Tummy Tuck Surgery in NYC: Redefine Your Waistline With Natural-Looking Results

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat while restoring a smoother, firmer contour. The surgery also addresses weakened or separated abdominal muscles, which can occur after pregnancy or significant weight changes.

This procedure is ideal for people whose midsection has not responded to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck restores structural support and contour to create a flatter, more balanced silhouette. Patients often describe the results as both physically and emotionally transformative.

Which Tummy Tuck Technique Is Right for You?

Dr. Sterry has performed hundreds of tummy tucks, refining his approach to minimize scarring and create natural-looking, balanced results. Dr. Sterry offers several tailored tummy tuck techniques depending on your specific goals and anatomy. 

Full Tummy Tuck

This option is typically best if you have loose skin and stretched muscles above and below the belly button. This tummy tuck includes ab muscle repair for a firmer core and a smoother, flatter abdomen.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a less extensive procedure, ideal when excess skin is limited to the area below the navel. Muscle tightening isn’t usually needed, and recovery is quicker.

Extended Tummy Tuck

This procedure is often the right choice after significant weight loss. It includes muscle repair and removes skin across the front and sides of your torso for a more dramatic, balanced result.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate? 

You may be a strong candidate for a tummy tuck if you’re a nonsmoker in overall good health and struggling with loose skin, weakened muscles, and stubborn belly fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise. Dr. Sterry customizes each procedure to align with your goals and deliver safe, natural-looking results.

• Women Post-Pregnancy: Pregnancy often leaves lasting physical changes, such as stretched skin and separated muscles. Abdominoplasty restores your pre-pregnancy appearance, tightening loose skin and repairing muscular separation, significantly improving your overall physical comfort and emotional well-being.
• Individuals After Significant Weight Loss: Major weight loss is a tremendous accomplishment but can leave behind loose, sagging skin. A tummy tuck effectively removes this excess skin, highlighting the true results of your weight loss journey and enabling you to fully embrace your newly sculpted figure.
• Men and women experiencing age-related changes: With age, skin elasticity declines and abdominal muscles may weaken. A tummy tuck helps restore tone and tightness to the midsection.

Maintaining realistic expectations is key. While abdominoplasty can dramatically improve how you look and feel, long-term results depend on a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Award-Winning Tummy Tuck Specialist Trusted by NYC Patients

Dr. Thomas Sterry is a distinguished plastic surgeon known for delivering personalized care with exceptional precision and artistry. At his New York City practice, Dr. Sterry is recognized for producing consistently superior, natural-looking results, supported by his extensive training, board certification, and numerous accolades. Patients value his reassuring bedside manner and detailed, patient-focused approach. 

When you choose Dr. Sterry for your tummy tuck, you benefit from: 

• Incisions expertly placed low on the abdomen so scars are easily concealed
• Natural-looking belly button that enhances the abdomen’s appearance
• Drainless or minimal-drain technique using progressive tension sutures reduces aftercare needs and enhances comfort
• Advanced pain control with TAP blocks and long-acting medication offers a smoother recovery
• Sedation instead of general anesthesia in most cases reduces side effects and encourages a faster return to activity

During your personal consultation, Dr. Sterry will take time to understand your priorities and design a surgical plan that reflects your vision. His meticulous approach consistently delivers results that look beautiful, feel natural, and stand the test of time.

The Unexpected Benefits of a Tummy Tuck: Going Beyond Aesthetics

While a cosmetic transformation is often the biggest motivator, many patients are surprised to learn that a tummy tuck can also offer meaningful physical and emotional improvements, such as the following:

• Improved posture: Tightening the abdominal wall strengthens core support and helps restore posture, especially for patients with diastasis recti or long-term muscle laxity.
• Less back pain: A stronger core reduces the burden on your lower back, often relieving chronic discomfort tied to poor posture or weak abdominal support.
• Easier movement: With excess skin gone and muscles restored, everyday activities like bending, walking, or exercising feel easier and more comfortable.
• A lift in confidence: Many patients report feeling more at ease in their clothes, more motivated to stay active, and more confident in their appearance after surgery.

