If the abdominal muscles are stretched away from the midline, multiple rows of sutures in the fibrous layer surrounding them will be placed to restore the muscles to their proper position. In essence, the underlying framework of the abdomen is reshaped. Dr. Forley places extra “shock-absorbing” layers of sutures to allow you to resume your normal activities without fear of disrupting the correction.
The skin is then pulled downward to tighten it and remove any excess tissue. Although your belly button will remain in the same position, it may be necessary to make a new opening for it once the skin is pulled downward. Dr. Forley will determine what is required in your individual situation during your consultation. The wound is repaired in 3 layers to best support the healing process. None of the sutures of your tummy tuck surgery will have to be removed—they simply dissolve. Go back
Post-Op Tummy Tuck Expectations?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort for 2-4 days following the surgery that is treated with pain medication. Although some discomfort may linger after the first few days, it usually is well tolerated with the occasional use of medication. A liquid diet (e.g. soup, protein shakes) is recommended for the first 2 days after which you can resume a normal diet. It’s important to be up and about the day following your procedure.
The amount of activity will depend on the specific tummy tuck procedure required to reshape your abdomen. A drain is used for 5-7 days after the surgery to remove any fluid that normally will develop in the area of the surgery. You will be able to shower within a few days. The tummy tuck swelling diminishes over the first 2-4 weeks and continues to improve for several months. A compression garment is used after the surgery for about 4 weeks. A sense of tightness and hardening of abdominal areas may be present for a few weeks until the swelling resolves and your tissues get accustomed to their new shape. Exercise may resume at 6-8 weeks. Go back
Stages Of Your Tummy Tuck Recovery
- Day of surgery: May be performed as an outpatient procedure in our accredited office-based surgery facility. A nurse can be booked to monitor you overnight.
- Tummy tuck swelling and bruising resolve: 10-14 days for the first stage with continued improvement occurring for several months and up to 1 year.
- Return to work, social activity: Average is 2 weeks.
- Aerobic or strenuous activity: 6-8 weeks. Go back
5 MYTHS ABOUT A TUMMY TUCK
01 Once I have a tummy tuck I can’t have another baby.
Ideally, a tummy tuck should be done when you have completed your planned pregnancies. However, should you change your mind or just aren’t sure if you might have another baby, it is certainly possible to become pregnant even after the tummy tuck is performed. It just might mean that a revision surgery will be necessary to repair any issues that arise in your appearance following the pregnancy.
02 A tummy tuck should be performed directly after C-section surgery.
Dr. Forley believes the best results are achieved after the skin, muscle, and fat have all had a chance to stabilize following childbirth. The many variables that are present at delivery can have an unpredictable effect on the outcome of your tummy tuck.
03 All my stretch marks will be gone
Stretch marks that are present on the excess skin that is removed as part of the tummy tuck will be gone forever. Following repair of the skin edges of the wound, the stretch marks that remain will be lower down on the tummy.
04 A tummy tuck is all I need for a flat stomach.
A tummy tuck will remove excess fat, loose skin, and return your abdominal muscles to their proper midline position. A tummy tuck will not strengthen or tone your muscles. The best results are achieved with an ongoing effort at muscle toning in the gym once you have recovered from your surgery.
05 I can eat whatever I want now.
That would be nice but would be a big mistake. Gaining weight and not observing healthy eating habits will cause weight gain that will have a negative impact on your appearance. After the tummy tuck, it’s all about maintenance.
What Are The Risks of a Tummy Tuck?
Potential tummy tuck risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty are few. Other complications with tummy tuck procedures such as bleeding, infection, thickened scar tissue formation, and blood clots occur in a very small percentage of cases. We will give you more detailed information about tummy tuck complications and other rare risks in our written information and encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have during your consultation. Go back
Minimally Invasive Tummy Tuck Alternatives
During your consultation, Dr. Forley will discuss whether a tummy tuck alternative should be considered and whether you are a candidate for a less invasive approach. This includes BodyTite, the new minimally invasive subdermal radiofrequency energy procedure to lift and tighten skin laxity of the abdomen. Many patients report high levels of satisfaction with their BodyTite results.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in New York?
When considering costs, it is important to factor in the entire cost of the procedure. The cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on factors like the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, operating room fees, and post-operative care. If you're looking for a high-end plastic surgeon who will give you the best possible results, expect to pay on the higher end of that scale. But remember, you're also paying for their experience and expertise. So while it may be more expensive up front, it could save you money in the long run if you want to avoid complications or revision surgeries. Hopefully, this will help you understand better how much for a tummy tuck you would need to spend. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage for tummy tuck surgery. Go back
Is This For Me?
Am I a Suitable Tummy Tuck Candidate?
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation 
Tummy Tuck Preparation 
The Tummy Tuck Procedure 
