Body Procedures

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Tummy Tuck | Abdominoplasty | Long Island Abdominoplasty, often called a "tummy tuck," is a very popular surgery in America. Tummy tucks help flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. Our doctors have been performing abdominoplasties with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under our doctors' exceptional care.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven't responded well to diet and exercise. We can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.

Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty.

We also encourage patients who intend to lose a lot of weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.

Customized Treatment for Optimal Cosmetic Results
We take the time during every pre-operative consultation to learn what each patient wants to achieve from a tummy tuck, both for their bodies and for their self-confidence. By listening to what patients have to say and closely examining them rather than performing a one-size-fits-all procedure on every person, we provide patients with completely customized treatment that takes into account their specific goals.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Abdominoplasty takes approximately two to five hours under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. He or she will separate the skin from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. He or she will stretch the skin flap down and over the newly tightened muscles, remove excess skin, and reattach the navel in a natural position. Finally, he or she will close the incisions and apply sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.

Recovery after Abdominoplasty
After surgery, compression garments are worn and a temporary tube may be inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months. You should limit strenuous activities for at least six weeks, and may need to take off from work for up to a month. Dr. Rhee will give you specific instructions for your individual recovery. Following these instructions can help speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of any post-surgery complications.

Tummy Tuck Results
Abdominoplasty will leave a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip. We are very careful to make the incision low enough for even a bikini to conceal the scar. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting.

Risks of Abdominoplasty
Though rare, post-operative complications from surgery are possible. They may include infection, blood clots, and poor healing, which may require further surgery.

Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the procedure. A scar revision procedure after abdominoplasty may minimize the appearance of an unsightly scar.

Partial Abdominoplasty ("Mini-Tummy Tuck")

Mini Tummy Tuck | Abdominoplasty | Long Island Abdominoplasty enhances the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles for patients with pockets of fat or loose skin that have not responded to traditional diet and exercise, including those who have undergone weight loss surgery or women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy.

Partial abdominoplasty, or "mini tummy tuck", is similar to the regular tummy tuck procedure, except it involves a shorter incision and the skin is only lifted to the navel, which does not have to be moved.

The "mini" procedure is ideal for patients who need just a little improvement in order to reach their desired results, such as those within 10% of their ideal body weight. It offers patients many benefits, including less scarring, shorter recovery times and an overall less invasive procedure. You can discuss the differences between these procedures, as well as weigh their benefits and risks with Dr. Rhee in order to decide which procedure is best for you.

The partial abdominoplasty procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the amount of fat and skin being removed, as well as the overall health and preference of the patient.

During the procedure, Dr. Rhee will create a small incision above the pubic area, instead of the hip-to-hip incision needed for a full abdominoplasty. This procedure also eliminates the need for an incision around the navel. The skin is lifted up to the navel to remove localized fat and tighten muscles in the lower abdominal area. Depending on the amount of fat removal needed, liposuction may be used for a less invasive removal. The navel does not have to be repositioned with this less invasive procedure.

The incisions are then closed with sutures, and small drains may be inserted to reduce the risk of fluid buildup in the area. The entire procedure usually takes one to two hours to perform, which is much shorter than a full abdominoplasty.

If you are interested in learning more about our Tummy Tuck Procedures, call 631-424-6707 today to schedule an appointment.