Online Bill Pay Search Book Now

Anatomy First, Contour Second

Few surgeons understand abdominal wall anatomy as intimately as Dr. Tommaso Addona, whose reconstructive career has included harvesting abdominal tissue for some of the most complex breast reconstruction performed today. That detailed familiarity with the abdominal muscles, tissue, and blood supply translates directly into his approach to tummy tuck surgery in NYC, where restoring underlying structure matters as much as removing excess skin. Speak with Dr. Addona about a tummy tuck approach informed by an unusually deep understanding of abdominal anatomy.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while repairing separated or weakened abdominal muscles. Pregnancy, significant weight fluctuation, and aging can all cause the abdominal muscles to separate and the skin to lose elasticity in ways that diet and exercise cannot fully correct.

Dr. Addona repairs the underlying muscle layer first, restoring a firmer abdominal wall, before removing excess skin and repositioning the belly button as needed. This sequence, structure before contour, reflects the same surgical philosophy he applies across his reconstructive and aesthetic practice.

Incision length and placement vary depending on the amount of correction needed, and a full tummy tuck can be tailored to address the upper and lower abdomen together for more comprehensive results.

Banner media
women's body

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck can meaningfully improve abdominal contour and function, offering benefits such as:

  • A flatter, firmer abdominal profile
  • Repair of separated abdominal muscles
  • Removal of excess skin that does not respond to diet or exercise
  • Improved definition through the waist and midsection
  • Long-lasting results with stable weight maintenance
  • A repositioned, more natural-looking belly button

Are You a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Ideal candidates are healthy adults with excess abdominal skin, separated abdominal muscles, or a lack of definition that has not responded to diet and exercise, often following pregnancy or significant weight loss. Candidates should be at or near a stable weight prior to surgery for the most durable results.

During your consultation for abdominoplasty in NYC, Greenwich, & Westchester County, Dr. Addona will evaluate your abdominal muscle separation, skin elasticity, and overall goals to determine whether a full or mini tummy tuck, discussed separately, will best address your specific concerns.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact us media

What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck Procedure

Every tummy tuck begins with a detailed consultation, during which Dr. Addona evaluates your abdominal anatomy and discusses the extent of muscle repair and skin removal needed.

The Procedure

Tummy tuck surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and usually takes two to four hours, depending on the extent of correction required. Dr. Addona first repairs the separated abdominal muscles, tightening the underlying wall, then removes excess skin and repositions the belly button before closing the incision. The same careful attention to blood supply and tissue viability that defines his reconstructive work is applied throughout, helping to support smooth healing and a well-contoured result.

After Surgery

Most patients stay overnight or return home the same day, depending on the extent of the procedure. Dr. Addona remains personally accessible throughout recovery, closely monitoring healing.

My experience with Dr. Addona has been nothing but wonderful. I first met with him for a breast reduction consultation, and during that first appointment he explained everything thoroughly and put my mind at ease. This caring and compassion continued to the day of surgery, where he was encouraging, patient, and supportive, to my post-op appointments where Dr. Addona was always willing to answer my questions whenever I needed. I am beyond happy with the results of my surgery and couldn't have asked for a better surgeon or person.

Carmela

Doctor Patient media

Recovery & Results After Your Tummy Tuck

Recovery from a tummy tuck is more involved than many other body procedures, given the muscle repair component.

The First Two Weeks

Swelling, tightness, and restricted movement are common initially, particularly related to the repaired abdominal muscles. Most patients require one to two weeks off work, with strenuous activity restricted for longer.

The Following Weeks

Swelling continues to resolve gradually over the following several weeks, and most patients feel comfortable resuming moderate activity by around four to six weeks.

Long-Term Results

Final results become fully apparent within a few months, once swelling has completely resolved. With stable weight maintenance, results tend to remain firm and well defined for many years.

Doctor media
Dr. Tommaso Addona signature

Why Choose Dr. Addona?

Understanding the abdominal wall at the level Dr. Addona does, built through extensive experience harvesting abdominal tissue for complex breast reconstruction, gives him a distinct advantage in tummy tuck surgery. He personally manages every patient from consultation through recovery, applying the same precise, structure-focused technique that defines his broader surgical practice.

texture background

Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tummy tuck the same as liposuction?

No. Liposuction removes fat, while a tummy tuck removes excess skin and repairs separated muscle. The two are often complementary and can sometimes be combined depending on your anatomy and goals.

Will a tummy tuck get rid of stretch marks?

Stretch marks located on the skin that is removed during surgery will be eliminated, while those on remaining skin may appear improved due to tightening, though they will not be fully removed.

How long do tummy tuck results typically last?

Results are generally long-lasting, particularly with stable weight maintenance, since significant future weight changes or pregnancy can affect the abdominal contour over time.

Is a tummy tuck painful?

Most patients describe tightness and pressure, particularly related to the muscle repair, rather than sharp pain, and this is well managed with the recovery guidance Dr. Addona provides.

Will there be visible scarring after a tummy tuck?

The incision is placed low on the abdomen, typically concealed beneath most underwear and swimwear, though the length varies depending on the extent of correction needed.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes. It is frequently combined with liposuction or performed as part of a mommy makeover alongside breast procedures, depending on your overall goals.

Contact us media
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (516) 497-9194.
Contact Us