Understanding why it forms helps you decide whether surgery is a good option.

What Is a C-Section Shelf?

A C-section shelf describes the small roll or overhang of skin and fat that can sit above a Cesarean scar. Several factors contribute to it:

• Stretched abdominal skin during pregnancy
• Separation of abdominal muscles
• Scar tissue is tethering the incision
• Localized fat that resists diet and exercise

The scar can attach to deeper tissue while the skin above it remains loose. That combination creates a visible ridge or fold.

No amount of crunches can tighten loose skin or release internal scar tethering. When muscle separation is also present, the abdomen may appear rounded or bulging.

How A Tummy Tuck Can Help

A tummy tuck can be a great solution for a C-section shelf because it removes excess skin, tightens separated abdominal muscles, and smooths the contour of the lower abdomen.

During surgery, Dr. Greenwald places the incision low on the abdomen and typically incorporates the existing C-section scar into the new incision, creating a smoother, more refined scar line that is easily concealed by undergarments and swimsuit bottoms.

He tightens the underlying muscles to restore a flatter profile. Dr. Greenwald also removes extra skin and reshapes the abdominal wall so the area above the scar appears smoother and more even.

As a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with thousands of procedures performed, Dr. Greenwald focuses on careful planning and precise surgical technique. He personally places every stitch during surgery and performs procedures in a modern, fully accredited surgical facility.

When More Contouring May Be Recommended

Some patients have loose skin and extra fat that extends beyond the lower abdomen to the hips, flanks, or back. In those cases, Dr. Greenwald may discuss a tummy tuck 360 as an option.

This procedure combines a traditional tummy tuck with circumferential liposuction to contour the entire midsection. It targets the abdomen while reshaping the sides and back for a more comprehensive definition. The right choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and the extent of skin laxity.

Is Surgery Right For You?

During your consultation in Harrison or NYC, Dr. Greenwald listens carefully to your goals and explains what surgery can realistically achieve. He believes education plays a key role in successful outcomes, and he makes sure you understand what to expect before and after your procedure.

If a C-section shelf affects your confidence or comfort in clothing, surgical contouring may provide a lasting solution. Call (914) 421-0113 to book your appointment and discuss your options with Dr. Greenwald.

The post Can a Tummy Tuck Address A C-Section Shelf? appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

While both can address abdominal concerns, they solve very different problems. Understanding which one is right for your body can help ensure a lasting, natural-looking outcome.

Board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Greenwald offers advanced body contouring techniques for patients throughout Westchester County, NYC, and Fairfield County in his offices in Harrison and NYC.

His state-of-the-art facility and individualized approach help patients achieve exceptional results with safety and precision.

Some patients with concerns about the appearance of their abdominal area schedule a consultation for one procedure but learn that a different one, or a combo procedure, might fit their needs better. To help you prep for your consultation with Dr. Greenwald, this blog lays out some of the key differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction.

The Treatment Focus: Fat vs. Skin and Muscle

Liposuction focuses on removing excess fat through small incisions using a thin cannula. It doesn’t include skin removal, although an advanced approach called SmartLipo can help tighten loose skin using laser energy.

A tummy tuck, however, focuses more on removing loose skin and tightening stretched abdominal muscles to create a smoother, flatter belly area. Although some fat is removed during a tummy tuck, particularly the fat attached to the skin, that’s not the main goal of the surgery.

When a Tummy Tuck Is the Better Choice

You may benefit more from a tummy tuck if you:

• Have loose or hanging abdominal skin
• Experience weakened or separated abdominal muscles
• Notice sagging or stretch marks below the belly button
• Want to restore contour after pregnancy or major weight loss

When Liposuction Is the Better Option

Liposuction is often ideal for patients with good skin elasticity who want to sculpt stubborn areas of fat that resist diet and exercise.

When a Combo Procedure is Best

When both fat and laxity are present, Dr. Greenwald may recommend combining procedures. A combination of liposuction and a tummy tuck is one of the most popular body contouring procedures today because it allows for a comprehensive abdominal rejuvenation that looks balanced and proportionate.

Because individual needs and goals vary, Dr. Greenwald takes time during each consultation to ensure patients understand every stage of treatment. His philosophy of patient education and meticulous surgical care has helped thousands achieve long-lasting, confidence-boosting results after liposuction and tummy tucks.

