Tummy Tuck in New York

• Why should I choose New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts?

  When you choose New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts, you will receive far more than a cookie-cutter approach. Dr. Victoria Karlinsky-Bellini and Dr. Claudia Kim customize every aspect of your cosmetic surgery and are available every step of the way. From your pre-op appointment to your post-op appointment, Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini or Dr. Kim are the people you will speak to.

• What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

  Tummy tuck surgery in New York is performed on patients to:

  • Create smooth abdominal contours
  • Eliminate the “lower belly pooch”
  • Correct diastasis recti (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles)
  • Tighten sagging skin

• Are You the Right Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

  Women and men turn to tummy tuck surgery when they are unable to achieve optimal abdominal contour and definition through diet and exercise alone. Whether you experienced complications with your midsection after pregnancy, weight loss, or the aging process, tummy tuck surgery may restore a healthy-looking physique. Candidates for tummy tuck surgery should be close to their ideal weight, have realistic expectations for their results, and not smoke.

• What Happens During Your Tummy Tuck Consultation?

  A consultation is required before your tummy tuck surgery to determine if you are a candidate. During this consultation, Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini or Dr. Claudia Kim will:

  • Go over your medical history
  • Discuss your expectations for the procedure
  • Take measurements and photos
  • Explain your surgical options
  • Recommend the techniques that will provide you the optimal results
  • Develop a surgical plan

  If you are interested in a tummy tuck, contact New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts by calling (646) 559-2854.

• How Can I Personalize My Tummy Tuck?

  The techniques used during your tummy tuck are personalized to you based on your specific skin and muscle conditions. An incision is made across the abdomen, and excess fat and skin are removed to reveal a smoother abdominal contour. Abdominal muscles are also repaired or tightened for a firmer and more toned midsection.

  What Is a Full Tummy Tuck?

  The full tummy tuck, or traditional tummy tuck, is performed under general anesthesia.  The incision is made along the lower abdomen and extends from hip to hip. This incision is made below the bikini line so that patients can hide the incision and resulting scar when wearing bathing suits or crop tops. Another incision may be made around the belly button if navel contouring is necessary or if the abdominal muscles must be repositioned.

  What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

  The mini tummy tuck is a less-invasive alternative for patients who display a lesser degree of excess skin and fat. This technique focuses on the lower abdomen—the area beneath the belly button.  The mini tummy tuck is performed under local anesthesia. The incision is made along the lower abdomen, and excess skin is trimmed. This incision is much shorter than the incision used in a full tummy tuck, and the mini tummy tuck does not allow for recontouring of the belly button. Liposuction may be recommended to remove additional fatty deposits. Additional tummy tuck methods, such as the extended tummy tuck, the circumferential tummy tuck, or umbilicoplasty may be performed for qualifying patients. During your consultation, Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini or Dr. Kim will discuss all of your surgical options.

• Can Liposuction Be Performed Instead of a Tummy Tuck?

  Liposuction may be used as an alternative to a tummy tuck for patients who only have localized fat pockets on the abdomen. Since liposuction does not remove excess skin, it is not an option for patients with moderate to significant skin laxity. Liposuction will also not tighten or repair abdominal muscles. Liposuction for the abdomen makes small incisions in the treatment area and uses a cannula (a hollow tube) to suction out the cells. Patients who have both excess fat and excess skin may benefit from a combination of these two procedures. These techniques may be performed simultaneously or at separate times depending on your specific circumstances. At New Look New Life Cosmetic Arts, your safety is our number one concern. Combined procedures are preferred for healthy, qualifying patients to reduce procedure time, risk, and recovery time.

• Have Other Concerns About Tummy Tuck Surgery?

  What Will My Tummy Tuck Recovery Be Like?

  Tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient procedure, and you can return home soon after the anesthesia wears off. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 to 48 hours to help with cleaning, cooking, and childcare. Your incision will be covered with gauze, and your stomach may be wrapped in a compression garment that will facilitate the healing process by protecting the incision, reducing the swelling, and circulating the blood.  Most patients return to their day-to-day activities, including work, within one to two weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks. Patients who undergo a mini tummy tuck will have a shorter recovery period. Most mini tummy tuck patients return to work within one week. Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini and Dr. Kim provides all of their patients with their cell phone numbers so that they can be reached at any time during your recovery.

  Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?

  Tummy tuck surgery results in bruising, swelling, tightness, and abdominal discomfort. You will be given a prescription for pain medication; however, you may choose to use over-the-counter pain medication instead. Most of the pain will subside within a few days, but you may still experience some pain and discomfort when you sneeze or laugh. If possible, cover the incision with a pillow whenever you feel a sneeze coming on. Applying pressure to the incision will help lessen the pain.

  Will My Tummy Tuck Leave Scars?

  Your tummy tuck will result in a scar that will stretch the length of the incision. Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini and Dr. Claudia Kim make this incision low on the abdomen so that the resulting scar will be easy to conceal under clothing and bathing suits.  While this scar will fade over time, you can help minimize the visibility by keeping the healing incision out of the sun, applying scar creams or silicone strips, and not rushing your recovery. Overexertion can result in a prolonged recovery period and the splitting of the incision—which will worsen the scar.

• What Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in New York?

  There are multiple variations of the tummy tuck, and the total cost of your procedure will vary depending on techniques and the extent of the procedure. At New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts, our full tummy tuck starts at $9,000, and our mini tummy tuck begins at $5,000. These amounts may vary once anesthesia, facility fees, pre-surgical tests, and follow-up appointments are included.  Since tummy tuck surgery is elective, insurance does not cover the cost. We offer financing options through CareCredit®.

• Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery

  What should I do to prepare for my tummy tuck?

  You will be asked to stop smoking and avoid taking any blood-thinning medications or herbal supplements for at least two weeks. The use of these may increase your risk of serious complications, including heart attack and stroke. Before your tummy tuck, you will want to fill the prescription and establish a comfortable zone for you to recover.

  What are the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?

  Our surgeons at New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts have years of experience performing body contouring procedures. They understand the intricacies and difficulties associated with a tummy tuck and can navigate them to ensure that your surgery is both effective and safe.  Even though complications are rare, this is an invasive surgical procedure, and complications are possible. These potential complications include:

  • Harmful interactions with the anesthesia
  • Bleeding/Hematoma
  • Infection
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Seroma
  • Prolonged wound healing

  What is diastasis recti?

  Diastasis recti is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle (the “abs”) that results in a “pooched” abdominal appearance. This can occur in men; however, it is much more common in women following pregnancy and childbirth.  During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles are forced to expand to allow room for your growing uterus. This pressure can cause the muscles to separate, and separated muscles cannot repair themselves following the birth of your child. Surgery is the only way to correct diastasis recti.

  Will I lose weight after a tummy tuck?

  Tummy tuck surgery is not the same as weight loss surgery (such as gastric bypass). This procedure will eliminate localized fat pockets and excess skin, but you will not see a significant reduction on the scale. Tummy tuck surgery is best performed on patients who are close to their ideal weight and have already tried to lose the excess through a healthy diet and exercise.

  When will I see my tummy tuck results?

  You will start to see the benefits of your tummy tuck immediately following your surgery; however, bruising and swelling may obstruct the full extent of your surgical results. It can take several weeks or months for all of the residual swelling to subside. You will notice a flatter stomach and see a difference in the ways that your clothes fit.

  Will my tummy tuck results be permanent?

  Tummy tuck surgery provides long-lasting results, but you can still gain additional weight or experience skin laxity if you experience a subsequent pregnancy or do not maintain a stable weight.

  You can maintain your tummy tuck results by following a healthy lifestyle.

  At New Look New Life, helping you achieve beautiful results with minimal time away from your busy life is our goal. Dr. Victoria Karlinsky-Bellini and Dr. Claudia Kim are New York cosmetic surgeons whose eye for detail and careful attention to their patients showcases itself in the gorgeous and natural-looking results they are able to provide. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Karlinksy-Bellini or Dr. Kim give our office a call today at one of our two New York locations (Manhattan and Westchester) and get ready for a new, more confident you.