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What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, otherwise known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical treatment that is intended to improve the overall appearance of the abdomen. With this process, extra skin and fat are extracted from the abdomen region, and the remaining connective tissue is made tighter with sutures, giving the area more aesthetic appeal by firming and shaping it. 

Having years of experience and an incredible amount of expertise as a tummy tuck practitioner, Dr. Alizadeh has developed his own custom procedure known as the NaturaTuck® Abdominoplasty. He starts by making an incision across the lower section of the abdomen along the pubic hair line to ensure that any scarring will be hidden while wearing underwear or a bathing suit. 

Tummy Tuck Before & After by Dr. Alizadeh

Dr. Alizadeh Tummy tuck before picture. Dr. Alizadeh Tummy tuck after picture. Tummy tuck by Dr. Alizadeh in NYC before picture. Tummy tuck by Dr. Alizadeh in NYC after picture. Tummy tuck before picture. Dr. Alizadeh Plastic Surgeon. Tummy tuck after picture. Dr. Alizadeh Plastic Surgeon. Tummy tuck before - Dr. Alizadeh, NYC Tummy tuck after, Dr. Alizadeh NYC Dr. Alizadeh's patient before Tummy Tuck. Dr. Alizadeh's patient after Tummy Tuck.

AN INTRODUCTION TO DR. ALIZADEH'S PRACTICE

About Our Practice | Alizadeh Cosmoplastic Surgery

Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?

Generally speaking, the following criteria can be used to determine candidacy for a tummy tuck in Long Island:

  • Patients dealing with excess, loose skin 
  • Patients whose stomach muscles have become weakened or separated
  • Patients that are already at their target weight and are able to maintain it
  • Patients that are in good physical health 
  • Patients that have realistic expectations for the outcomes of the procedure
  • Nonsmokers
  • Patients that would like to see improvement in the appearance of their abdomen


During the consultation, Dr. Alizadeh assesses the patient’s current condition and helps them curate a plan based on their desired look. It is vital that patients be at or close to their target weight, as large weight fluctuations can have an effect on the results. 

Woman in bikini standing - New York City tummy tuck patient of Dr. Alizadeh

What happens during my consultation with Dr. Alizadeh?

During the initial tummy tuck consultation, Dr. Alizadeh will:

  • Ask the patient about their concerns and aspirations for the surgery
  • Review the patient’s health history and ask about their overall health and lifestyle
  • Take photographs of the abdomen
  • Discuss their options for treatment
  • Make a recommendation that will best improve the look of the abdomen and torso

Throughout the consultation, Dr. Alizadeh answers all questions and addresses all concerns that the patient may have in regards to a tummy tuck. He will explain every step of the procedure in full detail, as well as any and all potential risks and complications.

Dr. Alizadeh sitting down - a board-certified plastic surgeon in NYC

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

Beyond the cosmetic enhancements that are garnered by a tummy tuck, there are many other benefits that it provides. Among the benefits are:

  • Specific to the NaturaTuck® Abdominoplasty, the look of the stomach area is improved while causing only a minimal amount of scarring.
  • It makes the abdomen flatter and reduces the amount of stomach fat.
  • It makes the stomach and waist more shapely, giving them new contours 
  • It tightens muscles that have become weakened, providing support to the abdomen that will mitigate back pain and adjust posture.
  • It can remove up to 10 pounds of excess tissue from the stomach
  • It results in a contoured, well-defined stomach
  • Stretch marks are reduced
  • It can help decrease the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, and gallstones.
  • It lowers stress on the stomach muscles (this condition can cause a ventral hernia to form).
  • It mitigates urinary incontinence.

Why choose Alizadeh Cosmoplastic Surgery for my tummy tuck in Long Island?

Dr. Alizadeh's Qualifications

Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh is the former Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Westchester Medical Center and also currently serves as the Associate Professor of Surgery at New York Medical College. With over 20 years of experience, he is a double Ivy-league alumnus and can perform all of his procedures at our boutique, state-of-the-art, and fully certified American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). 

Dr. Alizadeh's Custom NaturaTuck® Abdominoplasty

Renowned for his remarkable skills at tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Alizadeh has spent many years developing and perfecting his trademark technique, called NaturaTuck® Abdominoplasty, which is an improvement on traditional approaches to tummy-tuck surgery. On top of providing better results and only minimal scarring, the NaturaTuck® Abdominoplasty employs progressive-tension sutures (PTS) and requires virtually no use of abdominal drains. Dr. Alizadeh has had years of success with this procedure, confirmed by 10-year follow-up satisfaction.

Dr. Alizadeh Tummy Tuck Patient Testimonial - Marina

Tummy Tuck Testimonial - Marina

What is Dr. Alizadeh’s custom NaturaTuck® Abdominoplasty?

