Tummy Tuck
in Smithtown, NY

Our bodies can fail to return to their original shape after dramatic changes in weight. Once the abdomen has been stretched by pregnancy or weight gain, skin and muscles in this area are lengthened beyond their normal capacity. Unfortunately, they can lose their elasticity and no longer respond to exercise or dieting efforts, leaving a belly “pooch” that may hang over the hips.

In these cases, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can provide the most optimal contours for a sculpted, renewed waistline. Dr. Pincus has helped hundreds of patients uncover the greatest version of themselves with abdominoplasty. With artful skill and refined experience, Dr. Pincus is able to modify the extensiveness of the tummy tuck treatment to meet your needs and goals

What Is the
Tummy Tuck Process Like?

Consultation

Your consultation with Dr. David Pincus is paramount to a successful tummy tuck surgery.

During this meeting, Dr. Pincus will:

• Discuss your personal goals and expectations with you
• Share before and after pictures of previous patients
• Evaluate your skin, tissue, and muscle condition
• Take measurements and photos of the abdomen and surrounding waistline
• Recommend combination procedures, if necessary
• Create your personalized surgical plan

Tummy Tuck Procedure Details and Options

Dr. Pincus offers several tummy tuck varieties. The different techniques generally refer to the incisions used and the areas of correction.

Tummy Tuck Options

Mini Tummy Tuck:

A small horizontal incision is made along the bikini line between the hips just above the pubic area. This technique is used to address the lower abdomen only.

Standard/Full Tummy Tuck:

An incision is made along the bikini line as well as around the navel to address both the upper and lower abdomen. The navel can be re-created for more attractive symmetry and a natural appearance.

Extended Tummy Tuck:

The same incisions as the full tummy tuck are used, but the horizontal incision extends around the hips to address excess tissue on the patient’s sides.

Once the incisions are made, the skin and fat layer is lifted and the abdominal wall is repaired with internal sutures. Fat may be removed as necessary with liposuction. The skin is draped over the new contours, and excess skin is trimmed. If necessary, the navel is adjusted. Sutures and skin adhesives close the incisions.

Other Tummy Tuck Concerns

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Tummy tuck patients develop mild bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the midsection after surgery. Any post-operative discomfort can be reduced with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication taken as directed by Dr. Pincus.

During your recovery, be sure to get plenty of rest and wear a compression garment to reduce swelling. Short, light walks beginning the day after surgery can promote blood flow and reduce swelling, which lowers the chance of blood clots. The amount of downtime needed will depend on the type of tummy tuck undergone and your individual healing, but most patients return to their day-to-day activities—including work—within one week. Patients should refrain from strenuous exercise for two to three weeks. Vigorous activities, especially heavy lifting, should wait until you are given the safe direction from Dr. Pincus.

For more information about recovery, read our tummy tuck recovery guide blog.

Tummy Tuck Results

The results of your tummy tuck will be visible immediately and gradually improve over time. Following your treatment, you will see an improvement to your midsection with the removal of excess skin and a tighter abdominal wall. However, more gradual results begin to surface as your body slowly heals and becomes accustomed to the changes made during the treatment. You will start to notice slimmer, more toned contours over the following weeks and months to come.

These results are long lasting, but they need to be maintained with a healthy lifestyle. If you plan to have more children, pregnancy is likely to reverse the results; therefore, tummy tuck treatment is recommended after patients have had all their children.

Tummy Tuck Scars

Tummy tuck surgery requires a small incision in the bikini line area between the hips. More extensive tummy tuck treatments may require larger incisions. These incisions will result in minimal scarring but are placed in ways that make them easy to conceal. Incisions will fade with time.

Advice on the reduction of scar visibility will be recommended as needed. Keeping scars out of the sun and applying topical creams, silicone strips, and traditional remedies can improve their appearance.