Book Your Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Consultation

Choosing liposuction, a tummy tuck, or both comes down to your unique individual needs. Dr. Greenwald and our caring team can help guide you through it, so call (914) 421-0113 to book your consultation in Harrison or NYC.

The post When to Choose a Tummy Tuck Over Liposuction appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Joshua Greenwald, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, specializes in body contouring after bariatric surgery at Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Greenwald is a renowned expert in the field, performing thousands of procedures that remove excess skin and shape the figure for patients after massive weight loss. He has also authored book chapters on the topic.

Although each body contouring procedure is unique to the patient, most patients combine several surgeries into one. A few of the most common methods for post-bariatric surgery patients are:

Tummy Tuck: Tightening the Tummy

One of the most common procedures after bariatric surgery is a tummy tuck. Following massive weight loss, many people experience loose belly skin that hangs down to the pubic area or lower.

In this surgery, Dr. Greenwald tightens the muscles that support your abdomen and removes hanging skin and its attached fat.

He then drapes your skin to fit your new body contours. After a tummy tuck, patients generally enjoy a flatter, firmer tummy.

A tummy tuck provides a more proportionate appearance and often helps improve the fit of clothes. In addition, a tummy tuck can eliminate uncomfortable skin chafing.

Thigh Lift: Transforming the Thighs

As with the belly area, many people have sagging skin, particularly in the inner thighs, after massive weight loss.

Dr. Greenwald removes excess skin and fat from the upper legs in a thigh lift. This leads to firmer thighs and smoother skin, free from large ripples and major sagging.

A thigh lift can improve the fit of your clothes, especially with shorts and pants. You might feel more confident about wearing more revealing clothes. Eliminating all that extra skin can make walking and exercising easier too.

Arm Lift: Alleviating Drooping Skin

Many people experience some upper arm laxity as they age, an issue often called “bat wings.” However, the problem can be severe in post-bariatric surgery patients. Hanging upper arm skin is usually quite heavy and can get in the way of normal movement.

An arm lift or brachioplasty can help. In this surgery, Dr. Greenwald removes sagging skin and fat from the upper arms, which helps improve the shape and tone of the arms.

Not only does this procedure help aesthetically, but it can also reduce the strain and discomfort that comes from carrying extra weight on the arms. After an arm lift, many patients also find relief from back and shoulder pain caused by the extra tissue.

Post-Bariatric Surgery Consultations in NYC

These are only some of the procedures you can include in your post-bariatric surgery, so if you’re ready to eliminate the extra skin hiding your body, schedule your consultation by calling us at 914-421-0113.

The post What Procedures Does Post-Bariatric Surgery Include? appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Can Tummy Tuck Surgery Help Me Shed Unwanted Weight?

Diet and exercise can help reduce overall weight and improve fitness and can even help you maintain your results after surgery; however, these lifestyle factors are often not enough to improve the midsection after pregnancy. This is when tummy tuck surgery becomes beneficial. The surgery focuses on removing excess stretched skin and tightening the underlying supportive abdominal muscles to enhance the midsection’s appearance. While it should not be used as a weight loss solution, tummy tuck surgery can create a slimmer and more toned waist, which can often give the appearance that you have lost weight.

How Soon After Having a Baby Can I Get a Tummy Tuck?

It is normal to want to improve your appearance as soon after pregnancy as you can. However, after giving birth, it is important to allow your body at least six months to heal before undergoing tummy tuck surgery. You may also need time to adjust to your new lifestyle and the changes that your body has recently undergone. This period ensures that your body is adequately prepared for the procedure and its recovery.

Can I Have More Children After Undergoing a Tummy Tuck?

While this surgery will not affect your ability to get pregnant, future pregnancies can impact the results of a tummy tuck, as the natural strain of pregnancy can cause the abdominal muscles and skin to stretch again. It is essential to reflect on your family planning goals before undergoing this surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Greenwald will provide recommendations and address any questions you may have about the surgery so that you have the necessary information to make an informed decision that aligns with your plans.

Contact Greenwald Plastic Surgery Today

If you are ready to renew your abdominal area and achieve your desired postpartum body, it is time to speak to an expert. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwald to explore how tummy tuck surgery can help you improve your midsection and restore your confidence.

