Abdominoplasty Long Island, NY
Serving patients in Huntington Station & Suffolk County, NY
Serving patients in Huntington Station & Suffolk County, NY
The midsection can be one of the most stubborn areas to tone and define. Life events, such as pregnancy and weight fluctuations, as well as the natural aging process, can significantly impact the abdomen. Diet and exercise cannot get every person exactly where they wish to be, cosmetically speaking. This is why tummy tuck surgery remains a popular cosmetic procedure.
Dr. Charlotte Ann Rhee is a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Huntington, NY, specializing in abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). With over 30 years of surgical experience, Dr. Rhee is known for her compassionate approach and refined, natural results. For patients seeking minimal results, Dr. Rhee also offers mini-tummy tuck surgery. If you are considering abdominoplasty, we offer free consultations at Charlotte Ann Rhee MD, to discuss your concerns and desired results.
Restores abdominal contour, strengthens the core, and improves posture
Outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia in 2–5 hours, depending on the extent of correction
2–4 weeks for light activities; 6 weeks for full recovery
A smoother, firmer, flatter midsection and improved muscle tone
Long-lasting results with stable weight maintenance
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A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that focuses on the midsection to improve contouring. Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck involves the tightening and trimming of the abdominal muscle, connective tissue, and skin as needed to achieve a flatter, tighter appearance. It is ideal for patients who have lost firmness due to pregnancy, aging, or weight changes.
Dr. Rhee tailors each tummy tuck to the patient’s anatomy and goals, achieving a flatter, more defined abdomen that complements the body’s natural proportions.
As you await surgery day, there are specific preparations you can make. These include:
There are two primary techniques employed to sculpt the midsection: a mini tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck addresses tissue laxity and drooping in the lower abdominal area. The treatment area extends from the upper pubis at the hip line to just below the belly button. During a mini-tuck, only skin and superficial tissue may be tightened, or mild muscle laxity may be corrected. The procedure is tailored to meet the objectives discussed during the consultation visit.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
A traditional, or full, tummy tuck extends from the hip line to the upper abdomen, above the belly button. This more extensive technique is suitable for most patients, as it allows for a degree of tightening that achieves a smooth, symmetrical result.
Your Procedure
Most abdominoplasty procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. If additional procedures will be conducted simultaneously, Dr. Rhee may suggest an overnight stay at her surgical facility. Surgery is conducted under general anesthesia.
During abdominoplasty, a horizontal incision is made along the hip line. Some incisions may extend all the way from hip to hip and around to the flanks. If a full tummy tuck is being performed, a second incision is made around the navel. Through these incisions, superficial tissue is separated from the abdominal muscles. The muscle is then pulled and stitched into a tighter position to recreate firmness and a narrow waist.
After stitching the muscle tissue, Dr. Rhee stretches the superficial tissue flap down and trims excess tissue before stitching it into place. A full abdominoplasty will also involve navel repositioning to achieve a natural appearance. When the desired degree of tightening has been achieved, the incision is closed and covered with a surgical dressing. Drains may be placed to allow fluid drainage during recovery.
Abdominoplasty can improve or resolve several common concerns, including:
By tightening both skin and muscle, abdominoplasty restores strength and smoothness to the midsection, improving not only your appearance but your comfort, strength, and posture as well.
The most profound change achieved with a tummy tuck is that you feel like yourself again. The physical changes that accompany pregnancy, weight loss, and aging can significantly degrade your sense of satisfaction with your overall shape. By removing stubborn fatty tissue, lax skin, and muscle, a tummy tuck restores your best body.
Depending on the extent of tissue tightening and trimming that takes place during abdominoplasty, the benefits gained may extend beyond the cosmetic. In some cases, tissue laxity causes a crease over which a flap of skin hangs like an apron. When tissue is properly lifted, the flap is eliminated, and the resulting skin irritation caused by sagging skin also disappears. Additionally, tightening of lax or separated muscles can improve your posture and core strength.
Benefits include:
For many mothers or individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, the tummy tuck marks the end of one chapter and the empowering beginning of another.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are individuals in good physical condition who have pockets of fat or loose skin that haven't responded well to diet and exercise. Dr. Rhee can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.
Abdominoplasty can also be helpful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty. We also encourage patients who intend to lose a significant amount of weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, as the skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.
To find out if you are a candidate for abdominoplasty, schedule a free consultation with Charlotte Ann Rhee MD.
“I was very pleased with Dr Rhee and her staff. My results are amazing!”
— Kathleen B.
