York City?

The cost of a Tummy Tuck in Long Island and New York City is dependent on several factors, including the amount of excess fat and tissue that is required to be removed and the anesthetic choice for your surgery. After meeting with your chosen provider and discussing everything, our Patient Coordinator will be able to give you a breakdown of the full price of your Tummy Tuck surgery cost.

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Why choose New You?

Our team at New You want you to be proud of your body and the hard work you put into it. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeremy Nikfarjam, we have been providing our male and female patients in New York with the Tummy Tuck to remove that excess, sagging skin that won’t go away with exercise and achieve a firmer abdomen. Dr. Nikfarjam and Dr. Micheline Goulart is sought out by patients from across the United States and abroad for his specific technique and expertise in nearly every aspect of plastic and reconstructive surgery including breast reductions, abdominoplasties, rhinoplasties, silicone/biopolymer removal, and complex revisionary surgeries.

Dr. Nik is an active member of the most prestigious societies in plastic surgery, including but not limited to ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and ASAPS (The Aesthetic Society).

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We know that choosing plastic surgeons can be a daunting task, which is why when you come to us for your aesthetic surgery, you are choosing quality AND care. If you would like to remove excess fat or skin in your abdominal region caused by weight fluctuations or pregnancy and you’ve tried everything else to reduce a protruding abdomen, a Long Island and NYC tummy tuck from New You Plastic Surgery can help improve abdominal contour.

Call our office today or use our website to fill out a consultation request form and we will be in touch with you! We look forward to meeting with you and helping achieve a more toned abdomen.

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Tummy Tuck FAQ’S

Most patients will have between three and six follow-up appointments after their abdominoplasty procedure (usually at week 1, week 2, and week 6). These check-ups are primarily so your provider can monitor your healing process and make sure you are satisfied with your results.

We will also ask your permission to take post-op pictures near your final check-up appointment so that you can track your healing journey.

Your provider will be able to give you a better idea of how many times you will need to return and how often during your consultation. He will always let you know if and when he expects to see you again at the end of your appointment.
As long as you maintain a stable weight and regular exercise, results can be long-term. Prior to getting surgery, you should ideally be within your target weight range, as fluctuations of around 15-20 pounds can affect the appearance of results. Likewise, getting pregnant after a tummy tuck can also re-stretch the skin and separate abdominal muscles.
Patients can start light walking right after surgery with a gradual progression to regular walking over the course of 1-2 weeks, light exercise at 3 to 4 weeks and full exercise approximately 6 weeks after surgery with clearance from your surgeon.

During your check-ups with Dr. Nikfarjam, he will assess your recovery and inform you of when he feels it’s safe to increase your exercise routine.
Many of our patients will combine their Tummy Tucks with other body contouring procedures such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Liposuction, or Thigh Lift. If you are interested in having any other cosmetic procedure performed, please discuss your desires with your provider during your Tummy Tuck consultation. He will be able to recommend the best procedures to help you obtain your preferred appearance with a flatter abdomen.
Every surgery has its potential risks and side effects, and despite Dr. Nikfarjam’s best efforts to provide positive outcomes for every procedure, these are the following risks associated with Tummy Tuck procedures:
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
- Skin loss
- Suboptimal aesthetic result
- Unfavorable scarring
If you begin to experience concerning reactions or have long-lasting side effects, please contact our office immediately.
While your scars will still be visible at the six-month mark, they will begin losing their pigmentation, which means the red or brown coloration will fade substantially. A year after your procedure, any Tummy Tuck scars will likely be much less noticeable. Our team can help suggest some wonderful techniques to help reduce your scarring, as well as recommend any additional treatments to help the appearance.
This is a very common question because while patients want to look their best, life plans are constantly changing and pregnancy, or goals for pregnancy, can occur at any time. The good news is that it’s perfectly safe for a post-tummy tuck pregnancy. Your tummy tuck surgeon will typically recommend that you wait until you’re finished having kids to have a tummy tuck in order to prolong the results, patients can get pregnant following their tummy tuck surgery.
At New You, we strongly encourage all of our patients to maintain a healthy diet pre-and post-surgery. Most Tummy Tuck patients have worked extremely hard to lose their excess weight, so we’d hate to see all of that time, money, and dedication be for naught. While tummy tuck surgery can help provide patients with the abdominal contour they’ve been dreaming of, it’s only as permanent as your commitment to it.

The procedure repairs stretched and weakened abdominal muscles, lifts sagging skin in the upper and lower abdomen and lower, and also improves the belly button’s appearance. However, if you do gain weight after your procedure and gain more loose skin, it’s possible that other body contouring treatments can be done such as liposuction. If the abdominal muscles do separate again, Dr. Nikfarjam may recommend a min-tummy tuck or an extended tummy tuck — depending on the extent of the weight gain and abdominal muscle separation.

blood clots skin removal flatter stomach remove excess fat recovery period abdominoplasty surgery breast surgery massive weight loss excess skin folds excess abdominal skin horizontal incision ambulatory surgery facilities
Of course! We want you to feel as confident as possible before your surgery, which is why we can provide you with some photos taken of real anonymous clients, before and after their procedure.

This way you will be able to get a better feel for the type of results you can expect and also help you get a sense of what is realistic and how people’s bodies who are similar to yours have changed. You can see where scars will be visible and what they may look like as well.

Resources
New you resources

We know that the decision to undergo plastic surgery can be a big one. There are many things to consider before your procedure, regardless of whether you live in the greater New York City area or are traveling from out of state. Our knowledgeable and friendly team wants to make your experience as seamless and effortless as possible, which is why we provide some informational resources to make your journey to a new you a little less stressful.

Patient Resources