Regarding physical appearance, the midsection is one of our biggest concerns. While many of us resort to diet and exercise to achieve our ideal body, it can be difficult to lose stubborn belly fat. Surgical intervention can help when these methods cannot improve the situation.

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Woman in pink top stretching

What is a tummy tuck?

After going through childbirth or losing a large amount of weight, it is normal for women to experience unwanted abdomen changes characterized by a separation of the abdominal muscles. These changes are often too difficult to address through diet and exercise alone. A tummy tuck is one of the few surgical procedures that effectively restore a flat, more youthful aesthetic to the stomach. 

Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?

Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck in New York include:

  • Currently follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen but have not seen any noticeable improvement in their midsection
  • Struggle with sagging skin that has resulted from weight loss or pregnancy
  • Have distended bellies due to previous pregnancies
  • Have had a C-section and are currently dealing with a bulging scar

Some other basic criteria for tummy tuck candidates include:

  • Being a non-smoker
  • Being in good physical and mental health
  • Have realistic expectations for the outcomes of the treatment

Ideally, patients should have a friend or family member who can drive them home and look after them for the first few days following the procedure.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck? 

  • Strengthening of the core
  • Decreases the likelihood of developing certain medical conditions
  • Decreases the likelihood of hernias
  • Patients have improved control over their bodily functions
  • The likelihood of developing stress urinary incontinence is greatly reduced

What issues can a tummy tuck address?

  • Excess, sagging skin on the abdomen
  • Weakened stomach muscles
  • Unwanted fat in the abdomen
  • Stretch marks
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fit woman in hot pink sports bra

How does the procedure work?

A tummy tuck procedure involves making incisions between the belly button and pubic area in a horizontal, oval, or elliptical shape, effectively removing the excess tissue from the area. The connective tissue that lies over the stomach is then sutured shut to keep the muscles tight. 

What is the recovery process like?

After undergoing a tummy tuck in New York at Core Aesthetic, patients are usually able to start working again after about 2 weeks of rest. If the procedure involves liposuction, patients will need to keep drains in the treated areas for a few weeks, as the fluid needs to be removed from the body. Patients are given pre-fitted compression garments to be worn following the procedure and must be kept on for about 4 to 6 weeks. Patients are often instructed to perform lymphatic massages, as these can move fluid and speed up the healing process.

What are the different types of tummy tucks? 

The tummy tuck comes in various forms, each one designed to address different issues. During the private consultation, the patient’s medical history and current situation will be assessed thoroughly to determine which course of action will best meet their needs. 

The type of tummy tuck procedure that is chosen depends on how much excess skin the patient is currently dealing with. The location and length of incisions made during the procedure will vary greatly, depending on how much skin will have to be removed. 



Standard Tummy Tuck

The standard tummy tuck procedure is designed to address both the upper and lower sections of the abdomen. Those with weakened abdominal muscles or an accumulation of excess skin around the belly can see significant improvements with a standard tummy tuck. It flattens the region above and below the belly button while refining its contours. 

The procedure involves the following steps:

  • A small incision is made on the umbilical
  • A short incision is made near the waistline, which is completely obscured by clothing, such as swimwear and undergarments
  • All excess fat is extracted from the target area
  • The stomach is tightened using sutures

After the procedure, patients must keep drainage tubes under their skin for a few days to recover properly. Downtime from the procedure is usually only a week-long, and patients can start engaging in vigorous exercise at the 6-week mark. 

Mini Tummy Tuck 

Unlike the standard tummy tuck, which treats both the upper and lower abdomen, the mini tummy tuck only addresses the lower portion of the belly (from the navel and below). It is appropriately labeled “mini” because only a small area above the pubic region is treated. However, the incisions used with this approach are roughly the same size as the ones used in a standard tummy tuck. 

The mini tummy tuck is best suited for women who are already at a healthy weight and can maintain it long-term. These women are overall content with their body composition, but an issue, such as pregnancy, has caused them to develop some muscle separation and a layer of excess skin above their pubic area. Women with C-section scars can be in an even more complicated situation, as the scar further disrupts the area's aesthetic appeal. A mini tummy tuck procedure involves an incision that is easily hidden in the waistline, and there are only about 5 to 7 days of downtime. 

Circumferential tummy tuck 

This is the most extensive tummy tuck method, as it treats all areas of the stomach, the waistline, flanks, and back. This procedure is best suited for patients who have experienced large fluctuations in weight. 

As the name suggests, the procedure involves a circumferential incision that runs around the waistline. Liposuction is then carried out to remove excess skin and fat from the target areas. During this time, the loose stomach muscles are pulled tight and the belly button is moved to a more visually pleasing position. Once all of the changes have been made, sutures are used to seal the incisions. These tummy tuck procedures can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to complete. 

Close up of Dr. Kiwanuka in surgical outfit.

Why choose Core Aesthetics?

A native of Sweden, Dr. Kiwanuka provides her patients with carefully-designed treatments that focus on beauty, fitness, nutrition, and overall health. At her practice Core Aesthetics, she combines state-of-the-art skin-tightening and muscle-building techniques to restore youthfulness and grace to her patients’ physiques. 

She has a lengthy educational and training background, including Uppsala School of Medicine in Sweden, From 2014-2015, the Department of Surgery at Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI, and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Plastic Surgery in New York City. Dr. Kiwanuka always keeps up-to-date with the latest developments in the world of cosmetology, ensuring that her patients get the best care possible. 

Above all, Dr. Kiwanuka prioritizes her patients’ individuality and ensures they receive treatments that help them reach their goals. She strives to ensure that everyone leaves her office looking and feeling their best. 

Reach out to us to set up a Tummy Tuck consultation.

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