The post Answering Your Most Personal Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Tummy tuck with Dr. Joshua Greenwald can provide a flatter, tighter stomach, and many women choose to combine their abdominoplasty with other procedures to reach their cosmetic goals with a single surgery and one-time recovery. Combining these plastic surgeries is called a “mommy makeover.” 

Breast Surgery with Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck can be combined with a breast procedure to elevate, enhance, or reduce breast tissues while removing loose skin from the abdomen. Breast augmentation with breast implants can restore fullness in the upper portion of the breast that often appears deflated or “empty” after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast lift repositions the tissues and nipple-areolar complex higher on the chest wall for a more youthful-appearing bust after hormone changes, gravity, and aging have caused drooping (ptosis). 

Some women experience significant breast growth during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and their breasts may not decrease when they wean. Breast reduction can remove the excess breast tissue to alleviate painful symptoms, such as chronic back pain, and create a more symmetrical breast and body shape. 

Liposuction with Tummy Tuck

Liposuction complements the tummy tuck procedure by removing residual pockets of fat from the abdomen, back, arms, thighs, or other areas. Dr. Greenwald offers Tummy Tuck 360 which combines tummy tuck with liposuction of the abdomen, hips, flanks (love handles), and back to transform your entire midsection. 

Tummy Tuck with Lower Body Lift

The abdomen is not the only body area that changes during pregnancy. While the stomach region does most of the stretching to accommodate a growing fetus, the thighs, buttocks, hips, and back may also expand. When a woman loses the “baby weight,” she may have loose skin in multiple parts of her lower body. Tummy tuck combined with lower body lift removes excess skin and fatty tissues and tightens the abdomen, back, thighs, hips, and buttocks to reveal your pre-baby body shape. 

Tummy tuck can be combined with several other procedures for mommy makeover surgery. The most popular choices include breast surgery and liposuction, but your mommy makeover details depend on your problem areas and cosmetic goals. 

Schedule a Consultation at Greenwald Plastic Surgery in Harrison

If you’re interested in tummy tuck and other procedures to give you back your pre-pregnancy figure, contact Dr. Greenwald in Harrison, New York. Call Greenwald Plastic Surgery at (914) 421-0113.

The post Combine A Tummy Tuck with These Procedures to Restore Your Pre-Pregnancy Shape appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

How Is Tummy Tuck 360™ Different from Standard Tummy Tuck?

The standard tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) focuses on the upper and lower abdomen, removing loose skin and excess fat and tightening or repositioning the abdominal muscles. Patients enjoy a smooth, taut stomach but may still have cosmetic concerns with their lower and/or upper back, flanks, and hips. The traditional abdominoplasty typically takes two to three hours to perform. 

Tummy Tuck 360™ addresses the entire midsection, combining abdominoplasty with circumferential liposuction of the hips, stomach, and back to completely reshape your trunk. The comprehensive procedure provides dramatic results for men and women that have multiple aesthetic issues with their bodies. The surgery takes about three hours and starts with liposuction of the posterior hips and back, then the abdomen, followed by the tummy tuck portion.

Why Do People Accumulate Fat Around the Midsection?

Men and women often accumulate extra inches around their midsections, starting around 30. You may notice more abdominal fat even if the numbers on the scale aren’t moving much. That’s because muscle mass decreases around this age, and muscle weighs more than fat. 

The components of the human body are primarily fatty tissues, lean tissues (organs and muscles), bones, and water. Lean tissue can start to decrease around age 30, and body fat tends to increase around this age. Older men and women typically have nearly one-third more fat compared to their younger selves, even if they’ve worked hard to avoid weight gain. Fatty tissue tends to build up toward the center of the body, and Tummy Tuck 360™ can help address this problem. 

You may also develop or notice a larger midsection as you get older because your body loses height with changes in your bones, muscles, and joints. People may lose a half inch (1 centimeter) every 10 years after they turn 40. Less muscle mass and stiffer joints make it more challenging to move around and exercise, leading to additional issues with fat accumulation, which can affect your balance. 

Diet and exercise habits significantly affect your body shape and overall health, but fat around the midsection tends to happen with natural aging. 

