Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?

Discomfort is expected after a tummy tuck, but pain is carefully managed with medication and modern pain-control techniques. Most of Dr. P and Dr. Rhee’s patients describe the sensation as tightness rather than severe pain.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Patients typically attend a consultation, a preoperative visit, the surgery, and several follow-up appointments to monitor healing and outcomes.

How Long Until I See the Results?

You can expect to see a firmer, more toned abdomen soon after your tummy tuck. New research suggests that tummy tuck patients may experience continued weight loss for years after surgery, with an average of around ten pounds lost over 5 years in patients with higher initial BMI. 2

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

Scars are placed low on the abdomen so your underwear or swimwear can hide them. Your scars will gradually fade and become less noticeable.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Tummy Tuck?

Light walking is encouraged early in recovery. More intense exercise and core workouts are usually resumed after six to eight weeks, depending on healing progress.

Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures?

Yes, many Long Island patients choose to pair a tummy tuck with a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction, as part of a mommy makeover. Liposuction is also frequently performed alongside a tummy tuck to refine the waist, hips, or flanks and enhance overall body contour. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island, your personal plastic surgeon carefully evaluates your anatomy, medical history, and recovery considerations to determine which procedure combinations are safe and appropriate while maintaining natural-looking results.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Tummy Tuck?

Risks with a tummy tuck may include bleeding, infection, fluid buildup, delayed wound healing, or unfavorable scarring. Some might also experience some temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation. Less commonly, complications such as asymmetry or prolonged swelling may occur.

How Do I Find the Best Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon Near Me in Long Island?

Look for board certification, experience, and a practice that prioritizes individualized care. Then schedule a consultation to evaluate credentials, review results, and determine whether the surgeon is the right fit.

When Should I Consider a Tummy Tuck?

You should consider a tummy tuck if you’re in good overall health, close to or at your ideal weight, and can’t flatten your abdominal area with diet and exercise. The team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if the tummy tuck is the right choice for you. The team recommends that women have a tummy tuck only if they have no plans for future pregnancies.

Tummy Tuck

Roslyn Heights, NY

Introduction

Introduction to Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

When diet and exercise can’t get you a flat, toned tummy, then it’s time to consider a tummy tuck. Sotirios Papafragkou, MD, FACS, and the team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island in Roslyn Heights, Long Island, New York, perform the tummy tuck using innovative techniques that result in minimal scarring and a shorter recovery.

To find out more about the tummy tuck, call or schedule an appointment online today.

Our team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island (PSAOLI) proudly serves patients throughout Long Island, including Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Garden City, and Manhasset, NY.

Before & After Gallery

Before & After Results

Dr. Rhee and Dr. Papafragkou working together in the operating room, wearing blue surgical gowns and masks.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens and tones your tummy. Even if you’re at your goal weight, work out regularly, and eat well, you may not achieve a flat, toned abdomen. You may have excess skin from pregnancy or weight loss, or stubborn pockets of fat that exercise can’t fix.

A tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat to give you those flat abs. The team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island also tightens widened or stretched muscles, which are common in women following pregnancy.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

Our mini tummy tuck is a less extensive version of a full abdominoplasty and is ideal for patients whose concerns are limited to the area below the belly button. This procedure targets mild to moderate excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen and may include limited muscle tightening.

Because the incision is smaller and the surgical scope is more focused, recovery is shorter than a full tummy tuck. This option works well for patients who are close to their ideal weight and do not require correction above the navel. During your consultation, Dr. P or Dr. Rhee will determine whether a mini tummy tuck can effectively achieve your goals or if a full abdominoplasty would deliver better results.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck?

The best candidates for an abdominoplasty are adults in good overall health, close to their ideal body weight, who struggle with loose abdominal skin, muscle separation, or stubborn fat deposits. Ideal candidates are non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery.