The NaturaTuck® procedure is able to address three separate layers of tissue:

  1. Muscle - It can correct diastasis recti, which is characterized as a separation of the left and right abdominal muscles that can happen during pregnancy
  2. Fat - definition is given to excess fat to attain a natural look
  3. Skin - excess skin is extracted 
  • This procedure utilizes LTAP (long-acting anesthetic blocks), which are designed to numb the entire abdominal area for a period of 3 to 4 days, minimizing any pain the patient may feel during the procedure and speeding up the recovery process. 
    Overall, there is little to no drain management required to minimize swelling and discomfort.
  • Dr. Alizadeh's Naturatuck® procedure employs innovative suspension suturing techniques that result in an internal corset. It works by narrowing the waist and giving the body a more defined, athletic look. 
  • Dr. Alizadeh's technique of reshaping the umbilical cord in the NaturaTuck® procedure is the result of years of research in the laboratory. It utilizes the navel’s natural contours to ensure that there is minimal scarring, resulting in a youthful, defined abdomen. 

What is the Procedure for a Drain-less and Painless Tummy Tuck?

What Is The Procedure For A Drain-less And Painless Tummy Tuck in New York?

What happens during the tummy tuck procedure?

Anesthesia and Incision

The NaturaTuck® procedure typically takes about three hours to complete, and it usually starts with general anesthesia. Dr. Alizadeh starts by making an incision across the lower abdomen along the pubic hair line so that any future scars will be obscured when wearing underwear or a bathing suit. After that, he will remove any and all excess skin and fat between the navel and pubic hair region in a horizontal oval or elliptical pattern.

Addressing the Abdominal Wall

In the next step of the process, Dr. Alizadeh fastens the abdominal wall to the muscle using progressive tension sutures. While this final step usually requires about 15 minutes of extra surgical time, it saves patients the task of receiving abdominal drains after the procedure.

Contouring and Suturing

In the next step of the process, Dr. Alizadeh performs contouring procedures that aim to recreate the internal corset, attaining an outer hourglass shape. At this point, the belly button is repositioned. This is known as umbilical translocation. The belly button is drawn out by way of a small incision and sutured into its normal position. The incision is sealed off using biological glue or absorbable sutures.

Liposuction for Further Contouring

Patients that are dealing with larger amounts of fat in this area often choose to incorporate liposuction into their tummy tuck procedure, which can provide increased contouring and toning of the abdominal region.

What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, Long Island tummy tuck surgery comes with some risks:

  • Profuse bleeding
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Infections
  • Hematomas
  • Blood clotting
  • Pain
  • Numbness in and around the treated area
  • Dissatisfaction with the outcomes of the procedure
  • Incisions that become inflamed or take a long time to heal
  • Scars not fading to the desired degree

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alizadeh and his team of board-certified anesthesiologists are certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). All tummy tuck procedures performed at his practice in New York City are done in strict accordance with all existing safety regulations. 

What is the recovery like after a tummy tuck?

Our team at Cosmoplastic Surgery is devoted to building connections with patients and taking care of them as if they were part of our own extended family. Our team stays in touch and connected with our clientele long after their treatment has been completed. We may even make calls to check in and make sure that the patient’s environment is conducive to a strong healing process.

Immediately after completing the tummy tuck, Dr. Alizadeh applies dressings or bandages to the patient’s incisions or uses a compression garment to wrap their abdomen, minimizing swelling and supporting the abdominal area throughout the healing process. Patients are required to wear a compression garment for at least one to two weeks.

 

Tummy-tuck patients can expect to take at least two weeks off from work for recovery and should avoid all forms of strenuous activity and heavy lifting for about six weeks. It is recommended, however, that patients start walking with assistance as soon as possible following the surgery to stimulate healthy blood circulation and prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower extremities.

 

Any bruising that the patient may experience usually dissipates within two to three weeks following the procedure. Swelling usually resolves completely within the first three to six months.

Complementary procedures

The following procedures are often combined with a tummy tuck for enhanced results:

Mini Tummy Tuck


Depending on their circumstances, some patients may not require a full tummy tuck. In cases where there is only a small bulge below the navel, often resulting from the separation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy, a mini tummy tuck is usually better suited for the patient. This version of a tummy tuck involves a shorter incision at a lower point and leaves the belly button completely intact. Using a gentle liposuction technique, Dr. Alizadeh extracts excess fat from the area and treats the separated muscle tissue by suturing it back together. This returns the lower abdomen to a flatter, firmer state.