Excess fat and loose skin are troubling for men and women, but women may struggle more with their body changes in the years after pregnancy. Tummy Tuck 360™ is a great way to restore your body shape and eliminate all your concerns with your midsection at once.

If you’re interested in Tummy Tuck 360™, contact Greenwald Plastic Surgery in Carmel, Harrison, and Manhattan, New York, at (914) 421-0113. 

The post How Tummy Tuck 360™ Improves Your Whole Midsection appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Liposuction

Liposuction has long been the gold standard in fat reduction, and it is commonly used to sculpt the abdomens of both men and women. During a liposuction procedure, a hollow tube called a cannula is used to break up and remove pockets of stubborn fat. Liposuction can be used to contour the front and sides of the abdomen, creating a slimmer and sleeker midsection.

Tummy Tuck

In some cases, excess fat isn’t the only obstacle to a flat, firm stomach. Due to weight fluctuations or pregnancy, the abdominal skin and muscles can stretch to the point that they cannot be tightened with diet or exercise efforts. Tummy tuck is a comprehensive solution to loose skin, separated muscles and unwanted fat deposits.

During surgery, redundant skin is excised, the remaining skin is tightened, unwanted fat is removed and the abdominal muscles are repaired. Although the recovery from tummy tuck is slightly longer than that of liposuction, the results are more transformative, making it a good option for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or women who have had children.

CoolSculpting

In cases of mild to moderate amounts of unwanted fat, surgery may not be necessary to attain a great result. CoolSculpting is a breakthrough technology that freezes fat cells away without incisions, injections or anesthesia. The non-surgical procedure can reduce unwanted fat on the front or sides of the abdomen for a toned, sculpted contour.

Emsculpt

Emsculpt is another non-surgical body slimming technology that reduces fat while also developing muscle in the abdominal area. Using high-intensity electromagnetic energy, Emsculpt produces muscle contractions, destroying fat cells and building muscle fibers. A 30-minute Emsculpt session has been described as the equivalent of doing 20,000 abdominal crunches. After several sessions, a leaner, more defined abdomen can be seen.

Treatment Tailored To Your Individual Needs

The procedure that is right for you depends on your unique anatomy, specific concerns and treatment goals. To evaluate all of your options with Dr. Greenwald, please book a consultation at one of our office locations today. Call or email us to request an appointment.

The post 4 Procedures To Make Over Your Midsection appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

No matter the type of tummy tuck you undergo, there are certain activities you must not perform until getting clearance from the surgeon. That is true of any abdominal surgery.  How long these actions remain off-limits depend on the type of tummy tuck and the patient’s overall condition. Following the doctor’s orders is critical to a smooth recovery.

Vigorous Exercise

After a tummy tuck, avoid vigorous exercise for at least six weeks. Ask your surgeon about what exercises you can and cannot perform. Mild exercise, such as walking, is generally beneficial, but engaging in strong exercise can lead to slower healing.

There are plenty of less-than-strenuous exercises that can aid in healing after your tummy tuck. Your doctor will discuss what you can and cannot do, and provide a schedule of how soon after surgery you can start these simpler exercises.

Heavy Lifting

Until cleared by the doctor, do not perform any heavy lifting for several weeks after the operation. If you are a parent, that includes picking up small children. Medium-sized dogs and cats are also on the forbidden list. Heavy lifting is often defined as lifting anything weighing more than 10 pounds, but your doctor will instruct you on a specific weight limit. If you are not sure how much something weighs, do not try to lift it.

Lifting increases abdominal pressure, and could stress the incision and cause it to bleed or break open.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking is harmful on many levels, and that includes recuperation from surgery. Smoking slows down healing and increases the likelihood of complications. Smokers are generally not encouraged to undergo elective surgeries such as tummy tucks until they quit, so do not decide to take up the habit again once your surgery is completed.

According to the renowned Mayo Clinic, smoking after tummy tuck surgery can result in damaged or dead fatty tissue deep within the abdomen. In some cases, this tissue damage or death may require another surgical procedure for repair.

Contact Dr. Greenwald

If you have questions about tummy tuck and what you should do prior to and after the procedure, Dr. Greenwald invites you to schedule an informational consultation. Please contact our office today to request an appointment.

