Brand - new List of Hospitals in New York City for Abdominoplasty!

Introduction

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tighten the abdominal muscles, and create a flatter, more toned stomach. In New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its advanced medical facilities and top - notch plastic surgeons, there are numerous options available for individuals seeking abdominoplasty. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the best hospitals and surgeons in New York City for abdominoplasty, as well as valuable information about the procedure itself, its types, candidates, risks, and recovery.

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses issues such as loose skin, excess fat, and weakened abdominal muscles in the abdominal area. It is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, multiple pregnancies, or have noticed a natural decline in skin elasticity with age. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that over 90,000 abdominoplasties were completed in 2020, highlighting its popularity as a cosmetic surgery option.

Components of Abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty typically has two main components:

Skin and Fat Removal: The excess skin and “pinchable fat” (the fat beneath the skin and above the abdominal wall muscles) are removed. This helps to reduce the sagging appearance of the abdomen and create a smoother contour.
Muscle Tightening: In some cases, the abdominal muscles may have stretched or separated, particularly after pregnancy or significant weight gain. During the procedure, the edges of the muscles are sutured together to repair diastasis recti (the separation of the two vertical rectus muscles) and tighten the abdominal wall.

Types of Abdominoplasty

There are different types of abdominoplasty procedures, and the choice depends on the patient's specific needs and the amount of skin and fat to be removed:

Type	Description	Ideal Candidates
Mini Abdominoplasty	Involves the removal of excess skin and fat only from the area below the belly button. It usually has a shorter incision and a shorter recovery time compared to a full abdominoplasty. The lower abdominal muscles may or may not be repaired depending on the individual case.	Women with a small amount of skin/fat excess localized above the pubic area and below the umbilicus, often those who have had a c - section with loose lower abdominal skin.
Full Abdominoplasty	Removes excess skin and fat from both above and below the belly button. It includes a longer incision, often around the umbilicus, to tighten the upper and lower abdominal skin. The abdominal muscles are typically repaired if there is diastasis recti.	Patients with more significant skin and fat excess, especially those with loose skin above the umbilicus, and those with abdominal muscle separation.
Modified Abdominoplasty	Corrects both limited anterior skin and fat excess as well as the entire diastasis recti. It is a middle - ground option between a mini and full abdominoplasty.	Patients with a moderate amount of skin and fat excess and some degree of abdominal muscle separation.
Lipoabdominoplasty	Combines a tummy tuck with liposuction. Liposuction is used to remove additional regional fat, including from the flanks and hips, to provide more comprehensive contouring and shaping of the mid - abdomen.	Patients who have excess fat in the abdominal area in addition to loose skin and may benefit from the removal of fat from surrounding areas.

Who is a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

The ideal candidates for abdominoplasty include:

Women After Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause the abdominal muscles to stretch and separate, and the skin to lose its elasticity. Many women seek abdominoplasty to restore the appearance of their abdomen after childbirth. However, it is recommended that women wait until they are finished having children before undergoing the procedure, as future pregnancies can reverse the results.
Individuals After Weight Loss: People who have lost a significant amount of weight, either through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, often have excess skin and loose abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty can help them achieve a more toned and contoured midsection.
Non - smokers in Good Health: Smoking can disrupt blood flow to the skin, increasing the risk of complications during and after surgery. Therefore, patients should stop smoking at least several weeks before and after the procedure. Additionally, candidates should be in overall good health to tolerate the surgery and recovery process.
Those with Realistic Expectations: It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the results of abdominoplasty. While the procedure can significantly improve the appearance of the abdomen, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, and weight gain or future pregnancies can affect the results.

Brand - new List of Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City for Abdominoplasty

Castle Connolly Top Doctors

Castle Connolly provides a list of top doctors in the New York City area who specialize in abdominoplasty. Here are some of the prominent surgeons:

Dr. Sophie Bartsich: Based in New York, NY, Dr. Bartsich is a plastic surgeon with a unique approach that combines surgery and art. She was born and raised in New York City and has an international aesthetic background. Her research focuses on cosmetic breast surgery, but she also offers abdominoplasty services. She has a personal approach with patients and is accepting new patients, both local and traveling. Contact her at (646) 599 - 2969.
Dr. Eric K. Cha: Specializes in plastic surgery, with a focus on breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, and abdominoplasty. He practices in New York, NY, and is affiliated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. He graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine in 1989 and is board - certified in plastic surgery. Contact his practice, Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery, at (212) 717 - 2222.
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz: Dr. Schwartz believes in taking his time with each patient to understand their goals and provide personalized care from pre - to post - op. He strives for patient safety and satisfaction, as well as natural - looking results using the latest techniques. Contact him at (212) 737 - 9090.
Dr. Elie Levine: Takes an honest and direct approach, combining his artistic eye and surgical skills to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals. Patients describe his work as "gifted," "innovative," and "sensitive." He practices at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC PLLC and can be reached at (212) 988 - 1800.
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh: A board - certified plastic surgeon, current professor of clinical surgery at New York Medical College, and former chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Westchester Medical Center. He has been featured in numerous media outlets. He specializes in state - of - the - art plastic and reconstructive surgeries for the face, breasts, and body, with offices in NYC and Long Island. His practice, Cosmoplastic Surgery, can be contacted at (646) 291 - 2220.

