Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY

Tummy Tuck Dr. Elie Levine Dr. Jody Levine NYC Lipo

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a transformative surgical procedure designed to flatten the abdomen and reshape the body’s contours. This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the underlying abdominal muscle layer or fascia. (1) Many individuals seek a tummy tuck to improve their self-confidence and appearance, especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy.

Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine are proud to offer patients this effective body sculpting procedure at NYC Lipo. If you are interested in exploring your tummy tuck options, please reach out today to schedule a consultation. You can reach us by submitting our online contact form. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call or text our office directly at (800) 683-5476.

About Tummy Tucks

The tummy tuck is a surgical technique that aims to enhance the appearance of the abdomen. The tummy tuck procedure has become increasingly popular over the years, with statistics showing it to be among the top five cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States. (1) Many individuals choose this procedure to regain confidence in their appearance and enjoy a more youthful silhouette. (2)

Sagging skin after pregnancy or substantial weight loss can result in a drooping midsection due to separated abdominal muscles or diastasis recti. Tummy tuck surgery can improve these issues for a tighter-looking abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is ideal for tightening separated abdominal muscles to restore definition, as well as removing drooping skin around the midsection. Additionally, as more and more people successfully lose weight through the use of GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), tummy tucks are becoming an increasingly popular method of post-weight loss body sculpting. Liposuction is also commonly incorporated during tummy tucks to remove stubborn fat from the waist and flank areas to create great curves. Stubborn fat deposits can be difficult to address on one’s own, even with consistent exercise and dieting. (2)

Umbilical Rejuvenation

Dr. Elie Levine specializes in umbilical rejuvenation, which is the practice of making the belly button appear as natural and aesthetically pleasing as possible. Dr. Elie Levine pioneered these navel-focused techniques himself to help patients achieve a natural-looking and stunning result. Patients report that Dr. Elie Levine’s refined umbilical rejuvenation techniques make them want to show off their midriff after their procedure, and patients now flock to him for this technique. This proprietary, specialized rejuvenation method uses incisions that are concealed within the belly button, hiding any obvious evidence of surgery by creating natural-looking results. This technique adds 45 minutes to the procedure because Dr. Elie Levine is so precise and careful in these adjustments.

He also creates scars that are very low on the bikini line, allowing patients to wear even the most revealing apparel. Additionally, Dr. Elie Levine also sees many revision patients who wish to address scars left by less-refined surgeons.

Benefits

Undergoing a tummy tuck offers numerous advantages. Under the expert care of Dr. Elie Levine, NYC Lipo patients experience benefits like:

  • Improved abdominal contours: Achieve a flatter and more aesthetically pleasing abdomen.
  • Muscle repair: Repair and tighten separated abdominal muscles, especially post-pregnancy.
  • Excess skin removal: Eliminate loose skin that does not retract after significant weight loss.
  • Enhanced self-confidence: With improved body shape, many patients report higher self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance.
  • Reduced stretch marks: Some stretch marks, particularly those located on the excess skin that is removed, can be eliminated.
  • Balanced body proportions: Removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles creates a more balanced appearance, especially when combined with liposuction.
  • Customizable procedure: Various techniques and methods allow surgeons to tailor each tummy tuck to each patient’s needs.
  • Long-lasting results: The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, given that patients maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Natural belly button appearance: Dr. Elie Levine’s rigorously refined umbilical rejuvenation techniques allow him to create a navel that appears entirely natural and gets patients excited to show their midsection.
  • Extremely low incision placement: In his tummy tuck method, Dr. Elie Levine places incisions extremely low on the abdomen, allowing patients to hide their minimal scarring even in the most revealing outfits.

Candidates

Candidates for a tummy tuck typically include men and women who are struggling with excess skin around the abdomen and separated abdominal muscles.

Ideal candidates should be in good overall health, maintain a steady weight, and have realistic expectations. A thorough consultation with Dr. Elie Levine can help determine if a tummy tuck is the most appropriate treatment option for you.

Personal Consultation

During a personal consultation at NYC Lipo, Dr. Elie Levine will evaluate your medical history, discuss your cosmetic concerns, and assess the abdominal area. This assessment allows him to determine your candidacy for the procedure and customize a surgical plan suitable for you. We will explain the various techniques available and outline the expected outcomes so you can make an informed decision regarding your tummy tuck journey. During this appointment, we will also help you explore your insurance coverage options.

Schedule your consultation today to begin your journey toward a smooth, flattened abdomen and a body that boosts your confidence. Submit our online contact form to reach us, or contact us directly by calling or texting (800) 683-5476.

Preparation

As a surgical procedure, patients are required to follow important preparatory instructions before undergoing treatment. These may vary slightly for each patient depending on their goals and medical history, but some common guidelines include:

  • Arranging transportation home from the procedure.
  • Avoiding any blood-thinning medications, supplements, and alcohol.
  • Ceasing nicotine use before and after the procedure (if applicable).
  • Picking up prescriptions beforehand.
  • Planning time away from work and responsibilities to focus on recovering.

Procedure

Your procedure will start the moment you walk into the office. Dr. Elie Levine will prepare you for the surgery from the beginning, making every effort to maximize your recovery.

In addition to general anesthesia, Dr. Elie Levine uses a long-acting pain reliever that enhances patient comfort after the procedure. During your tummy tuck, Dr. Elie Levine will remove excess skin from the abdomen. He can also tighten the abdominal muscles, which often separate due to pregnancy or weight gain, to address tummy bulging. He will carefully place an incision as low as possible near the bikini line, where it will remain subtle and inconspicuous. Dr. Elie Levine specializes in scar minimization, meaning he makes it a priority to place incisions in a way that will reduce scar visibility. Tummy tuck surgery can target differing degrees of excess skin, depending on your needs and goals.