After surgery, compression garments are worn, and a temporary tube may be inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months. You should limit strenuous activities for at least six weeks and may need to take off from work for up to a month. Dr. Rhee will provide you with specific instructions tailored to your individual recovery. Following these instructions can help speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of any post-surgery complications.
Your initial results will begin to show as swelling subsides, usually within the first few weeks. As your body heals, your abdomen will appear smoother, firmer, and more sculpted.
Final results become visible within three to six months, once tissues fully settle and scars mature. With healthy habits and a stable weight, the results of your abdominoplasty can last for many years. Patients often report not only aesthetic improvement but also enhanced core strength and self-confidence in their daily lives.
When you consult with Dr. Rhee about smoothing and tightening your abdomen, you should be prepared to discuss various aspects of your health and lifestyle. You can prepare for your visit by considering your surgical goals in advance. This will enable you to clearly communicate your expectations. Knowing your expectations, Dr. Rhee is then able to compare them to your overall body shape to develop the best plan for your needs.
Your surgical consultation will also include a review of your medical history. Come prepared to discuss previous medical conditions, surgeries, and drug allergies. You may also notate medications you are currently taking, including supplements and vitamins. To properly plan a surgical procedure, Dr. Rhee also needs to be fully aware of your alcohol use, smoking, or exposure to other recreational drugs. It is essential that you discuss these aspects of your life openly and with complete honesty, as they will significantly impact the safety and efficacy of your surgery.
Your consultation will also involve a physical evaluation. This part of your visit allows Dr. Rhee to observe the abdominal area, as well as any other areas that may be treated with complementary procedures, such as breast augmentation. The physical examination observes the degree of looseness and sagging that has occurred. If you and Dr. Rhee decide to proceed with surgery, photographs may be taken to document your pre-surgery shape.
Schedule A Consultation With Dr. Rhee
If you are interested in learning more about the tummy tuck procedure, schedule a free consultation with Charlotte Ann Rhee MD. Call (631) 424-6707 today to schedule an appointment at our Huntington Station office. Dr. Rhee serves patients all around Long Island, New York!
Abdominoplasty tightens the skin and muscle that have been stretched and affected by age. The removal of excess tissue could lead to subtle weight loss. Some patients weigh as much as 15 pounds less after their tummy tuck. However, this procedure is not intended for weight loss. If you are not close to your ideal weight, you may be advised to postpone your tummy tuck until your weight has stabilized. This may be the case even if liposuction is planned as a complementary surgery.
The tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere between 2 to 5 hours. The length of the surgery really depends on how much work needs to be done. This means patients who have more skin and muscles to tuck tend to have longer procedures.
After tummy tuck surgery, patients experience a surge in self-confidence due to their new appearance. Abdominoplasty, on average, results in a loss of 12-15 pounds, but results vary. Patients who undergo abdominoplasty with realistic expectations achieve their weight goals and are happy with their results. Dr. Rhee will be sure to be clear about what to expect and how you can further achieve your goals after your surgery.
Surgical scarring from a tummy tuck sits along the hip line, where the visible line can be hidden beneath clothing. The scar fades over time and can be encouraged to nearly disappear with tactics such as cleaning the incision area as directed, contacting our office if any signs of infection occur, and following post-operative instructions carefully. The incision scar should be completely hidden from UV light during recovery to avoid darkening or thickening. Once scabbing has disappeared from the incision, scar ointment or silicone sheets may be applied to promote optimal healing.
The results of abdominoplasty can last indefinitely, though aging will affect body shape over time. Patients are advised to manage their weight after their procedure to prevent weight gain that may stretch muscles and skin once again. Pregnancy will also diminish the results of abdominoplasty surgery.
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that is often performed to decrease abdominal fat. This technique is beneficial but does not accomplish the same effects as abdominoplasty. In recent years, several nonsurgical treatments have been developed to naturally destroy fat cells and induce collagen production. These modalities are more effective with very subtle sagging. They do not correct lax muscle tissue and only tighten the superficial dermis by causing collagen contraction. If you want a noticeably flatter, tighter stomach, abdominoplasty is most likely your best option.
Abdominoplasty is frequently combined with other procedures to make up a custom Mommy Makeover process. Men interested in body sculpting may also combine abdominoplasty with additional techniques to achieve more dramatic contouring. Some of the common procedures that are combined with a tummy tuck include breast augmentation, male or female breast reduction, breast lift, thigh lift, and arm lift techniques. During your consultation with Dr. Rhee, you can discuss your overall shape goals and how they may be achieved.
Though rare, post-operative complications from surgery are possible. They may include infection, blood clots, and poor healing, which may require further surgery. Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched, or generally more noticeable after the procedure. A scar revision procedure after abdominoplasty may minimize the appearance of an unsightly scar.