The post 3 Things That Are Off-Limits After a Tummy Tuck appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

A member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a leading board-certified plastic surgeon. Read on as Dr. Greenwald explains how a tummy tuck may be perfect for getting rid of an abdominal pooch.

What Causes the Pooch?

An abdominal pooch is caused by separation of the abdominal muscles. During pregnancy, the tissue that holds the abdominals together is stretched to allow room for the baby. After giving birth, the tissue remains elongated. Some women find that severe rectus diastasis occurs after having one child; others find that severe rectus diastasis does not develop until subsequent pregnancies.

The resulting weakened abdominal wall creates the appearance of a bulging belly.

How Does a Tummy Tuck Help?

Tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that corrects the weakened abdominal wall.

First, a surgical incision is made across the lower abdomen and excess skin is removed. Next, the surgeon strengthens the fascia (tissue) of the abdominal muscles by suturing the rectus muscles together. He then repositions the navel to match the new abdominal lines, pulls the remaining skin tight, and may also perform liposuction to contour the flanks. 

The result is a firm, flat abdomen and a surgical scar that is easily hidden by swimwear or underwear.

What About Recovery?

Patients can expect full recovery within four to six weeks. The surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home the same day. You should expect to take at least two weeks off of work or your normal schedule. Most patients return to work after two weeks of recovery, but light exercise should wait until at least the fourth week.

You can expect some mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. Be sure to consult with your surgeon before beginning any exercise regimen or intense physical activities.

Tummy Tucks in New York

Dr. Joshua Greenwald serves patients in the New York City area. He has performed thousands of cosmetic procedures ranging from tummy tucks to entire “mommy makeovers,” and looks forward to helping you rid yourself of your abdominal pooch. For more information, please contact Dr. Greenwald’s office here. Alternatively, a virtual consultation may put you on the right path from the comfort of your own home.

The post Getting Rid of an Abdominal Pooch after Having Kids appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

One of the questions that Dr. Greenwald’s tummy tuck patients often have is, “How long do results from tummy tuck last?” The simple answer is that tummy tuck results are intended to be permanent. However, certain occurrences may detract from the aesthetic results of tummy tuck surgery. To find out how to ensure long-lasting tummy tuck results, read on.

Tummy Tuck 101

To learn how to ensure long-lasting results from tummy tuck surgery, it is important to understand the basics behind tummy tuck surgery first.

Often, the natural aging process, major weight loss or pregnancy can cause abdominal skin to lose its elasticity, leaving many people with loose, sagging skin throughout the midsection. Pregnancy can also cause abdominal muscles to weaken severely or even separate. Fortunately, Dr. Greenwald provides tummy tuck surgery to correct these issues. He can also perform liposuction during tummy tuck surgery to remove stubborn pockets of fat from the abdominal area.

To begin tummy tuck, Dr. Greenwald first makes a horizontal incision in the pubic area that extends from hipbone to hipbone in an area that can be concealed by an underwear or bikini line. Dr. Greenwald then removes drooping excess skin before repairing the stomach muscles with internal sutures. If liposuction is needed, the New York City plastic surgeon performs this step next. Dr. Greenwald then re-drapes the remaining skin and repositions the navel to align with the new abdominal contour. He finished the abdominoplasty procedure by closing the incision with sutures and applying a bandage to the treated area. In general, tummy tuck surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Maintaining Your Results After a Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck results are considered permanent in that the skin and fat cells that Dr. Greenwald removes during the procedure cannot grow back. Likewise, any internal sutures that he places to repair stomach muscles are designed to remain in place indefinitely.

However, significant weight fluctuations can cause the remaining abdominal skin to lose additional elasticity and start to sag again. Also, substantial weight gain can cause remaining fat cells in both the treated area and other areas to grow larger, and it can even cause the body to produce new fat cells in these areas. Pregnancy after tummy tuck can also have negative effects on the treated area, including causing further damage to stomach muscles.

Thus, to ensure that your aesthetic results from tummy tuck are long lasting, it is crucial to be at a stable weight (that you feel you can maintain after surgery) prior to undergoing tummy tuck surgery. If you are a woman, you should wait until you are finished having children before pursuing tummy tuck surgery. By maintaining a stable weight, following a healthy diet, exercising consistently and not smoking, you can ensure your aesthetic results from tummy tuck are long lasting.

The post How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last? appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.