Torso Lift Belt Lipectomy


With a torso lift, otherwise known as a belt lipectomy, Dr. Alizadeh is able to provide more definition to the hips, thighs, and buttocks. On top of lifting the abdomen, the lower portion of the patient’s body is also raised, reshaped, and recontoured. This procedure is ideal for patients who have experienced a large amount of weight loss and are now struggling with excess, loose skin.

Lateral Torso Abdominoplasty LTAP

This procedure is specifically tailored for people that are dealing with excess upper abdominal skin and/or lateral breast skin. However, it can also be beneficial for patients who have had operations in the past. Dr. Alizadeh creates enhanced definition by removing any excess skin that is hanging laterally and attaching it to the sides of the torso, creating a tighter-looking physique.

Panniculectomy Surgery For The Abdominal Apron


Apron belly,  often referred to as a pannus stomach or mother’s apron, happens when the belly area expands as the result of an increase in weight or pregnancy. This manifests as a flap that is apron-like in shape and hangs below the waistline, causing back pain and affecting the patient’s ability to have proper genital hygiene. Patients who exercise regularly to lose weight often develop this issue. Removing it boosts their self-esteem, making them feel better about weight loss and proud of their results.

Mommy Makeover


Many women find that, after giving birth, their fleshy areas start to sag instead of bouncing back the way they want them to. Dr. Alizadeh offers a procedure known as a "mommy makeover" for women seeking a full-body restoration. This restorative treatment usually involves a tummy tuck and breast augmentation or a NaturaBra® Breast Lift. Upon completion, patients once again see their pre-pregancy figure, firm, defined, and in a remarkable hourglass shape.

Spot Liposuction

On top of removing excess skin, liposuction can also help patients achieve a tighter, more shapely figure as a result of comprehensive body contouring.

Depending on the goals of the patient, Dr. Alizadeh may also consider performing fat grafts for the face and breasts to give an aesthetic boost to areas that could benefit from a lift. 

Beyond that, Dr. Alizadeh may suggest using the extra fat from a cellulite removal procedure in a layering process that will prevent any potential scarring or dimpling down the line. 

Tummy Tuck FAQs

How soon after childbirth is it safe to have a tummy tuck?

Patients need to wait at least six months after childbirth before undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. The abdominal tissue must be allowed to heal fully before such a procedure can be carried out.

If I get pregnant after a tummy tuck, will it affect the results?

Most patients report positive results even after giving birth. In some cases, a follow-up procedure might be needed for maintenance after a pregnancy. If the patient maintains a healthy weight, however, it is likely that the results will last.

Can stretch marks be addressed during a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck procedures have the ability to permanently get rid of white stretch marks as well as alleviate stretch marks that form between the bikini line and the navel. However, any stretch marks outside of this region will likely remain. They will end up moving lower as a result of the remaining skin being stretched down.

When can I return to work?

Tummy tuck procedures usually require about two weeks of full rest to ensure proper recovery. Light work behind a computer screen can be resumed around the five day-mark, but a full two weeks is recommended to ensure that no unnecessary stress is put on the body.

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Long Island?

The cost of a tummy tuck will vary based on your specific needs and cosmetic goals. The surgeon's fee starts at $12,500 (not including surgery center or anesthesia fees) and will be ajdusted based on your customized surgical plan designed by Dr. Alizadeh.

Will tummy tuck surgery help me lose fat?

Depending on the amount of excess skin that the patient needs removed, there is usually a weight loss of about 2-10 pounds. If liposuction is performed simultaneously, patients can have as much as 11 pounds removed.

Can I exercise after abdominoplasty?

It is possible to engage in light exercise after a tummy tuck, but it is essential to check with Dr. Alizadeh first. He can provide specific instructions on when and how to start exercising again after the surgery. Following these recommendations is crucial to ensure a successful recovery and avoid complications. Almost all patients can return to full exercise and sexual activity six weeks after the procedure.

How do I determine the best tummy tuck technique for me?

You want to make sure that your surgeon addresses your skin, fat, muscle and possible hernia at the same time. Dr. Alizadeh’s NaturaTuck procedure includes all of the above steps while minimizing your scars at post-op recovery time.

Where is the scar of a tummy tuck?

The scar from a tummy tuck is usually located on the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area, and runs horizontally across the area. While the scar may be visible when naked, it can usually be hidden with most clothing even bathing suits. Over time, the scar will tend to fade and become less noticeable. Dr. Alizadeh’s team can use lasers to hasten your scar recovery.

Can an abdominoplasty treatment be covered by insurance in Long Island?

In general, tummy tuck surgery is considered elective, meaning it is not medically necessary and is usually not covered by insurance. However, there may be some exceptions, such as if the surgery is being performed to fix a functional issue, such as abdominal muscle weakness or separation, or to treat a medical condition, such as a hernia.

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