Other Notable Surgeons

Dr. Adam Kolker: Dr. Kolker is a well - known New York City tummy tuck surgeon. He has published his aesthetic technical approach to abdominoplasty in a peer - reviewed scientific journal. His office - based surgery suite is accredited, and he uses body mass index (BMI) to determine candidacy for surgery. He emphasizes the importance of a personalized approach and the combination of artistry and science in achieving the best results. Contact him for more information about abdominoplasty and to schedule a consultation.
Dr. David Rapaport: Trained at Harvard and NYU, and a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has 25 years of experience in body contouring procedures. Dr. Rapaport does not recommend non - invasive skin - tightening techniques for significant abdominal skin laxity and instead focuses on the effectiveness of abdominoplasty. His patients are required to stay overnight in Manhattan after full abdominoplasty under the supervision of a nurse. Reach out to his practice at (212) 249 - 9955.
Dr. David L. Cangello: A board - certified plastic surgeon who is an NYC tummy tuck specialist. He takes a highly artistic approach to surgery, aiming for the most natural - looking results. His on - site surgical facility is fully accredited, and he only works with board - certified anesthesiologists. He can help patients determine if they are candidates for abdominoplasty and create a custom treatment plan. Contact him at (212) 644 - 4416 for a consultation.

The Abdominoplasty Procedure

Pre - operative Preparation

Before undergoing abdominoplasty, patients need to take several steps to prepare:

Medical Evaluation: The surgeon will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, including a physical examination, to assess the patient's overall health, any pre - existing medical conditions, and the extent of the abdominal issues. This helps to determine the most appropriate surgical approach and minimize the risk of complications.
Medication Adjustment: Patients are usually advised to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, non - steroidal anti - inflammatory medications, and vitamin E (or multivitamins) for two weeks before and after surgery. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
Smoking Cessation: As mentioned earlier, smoking can significantly increase the risk of complications in abdominoplasty. Patients should stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery and continue to refrain from smoking during the recovery period.
Arrangements for Recovery: Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery and stay with them for at least the first 24 hours. They should also set up a comfortable recovery area at home with necessary supplies, such as extra pillows, a compression garment, and pain medication.

Surgery Day

The abdominoplasty procedure typically takes the following steps:

Anesthesia: General anesthesia is typically used for abdominoplasty, although epidural anesthesia may be an option in selected cases. The anesthesiologists are board - certified specialists who ensure the patient's comfort and safety during the procedure.
Incision: The surgeon makes an incision along the lower abdomen, usually above the pubic area. The length and location of the incision depend on the type of abdominoplasty being performed. For a full abdominoplasty, an additional incision may be made around the umbilicus.
Removal of Skin and Fat: The surgeon carefully separates the excess skin and fat from the abdominal muscles and removes them. Liposuction may also be used in conjunction with the tummy tuck to remove additional fat from the flanks or other areas.
Muscle Repair: If the abdominal muscles are separated (diastasis recti), the surgeon sutures the muscles together to tighten the abdominal wall.
Closure: The remaining skin is stretched over the tightened muscles and closed with sutures. Drains may be inserted to remove any excess fluid from the surgical site.

Procedure Length

The length of the abdominoplasty procedure depends on the type of surgery:

Full Abdominoplasty: Normally takes approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to perform.
Mini Abdominoplasty: On average, takes between 1 and 2 hours to perform.

Risks and Complications of Abdominoplasty

Like any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty carries some risks and potential complications. These include:

Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site. Patients are usually prescribed antibiotics to reduce this risk, and proper wound care is essential during the recovery period.
Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. In rare cases, excessive bleeding may require additional treatment or a return to the operating room.
Unfavorable Scarring: Although surgeons take measures to minimize scarring, some patients may develop visible or raised scars. The location of the scar is usually placed where it can be easily hidden by underwear or a bathing suit.
Skin Necrosis: Smoking and poor blood flow can increase the risk of skin necrosis, where the skin does not receive enough blood supply and dies. This can lead to open wounds and delayed healing.
Changes in Skin Sensation: Patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation in the abdominal area. This can include numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity.
Seroma Formation: A seroma is a collection of fluid that can develop under the skin after surgery. It may require drainage to prevent infection and promote proper healing.

Recovery After Abdominoplasty

Immediate Post - operative Care

After the surgery, patients are closely monitored in the recovery room. They are instructed to walk bent over for the first 5 - 7 days to keep the area of closure under minimal tension. All full abdominoplasty patients are usually required to stay overnight in the hospital or a supervised facility under the care of a nurse, who monitors their blood pressure, discomfort, and drainage.

Drain Removal

Drains are typically left in place for a few days to a week to remove excess fluid. Between days 5 and 7 following surgery, when the drainage is low enough, the patient can come into the office to have the drains removed.

Return to Normal Activities

The recovery period varies from patient to patient, but in general:

Rest and Activity Restriction: The minimum downtime after abdominoplasty surgery is about 10 days. Patients should avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and exercise for several weeks to allow the body to heal properly. They may return to very non - active work after about 10 days, but full recovery can take several months.
Exercise Resumption: Light exercise, such as walking, can usually be resumed after 10 - 12 days. More vigorous exercise, including core - strengthening exercises, can be restarted after 4 - 6 weeks, with the approval of the surgeon.
Follow - up Appointments: Patients will have several follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their healing progress, remove sutures if necessary, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Cost of Abdominoplasty in New York City

The cost of abdominoplasty in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the type of procedure, the complexity of the case, and the location of the surgical facility. In some cases, insurance may cover a portion of the cost if there is a documented hernia or abdominal muscle separation that requires repair. However, for most cosmetic abdominoplasties, patients are responsible for the full cost. It is important to discuss the cost and payment options with the surgeon during the consultation.

Conclusion

Abdominoplasty is a life - changing procedure that can help individuals achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen and improve their self - confidence. In New York City, there are numerous highly skilled surgeons and well - equipped hospitals that offer this procedure. However, it is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in abdominoplasty to ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications. Before undergoing the surgery, patients should thoroughly research their options, have realistic expectations, and follow the pre - and post - operative instructions provided by their surgeon.

If you are considering abdominoplasty in New York City, we encourage you