Excess skin and fat around the lower abdomen can be extremely frustrating and may not respond to diet and exercise. Through a plastic surgery procedure known as a tummy tuck, you can address these concerns and have the flat, athletic abdomen you have always wanted. Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and two-time Castle Connolly NY top doctor who specializes in helping people achieve their goals. He does this using the newest drainless techniques that make his tummy tucks less painful and highly sought after. Although the drainless tummy tuck is the most common type performed, Dr. Gandolfi also performs mini-tummy tucks, traditional tummy tucks (with drains), and floating belly button tummy tucks.

The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck can provide you with a natural flat stomach, allowing you to look and feel your best. Some additional benefits to having a tummy tuck include:

  • Diastasis recti (bulging stomach) repair: The abdominal wall is often injured during pregnancy or with weight gain, causing bulging of the stomach. The only way to repair this is with a tummy tuck. Diet and exercise will not fix this problem.
  • Better posture and less back pain: By repositioning your stomach muscles, a tummy tuck can improve the position of your lower back and flatten your stomach, improving your posture and alleviating back pain.
  • Hernia repairs: Both umbilical hernias and small ventral hernias can be repaired during a tummy tuck procedure.
  • Fat removal, with or without transfer: Although not necessary, liposuction can be performed safely and effectively during a tummy tuck. This fat can then be transferred to areas such as the breast or hips to enhance contours.
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Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Gandolfi will perform a physical evaluation and review your medical history. Based on this information, he will verify whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

The best candidates for a tummy tuck:

  • Are in good health overall
  • Are not extremely overweight. Your BMI (body mass index) must be less than 35 to have this surgery safely. If your BMI is greater than 35, weight loss will be recommended. 
  • Do not smoke cigarettes or use nicotine products

You may not be a good candidate if:

  • You are a smoker
  • You are looking for an “easy” way to lose weight
  • You think you may still wish to have children
  • You have a history of blood clots
  • You are on blood thinners

Real Patients, Real Results Achieving Natural Beauty

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The Procedure Process Explained

Dr. Gandolfi is committed to personalization. No two patients are exactly alike, and neither are any two tummy tucks. The following details what most patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure. 

Actual Patient of Dr. Gandolfi Who Received Breast Reconstruction, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, and BodyTite.

To start the process, you’ll have an initial phone call with a member of our team to discuss your medical history and your aesthetic goals, and to schedule your consultation.

When you see Dr. Gandolfi, he will perform a full physical evaluation, verifying that you are eligible for a safe and successful tummy tuck. Dr. Gandolfi will also talk with you about what you are hoping to achieve through your tummy tuck, provide more information about anesthesia options, and answer your questions. This consultation usually lasts around 30 minutes and will provide you with a full roadmap for the rest of your surgical experience.

Dr. Gandolfi will provide you with guidelines about how you can prepare for your tummy tuck. This may include pausing certain medications and supplements or fasting the morning of your procedure. You will also need to make sure you avoid smoking for at least six weeks before the tummy tuck.

Your surgery will start with you arriving at the surgery center, where you will meet the surgical team. Next, you will be brought into the operating suite and will go to sleep. The next thing you know, you will be waking up in recovery!

For your tummy tuck, Dr. Gandolfi will start by contouring your abdomen using power assisted liposuction. After your abdomen has been appropriately contoured, he will make an incision above your groin, positioned so that it is easily hidden by underwear or a bathing suit. Through this incision, Dr. Gandolfi will remove the excess fat and skin tissue. Next, the abdominal muscles are tightened with a 2-3 layer inner corset suture. The remaining skin will be repositioned to create a taut, natural look.

One thing that distinguishes Dr. Gandolfi’s tummy tuck procedures is the detail that he creates using liposuction. His goal is to give you a naturally trim, taut abdomen without leaving you looking like you just had surgery. 

Another differentiating feature of Dr. Gandolfi’s tummy tuck is that most of his patients don’t require a drain following the procedure. Dr. Gandolfi uses a combination of unique techniques to minimize drainage and negate the need for drains.

One of every tummy tuck patient’s greatest concerns is the scar, and that makes it one of Dr. Gandolfi’s biggest concerns as well. Dr. Gandolfi uses a layered approach to closing the incisions to minimize the appearance of scars over time. While tummy tucks do leave scars, Dr. Gandolfi positions them so that they are concealed by clothing, underwear, or swimsuits. If you have an existing C-section scar, the incision will be placed below it to remove this scar. The belly button scar is placed under the cover of the abdominal wall skin to hide it.

The overall size and height of the scar depend on the type of tummy tuck as well as the amount of excess skin.

When you wake up from surgery, you will be able to walk. It is important for your recovery that you continue to walk when home. Prior to being discharged, you will receive all the guidelines you need concerning diet, bathing, and caring for your incisions. 

After a tummy tuck, you should expect to feel some discomfort for about 2 weeks. You will be given medications to help you through this time. Dr. Gandolfi also offers a new medication (Exparel) that significantly decreases postoperative pain. Depending on your job, you should plan to take 2-4 weeks off. When drains are placed (most tummy tucks are drainless), they stay in an average of 2 weeks.

For the first 30 days, your exercise will be limited to walking. After 4-6 weeks, you can start to do most exercises. After 3 months, you can resume all activities, including sit-ups and yoga.

MEET DR. GANDOLFI

Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with offices in New York City and Englewood, NJ. He specializes in cosmetic surgery and is a member of The Aesthetic Society, a by-invitation-only society for doctors with experience and excellence in cosmetic surgery. He obtained his plastic surgery degree at Duke University Medical Center and spent additional training in facial surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Gandolfi is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

MEET DR. Gandolfi

Other Things to Consider Before Getting a Tummy Tuck

Do you have additional questions about getting a tummy tuck? If so, we invite you to contact our office. We take delight in talking with our patients and educating them about different surgical options. In the meantime, here are a few of the most common inquiries.

Are There Any Risks Involved?

There are risks involved with any surgical procedure, including those associated with anesthesia. You can minimize most of these risks by ensuring that you choose a board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon to perform the work.

Will I Need to Request Extensive Time Off from Work?

Following a tummy tuck, it is imperative to give your body some time to heal. For most desk jobs, you can return to work after 2 weeks. If you have a physically demanding job, more time will be necessary before you are able to return to work.

Am I Too Young/Old for a Tummy Tuck?

When it comes to being a good candidate for a tummy tuck, your current lifestyle, future plans, and medical history are much more important than your age.

Does My Insurance Cover the Procedure? 

Though most insurance policies will not cover a procedure like this one, we are always happy to talk with you about insurance and financing solutions.

How Long Will My Results Last?

Forever! Your new body can be thought of as a fresh starting point. You will, of course, continue to age, and you will still gain and lose weight as you do now, but the extra skin and fat that was removed will never return. 

Is Getting a Tummy Tuck Really Worth it? 

Ultimately, only you can make this decision. With that said, the tummy tuck is consistently rated one of the most “worth it” surgeries on Realself.com, with 96% of patients stating the surgery is a worthwhile investment.

Experienced at Tummy Tucks

Ready to learn more about having a tummy tuck? Contact us to schedule a consultation at (212) 287-7211.

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