ABOUT Tummy Tuck
Achieve a Flatter, Tighter Stomach with a Tummy Tuck
If you desire a tighter, leaner midsection, Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S provides tummy tuck surgery at his offices serving Long Island, NY, Manhattan, NY, and the greater New York City area. Choosing a tummy tuck surgeon requires careful consideration. Dr. Greenberg is an expert in abdominoplasty and successfully completes many tummy tucks each week. He uses only the latest techniques in obtaining the most firm, flat, and smooth stomach possible.
Dr. Greenberg is the New York metropolitan area’s premier cosmetic surgeon with offices in Manhattan and Woodbury, Long Island. He has been featured in many print media and news specials on his outstanding results in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Greenberg takes pride in helping patients achieve the look and self-confidence they desire.
A Tummy Tuck Can Deliver a Sculpted Waist and Flatter Stomach
What Is A Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Greenberg offers tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures for patients seeking a tighter, more sculpted figure around their waist and stomach. Patients left with excess, loose skin around their midsection following childbirth or weight loss find it extremely difficult to eliminate the unwanted skin and fat without a surgical procedure. Dr. Greenberg’s goal is to not only remove the excess, but to also tighten the abdominal walls, to help patients achieve beautiful, curvy, contours.
Things to Consider Prior to Undergoing Procedure
Tummy tucks are body contouring procedures performed on men and women who have loose skin and fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Ideal patients have lost skin elasticity and have excessive hanging skin due to weight fluctuation, or childbirth, that can only be corrected with a tummy tuck. If you are a candidate for a tummy tuck, you should be close to your ideal weight and, in most cases, not be planning to have any more children. Dr. Greenberg also performs mini tummy tucks on those patients who have a problem only in the lower part of their abdomen.
The results of this procedure are almost immediate and you will notice your tighter, firmer stomach as soon as you leave the operating room. Unless you gain excessive weight, your new shape will be long lasting. Your incision will leave you with a permanent scar just above your pubic area that will fade over time. The scar can usually be easily hidden under a bathing suit and clothing. If you have any questions about tummy tucks, you can ask them during a consultation at our office.
More About the Procedure
Dr. Greenberg will discuss the entire tummy tuck surgery with you and answer any questions that you may have until you feel completely comfortable with the procedure. Pre-operative instructions will be explained to you about one week before your scheduled surgery. Your tummy tuck will be performed in a hospital or in Dr. Greenberg’s fully licensed operating facility. You will be taken care of by a team of specially trained nurses in this field. Tummy tucks usually take about three hours to complete.
What to Expect in Recovery
Recovering following your tummy tuck procedure is a process that Dr. Greenberg will discuss with you prior to the procedure. After your surgery you will be able to rest comfortably in our recovery room until you are ready to go home, where in many cases a nurse will be offered to you to help throughout the night. At this time, post-operative instructions will be explained to you and Dr. Greenberg will see you the following day in his office and a few more times throughout the next two weeks. You will probably be slightly swollen and will experience some pain for a few days, but medication will be prescribed to keep you comfortable. You will need to rest for about one week, and normal activities can be resumed within a couple of weeks. To have a better idea of what you can look like after you recover, you can view photos of previous patients to see incredible before and afters of tummy tuck procedures.
During Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S will spend a great deal of time with you discussing tummy tuck surgery. He will examine you to determine if you’re a candidate for this procedure and exactly what can be done to improve your body contours. Dr. Greenberg will show you where the incision will be made. He will show pre-operative and post-operative pictures of his patients who have had tummy tucks. Dr. Greenberg will make a decision on whether the tummy tuck procedure should be done in the hospital or in his office ambulatory operating facility. If the procedure is performed in the office surgery center, you will have the option of staying in our state-of-the-art, luxurious overnight suite. Each of your needs will be catered to and the finest of care provided.
Dr. Greenberg is caring and honest and he will make you feel extremely comfortable at your initial consultation. He can also provide a cost estimate at this time. Dr. Greenberg and his staff are specialized in cosmetic surgery and are helpful, understanding, and are always available to assist you at any time. Dr. Greenberg will be happy to see you in one of his three state of the art New York facilities in Southampton or Woodbury, Long Island or Manhattan.
During your consultation, you will discuss the many benefits of tummy tuck surgery and determine whether this treatment is right for you. For some patients, this surgery can make an amazing difference in their lives, improving their confidence and their overall quality of life.
FAQ’s – Tummy Tuck: Questions and Answers
Do you have questions about a Tummy Tuck. As the New York metropolitan area’s premier cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Greenberg has preformed many tummy tuck procedures over the years. Here are some common questions, and medical answers about the safe and effective tummy tuck procedure.
You should sleep with the head of the bed elevated and knees bent at all times for one week.
