Get a smooth and contoured abdomen.

Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” is a surgical procedure which removes loose or overhanging skin and fat from the lower abdomen. An incision is made along the lower abdominal crease as well as around the umbilicus. Frequently, the internal separation between your rectus abdominis or “6-pack” muscles is also repaired, giving you the feeling and appearance of a tighter abdomen. This is considered a “full abdominoplasty” and is most often beneficial for women after one or more pregnancies or significant weight-loss.

A “mini-abdominoplasty” removes excess tissue from the lower abdomen but may allow for shorter, more limited scars in those women with minimal laxity or excess. Talk to your surgeon to discuss which procedure is most appropriate for you. Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and patients frequently go home the same day; however, an overnight stay may be required if combined with other procedures.

What to Expect

Abdominoplasty, or “Tummy Tuck” Pre-operative:

1. An abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck”, is an amazing way to surgically transform the appearance of your abdomen and waist! The surgeons at Plastic Surgery of Westchester will review your medical and surgical history, list of medications, and history of any personal or family complications associated with prior surgery (such as risk of bleeding, blood clots, wound healing problems, etc.). For most patients, your surgeon will ask for a medical clearance from your primary doctor and ensure that you are medically optimized prior to undergoing this procedure.
2. If you are post-partum, you should be done with breast feeding and of stable weight prior to surgery. If you have a history of weight loss, you should be at least one year out from a surgical weight-loss procedure and of stable weight for no less than 3 months. If you are diabetic, your diabetes must be well-controlled.
3. Please give your surgeon a list of medications that you take, including herbal supplements, as well as insight into any pre-existing medical conditions (don’t forget about a history of heart or lung problems, autoimmune diseases, wound healing problems, blood clots, or bleeding disorders).
4. Vitamins and anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin, Motrin®, Advil®, and Aleve®, etc.) should be discontinued no less than 1 week prior to surgery.
5. Current or recent smoking or tobacco use is a contra-indication to an abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck”. You must not smoke! Please refrain from any nicotine or tobacco use (including patches, gum and vapor cigarettes) for no less than 4 weeks prior to and 4 weeks after your surgery. Remember, any history of smoking can increase your risk for certain complications, such as wound healing problems and infection.

Abdominoplasty, or “Tummy Tuck” Post-operative:

1. An abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck”, usually can be done as an outpatient procedure in our fully-accredited Harrison operatory. You will need a caregiver to pick you up after surgery. Having a helping hand at home for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery is recommended.
2. The average time for healing can vary but is between 1 to 3 weeks. Depending on the type of work you do, you may need about 2 weeks off from work. You will have drainage tubes during that time. The average patient will need a total of 6 to 8 weeks off from any heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
3. When you are better healed, your surgeon will discuss and demonstrate massage and scar care techniques to keep your results looking fabulous!

As always, please bring a list of your questions and concerns to your pre-operative visits. It is important to understand your overall health and expectations in order to individualize your treatment plan.

Abdominoplasty, or “Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, or “Tummy Tuck” FAQs

Facilities & Hospital Affiliations

Our surgeons have hospital privileges at Montefiore Medical Center, Jacobi Medical Center, Westchester Medical Center, Montefiore New Rochelle and New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital. They also perform procedures in their fully accredited operating room in Harrison, NY.

Our state of the art facility is professionally designed and decorated for your comfort. We are always interested to know if there is anything we can do to enhance your experience. We appreciate your suggestions and pledge to work as a team to make your time here a rewarding experience.

• Montefiore Medical Center
• Jacobi Medical Center
• Westchester Medical Center
• Montefiore New Rochelle
• New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital

Accreditation and Associations

We maintain an AAAASF accredited surgical suite, equipped like a hospital operating room with the privacy and ease of an office setting, offering full general anesthesia for more complex procedures as well as sedation and local anesthesia for other procedures. We enjoy a strong relationship with some of the finest hospitals in the area, offering overnight and extended post-operative stays if medically advisable. This is ideal for our out of town patients, those with little post-operative help, or those desiring a more private recovery. We can also arrange your stay at a variety of hotels within minutes of our facility and arrange an overnight “sitter” if desired.

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