Tummy Tuck Surgery & Other Body Contouring Options
For those who are frustrated by stubborn belly pouches, other concentrated abdominal
fat, and stretched out stomach muscles, tummy tuck surgery may be a good solution. This
time-tested procedure has helped female and male patients alike attain a flatter, more
attractive midsection.
When considering body contouring options, woman should also consider the desired
aesthetic outcome and whether a certain procedure will accomplish those goals. As a
Manhattan body contouring surgeon, I have identified several key features that contribute
to the ideal female physique;
1- Hour-glass figure – Many studies have demonstrated that a waist to hip ratio of
0.6 is ideal. For any of the procedures listed below, the best way to accomplish
this goal is to consider contouring to include the abdomen, hips and back area
as well. Ignoring any of these three components will limit the overall aesthetic
outcome.
2- Feminine pillars – The quintessential female figure is not flat! A flat abdomen
looks done! A subtle amount of fat creating vertical pillars that extend from the
ribcage to the pubic area is ideal. If you look at the best swim suit models, they
will all have these pillars.
3- Vertically oriented oval shaped belly button – The ideal, youthful belly button is
an oval that has it’s long axis up and down, not side to side.
In order to achieve these goals, you may only need to address one or more aspects of your
body. Aside from tummy tuck surgery, there are other body contouring options that may
suit you as well. As a New York tummy tuck surgeon, I offer several options for patients
who wish to undergo body contouring procedures:
High lateral tension abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck) – This is a unique form of a
tummy tuck that excels in several respects. It addresses the excess fat, skin laxity, and
loose abdominal muscles that affect the appearances of post-childbirth mothers, massive
weight loss patients, and men with protruding “beer bellies.”
But more importantly, it is designed to; 1) enhance the hourglass figure by pulling skin,
muscle and fat from the lateral waist – hence the name “high lateral tension”. 2) it is
a less traumatic procedure than more conventional tummy tucks, which allows us to
perform liposuction of the abdomen, hips and back at the time of the original procedure.
This additional contouring improves the hourglass shape, as well as helping to enhance
the look of the feminine pillars. 3) The new belly button shape is vertically oriented. 4)
The design of the procedure and the minimal trauma and tension makes the scars less
noticeable . 5) finally, we can tailor the location and shape of the scars to fit within your
bikini, a real plus for those young moms looking to assume their pre=pregnancy bodies.
A full tummy tuck creates the slender, feminine waistline or masculine “washboard abs”
patients want; however, it is a major surgery that requires a hip to hip incision and results
in a scar across the abdomen. While this scar is easily concealed by clothing, it is worth
considering before committing to the procedure. Additionally, the navel is moved during
tummy tuck surgery, and a small scar may or may not result.
Partial abdominoplasty (mini-tummy tuck) – More commonly, patients demonstrate
a small degree of excess fat and weakened muscles – but unlike full tummy tuck
candidates, do not have too much extra skin. In these cases, I recommend a partial
abdominoplasty, or mini-tummy tuck.
With this technique, patients enjoy much smaller scars in the waistline and no scars
around the navel. Through a small transverse incision in the pubic area, the muscles are
tightened, the excess fat is removed and any extra skin below the navel is removed. For
patients who simply want a slimmer abdomen below the belly button, the mini-tummy
tuck can be an excellent fit.
Reverse Tummy Tuck – For that unique group of patients with excess skin above the
belly button, but not below, we can pull the excess skin upwards and anchor the skin
under the breasts. This technique is minimally invasive but leaves a scarunder each
breast, that can be easily concealed in a bikini top or brassiere.
Liposuction – While it is entirely different than tummy tuck surgery, those with good
skin tone and extra fat on the belly or hips (for example, a “muffin top”), may consider
liposuction a good alternative. As a board certified plastic surgeon, I can perform your
liposuction with skill and expertise. Please see our liposuction page for more information.
Tummy Tuck and Mommy Makeover
Specifically designed for female patients who seek to restore their post-childbirth figures,
the mommy makeover involves combining tummy tuck surgery with at least one other
procedure. For some, it is combined with liposuction; for others, breast lift surgery. The
results are beautiful; but as a New York mommy makeover surgeon, I advise all mommy
makeover patients to be certain they do not plan any future pregnancies following the
procedure.
When addressing multiple procedures, keep in mind that surgical risks increase with time
in the operating room. Try to avoid any string of procedures that last longer than 4-5
hours. As I tell all my patients, after 4 hours, I start to get tired and so will they. These are
elective procedures and we should make every effort to minimize any potential risks.
To inquire about your candidacy for any of the above procedures, please schedule an
initial consultation.