You should walk bent over to avoid putting stress on you abdominal sutures.
The stitches are all absorbable.
You will be able to shower 48 hours after the procedure.
You have to wear the binder for fours weeks after surgery.
The drains are in for about one week.
You should empty the drains every 12 hours, and you need to record the amount of drainage from each drain.
You may work out four weeks from your surgery date.
You must finish all the antibotics and take all other medications as needed.
A flatter, toned, and more attractive stomach and waistline can give you a huge boost of confidence and reduce your self-conscious concerns about showing off your midsection.
Targeted Treatment: The Mini Tummy Tuck
Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg tailors his body contouring procedures to suit the unique needs of each patient. In addition to traditional abdominoplasty, Dr. Greenberg also offers mini tummy tuck surgery at his Long Island, NY-area practice. This procedure can greatly benefit patients who would like to be permanently rid of that stubborn post-pregnancy tummy or boost their confidence with a new, streamlined shape. Mini tummy tuck surgery also offers benefits like a shorter recovery and less visible scarring.
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Similar to a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat that can give you an unwanted pooch in your lower abdomen. In addition to tightening slackened abdominal muscles, this surgery can provide an overall sleeker, more contoured look.
The primary difference between traditional abdominoplasty and the mini tummy tuck is the extent of treatment. The mini tummy tuck procedure treats the lower abdomen only, targeting the area between the belly button and pubic bone. A full tummy tuck will include the waist and also may remove love handles along your hips and back.
A mini tummy tuck targets the area between the navel and the pubic bone.
Benefits and Candidacy
With a mini tummy tuck, we can address your concerns and forgo unnecessary or more extensive surgery. While a full abdominoplasty may require two separate incisions and the repositioning of the belly button, the mini approach is a less complex procedure. A mini tummy tuck is performed with a single, smaller incision just above the pubic bone. The resulting scar is typically easy to conceal in clothing and bathing suits.
The benefits of a mini tuck include:
- Less invasive surgery
- Quicker and easier healing
- Lower cost than traditional abdominoplasty
Candidates for a mini tummy tuck are generally fit, are at or very near a healthy weight, and do not plan on becoming pregnant in the future. Their primary cosmetic concern is a protruding or slack lower abdomen that has not responded to diet and exercise. Pregnancy or a previous weight gain may have taken a toll, leaving loose, hanging skin and fat in this specific trouble spot.
Treatment and Aftercare
When you choose Dr. Greenberg for body sculpting, you are in the best of hands. Our doctor is a renowned expert in the cosmetic surgery arena, and is a published author (A Little Nip, A Little Tuck) and trusted authority on media topics pertaining to surgical enhancements of all kinds. Dr. Greenberg provides custom treatment recommendations in a personal consultation where he can assess your needs and discuss your cosmetic goals.
The mini tummy tuck is generally performed in our outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation so you remain comfortable throughout the whole procedure. During surgery, Dr. Greenberg will remove excess skin and tighten slack muscle and, if desired, further contour the area with liposuction.
A mini tummy tuck can greatly benefit patients who would like to be permanently rid of that stubborn post-pregnancy tummy or boost their confidence with a new, streamlined shape.
Although the mini tummy tuck is less extensive, like any type of surgery, it requires appropriate aftercare. You should allow for a recovery period of two to four weeks, but patients can usually return to a non-strenuous job within one week.
You could see a slimmer silhouette immediately, and after recovery, enjoy the full benefits of your newly toned appearance. As long as you stay within a normal weight range, you can expect your flattering new contours to last for years.
The Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery is designed to give you the beautifully sleek midsection you desire, and help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg can refine the tissues of your midsection and reduce excess skin and fat to create a lean and attractive abdominal area. Tummy tuck surgery can be a great option for patients who have experienced massive weight loss or pregnancy, and cannot achieve a toned midsection through diet and exercise alone. To learn more about the many benefits of tummy tuck surgery and the importance of choosing a skilled surgeon, contact Dr. Greenberg’s Long Island, NYC, office today.
Beautiful, Long-lasting Results
When you choose Dr. Greenberg to perform you tummy tuck, you can expect many significant benefits. Dr. Greenberg is a leader in his field who has helped many tummy tuck patients achieve:
- Long-lasting Results: With a healthy diet and regular exercise, you can maintain the smooth, sleek results of abdominoplasty for many years.
- Enhanced Self-confidence: Your abdominoplasty is designed to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. For patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight, excess skin can be a daily burden. Tummy tuck surgery can complete your body transformation, helping you fully experience the benefits of your achievement.
- Better-fitting Clothing: Excess skin can be a burden when it comes to the fit of your clothes. Tummy tuck surgery smoothes your abdomen so that pants, shirts, dresses, and other clothing items fit better.
