Tummy Tuck
in Smithtown, NY
Our bodies can fail to return to their original shape after dramatic changes in weight. Once the abdomen has been stretched by pregnancy or weight gain, skin and muscles in this area are lengthened beyond their normal capacity. Unfortunately, they can lose their elasticity and no longer respond to exercise or dieting efforts, leaving a belly “pooch” that may hang over the hips.
In these cases, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can provide the most optimal contours for a sculpted, renewed waistline. Dr. Pincus has helped hundreds of patients uncover the greatest version of themselves with abdominoplasty. With artful skill and refined experience, Dr. Pincus is able to modify the extensiveness of the tummy tuck treatment to meet your needs and goals.
What Can a Tummy Tuck Provide?
Restored Muscle Definition
Tummy tuck surgery repairs abdominal muscles that have been overtaxed and strained out of their original place (known as diastasis recti). By reconnecting the tissue in the abdominal wall, tummy tuck surgery can restore symmetry, tightness, and definition to the abdominal muscles for an enjoyable and healthy physique.
A More Slender, Taut Physique
Tummy tuck surgery can create lean, more sculpted physiques for patients with lax skin. By removing loose skin and excess fat, Dr. Pincus is able to recontour the abdominal area for a slimmer, more alluring hourglass shape. Even men considering tummy tuck surgery can discover a more handsome and chiseled core.
Heightened Confidence
Do you want to be fearless and unabashed about your midsection like never before? An abdomen that looks remarkable can make you feel remarkable. While it is important that each patient has realistic goals, Dr. Pincus will use his utmost expertise to execute these goals with tummy tuck surgery. One of our top priorities is fulfilling results that breathe new life into your body and self-esteem.
What Is the Tummy Tuck Process Like?
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Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. David Pincus is paramount to a successful tummy tuck surgery.
During this meeting, Dr. Pincus will:
- Discuss your personal goals and expectations with you
- Share before and after pictures of previous patients
- Evaluate your skin, tissue, and muscle condition
- Take measurements and photos of the abdomen and surrounding waistline
- Recommend combination procedures, if necessary
- Create your personalized surgical plan
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Tummy Tuck Procedure Details and Options
Dr. Pincus offers several tummy tuck varieties. The different techniques generally refer to the incisions used and the areas of correction.
Tummy Tuck Options
Mini Tummy Tuck:
A small horizontal incision is made along the bikini line between the hips just above the pubic area. This technique is used to address the lower abdomen only.
Standard/Full Tummy Tuck:
An incision is made along the bikini line as well as around the navel to address both the upper and lower abdomen. The navel can be re-created for more attractive symmetry and a natural appearance.
Extended Tummy Tuck:
The same incisions as the full tummy tuck are used, but the horizontal incision extends around the hips to address excess tissue on the patient’s sides.
Once the incisions are made, the skin and fat layer is lifted and the abdominal wall is repaired with internal sutures. Fat may be removed as necessary with liposuction. The skin is draped over the new contours, and excess skin is trimmed. If necessary, the navel is adjusted. Sutures and skin adhesives close the incisions.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR TUMMY TUCK?
Contact the office to set up a consultation.
Other Tummy Tuck Concerns
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Tummy Tuck Recovery
Tummy tuck patients develop mild bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the midsection after surgery. Any post-operative discomfort can be reduced with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication taken as directed by Dr. Pincus.
During your recovery, be sure to get plenty of rest and wear a compression garment to reduce swelling. Short, light walks beginning the day after surgery can promote blood flow and reduce swelling, which lowers the chance of blood clots. The amount of downtime needed will depend on the type of tummy tuck undergone and your individual healing, but most patients return to their day-to-day activities—including work—around ten to fourteen days. Patients should refrain from strenuous exercise for two to three weeks. Vigorous activities, especially heavy lifting, should wait until you are given the safe direction from Dr. Pincus.
For more information about recovery, read our tummy tuck recovery guide blog.
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Tummy Tuck Results
The results of your tummy tuck will be visible immediately and gradually improve over time. Following your treatment, you will see an improvement to your midsection with the removal of excess skin and a tighter abdominal wall. However, more gradual results begin to surface as your body slowly heals and becomes accustomed to the changes made during the treatment. You will start to notice slimmer, more toned contours over the following weeks and months to come.
These results are long lasting, but they need to be maintained with a healthy lifestyle. If you plan to have more children, pregnancy is likely to reverse the results; therefore, tummy tuck treatment is recommended after patients have had all their children.
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Tummy Tuck Scars
Tummy tuck surgery requires a small incision in the bikini line area between the hips. More extensive tummy tuck treatments may require larger incisions. These incisions will result in minimal scarring but are placed in ways that make them easy to conceal. Incisions will fade with time.
Advice on the reduction of scar visibility will be recommended as needed. Keeping scars out of the sun and applying topical creams, silicone strips, and traditional remedies can improve their appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I the right candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
A tummy tuck is chosen by men and women who hope to sculpt their abdominal contours by eliminating excess skin and correcting weakened abdominal muscle tissue.
Ideal candidates for this procedure are close to their goal weight and have loosened, sagging, and lax skin. Candidates may have also experienced a loss of elasticity in the abdominal skin and muscles after pregnancy. Ideal candidates are non-smokers, are in good overall health, and have realistic expectations of their results.
Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight-loss procedure but, rather, a body contouring procedure. A healthy lifestyle should be practiced before and after surgery for the best results, and candidates should recognize that any cosmetic surgery is not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle.
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How should I prepare for my tummy tuck?
Before your tummy tuck treatment, you should:
- Stop smoking for at least two weeks
- Stop alcohol consumption for at least one week
- Refrain from taking blood-thinning medication and herbal supplements (such as aspirin and NSAIDs)
- Be in relatively good shape and close to your ideal weight (not obese)
- Arrange for assistance driving home and possibly childcare
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How much does tummy tuck surgery cost in New York?
The cost of tummy tuck treatment can vary significantly depending on the extensiveness of the treated area and external factors like anesthesia, facility fees, geographical region, and pre-surgical tests.
Dr. Pincus offers tummy tuck surgery for the men and women of Smithtown and surrounding areas such as Suffolk County and Long Island. He personally crafts each patient’s tummy tuck based on their body and aesthetic goals, and he can provide you with the exact cost of your abdominoplasty during your consultation. Dr. Pincus offers financing through CareCredit® ALPHAEON® to help make your treatment affordable.
Tummy tuck surgery is considered to be elective, and most insurance providers will not cover the cost of the procedure. However, David Pincus, MD, will physically examine you to determine if there is any medical reason, such as a hernia, that may qualify you for insurance coverage.
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What type of anesthesia is used for abdominoplasty?
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home shortly following their surgery.
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Can a tummy tuck address stretch marks?
Stretch marks occur when the skin is under sustained pressure. A tummy tuck has the potential to eliminate stretch marks depending on their location. Generally, stretch marks on the lower abdomen are removed with the excess skin.
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Should I get a drainless tummy tuck?
For patients concerned about a long recovery period, Dr. Pincus may recommend that they undergo a drainless tummy tuck. This expedites the recovery to reduce downtime. For more information, read our blog about the benefits of a drainless tummy tuck, and be sure to ask Dr. Pincus about it during your consultation.
