Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in NYC
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat, tighten weakened abdominal muscles, and create a firmer, more toned midsection. Whether you’ve experienced weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, this procedure can restore your flat stomach and tighten sagging skin.
Table of Contents
Tummy Tuck: Before & After
Why Patients Trust Dr. Wiser
NYC & Israeli Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mount Sinai Elmhurst
Advanced techniques for natural-looking results
Thousands of successful
procedures
Benefits of Tummy Tuck?
Removes Loose, Hanging Skin – After weight loss or pregnancy, the skin around the midsection often loses its elasticity. A tummy tuck removes excess skin for a smoother, firmer appearance.
Eliminates Stubborn Fat – Even with a healthy diet and exercise, some fat deposits are resistant to traditional weight-loss methods. A tummy tuck can target stubborn fat for a sleeker waistline.
Tightens Abdominal Muscles – Pregnancy and significant weight fluctuations can cause muscle separation (diastasis recti), leading to a bulging stomach. A tummy tuck repairs and tightens the abdominal muscles, creating a stronger core and a more defined midsection.
Improves Posture & Reduces Back Pain – By reinforcing the core muscles, a tummy tuck can improve posture, which may also help alleviate lower back pain caused by muscle weakness.
Boosts Confidence & Self-Image – Many individuals struggle with self-esteem due to loose skin and an undefined midsection. A tummy tuck helps patients feel more confident in their bodies, allowing them to wear fitted clothing and swimwear with ease.
For those looking for a permanent solution to sagging skin and weakened muscles, a tummy tuck offers long-lasting, transformative results. To determine if this procedure is right for you, consult with Dr. Itay Wiser to discuss your goals and expectations.
Types of Tummy Tucks
A full tummy tuck, also known as a traditional abdominoplasty, is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat, tighten abdominal muscles, and reshape the waistline for a flatter, more toned midsection.
This procedure is ideal for individuals struggling with loose skin, weakened muscles, and stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
During a full abdominoplasty, a horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen, typically from hip to hip, strategically placed to be hidden under underwear or swimwear. The abdominal muscles are tightened, creating a firm core, and excess skin and fat are removed. The belly button is repositioned to maintain a natural-looking navel placement.
A full tummy tuck is the gold standard for individuals seeking a completely flat stomach, whether due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. This transformational procedure not only enhances physical appearance but also improves core strength and confidence.
A mini tummy tuck, also known as a mini abdominoplasty, is a less invasive alternative to a full tummy tuck. It is ideal for individuals with mild skin laxity and muscle weakness in the lower abdomen but who do not require a full abdominoplasty.
An extended tummy tuck, also called an extended abdominoplasty, is designed for individuals with significant excess skin and fat that extends beyond the abdomen to the flanks (love handles) and lower back. This procedure is commonly performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose, sagging skin.
Who is a Good Candidate for an Extended Tummy Tuck?
An extended abdominoplasty is best for:
Post-weight loss patients with hanging skin around the abdomen, flanks, and lower back
Women post-pregnancy who have experienced severe abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
Patients with stubborn fat deposits in the waistline, flanks, and lower back
Individuals looking for a dramatic body transformation
A plus-size tummy tuck, also called a plus-size abdominoplasty, is designed for patients with larger amounts of excess skin and fat, typically after significant weight loss or pregnancy. This procedure helps reshape the abdomen while enhancing the natural body proportions.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Plus Size Tummy Tuck?
A plus-size tummy tuck is ideal for:
Individuals with a BMI slightly above 30 who still qualify for surgery
Post-weight loss patients with hanging abdominal skin
Plus-size women and men seeking a more contoured waistline
Patients with back pain or skin irritation caused by excess abdominal skin
A tummy tuck for men, also known as male abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat, tighten abdominal muscles, and create a firmer, more defined midsection.
This procedure is particularly beneficial for men who have experienced significant weight loss, struggle with stubborn belly fat, or want to improve their body contour after aging or lifestyle changes.
A reverse tummy tuck, also known as reverse abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin from the upper abdomen, lifting and tightening the upper belly while preserving the natural contours of the body.
Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, which focuses on the lower abdomen, a reverse tummy tuck tightens the upper abdominal skin, creating a smooth, toned appearance.