Dr. Elie Levine can also perform umbilical rejuvenation at this time, ensuring that the belly button looks natural and aesthetically pleasing after the procedure.

Dr. Elie Levine will close the incisions; he may advise that you wear compression garments consistently to support your recovery. The entire procedure typically takes between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on complexity.

Recovery

After a tummy tuck, patients will be temporarily monitored at the NYC Lipo office and provided with recovery care instructions. The tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure, so you will be ambulatory and able to leave our office the same day. Initial recovery will involve swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients can expect to take approximately 10-14 days off work, depending on the physical demands of their jobs. Full results typically become more visible as swelling dissipates in the following weeks and months.

Because of Dr. Elie Levine’s specialized and refined techniques, NYC Lipo regularly sees patients from around the country and the world. Our team can happily help you arrange travel and lodging accommodations so you have a comfortable place to recover until you are healthy enough to travel.

Results

Tummy Tuck Dr. Elie Levine Dr. Jody Levine NYC Lipo

The results of a tummy tuck can be life-changing. Patients often notice immediate improvements in abdominal shape and firmness, but the best results will develop over time as recovery progresses. Dr. Elie Levine’s excellent scar minimization techniques ensure that the scar can be hidden beneath even the most revealing clothing or bathing suits. Scarring also often fades over time with the proper postoperative care. Results can last many years, but patients should try to make healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising regularly and eating balanced meals. Pregnancy, aging, and/or future weight fluctuations may impact the results of a tummy tuck.

Corresponding Procedures

Tummy tucks can be combined with multiple other procedures to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. If you are interested in combining treatments, please discuss your options during your consultation.

QuantumRF Skin Tightening

QuantumRF, developed by InMode, is an innovative skin-tightening technology that uses radiofrequency waves (RF) to stimulate collagen production. In these procedures, Dr. Elie Levine will maneuver a handheld device over the targeted loose skin. This emits radiofrequency energy, which your skin absorbs as gentle heat. As it slowly heats up, collagen production will increase, which then helps your skin repair itself to a tight, healthy look.

BodyTite and Liposuction

BodyTite is an innovative treatment that combines liposuction with radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening technology. Because tummy tucks are regularly performed after fat is removed with liposuction, receiving a BodyTite treatment helps to enhance and prolong the results of a tummy tuck. This innovative technology allows Dr. Elie Levine to remove fat and tighten the skin simultaneously, effectively addressing multiple issues at once to reduce the recovery time patients face. Dr. Elie Levine can also perform advanced SmartLipo® and VASER® LipoSelection.

Full Body Liposuction

As one of New York’s leading liposuction specialists, Dr. Elie Levine offers multiple treatments and technologies to help patients eliminate stubborn deposits of fat throughout their bodies. If there are multiple areas you wish to treat, Dr. Elie Levine can perform a full-body liposuction procedure, allowing you to contour multiple areas in one session. He can also perform this with the innovative VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) liposuction technology, which can liquefy and remove fat more efficiently than traditional methods, helping to reduce your total recovery time.

Gluteal Fat Transfer

A gluteal fat transfer, more commonly known as the Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL, is a body contouring procedure that relies on fat grafting. In this procedure, Dr. Elie Levine will use liposuction to harvest fat from one area of the body. This will contour this area by reducing stubborn fat deposits. Once harvested, Dr. Elie Levine will process it, and then inject fat microdroplets into preselected sites on the buttocks. Administering fat via microdroplets rather than large masses allows Dr. Elie Levine to precisely place the desired amount of fat to various tissue planes. Patients emerge from these procedures with a larger, contoured, toned butt and a desirable hourglass figure.

Body Lift

Another body contouring procedure we offer at NYC Lipo is the body lift. A body lift is a comprehensive procedure designed to enhance the mid and lower body. This procedure often incorporates liposuction, a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and a buttocks lift.

Mommy Makeover

Like a body lift, a mommy makeover is a combination of procedures designed to address multiple areas of the body. This treatment can benefit women who have gone through pregnancy, but anyone considering full-body rejuvenation could be a candidate for a mommy makeover procedure. A mommy makeover often includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast procedures like breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reduction, and more.

Cost of a Tummy Tuck in NYC

The total cost of your tummy tuck will depend on the extent of your procedure, your personal goals, other procedures included in your treatment, and a few other factors. After you meet with Dr. Elie Levine for a consultation, you will receive a comprehensive price quote. Some patients may also be eligible for insurance coverage, depending on their provider and policy.

Schedule your consultation today to begin your tummy tuck journey. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call or text our Manhattan office directly at (800) 683-5476.

FAQ

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to flatten and contour the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while strengthening abdominal muscles. The procedure is often combined with liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits.

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Good candidates are typically those with excess skin, stubborn fat deposits, or lax abdominal muscles, especially following weight loss or pregnancy. A consultation is necessary for eligibility determination.

How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?

Most patients return to work within 10-14 days, depending on the physical requirements of their job. Patients with more strenuous jobs may have to wait until Dr. Levine determines it is safe and acceptable to return to work.

Will a tummy tuck leave noticeable scars?

Dr. Elie Levine specializes in scar minimization, making every effort to place incisions where they will be easily hidden by clothing, undergarments, or bikinis. He places the incision as low as possible to achieve this–a consideration not every surgeon makes. Because of his refined incision placement techniques, patients report feeling confident even in their most revealing outfits.

References

  1. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
  2. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28613712/