These added benefits make a tummy tuck more than just a cosmetic procedure—it’s a step toward feeling stronger, more comfortable, and more confident in your body every day. 

Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck

Getting ready for a tummy tuck involves more than just picking a date. It’s about setting yourself up for a smooth surgery and a strong recovery. Dr. Sterry will guide you through each step during your consultation, but here’s what you can begin planning now: 

• Complete your presurgical evaluation: A full medical assessment helps confirm you’re a good candidate and ensures your safety throughout the process. 

• Make smart lifestyle choices: Avoid smoking, prioritize balanced nutrition, and stay physically active. These steps improve circulation, support healing, and reduce the risk of complications. 

• Line up support at home: Arrange for someone to help with meals, childcare, and mobility during the first few days after surgery. Having a reliable support system makes a big difference. 

Most procedures are performed in our accredited surgical facility, where we maintain the highest safety standards. 

Want to know exactly what to expect before, during, and after surgery? Dr. Sterry can walk you through every detail during your personal consultation. Schedule your consultation today using the online form to get started.  

What To Expect on Surgery Day

Dr. Sterry performs every tummy tuck with meticulous attention to detail, using techniques that deliver natural-looking results while making your recovery as seamless as possible. 

• Anesthesia Administration: Safely administered anesthesia by an experienced anesthesiologist improves comfort throughout the surgery. He typically uses a combination of local anesthesia, nerve blocks, and sedation rather than general anesthesia.

• Strategic Incisions: Meticulously placed incisions below the underwear line ensure discreet scarring and enhance the overall aesthetic outcome. 

• Removal of Excess Skin and Fat: Skillfully performed to achieve a smoothly contoured and firmer midsection. 

• Abdominal Muscle Repair: Repairing muscle separation significantly strengthens your core and refines your abdomen’s shape. 

• Optional Liposuction: Frequently incorporated to enhance the definition and contour of your abdomen, liposuction optimizes your final results. 

• Careful Incision Closure: Refined suturing techniques minimize visible scarring, promoting optimal healing and aesthetically pleasing outcomes. 

Each step is performed with precision to ensure you feel safe, cared for, and excited about your results starting from the moment you arrive on surgery day. 

Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline

Every patient heals differently, but most follow a similar path during tummy tuck recovery. Here’s a general idea of what to expect: 

• Day 1: You’ll be up and walking the day of your surgery. Light movement helps prevent complications and supports circulation. 
• Days 2 to 7: Discomfort is most noticeable during this period but is typically manageable with medication. You’ll wear a compression garment and limit activity to short walks around the house. 
• Week 2: Swelling starts to go down, and most patients feel well enough to return to nonstrenuous activities or a desk job. 
• Weeks 3 to 4: You may resume light exercise, such as walking or stretching, with Dr. Sterry’s approval. You’ll continue wearing your compression garment to support healing. 
• Weeks 5 to 6: Many patients resume full activity, including more intense workouts. Your scars may still be noticeable at this stage, but with good scar care, they will gradually soften and blend with your natural skin tone over time. 
• 3 to 6 Months: Final results become more visible as swelling resolves. Your abdominal area typically feels stronger, firmer, and more comfortable. 

Dr. Sterry and his team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you know what to expect and how to support your body as it heals and transforms. 

Aftercare Tips for the Best Results 

Following Dr. Sterry’s detailed aftercare plan will make a big difference in your comfort and outcomes: 

• Wear your compression garment consistently to reduce swelling and support healing. 
• Follow medication instructions to stay ahead of discomfort and minimize inflammation. 
• Stay active, but not too active. Light walking supports circulation, but wait for clearance before lifting, bending, or exercising. 
• Prioritize rest, hydration, and nutrition. Give your body what it needs to recover. 
• Keep your follow-up appointments so Dr. Sterry can monitor healing and answer questions. 
• Care for your incisions as instructed to support minimal, well-healed scars. 

By taking a thoughtful, consistent approach to aftercare, you’ll set yourself up for the smoothest healing process and the most attractive, lasting results. 

Considering a Tummy Tuck in New York City? 

