Tummy Tuck

• Q: What’s an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck?
• Q: Why Should I Consider an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck?
• Q: How is an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Performed?
• Q: What Should I Anticipate After the Procedure?
• Q: Am I a Candidate for an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck?

Q: What’s an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a Tummy Tuck, is a body contouring operation designed to remove excess abdominal wall tissue and fat and to tighten the muscle and fascia deep to the abdominal wall. This procedure results in a flatter, thinner and tighter stomach and waistline. It is indicated for people who have excess abdominal skin and fat as well as for people with separation of the muscles of the abdominal wall. The separation of the abdominal muscles, otherwise known as abdominal wall diastasis, is a common condition that happens to women after pregnancy or is caused simply by the weakening of the abdominal wall fascia. Tightening the muscles back to preexisting shape provides a dramatic improvement to the appearance of the abdomen. Often this procedure is combined with liposuction of the “love handles” to provide an improved contour of the stomach and an hour-glass appearance of the waistline.

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Q: Why Should I Consider an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck?

• You can’t get rid of your stomach by diet and exercise alone.
• To remove the skin that has accumulated following weight loss or pregnancy.
• To remove the skin excess after gastric bypass or weight reduction surgery.
• To remove the skin of the lower stomach affected by stretch marks.
• To tighten your stomach by tightening loose abdominal wall muscles (diastasis.)
• To provide a more youthful, thinner and flatter look to your stomach.

Q: How is an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Performed?

Dr. Rayham performs Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck procedures in the hospital or ambulatory surgery settings in Manhattan/NYC, Brooklyn or Staten Island, New York. This procedure generally lasts from one and a half to four hours with the patient under a general anesthesia and asleep. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight for your safety reasons or can go home the same day depending on the extent of your operation.

There are several abdominoplasty techniques. The two major ones utilized by Dr. Rayham involve making an incision just above the pubic bone extending side to side in such a fashion so that your final scar is hidden in your underwear. Abdominal wall skin and fat is then raised over the abdominal wall fascia and muscle. As muscle and fascia is exposed it can be tightened with sutures for added cosmetic benefit. The abdominal wall skin is then pulled down and excess skin and fat is removed. The skin edges are then sutured together. The Classic Abdominoplasty technique also utilizes a cut around your belly button and repositions your belly button to a more aesthetically pleasing position. The Modified Abdominoplasty technique does not require an incision around the belly button and allows a more natural appearance of your stomach by the end of the operation. Added liposuction of the “love handles” and sometimes of the pubic area provides further refinement and improvement of the overall contour and an “hour-glass” appearance to your waistline.

Q: What Should I Anticipate After the Procedure?

Your procedure will usually last for about one and a half to four hours. Upon completion of your operation bandages and a binder will be placed around your abdomen to provide additional support and minimize the movement of the abdomen and the resultant discomfort. You may experience some pain associated with the surgery which is usually controlled well with pain medications. Upon discharge you will have prescriptions for pain medication that you will take as needed, and antibiotics that you will need to take for several days to decrease chances of infection. There are usually no sutures that need to be removed, although there will be one to two tube drains that will be removed in about a week to ten days time period. You should be able to resume your regular activities in about two weeks, although you should abstain from heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several months. It may take six months to a year for you to get completely used to your tighter stomach. Upon completion of healing process maintaining proper diet and exercise routine should assure a long lasting result.

Dr. Rayham encourages his patients to refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery. While complications are rare, Dr. Rayham will discuss the risks of your procedure with you prior to proceeding with surgery. If is important to be well-informed ahead of time. You can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given to you after surgery.

If you live in New York or nearby, you can either go home the day of your abdominoplasty procedure or stay overnight in the hospital. Our out of town patients normally stay in New York, either in the hospital or in one of our recommended hotels, and can be driven home the next day following their postoperative check-up with Dr. Rayham. If you need to fly home, Dr. Rayham would prefer you to stay in New York for at least one more day to minimize the discomfort associated with traveling.

Q: Am I a Candidate for an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck?

You may be a candidate for an Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck procedure if you have any of the above concerns and if you are in overall good health to undergo an operation. Click here if you’d like to email Dr. Rayham with a question or a concern.

We also encourage you to call us toll free 1 866 435 5357 (1 866 435 5357) , or 1 877 Dr.Rayham (1 877 377 2492) to speak with Dr. Rayham or RR Plastix New York Plastic Surgery Center experienced office staff.