- Tightened Abdominal Muscles: In addition to tightening your abdominal skin, Dr. Greenberg also tightens your underlying abdominal muscles during surgery. Your abdomen will feel tighter and firmer after surgery.
We believe that every patient deserves to feel beautiful in his or her skin. To help you afford your tummy tuck surgery and enjoy its many benefits, we offer CareCredit℠ patient financing. Dr. Greenberg will provide you with an up-front cost estimate during your initial consultation so that you can determine if this investment is right for your needs and your lifestyle.
How Tummy Tuck Surgery is Performed
If you are interested in a tummy tuck, you can undergo a consultation with Dr. Greenberg to decide if the procedure is the best option for you. If you have excess, drooping skin around your midsection that remains after substantial weight loss, this surgery can create the tightened, contoured appearance you desire. Once Dr. Greenberg has determined that you are a candidate for tummy tuck, we can schedule your surgery.
During tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Greenberg will create an incision just above your pelvic area that extends horizontally across your abdomen. The length of your incision depends upon the amount of lifting you require. Some incisions are a few inches in length, while others may extend from one hip to another. Through this incision, Dr. Greenberg will carefully lift and tighten the tissues of your abdomen to create the contours you desire. He may also incorporate liposuction. He will carefully remove any excess tissue and suture your incision closed.
If you have decided that a tummy tuck is right for you, choosing a tummy tuck surgeon who is skilled and experienced is the first and most important step you will take to achieving a flatter, more toned abdomen. This procedure is a major operation that requires exceptional artistry and expertise from a surgeon who is trustworthy and dependable. Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery in Long Island, NY, is a nationally renowned surgeon recognized for helping patients attain desirable results with tummy tucks and other body contouring procedures.
Important Questions to Ask When Seeking a Surgeon
When looking for a tummy tuck surgeon in the area, there are some important questions to ask the surgical facility and/or doctor you are interviewing. Each of these questions provides a different aspect insight to the surgeon’s level of experience and patient satisfaction rate.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable with the answers to these questions, that is generally a good sign to continue your search. Additional questions you may want to ask include:
- Are you certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery?
- How did you train in the procedure I am considering?
- How long have you been performing this procedure?
- How many times have you performed this type of procedure?
- Can I see before and after photos?
- May I see a list of referrals?
- Which technique do you use?
Also, ask if you will have a private pre-surgical appointment with the surgeon beforehand and how long that consultation will be. This will give you a better understanding of the surgeon’s bedside manner and compassion. Choosing a surgeon who treats you like an individual and not just another surgery case will bring peace of mind and in most cases, deliver better results.
Having your procedure performed by an experienced surgeon will not only provide you with optimal results, but significantly reduce your chance for complications.
Determining your budget beforehand will also help you in choosing a surgeon. Think about the credibility and experience of the doctor and how this may affect the overall cost. Selecting the most expensive surgeon does not always mean you are getting the best. However, it is also recommended that you do not choose a surgeon fresh to the field of cosmetic surgery.
Why You Should Choose Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S
As a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Greenberg is extremely qualified in performing your tummy tuck procedure.
Having your procedure performed by an experienced surgeon in a state-of-the-art surgical facility will not only provide you with optimal results, but significantly reduce your chance for complications. Dr. Greenberg will meet with you during a private consultation to discuss the procedure at length, answering any questions you may have. He will also use this time to review your cosmetic goals in order to personalize the tummy tuck procedure to your skin tone, body structure, and individualized needs. Dr. Greenberg’s eye for detail combined with his extensive experience will help you achieve the most natural-looking results.
Tummy Tuck Cost: Budgeting For a Lean Midsection
If you are at a healthy weight, but your midsection is affected by excess skin, fat, and separated abdominal muscles, you may be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. Dr. Stephen T. Greenbergproudly offers this procedure as a way to remove extra skin and fat, and tighten weakened muscles to achieve a lean, toned midsection. Tummy tuck cost will vary depending on the extent of treatment and other factors. It is important to remember that a tummy tuck is an investment in your appearance, confidence, and quality of life, and you should never compromise your goals in the interest of saving money. Choosing a tummy tuck surgeon who is skilled in the procedure is your most important consideration. To learn more about what you can expect to pay for a tummy tuck, schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenberg today.
A Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a process of tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess fat and skin from the midsection. It usually incorporates liposuction. It is popular among women who have had children but do not plan to have more, and patients who have lost a significant amount of weight.
Tummy tucks can be minimal (sometimes called a mini tummy tuck), moderate, or extensive, depending on the patient’s needs.
