PROCEDURES / Body

Abdominoplasty or
Tummy Tuck on Long Island

A flat, contoured abdomen looks great, but it isn’t always achievable through diet and exercise alone, no matter how hard you work. This is especially true if you’ve had major life changes like childbirth, weight loss, or cancer-related surgeries.

If you’re tired of feeling self-conscious about your tummy, abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck) can help you achieve a better-shaped midsection. It’s a cosmetic procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat while tightening separated or weakened abdominal muscles. At Harris Plastic Surgery, we offer tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) on Long Island so you can get your confidence back.

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What to Expect During a Tummy Tuck With Dr. Harris

At Harris Plastic Surgery, we create a fully customized approach to every tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS, is a leading Long Island plastic surgeon widely recognized for his patient-first approach and commitment to improving patient quality of life. Using state-of-the-art surgical procedures and his 35 years of experience, Dr. Harris will help you achieve a natural-looking, smooth contour while improving your core strength and body confidence.
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Initial Consultation

Dr. Harris starts with a detailed one-on-one consultation to understand your goals. He’ll examine your abdomen, review your medical history along with skin quality, muscle separation, and other factors that will impact your surgery.

Your consultation will include a discussion on the:

  • Extent of correction needed: Your anatomy and goals will determine if you need a full tummy tuck, mini tuck, or muscle repair.
  • Muscle repair: If your abdominal muscles have separated (diastasis recti), Dr. Harris will discuss whether muscle plication is appropriate.
  • Insurance vs. cosmetic: While most tummy tucks are considered cosmetic, Dr. Harris can evaluate whether any part of the procedure may have functional or reconstructive elements relevant to your insurance, especially if an umbilical of ventral hernia is identified.
  • Additional procedures: You can also discuss whether to combine your tummy tuck with other body contouring procedures for more complete results, such as a Mommy Makeover.
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Surgical Technique

Dr. Harris uses precise abdominoplasty techniques to achieve the best results:

  • Hip-to-hip incision: A low, discreet incision hidden under underwear
  • Muscle repair: Separated muscles are sutured for a firmer core
  • Skin resection and redraping: Excess skin is removed and tightened smoothly
  • Belly button repositioning: Navel re-inset for a natural look in full tummy tucks
  • Closure and recovery: Incision closed in layers after surgery (typically lasts 2 – 4 hours)
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Post-Op Recovery

After the operation, you can expect normal, mild discomfort, which will be managed with prescribed medications. Bruising and swelling typically subside within 10 days. You should:

  • Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for the first two weeks
  • Sleep in a slightly flexed position to ease tension on incisions
  • Attend all follow-up appointments for proper healing monitoring

By closely following post-operative instructions, you’ll have a smooth recovery and achieve the best results possible.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck With Harris Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Harris takes the time to carefully evaluate your anatomy and surgical history during your initial consultation to make sure tummy tuck surgery is right for you. In general, our patients are usually those whose abdominal skin and muscles have been stretched or damaged beyond what exercise can correct. 

Our procedure is ideal for addressing: 

  • Post-pregnancy abdominal wall stretching or separation 
  • Excess, loose skin following significant weight loss
  • Loose, displaced skin or scarring from abdominal procedures 
  • Misaligned abdominal wall or functionally weak stomach muscles from surgery or trauma
  • Irritation or skin conditions caused by hanging abdominal skin
  • Bulging or sagging in your midsection 

If any of these speak to you, call our office today to schedule your consultation.

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Our Tummy Tuck Surgery Delivers Life-Changing Results

Browse through our gallery of results showcasing patients who’ve undergone tummy tuck surgery or abdominoplasty as part of a Mommy Makeover package. While the visual results are incredible, the most significant changes our patients experience are often what you can’t see – new levels of comfort, an unmatched self-confidence, and the ability to love their bodies once again.
"I have been a patient of Dr. Harris since 2018. My experience with Dr. Harris and his amazing staff was wonderful... I am extremely happy with the work I had done by Dr. Harris and would highly recommend him and I have to friends and family!"

— Lenore
"Dr. Harris & his team are great! Very attentive to what I was looking for and love the results! Will definitely be going back in the future."

— Regina
"Dr.Harris tells you like it is, does what is needed and nothing more. Just love him. I live in Florida, and fly back twice a year to see him!"

— Carla

Insurance Coordination and Patient Support

Many patients who seek tummy tuck may be eligible for insurance coverage if an umbilical hernia is identified, and may also be eligible for some contouring. Harris Plastic Surgery works with NYSHIP and Empire Plan insurance, which often covers medically necessary procedures. If you’re unsure of your coverage or want to learn more, contact our office – we’ll be happy to talk you through your various options.

We also want to make all our patients aware of the No Surprise Act, which shields you from unexpected charges for out-of-network care, including plastic surgery. For non-emergency procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) on Long Island, the Act enables you to choose your preferred surgeon even if they are out-of-network. You will only have to pay your usual in-network cost sharing, including co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

woman practicing self-care after skin-sparing mastectomy

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominoplasty

The average cost of a surgical tummy tuck on Long Island is anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the extent of the surgical procedure. Total costs can be higher with anesthesia, facility fees, and follow-ups. Long Island area prices are often higher due to surgeon expertise and the cost of living.

A full abdominoplasty and a tummy tuck generally refer to the same comprehensive procedure, treating the entire abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is a smaller-scale version, targeting only the lower abdomen with quicker recovery.

Key differences:

  • Full tummy tuck treats the upper and lower abdomen, and repositions the belly button

  • Mini tummy tuck focuses below the belly button, with no change in belly button position

  • Longer incision for full tummy tuck, shorter for mini tummy tuck

  • Longer recovery for full tummy tuck, quicker for mini tummy tuck
On average, patients can expect to lose about 1 to 3 clothing sizes around the midsection after a tummy tuck. Results vary depending on individual factors such as the amount of excess skin and fat, body composition, and the specific surgical technique used.

Why Choose Dr. Harris for a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) on Long Island?

Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over three decades of experience and thousands of successfully completed body contouring procedures. As Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital and an innovator in surgical technique, Dr. Harris is trusted by patients and peers alike for his skill, honesty, and patient-first approach. His philosophy is that surgery should not just improve appearance but also improve quality of life.

Interested in learning more about tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) on Long Island? Contact Harris Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Harris.

Reach out to our office to schedule your consultation to learn more. You can also contact us by phone/text.

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500 Montauk Hwy Suite H
West Islip, NY 11795

Call Us: 631.769.9179

If you are interested in learning more contact our practice today!

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