Tummy Tuck

Technically known as abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure which removes excess fat and skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles in order to flatten and shape a protruding abdomen and waist. Candidates for the tummy tuck include individuals who are in good general health, have realistic expectations and are looking to improve pockets of fat or loose skin of the abdomen that have not responded to diet or exercise. Tummy tuck is offered at Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York to help address those issues. Individuals who have undergone a previous tummy tuck procedure may be candidates for a revision tummy tuck.
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The tummy tuck can be particularly beneficial for women with stretched skin and muscles resulting from pregnancy and for individuals who have lost significant weight. Those who are planning a future pregnancy or weight loss may be encouraged to postpone surgery. Patients with just localized areas of fat and no excess skin may benefit from liposuction alone. There is also a mini tummy tuck procedure involving decreased scarring and shorter surgery and recovery times which may be performed on patients whose problem area is limited to the lower abdomen.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons perform the tummy tuck and revision tummy tuck on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO accredited plastic surgery clinic at Gotham Plastic Surgery of New York City. Surgical times will vary, though a full tummy tuck typically takes between two and five hours to complete while a mini or partial tummy tuck can take as little as two hours. Either local anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used. The incision for a full tummy tuck is located in the pubic area between the hipbones.

Through this incision, the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin and fat are removed. A second incision is often made around the navel, allowing the navel to be moved to a new position.

For a mini tummy tuck, the incision is much shorter and the second incision is typically not required.

Learn more about tummy tuck, please visit ncbi.gov.

NYC tummy tuck results Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

People with loose skin and stubborn areas of fat along their abdomen are ideal candidates for tummy tucks. If your abdomen’s appearance bothers you and you are considering a tummy tuck, you should first be able to answer “yes” to the following questions: 

  • Am I physically healthy?
  • Have I maintained my current weight for several months?
  • Do I have realistic expectations?
  • Am I a nonsmoker?

The reasons for your abdominal concerns may vary, from losing a significant amount of weight to post-partum changes. Some women choose to undergo a tummy tuck after they are finished having children, often as part of a mommy makeover, to help regain their pre-pregnancy appearance. 

Correcting diastasis recti, also caused by pregnancy, is another reason for undergoing a tummy tuck. Diastasis recti is the separation of the abdominal muscles, which occurs because of the natural stretching of your abdominal muscles and connective tissues to make room for the expanding uterus. 

Diastasis recti can cause:

  • Back and pelvic pain
  • Weak core
  • Inability to lift heavy objects
  • Pain when coughing
  • Damage to posture
  • Hernia
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction

Exercises can help improve symptoms of diastasis recti, but the separated abdominal muscles do not rejoin naturally for many women. Surgery becomes the only way to correct this, which can also strengthen the core and minimize back pain.

NY, NY tummy tuck results The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

If you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, this procedure can produce great results, such as:

  • Smaller waist size
  • Stronger core
  • Removal of excess fat (more than what’s possible with liposuction alone)
  • Lower health risks for diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, incontinence, hernias, and gallstones
  • Long-lasting results with healthy eating and exercise habits
  • Greater quality of life
  • Ability to be more active

The Recovery After A Tummy Tuck At Our Plastic Surgery Clinic

Bandages are often applied after surgery at our NYC plastic surgery clinic. Drains may be inserted at the incision sites to collect excess fluid and these are generally removed within four to seven days. Some swelling, bruising and discomfort are normal after surgery. Pain medication will help to control discomfort. Stitches are usually removed within seven to ten days. Patients will need to wear a supportive garment for up to six weeks after surgery. Work can often be resumed within two to four weeks, though strenuous activity and heavy lifting will need to be avoided for at least six to eight weeks.



After surgery, it's possible to experience additional temporary swelling. Time will be required for more fluid (lymph) drainage systems to develop to drain that extra swelling. However, if the swelling has not resolved in three months, please contact Gotham Plastic Surgery of New York City.

Plastic Surgery from Head to Toe

At Gotham Plastic Surgery, we create custom treatment plans that combine minimally-invasive techniques and advanced technology to help patients achieve the best version of themselves. Our unique NatraFace™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes.

Gotham’s expert physicians perform advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures that smooth the skin around the eyes to give patients a refreshed look. Our custom NatraEye™ technique combines the use of chemical peels, lasers, eyelash enhancement, and injectables with precision procedures, including:

Our esteemed surgeons utilize the NatraNose™ technique to bring together innovative artistry and unparalleled skill to deliver results that look natural, improve nasal function, and help achieve each patient’s aesthetic goals.

Regardless of your aesthetic goals, Gotham has the skill and technique required for the breast procedure that suits you. Whether adding symmetry or restoring the breast following a mastectomy, Gotham provides patients with enhanced feminine contours and improved body proportions.

Patients from all over the world have undergone amazing body transformation at Gotham, enjoying slimmer bodies with satisfying contours. Our advanced physicians apply their skill and expert technique to precisely sculpt other areas of the body, including the cheeks, chin, buttocks, hips, love handles, knees, upper arms, thighs, and even the neck.

Known for our flawless techniques and a range of skincare options, Gotham Plastic Surgery has all the tools necessary for complete, natural, and comprehensive rejuvenation. As part of a customized treatment plan, these procedures can be performed standalone or in combination with surgical procedures for even more impressive results.

The male face ages differently than the female face, but men have similar goals of wanting to maintain their youthful appearance throughout their lives. A plastic surgeon must take the subtle differences between male and female skin, as well as what comprises the ideal look for their male patients.

No matter what your specific cosmetic concerns might be, Dr. Miller can help. At Gotham Plastic Surgery, we frequently perform the following for our male patients:

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Tune into The Plastic Surgery Podcast, hosted by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller. Dr. Miller is here to answer your questions, de-mystify plastic surgery, and help you feel more knowledgeable and empowered about any procedure performed at our center.

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    Episode 25: Common Terms

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Plastic Surgery w/ Dr. Miller

If you’re thinking about getting a lift, nip, or tuck, this app is for you. It’s the most comprehensive pocket encyclopedia of plastic surgery terms, before and after photos, and visualization tools to help you really know what to expect from a procedure, including seeing potential results on your own photo. This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.

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