Abdominoplasty

203.920.1444 | 2777 Summer Street, Suite 210, Stamford CT, 06905 | info.cskimmdplastics@gmail.com

What is an Abdominoplasty?

Many patients live an active and healthy lifestyle, yet still find themselves with sagging skin or a pocket of excess fat along the abdomen. Weight fluctuation, pregnancy, and age may all contribute to stretched abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to repair the muscles of the abdominal wall. Generally Dr. Kim performs a lipo-abdominoplasty, which includes liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks to help flatten the abdomen and narrow the waist, providing the patient with a tighter, toned stomach.

How is Dr. Kim’s Lipo-Abdominoplasty Different?

Many plastic surgeons perform a more traditional tummy tuck with liposuction along the flanks or waistline. Dr. Kim performs a lipo-abdominoplasty which incorporates liposuction of the upper and central abdomen, as well as the flanks. This additional liposuction makes the abdominal flap thinner and tighter for more desirable results. Liposuction of the central abdomen during a tummy tuck requires a different specialized technique to preserve bloodflow to the abdominal flap. Many plastic surgeons do not use this technique. However, Dr. Kim has performed hundreds of lipo-abdominoplasties with this improved technique.

Candidates

A good candidate for a tummy tuck may have stomach muscles which have become stretched or separated, a condition known as diastasis rectus which can commonly result from pregnancy. Patients with loose skin or pockets of fat due to weight fluctuations, age or other surgeries may also be good candidates for an abdominoplasty. Patients should be at or close to their ideal weight, but still have extra fat and loose skin of the abdomen. 

Abdominal scar marked pattern
Collage of female body before and after weight loss over white background
Woman fat belly. Overweight and weight loss concept.

Procedure

Surgery is usually performed in an outpatient surgical setting while the patient is under general anesthesia. Surgery can take between two to four hours depending on the patient’s individual needs. A diluted local anesthetic, known as tumescent fluid, is infused into the fatty tissues to numb the area and reduce bleeding. A thin cannula is then used to suction out the fat.

Once the liposuction procedure is complete, a horizontal incision is made along the lower abdomen. This incision is made in a similar position to where a C-section scar might be, but it extends from hip to hip. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the loose or separated rectus muscles are sewn together and repaired. Then a second incision around the belly button is made, the loose skin is pulled down tightly like a window shade, and the excess is trimmed away. A new opening is made in the skin for the belly button. Drains or thin flexible tubes are temporarily placed to relieve any bleeding or swelling fluid. The skin is then sutured together with layers of dissolving sutures. Dressings and an abdominal compression binder/garment are placed to aid in the recovery process.

Recovery

Tummy tuck surgery is normally done as an outpatient procedure, so patients are able to walk slowly on their own after surgery and can return home on the same day. Patients will walk and sit bent or flexed at the waist for 1 week. Patients may require pain medication for the first few days. Drains are removed in the office seven to ten days after surgery. Driving and low-intensity work can be resumed at two weeks. Patients with more physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period before returning to work. Light exercise can be resumed at three weeks and patients can return to unlimited exercise at six weeks. Patients should wear compression garments for six weeks following surgery.

Frequently asked questions

A surgical procedure that improves the shape and contours of the abdomen through liposuction, skin removal and muscle tightening.

Patients should be close to their goal weight and healthy enough to receive general anesthesia. Coordinating some friends or family members to help you in the first few days after surgery can be a great help.

Most patients only require pain medication for a few days following surgery. For the first week after surgery you will be walking and sitting flexed at the waist.  Drains are typically removed one week after surgery. Most patients are driving at two weeks. Patients with desk jobs or more sedentary work can often return to work at two weeks, although those with more physical careers will take longer.

Short walks are encouraged in the early healing phases. Light exercise can begin at three weeks after surgery. Most patients can return to unrestricted exercise at six weeks.



Dr. Kim approaches each patient as an individual with unique needs and goals. Make a consultation with our staff to determine what abdominoplasty technique will give you the optimal outcome!

"This doctor is top in NY not to mention the staff if amazing!! I got a Tummy Tuck with a BBL and he delivered exactly what I wanted. Once he smile at me during the consultation, I knew I'd be safe! In love with my results!"

32 year old, NY

Schedule a Consultation

for a Tummy Tuck

To schedule a private consultation with Dr. CS Kim please call the office or request an appointment online. We welcome your visit.

2777 Summer Street, Suit 210, Stamford CT, 06905


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    Services for abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, liposuction and body contouring in Stamford CT and surrounding areas such as Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Westport, Darien, Wilton, Weston, Easton, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Ridgefield, Danbury, Monroe, Milford, Bedford, Armonk, Mt Kisco, Bedford Hills, Rye, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, White Plains, Scarsdale, Westchester County, Fairfield County. Surgical and non-surgical treatment of diet resistant fat, pregnancy bulges, weight changes, loose skin, and loose muscle. Safe, effective, beautiful and dramatic transformations.