Determining Tummy Tuck Cost
Each tummy tuck procedure is unique, and Dr. Greenberg will tailor your treatment to meet your needs and cosmetic goals. For this reason, costs will vary. The final price of your tummy tuck will be determined by:
- The extent of treatment needed: The cost of abdominoplasty is always relative to the amount of time required to perform surgery. Because mini tummy tucks require less time than an extensive tummy tuck, they typically cost less.
- Anesthesia: The costs of sedation will fluctuate depending on the duration of surgery. Tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia, and Dr. Greenberg works with a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure your safety.
- Additional procedures: Many times, patients choose to have a tummy tuck in conjunction with another body contouring procedure. Of course, these additional treatments will affect the final price.
A Tummy Tuck Can Be a Great Investment
For many patients, tummy tucks can be a life-changing procedure. It is important to look upon this treatment as a personal investment. Although tummy tucks do not guarantee that you will not gain weight in the future, with proper diet and exercise, you could enjoy a flatter stomach for many years to come.
It is especially important to consider your tummy tuck an investment if you have recently lost a significant amount of weight. Following this journey, you deserve a body that reflects your achievement, and a tummy tuck can give you the figure you have worked hard to achieve.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is very important to choose an outstanding surgeon with a proven track record of providing excellent results. Do not compromise your goals or your choice of surgeon in the interest of saving money. By choosing the options most likely to provide the results you want, you can actually save money by reducing the risk of needing revision surgery.
Carefully Guided Tummy Tuck Recovery From a Doctor You Can Trust
To ensure that you achieve the very best results, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg will guide you through your tummy tuck recovery following your procedure at our Manhattan, NYC, facility. We recognize choosing a tummy tuck surgeon is a serious decision, and it is extremely important to us that you are comfortable during every step of your cosmetic procedure and recovery. Dr. Greenberg, known for his expertise in the field of cosmetic surgery, has been successfully performing tummy tuck surgeries safely and effectively for many years. Considered a major cosmetic procedure, your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) will require diligent postoperative care. However, you can expect to achieve a smooth recovery with minimal risks, soon returning to your daily activities with a beautifully contoured abdomen.
What to Expect After Your Tummy Tuck
At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that excess skin and fat can be extremely frustrating, especially if you consistently exercise and eat healthy. In such cases, Dr. Greenberg is trained and equipped to perform a safe and effective tummy tuck, where he will remove the excess fat and skin. If necessary, can also repair weakened abdominal muscles.
Considered a major cosmetic procedure, your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) will require diligent postoperative care.
After your surgery is performed, Dr. Greenberg will give you postoperative instructions. If you follow these guidelines carefully, you can expect a full recovery in a matter of months. During your recovery, it is vital that you:
- Get enough rest
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress
- Drink plenty of water to minimize bloating and constipation
- Take medication as prescribed to minimize pain and discomfort
- Regularly ice to avoid inflammation
- Empty surgical drains two or three times a day to avoid infection
- Wear your compression garment for at least a month
- Limit sodium intake to minimize swelling
- Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated
- Walk daily to prevent blood clots
To minimize pain, discomfort, and infection, it is very important that you avoid certain foods and activities, such as:
- Showering for two to three days, or until cleared by the doctor
- Alcohol or smoking for at least two weeks after surgery
- Tight fitting clothing around waist and stomach
- Strenuous daily activity and exercise
- Processed foods and soda
- Driving until cleared by the doctor
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
Each patient responds to surgery differently, but below is an outlined timeline we give our patients to better understand tummy tuck recovery. We also recommend that you have someone stay with you to assist you the first few nights.
- Days 1-2: Ice and take medication as directed. You can expect bloating, swelling, and mild discomfort in your abdominal area. Return 24 hours after surgery so Dr. Greenberg can empty your drains and monitor your progress.
- Week 1: Continue to ice, take medication, empty drains, and wear your compression garment. You can expect mild discomfort, bruising, and swelling.
- Weeks 2-3: Dr. Greenberg will remove your sutures and drains, and you can begin scar treatment. You may still have some swelling, but pain and bruising will fade. If you are responding well to treatment, you can expect release to drive and return to work.
- Months 1-3: You can begin light exercise four weeks after surgery, but continue avoiding strenuous exercise until week six. As your abdomen begins to feel more normal, you will notice a boost in energy.
- Months 3-6: Depending on the type of tummy tuck you had performed, or if you combined your procedure with liposuction, an arm lift, or thigh lift, it could take six months to a year before you completely heal.
Final Results and Scarring
Due to what is involved in a tummy tuck procedure, scars are unavoidable. However, Dr. Greenberg is a qualified surgeon who is passionate about delivering natural-looking results for his patients. He will make your incisions in such a way that they are easily hidden by your underwear or swimsuit. With time, your scars will flatten and fade.
Selecting Dr. Greenberg and his team and diligently following your postoperative care will ensure minimal scarring and a quick recovery with results you are happy with.
