Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), and Partial Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck) in New York and New Jersey

In almost all respects, pregnancy and motherhood are some of the most exciting times of a woman’s life. But the physical changes that these events bring are not always so exciting. In fact, many women are understandably distressed over their appearance, especially in the abdomen, and it is not unusual for such women to become severely depressed.

What is Abdominoplasty Plastic Surgery?

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the underlying muscles for a firmer, more toned appearance. Abdominoplasty not only enhances the overall contour of the abdomen but also improves posture and alleviates discomfort associated with weakened abdominal muscles. This operation is often sought by individuals who have experienced: 

Types of Abdominoplasty Plastic Surgery Procedures

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck focuses solely on the lower abdomen, making it ideal for patients who are at a healthy weight but struggle with excess loose skin or a small pocket of excess fat beneath the belly button. This approach involves a shorter tummy tuck scar and a less invasive correction compared to a full abdominoplasty. The mini tuck does not typically address separated abdominal muscles, making it best for individuals without significant muscle laxity or those who have not undergone substantial weight loss. It’s often recommended for patients who are looking to enhance their midsection without undergoing combined procedures or more extensive other plastic surgery procedures.

Partial Abdominoplasty

A partial abdominoplasty falls between a mini and full tummy tuck. This technique is suitable for patients who have excess abdominal tissue and mild muscle separation above and below the belly button. It allows for more correction than a mini tuck but is not as involved as a complete procedure. Patients who’ve experienced moderate changes in body shape or skin quality, such as those with stretch marks, excess abdominal skin, or minor skin laxity, may find this an effective option. During your consultation, your medical history and aesthetic goals will help guide the decision.

Complete Abdominoplasty

A complete or full tummy tuck is best suited for patients with significant concerns related to excess abdominal skin, separated abdominal muscles, and excess fat across the entire midsection. It is often performed after pregnancy or substantial weight loss, especially when excess loose skin has affected both the upper and lower abdomen. This procedure provides reshaping of the abdominal area and is commonly performed as part of combined procedures such as a mommy makeover. As one of the more comprehensive body contouring surgeries, a complete abdominoplasty can offer long-lasting results for those committed to maintaining a healthy weight post-surgery.

Am I a Candidate for a Complete or Partial Abdominoplasty?

In general, women who are in good physical health, have stable weights, do not smoke, have realistic expectations about the results, and are distressed by their appearance are good abdominoplasty candidates. Dr. Buro and Dr. Ingargiola will go into much more detail during your initial Mommy Makeover appointment.

The best candidates for partial abdominoplasties are those women who are not obese (within about 10 or 20 percent of their ideal BMI) and who have a smaller amount of excess skin and fat for a complete tummy tuck procedure, yet still too much for a stand-alone liposuction. This particular procedure works especially well for those mothers who have a fullness that is localized completely within the lower abdominal area, since this tissue can be easily removed via the more narrow incision. Dr. Buro and Dr. Ingargiola will discuss the various benefits and risks of this procedure, and help you decide if it is right for you.

As a final note, abdominoplasties are not complete substitutes for regular exercise or healthy weight loss. Moreover, for the most part, tummy tucks do not address stretch marks, unless these marks are on the same areas Dr. Buro and Dr. Ingargiola remove.

Let Us Reshape Your Body

As either a stand-alone procedure or part of a Mommy Makeover, abdominoplasty has transformative physical and emotional effects, remaking you from the outside to the inside. Contact Dr. Buro and Dr. Ingargiola today to schedule your personal consultation. You can contact him online or by phone at (845) 623-6141.

Am I a Perfect Fit for Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty?

There are a multitude of factors that determine tummy tuck candidacy. Good overall health is a primary factor that makes an individual eligible for tummy tuck surgery; this includes being at a stable body weight, being a non-smoker, and having realistic expectations of what the procedure can achieve. Beyond this, there are a few other key factors Dr. Buro and Dr. Ingargiola will evaluate during your consultation:

1. You Have Extra Skins and Fats

If you have loose, sagging skin and stubborn pockets of fat in your abdominal area that don’t respond to diet and exercise, abdominoplasty may be a suitable option. The main focus of this procedure is to remove excess skin and fat to create a smoother, more toned midsection.

2. You’re Not Planning on Losing a Lot of Weight Soon

Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty are those close to their goal weight and do not plan on significant weight loss in the near future. Maintaining a stable weight ensures the best and longest-lasting results from the surgery.

3. You’re Not Planning for Future Pregnancies

Women who do not plan on having more children are better suited for abdominoplasty, as future pregnancies can stretch the skin and muscles, potentially compromising the results. It’s best to wait until you’re done having children to undergo this procedure for optimal, lasting results.

What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck?

After they deliver their babies, many new moms rely on exercise and diet to help them obtain the flat and well-toned abdomen that they had in their pre-pregnancy days. After all, they reason, these things flattened my stomach before, so they should work again. However, a loose and saggy tummy is often the result of the skin being stretched from pregnancy as opposed to fat deposits, so pregnancy-related abdominal issues may never respond to diet and exercise.

A complete abdominoplasty greatly enhances the abdomen’s appearance by removing excess fat and skin near the surface and tightening the abdominal muscles for new mothers with sections of loose skin or fat that have been consistently unresponsive to diet and exercise. Most mothers with pregnancy-related loose muscles or stretched skin see results almost immediately.

In a partial abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” Dr. Buro and Dr. Ingargiola uses a smaller incision and only lifts the skin to the area immediately around the navel. The results are targeted to a specific area of the stomach, and recovery time is usually shorter.