A reverse tummy tuck is often combined with breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction (Links) to achieve a comprehensive upper body transformation. By addressing both the upper abdomen and breasts, patients can achieve a youthful, contoured silhouette with smoother skin and a more balanced appearance.
Panniculectomy – Removing the Belly Pannus
A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, particularly for patients with a belly pannus (an apron of excess skin). Unlike a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy does not tighten abdominal muscles but focuses solely on skin removal.
People choose a panniculectomy for both medical and cosmetic reasons. The belly pannus, which often results from significant weight loss, aging, or pregnancy, can cause several physical and medical issues
Is Panniculectomy Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance providers cover panniculectomy if the procedure is deemed medically necessary—such as when the belly pannus causes rashes, infections, or mobility issues. To determine if panniculectomy is covered by insurance, you may need to provide documentation of medical need.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction – What’s the Best Solution for Belly Fat?
If you’re struggling with stubborn belly fat, you might be wondering whether a tummy tuck or liposuction is the right choice. Here’s the key difference:
Liposuction is designed to remove fat deposits from the stomach, waist, and other areas, but it does not address loose skin or muscle separation.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) removes excess fat and sagging skin while also tightening weakened abdominal muscles—ideal for those with loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy.
Combination Procedures: Many patients benefit from a tummy tuck with liposuction, ensuring both fat removal and skin tightening for a fully sculpted midsection.
Tummy Tuck Cost & Financing
Each tummy tuck surgery is customized to the patient so pricing can vary depending on several factors including any combined procedures and the expected length of surgery. During your initial consultation, you will receive pricing details and a comprehensive treatment plan
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3-4
Week 6-8
3-6 months
Is Tummy Tuck Painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort in the first few days following surgery, but this is easily managed with prescribed pain medication.
To further minimize post-operative pain, Dr. Itay Wiser utilizes an advanced nerve block technique during surgery. This temporarily numbs the surgical area, significantly reducing discomfort for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. Patients who receive a nerve block often report a smoother, more comfortable recovery with less reliance on pain medication.
📌 Dr. Wiser’s focus on patient comfort ensures that you experience the easiest and most pain-free recovery possible.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Are there any risks or complications associated with tummy tuck surgery?
All surgery carries with it some expected risks. Dr Itay Wiser will discuss these individual issues with you at your consultation or pre surgical appointment. Dr Itay Wiser is extremely skilled and experienced with tummy tuck procedures and will make every effort to minimize these risks. Risks can be further minimized by patients strictly adhering to the surgeon’s instructions both before and after the procedure. All aspects of tummy tuck surgery, including the risk of complications, will be discussed in detail at your initial consultation.
Is tummy tuck surgery covered by insurance?
Cosmetic tummy tuck surgery is not covered by healthcare insurance. However, tummy tuck surgery can be combined with other surgeries such as panniculectomy (removal of excess skin after massive weight loss without tightening the abdominal muscles) or breast reduction partially covering the cost of the procedure. Some out-of-pocket costs for the patient need to be expected. Our experienced surgical coordinators will walk every patient through this process and help with all details making it as easy as possible.
Are tummy tuck surgery results permanent?
After tummy tuck surgery, your results are permanent provided that you maintain your weight. The excess skin removed from your abdomen won’t return unless a pregnancy or significant weight gain stretches this skin again.
Can tummy tuck surgery remove stretch marks?
Yes, tummy tuck surgery can remove some stretch marks. However, only the stretch marks on the skin excised from the abdomen will be removed.
Will I have scars after abdominoplasty?
Yes, but they are strategically placed and fade over time with proper care.
Can I get a tummy tuck after a C-section?
Yes, many women opt for a C-section tummy tuck to remove excess skin and tighten muscles after pregnancy.
Can men get a tummy tuck?
Yes, male abdominoplasty is a great option for men seeking a sculpted, toned midsection.
How much weight can you lose with a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, but it can remove several pounds of excess skin and fat.
Can I have a tummy tuck after weight loss?
Yes, post-weight loss tummy tucks are ideal for removing sagging skin after significant weight reduction.
What’s the difference between a tummy tuck and a panniculectomy?
Tummy tuck tightens muscles and removes skin.
Panniculectomy only removes excess skin without muscle tightening.