A Woman posing after her abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedureA tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is the ideal choice for women and men who are bothered by the loose and saggy appearance of their stomachs. When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck is able to provide natural-looking results that improve the appearance of the patient’s whole figure. At Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, we have provided numerous patients with amazing results from their tummy tuck in New York City.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

A flabby abdomen is due not only to fat, but to poor elasticity of the skin, excess skin, and stretching of the inner girdle of connective tissue fascia and abdominal muscles rectus muscles that extend from the ribs to the pubic bone. This inner girdle, which holds the internal organs in place, is responsible for the tone and appearance of the abdomen.

Particularly after this fascia has been stretched during pregnancy or weight gain, the abdomen protrudes. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten slack fascia.

Dr. Shafer’s experience ensures he can offer the best Tummy Tuck New York City patients can look forward to. During your consultation in his Manhattan office, he will meet and speak with you about your desired results.

Key Facts

Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Length of procedure: Up to 3 hours
Length of stay: Usually home the same day
Discomfort: Mild to moderate, controlled with pain medications
Anticipate: Swelling up to 6 weeks that could take up to 3 months to resolve completely
Final result: 3 months
Duration of results: Usually lasting, unless substantial weight gain or pregnancy occurs

Tummy Tuck Photo - Dr. Shafer
Tummy Tuck Photo - Dr. Shafer

View Tummy Tuck Gallery

A tummy tuck also can remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the belly button. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour of flanks or hips. A tummy tuck may narrow the waist, but not the hips. To achieve a balance between the two, the surgeon may recommend liposuction of the hips and thighs at the same time.

Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck

Candidates for abdominoplasty must abstain from all nicotine products and avoid secondhand smoke for at least six weeks before and after surgery, and refrain from taking aspirin three weeks before and after surgery. Your tummy tuck will be performed in Dr. Shafer’s surgery center located in Manhattan.

What to Expect

Abdominoplasty entails removing most of the skin and fat between the belly button and pubic hair in a horizontal oval or elliptical shape. The fascia, which overlies the abdominal muscles, will be tightened with permanent sutures.

The skin around the belly button will then be repositioned. The belly button will be brought out through a small incision and sutured in its normal position. The incision from hip to hip above the pubic hair will be stitched together and will leave a scar that falls along the natural crease within the bikini line. The length and visibility of the scar vary from person to person.

Recovering from a Tummy Tuck

Drains may be placed during surgery to prevent fluid collection seromas. In some cases, drains are left beneath the skin for several weeks following surgery. Patients will be instructed on how to empty and care for drains. They will also wear a supportive garment, called an abdominal binder, for four to six weeks after surgery. This helps prevent fluid buildup and provides abdominal support during healing.

Bruising and swelling around the abdomen are to be expected and will subside over the coming weeks. Most patients will need around two or more weeks of recovery before they can resume their normal activities. Strenuous activities like exercise will need to be avoided for longer.

Tummy Tuck Left with No Stretchmarks – New York

5 5 Star Rating

OK I am giving this Doc 5 stars! I know u see 5 stars and u think no way, no one is perfect, right? well in plastic surgery world this Doc is the best. A magician! Talented! I went in for a tummy tuck on 1/20/12 and couldn’t be more pleased. My results have been amazing. Sure went through the pain and soreness but now I am at week 2 and I am jumping up and down from joy from how the line looks and how he has been there every step of the way during my recovery. No question is too silly or too urgent this Doc will always answer! I am 33, a 17YR old son, and had a lot of stretch marks. Conclusion: 0 stretch marks (thanks Doc!) maybe like 1 left on the hip side but hey I’d take that over the bunch I had on my stomach. And at week 2 I am healing nicely but what amazes me the most is the LINE the LINE the LINE – it is as thin as can be and again 0 stretchmarks!! I am very happy w, Dr. Shafer. I can honestly say he did an amazing job!

 

by TTgirl1

RealSelf Q&A with David Shafer, MD

Cost of a New York City Tummy Tuck

The cost of an NYC tummy tuck can vary. As an experienced New York City plastic surgeon, Dr. Shafer will meet with you in his Manhattan office to discuss the cost of the surgery. We accept payments by cash and credit card, as well as financing options through CareCredit.

Schedule a Consultation for Your Tummy Tuck

Contact Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue today to schedule a consultation for one of the best tummy tucks New York City has to offer. Dr. David Shafer is a double board-certified and award-winning New York City plastic Surgeon. He is dedicated to providing our patients with the personalized surgical care they are in need of.

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