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TUMMY TUCK
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Darren M. Smith MDDarren M. Smith MD
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+ 1 (212) 633-0627

TUMMY TUCK

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What is a tummy tuck?

Pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural aging process can leave you with loose excess skin on your abdomen and a protruding tummy. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fa as well as tighten and strengthen the abdominal muscles. This procedure is often performed as a part of a mommy makeover to give a woman back her body after pregnancy and childbirth.

Achieve a flat and toned abdomen with Dr. Smith

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is the most powerful procedure available to flatten and tone your abdomen. As a premier board-certified plastic surgeon, Darren M. Smith, MD, can help you achieve the midsection of your dreams. To learn more about modern tummy tuck procedures, book a consultation.

What happens during tummy tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck, medically known as an abdominoplasty, involves toning and sculpting your midsection. The procedure is entirely tailored to your needs and desired outcome. A tummy tuck surgery, performed under general anesthesia, may include:

  • Removing excess fat (liposuction)
  • Correcting separated muscles
  • Removing excess or loose skin

Abdominoplasty most frequently involves a combination of the above. This procedure is ideal for flattening your stomach, strengthening your abdominal wall, and smoothing out a muffin top. The end result is a more toned, defined midsection, and of course, a dramatic boost in confidence.

Before & After

Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is beneficial for women and men who want to enhance the appearance of their abdomen,
especially if they have stubborn bulges from separated abdominal muscles (common after
pregnancy, called “diastasis recti” or “rectus diastasis”) or fat deposits that don’t improve
with diet and exercise. Tummy tuck surgery might be right for you if you:

  • Are in good overall health
  • Are close to your goal weight
  • Are finished having children
  • Have excess fat or loose skin
  • Have a separation between your abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis)

What can I expect in my consultation?

During your tummy tuck consultation, Dr. Smith and his specialized team will work with you to explore your desired outcomes. Dr. Smith will also evaluate your health to ensure an abdominoplasty is a safe and appropriate procedure for you. He is a conservative surgeon who will not simply jump into surgery, and instead takes the time to assess the correct approach and build a real doctor-patient relationship with you.

Will I have visible scars after a tummy tuck?

Yes, you’re going to have scars after a tummy tuck (any surgical incision leaves a scar!). But Dr. Smith is a pro at making incisions and placing sutures in areas that aren’t in plain sight. In most cases, he can create your incision in the lowest part of your abdomen, so your abdominoplasty scar hides discreetly below your swimsuit or underwear line. Depending on the kind of abdominoplasty Dr. Smith recommends for you, you may also have a small scar going around your belly button.

Fortunately, Dr. Smith is known for his extra care and focus in creating clean incisions, meaning the incisions heal quickly and leave fine scars behind that fade and become more difficult to see over time. He’ll also teach you how to care for your incision after a tummy tuck and coach you about postoperative strategies to maximize your results.

How do I get started?

To get started on a path to a more slender you, Dr. Smith delivers one of the best tummy tucks has to offer. Schedule an evaluation today, book online or over the phone.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

The cost of a tummy tuck varies. As every procedure is customized to match patient needs, the costs will reflect those needs, but is generally in the range of $8,500 - $16,000.

What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?

  • Patients with office jobs can generally expect to return to work in two weeks after a tummy tuck.
  • While you will be walking immediately after the procedure, you will be doing so while bent at the waist so as not to stress your incision.
  • For the first week, other than easy short walks, your activity should be very light.
  • During the second week, you will begin to walk more upright, and your activity level will return to
    a relaxed normal (unhurried walks, light chores, and meals out are fine).
  • Between four and six weeks post-abdominoplasty, depending on the patient and the procedure performed, full
    activity at the gym is again permitted.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

Can a tummy tuck remove my stretch marks?

Depending on the location of your stretch marks, many can be removed during a tummy tuck. Stretch marks on the lower section of your abdomen may be low enough to be excised during the procedure.

Are there any risks with a tummy tuck procedure?

All surgeries carry risk. Choosing a well-qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Smith is an important step in safe surgical practices, as well as the quality of the results. Dr. Smith focuses on advanced patient health and safety protocols.

Is abdominoplasty painful?

The discomfort most patients feel does not come from the incisions but is associated with tightening the underlying muscles. There are several nerves in the area that can be affected by the swelling and
bruising from a tummy tuck surgery. Activities such as standing, getting out of a seated position, or walking up the stairs can be uncomfortable because your core muscles have been disrupted.

What if I get pregnant after having a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck will not interfere with the health of you or your baby. You may experience more stretch marks due to the removal of excess skin from your tummy tuck procedure. After the loss of baby weight,
your abdomen may return to its corrected look. Most people consider waiting after they are done building a family.

How long after a tummy tuck can I start exercising again?

After a day or two, you should be taking gentle walks every day. At four to six weeks, you will begin to feel like yourself and will be able to ease back into your regular exercise routine after being given the okay from Dr. Smith.

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

If you maintain a healthy weight and continue to be active, a tummy tuck procedure will provide results that last for many, many years, or even a lifetime.

How can I be prepared for my tummy tuck procedure?

Schedule plenty of time for rest after your tummy tuck. You need to stop taking certain medications such as blood thinners or any anti-inflammatories, or blood-thinning supplements. Arrange for a friend or family member to transport your home and to stay with you for the first few after your surgery.

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