Tummy Tuck Manhattan – Abdominoplasty NYC
After pregnancy or weight loss, excess skin and fat can distort the appearance of the abdomen. In particular, many women find that after their second child or after bearing twins, their muscles and skin do not return to their original appearance secondary to repeated stretch of the abdomen. The abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” procedure, creates a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles.
Examination and Planning
During your initial consultation with Dr. Naidu, she will discuss with you your desires and expectations from surgery. This will also involve a complete medical history, and an examination of the skin, soft tissue and muscles of the abdomen and flanks. Although it is generally advised to wait on surgery until after you have completed bearing children, in some cases patients have undergone another pregnancy without complications following an abdominoplasty. Weight-loss patients are advised to achieve a stable weight prior to exploring surgery. Keeping your personal situation in mind, Dr. Naidu will suggest a procedure that suits you best and answer any questions that you might have. The risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed with you, and Dr. Naidu’s assistant will provide you with scheduling and financial information.
A second consultation is scheduled once a patient has decided to undergo surgery. At this time Dr. Naidu will again review the risks and benefits of surgery, and answer any additional questions which may have arisen since the initial consult. At this visit the necessary paperwork for surgery is also completed, and preoperative photographs are taken. These photographs are an important part of your surgical planning, and are considered a part of your medical record. They are never shown to other patients without your written permission.
Procedure
The abdominoplasty procedure is performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen within the bikini line. In patients who have undergone a prior C-section, the incision can be made in the same location and extended to the sides. The rectus abdominis muscles of the abdomen are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are trimmed and redraped. Liposuction is sometimes used in addition to address the flanks. Most abdominoplasty surgeries require repositioning of the umbilicus, or navel. In the “mini” abdominoplasty procedure, lower abdominal muscle tightening with fat and skin removal are performed through a limited horizontal bikini incision only, without repositioning of the navel. The resulting scar is usually low on the abdomen, and therefore can be concealed within most bathing suits and clothing. Small drain tubes are placed with both techniques. The procedure averages two hours in length, and is performed in the hospital or in an ambulatory center under general anesthesia. Most patients are able to return home that evening.
Recovery
After surgery, an abdominal binder is placed. This is followed by a compressive garment after the drains are removed one week following surgery. Most sutures placed will dissolve. Patients generally require one week off of work after surgery. Walking is permitted and encouraged the day after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting are limited until six weeks following surgery. Most patients do not complain of severe pain following this surgery, but note that the abdomen feels “tight”, as if they have performed many sit-ups. Pain medication is prescribed for any discomfort. Swelling will be present for the initial 2-3 months after surgery, and the final results are typically seen 3-6 months after surgery. The scar will continue to fade and soften for up to one year following surgery.
For more information, please see the Abdominoplasty Guide.