Remove Extra Skin and Fat For a Toned Midsection
Whether caused by pregnancy, weight changes, or aging, loose skin and excess fat around your waist and abdomen can be reduced with an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. At The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, tummy tuck surgery is performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Susan M. Gannon.
Types of Tummy Tucks
Dr. Gannon provides patients from Albany, Syracuse, Troy, Schenectady, and throughout the Capital Region with multiple approaches to tummy tuck surgery:
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is more limited in its degree of correction, typically involving shorter incisions and, therefore, shorter scars. Also called a partial tummy tuck, it is best for individuals who do not require muscle repair and who have only a minimal amount of excess skin that is limited to the lower abdomen (below the belly button).
Full Tummy Tuck
Also known as a complete tummy tuck, this version of the procedure offers more comprehensive benefits for people who need both skin removal and muscle tightening. It requires a longer incision that runs between the pelvic bones, and it produces more substantial changes.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck provides the same improvements as the full tummy tuck but continues all the way around the waist. It’s a common choice for patients who have undergone massive weight loss. The incision is placed as low as possible so that the resulting scar is covered by bathing suits and undergarments. The extended tummy tuck can be performed as part of an even more comprehensive circumferential body lift, which provides improvement around the entire body.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right For Me?
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are in good overall health and at or near a healthy body weight. Many patients choose this procedure after pregnancy or significant weight loss when loose abdominal skin and weakened muscles remain despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
It is also excellent for repairing stretched or separated abdominal muscles that cause the abdomen to protrude, for reshaping a stretched belly button, and for improving the appearance of certain lower abdominal scars, such as those from a C-section, appendectomy, or gynecological surgery.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Dr. Gannon performs most tummy tuck procedures at a fully accredited outpatient surgery center near our Albany office. The treatment is completed with the aid of general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist to maximize your safety and comfort.
The exact technique depends on your individual needs. During a full tummy tuck, Dr. Gannon creates a low horizontal incision across the abdomen from hip to hip, along with a second incision around the navel. An extended tummy tuck uses a longer horizontal incision that continues around the waist. A mini tummy tuck utilizes a shorter horizontal incision that may not require a naval incision.
Once the appropriate incision(s) have been made, Dr. Gannon repairs stretched or separated abdominal muscles, if needed, before removing excess skin and redraping the remaining tissue. The navel is also repositioned during a full or extended tummy tuck when necessary.
Liposuction is frequently incorporated into the treatment to reduce stubborn pockets of fat and further refine the body’s contours. Tummy tuck surgery can also be combined with breast procedures as part of a customized mommy makeover.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Recovery after a tummy tuck varies from person to person, but most patients can return to non-strenuous activities, including work, in about two weeks. Bandages and temporary drainage tubes may be placed after surgery, and Dr. Gannon will provide medication and detailed instructions to help keep you comfortable.
During the first week, you’ll be encouraged to stand and walk as soon as you can to support healthy circulation. Avoid lifting, bending quickly, and straining your abdomen while the area heals.
Over the next several weeks, swelling and bruising will gradually improve, and Dr. Gannon will let you know when you can increase your activity level and begin exercising again. After a few months, your results will become more visible as your abdomen feels more comfortable and your contours continue to refine.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Abdominoplasty is usually a one-time procedure with very long-lasting results. Still, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging can all contribute to changes in your surgical outcome. Maintaining a healthy weight and fitness program will help your improved shape last as long as possible.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Creates a flatter, firmer abdomen
- Removes loose skin from the area
- Tightens stretched or separated abdominal muscles
- Improves body proportions and overall silhouette
- Reduces the appearance of stretch marks on the lower midsection
- Enhances the fit of clothing and swimwear
- Delivers long-lasting results with a stable weight
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The price of a tummy tuck in Albany, New York, varies depending on the type you’re receiving, anesthesia and facility fees, and whether it’s being combined with other procedures. We offer patient financing to help manage the cost of their desired improvements. For the best possible surgical outcome, it’s important to consider your surgeon’s credentials over costs.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Unfortunately, exercise and diet may not be enough to give you a firm, flat torso. When the skin and abdominal muscles become severely stretched due to weight gain and loss, pregnancy, or aging, plastic surgery is often the only method of correction. A tummy tuck tightens excess lax skin that diet and exercise cannot influence. Additionally, tummy tuck surgery can repair separated muscles, which situps or other abdominal exercises cannot do.
Can’t I just exercise more and eat better instead of getting surgery?
Unfortunately, working out and dieting may not be enough to give you a firm, flat torso. When the skin and abdominal muscles become severely stretched due to weight gain and loss, pregnancy, or aging, plastic surgery is often the only method of correction. No amount of salads or situps can repair extra skin or separated muscles.
Do I have to be a certain weight for tummy tuck surgery?
There is no specific weight requirement for tummy tuck surgery. However, a tummy tuck is not appropriate for obese or very overweight patients. The best candidates are those who are at a healthy, stable weight.
Can men have tummy tucks?
Yes, Dr. Gannon performs many tummy tucks for male patients who have lost a lot of weight or have sagging around the middle due to aging. This procedure is adapted for men to enhance the patient’s masculinity by creating an angular, athletic waist and accenting the “six-pack” abdominal muscles.
Will I have a scar?
Scars are a tradeoff for nearly all plastic surgery procedures. The size of your scar will depend on the extent of the treatment and the amount of excess skin present prior to surgery. The more skin laxity and overhang, the longer the scar. However, it can usually be easily hidden under a bikini, underwear, or other clothing.
The appearance of scars can be minimized with laser treatments. We can also recommend topical treatments for you to use at home to help your scar fade rapidly.
Will my belly button look different after a tummy tuck?
The belly button is often reshaped and repositioned during a full tummy tuck to match the newly contoured abdomen. The goal is always to create a natural-looking appearance that blends with your results.
Will having children after a tummy tuck affect my results?
Yes, having a child after a tummy tuck may cause you to lose some of the benefits from your surgery as the skin and muscles are stretched again. Dr. Gannon typically recommends that patients finish having children before undergoing abdominoplasty in order to preserve their results.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
Schedule your consultation for Tummy Tuck in Albany, Syracuse, Troy, and New York– contact The Plastic Surgery Group and set up your appointment. During your appointment, you will be able to ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have about the procedure. Contact us today to get the look you’ve always wanted!
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