Of the 171,064 tummy tucks performed in 2024, about 98 percent were performed on female patients, indicating that abdominoplasty remains especially popular among women seeking post-pregnancy or body-contouring improvements.¹

During a personalized consultation, your plastic surgeon carefully evaluates your anatomy, health history, and goals to determine the safest approach.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck delivers both aesthetic and functional benefits. Patients often notice a flatter, firmer abdomen that fits more comfortably into clothing and swimwear. Many also experience improved posture and core strength as their abdominal muscles repair.

Our patients frequently report increased confidence and comfort in their bodies. A smoother abdominal contour can make everyday activities feel easier and help clothing sit more naturally. For those dealing with skin irritation or discomfort from excess skin, a tummy tuck can also provide practical relief.

A blonde woman in a black blazer smiles warmly as she hands a white clipboard over a reception desk to a patient.

What’s the First Step?

The first step toward a tummy tuck is scheduling a private consultation at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island. During this one-on-one visit, your surgeon takes the time to understand your concerns, review your relevant medical history, and evaluate your abdomen to determine the most effective approach.

You’ll discuss your goals, learn which type of tummy tuck is best suited for your body, and review what to expect before, during, and after surgery. This appointment is also an opportunity to ask questions, explore combination procedures, if appropriate, and gain a clear understanding of recovery and results.

What to Expect on the Day of a Tummy Tuck Surgery

Dr. P and Dr. Rhee at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island customize your tummy tuck surgical plan to match your aesthetic goals and needs. They may perform a partial or complete abdominoplasty. Partial abdominoplasty, or a mini-tummy tuck, is a less invasive cosmetic procedure suited for individuals with excess fat and skin below the belly button.

The team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island uses smaller incisions during a partial abdominoplasty, resulting in a shorter recovery time. They also tighten muscles during this procedure. Complete abdominoplasty.. For a complete abdominoplasty, your surgeon makes large incisions from hip bone to hip bone, then an incision around the navel to remove the navel. Your surgeon tightens the abdominal muscles, stretches the skin over the muscles, removes the excess, reattaches the navel, and closes the incision.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Tummy Tuck Care

In the first few days after surgery, swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the abdomen are normal. Patients are encouraged to rest while also taking short, gentle walks to support circulation and promote healing.

We also recommend wearing compression garments during early recovery to help manage swelling and support the new abdominal contour.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Long Island, NY?

The cost of a tummy tuck in Long Island depends on several factors, including the type of abdominoplasty performed, the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia fees, and facility costs. Because each surgical plan is personalized, pricing varies from patient to patient.

During your consultation, Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island will provide a detailed cost estimate based on your individualized treatment plan.

Why Choose Us?

Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island is led by Sotirios Papafragkou, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified surgeon affiliated with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Susie Rhee is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Aesthetic Society, and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF).

Patients benefit from experienced surgeons, thoughtful treatment planning, and attentive follow-up care. The team is committed to achieving natural-looking results that align with each patient’s goals while prioritizing comfort and long-term satisfaction.

Tummy Tuck FAQ’S

Yes, many Long Island patients choose to pair a tummy tuck with a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction, as part of a mommy makeover. Liposuction is also frequently performed alongside a tummy tuck to refine the waist, hips, or flanks and enhance overall body contour.

During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island, your personal plastic surgeon carefully evaluates your anatomy, medical history, and recovery considerations to determine which procedure combinations are safe and appropriate while maintaining natural-looking results.
You should consider a tummy tuck if you’re in good overall health, close to or at your ideal weight, and can’t flatten your abdominal area with diet and exercise.

The team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if the tummy tuck is the right choice for you.

The team recommends that women have a tummy tuck only if they have no plans for future pregnancies.

Sources

ASPS, & Hollenbeck, S. (2024). 2024 Procedural Statistics release. In ASPS Procedural Statistics Release (pp. 3–5) [Report]. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf

Study finds tummy-tuck patients still shedding pounds five years later. (2025, July 25). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250706230325.htm

Schedule a Consultation

Personalized Care from Two Dedicated Surgeons

To learn more about the tummy tuck at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island, call or schedule an appointment online today.

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