Dr. Sterry’s Manhattan practice attracts patients from around the world who are seeking refined, natural-looking tummy tucks in one of the most trusted surgical environments in the area. Whether you’re local or traveling in, his team is committed to making the experience smooth and personalized from start to finish. 

Out-of-town patients appreciate the convenience of virtual consultations, concierge-level planning support, and a private, accredited surgical suite in the heart of the city. You’ll receive expert care with minimal disruption to your routine; Dr. Sterry’s streamlined approach to recovery helps many patients return home within days of surgery. 

What Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in NYC? 

Tummy tuck pricing varies based on your anatomy, goals, and whether additional procedures like liposuction are included. After your consultation, Dr. Sterry will provide a personalized quote that outlines exactly what’s included—no surprises. 

To make your transformation more manageable, we offer flexible financing with easy monthly payments. Many patients find this investment in their confidence and comfort to be truly life-changing. 

Procedures Commonly Combined With a Tummy Tuck  

Dr. Sterry may recommend combining your tummy tuck with other procedures to maximize your results and streamline total recovery time. Some of the most frequently combined options include: 

• Liposuction (including Lipo 360): Targets excess fat in surrounding areas like the flanks, hips, or back to refine your physique and create smoother transitions between treated zones.
• Breast Enhancement: Breast augmentation or breast lift surgery is often paired with abdominoplasty to restore youthful-looking contours after pregnancy or weight loss.
• Diastasis Recti Repair: Abdominal muscle separation, common after pregnancy or significant weight changes, is corrected during most tummy tucks but can also be the primary reason for surgery.
• Rib Removal (RIBXCAR): For select patients seeking a more sculpted waistline, Dr. Sterry offers a specialized rib contouring procedure that further enhances your hourglass shape. This technique is rare among Manhattan plastic surgeons and sets his practice apart.

Dr. Sterry will tailor your surgical plan to your anatomy, goals, and safety, always with an emphasis on achieving natural-looking results and a smooth recovery.

‘Dr Sterry is incredible!’

“Dr Sterry is incredible! He removed a childhood facial scar that I’ve spent countless amounts of money on over the years with other doctors to fix. The scar went from haunting me every time in the mirror to no longer noticeable! I also did cheek and neck liposuction with the Dr that came out amazing. No more moon face! He does an amazing job. His staff is great too!”*

—James L.

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‘Absolutely recommend him…’

Best Doctor and staff ever!!! Am 6 weeks post up did tummy tuck and I can say with all confidence Doctor Sterry have a God made hand for his profession! From consultation to surgery day and right into recovery he have been with me as well as his staff!!

Absolutely recommend him in my experience if you feel any type of fear in making this decision, he gives so much confidence….I have no regrets!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!*

—Christileen F.

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‘I highly recommend Dr. Sterry and his staff.’

“Dr. Sterry is not only a gem on a personal level but is also a fabulous plastic surgeon. I could not be more pleased with the results of my tummy tuck and look forward to using him again for other procedures in the future.

A bonus is his incredible staff. I could not have gotten better advice, tips and caring from Michelle, Alex and Stephanie.

I highly recommend Dr. Sterry and his staff. I had a wonderful experience.”*

—Roberta G.

Common Abdominoplasty Questions From NYC Patients

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Trusted Results. Personalized Care. NYC’s Choice for Natural-Looking Tummy Tucks 

Patients from across New York, the Northeast, and beyond trust Dr. Sterry’s expertise in complex, customized body contouring, knowing that a tummy tuck can change more than your appearance—it can renew your confidence, lift your spirit, and open the door to a more vibrant, self-assured life. Are you ready to take the next step? Call our office today at (212) 249-4020 or request a consultation.  

Medical References 

• A Primer on Abdominoplasty Safety – PubMed Central (PMC) 
  Journal: Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum 
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11629367/ 
• Abdominoplasty as an Acute Postoperative Pain Model 
  Journal: Frontiers in Pain Research 
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9833108/ 
• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Overview, Risks, and Outcomes 
  Organization: Mayo Clinic 
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892 
• Abdominoplasty: American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Patient Safety and Procedure Overview 
  Organization: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 
  https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck