Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck

Even when you’re at or near your target weight, excess skin, stubborn fat deposits, and weak abdominal muscles can still influence the appearance of your midsection. Recent weight loss, childbirth, or cosmetic surgery can also alter how your abdomen looks, leaving some patients feeling dissatisfied with their appearance. When many people consider improving loose skin and fat in the abdominal area, they often think of the traditional tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty—a cosmetic surgery performed by a plastic surgeon to make the stomach, sides, and back look thinner, firmer, and more contoured. However, due to risks of serious side effects, long recovery times, and the cost of these surgeries, many prefer a less invasive approach with minimal downtime. Fortunately, several non-surgical tummy tuck options are available at the private Upper East Side dermatology office of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

Dr. Green offers a variety of minimally invasive procedures to improve skin elasticity, remove unwanted fat pockets, contour the body, and reduce the appearance of cellulite, not only in the abdominal area but also in other parts of the body. The traditional tummy tuck surgery is an invasive procedure that involves anesthesia, incisions, and a lengthy recovery. Many people choose minimally invasive options because they deliver similar results with fewer potential risks. By combining treatments such as Kybella injections, CoolSculpting, Thermage skin tightening, and BodyTite radiofrequency, Dr. Green can help patients achieve their ideal body shape in targeted areas, including the abdomen, legs, back, buttocks, arms, and neck. To find the best treatment plan for your needs, schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Green today.

Dr. Michele Green was among the first dermatologists in New York City to incorporate non-invasive body contouring procedures like CoolSculpting and Kybella into her private practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. As an internationally recognized expert in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience helping patients from around the world achieve their ideal body sculpting results. Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine consistently recognize Dr. Green as one of New York’s top physicians for her holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy in rejuvenation. When you consult with Dr. Green for a non-surgical tummy tuck, she will collaborate with you to find the best combination of treatments to address your specific concerns and deliver your ideal aesthetic results.

What is an abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is the medical term for a surgical tummy tuck, a plastic surgery procedure performed on the midsection to reduce unwanted fat, eliminate loose skin, and tighten the abdominal muscles. Patients concerned about the appearance of their stomach can consider abdominoplasty for slimming results. In a standard procedure, the plastic surgeon will administer local anesthesia to patients. Then, the surgeon makes two incisions: a long horizontal one across the abdomen, usually from hip to hip, and another around the belly button. The first incision removes excess skin and fat, while the second frees the navel from surrounding tissue, allowing it to be repositioned and centered. This procedure varies depending on the type and placement of the incision, influenced by the amount of fat in the area and the patient’s aesthetic goals. The surgeon will extract the excess fat using a cannula, remove the surplus skin, reposition the navel, and close the incision site. For a full tummy tuck, the resulting scar typically runs along the bikini line and around the belly button. While abdominoplasty can be effective, the risks of scarring, longer recovery time, and potential complications make many patients hesitant. Like any plastic surgery, such as a facelift or breast augmentation, it carries the risk of serious side effects.

Is an abdominoplasty the same as liposuction?

No, an abdominoplasty is not the same as liposuction. An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles. Liposuction involves removing localized fat deposits and does not address skin or muscle laxity. Often, liposuction is performed alongside abdominoplasty to achieve a thorough rejuvenation of the abdominal area.

Who performs a tummy tuck surgery?

Tummy tucks, also known as abdominoplasties, are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. Since they are surgical procedures, they must be carried out by plastic surgeons who have completed extensive surgical training, including a plastic surgery residency focused on procedures like tummy tucks. This procedure leaves a scar and often has drawbacks, such as a prolonged recovery time and an increased risk of infection. When considering plastic surgery, such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, or breast reduction, it is crucial to consult a reputable plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience, as well as an accredited facility that meets strict safety and quality standards.

Is there a non-surgical tummy tuck?

Yes! A traditional tummy tuck is a surgical procedure aimed at making the abdomen appear thinner, firmer, and more contoured. It is typically performed by a plastic surgeon and involves local anesthesia before making incisions to the lower abdomen to remove excess fat and sagging skin. While a surgical tummy tuck offers dramatic and immediate results, many people hesitate to undergo such an invasive procedure due to potential adverse effects, including complications under anesthesia, risk of infection, scarring, and a lengthy recovery process. Fortunately, a combination of non-surgical body-contouring treatments, including Kybella, CoolSculpting, Thermage radiofrequency skin tightening, microneedling, and others, can achieve similar results, providing a non-surgical alternative.

What is a non-surgical tummy tuck?

A non-surgical or non-invasive tummy tuck combines cosmetic procedures to reduce unwanted fat, tighten sagging abdominal skin, and strengthen abdominal muscles for a more toned and slimmer midsection. This series of procedures offers advantages over a traditional surgical tummy tuck, including minimal downtime, lower risk of serious side effects, and longer-lasting results—all without incisions. A non-surgical tummy tuck is not a weight loss method; therefore, patients should be within 30 pounds of their ideal weight to see optimal results. It works best for those who are at or near their target weight, maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, yet still have stubborn fat in the abdominal area.

What is a non-surgical tummy tuck called?

“Non-surgical tummy tuck” is a term that describes various cosmetic procedures combined to help patients achieve a flat, slim, and well-contoured midsection. It is also called non-invasive body contouring. These procedures offer an alternative to the traditional surgical tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, which involves removing fat surgically and redistributing skin to improve the look of the abdomen. When designing a non-surgical tummy tuck treatment plan, Dr. Green often considers Kybella, CoolSculpting, and Thermage to meet your aesthetic goals without the side effects linked to invasive surgery.

How does a non-surgical tummy tuck work?

In general, non-invasive body contouring procedures use one of four main methods to remove excess fat: cryolipolysis, laser lipolysis, radiofrequency lipolysis, or injection lipolysis.

Cryolipolysis uses freezing temperatures to target and destroy fat cells. It works because fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than the surrounding skin, destroying them while leaving the skin and tissues unharmed. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the targeted areas. During this time, roughly 25% of the fat cells in the area are destroyed. After the treatment, the frozen fat cells are naturally processed and eliminated by the body, and results can begin to show within a few months.

Laser lipolysis, also known as laser liposuction or laser lipo, uses a combination of a laser and heat to “melt” fat cells, which are then excreted from the body through the lymphatic system. This procedure allows for effective removal of fat cells while also promoting the development of elastin and collagen. Laser lipolysis is as effective as traditional surgical liposuction. It offers the added benefit of skin tightening, whereas traditional liposuction can leave the skin over the fat deposits looking lax or saggy.

Radiofrequency lipolysis is a procedure that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat fat cells without harming the surrounding skin. RF lipolysis effectively shapes the body and reduces subcutaneous fat in specific areas. It also stimulates collagen and elastin production, which tightens the skin as fat cells are destroyed.

Injection lipolysis usually involves deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that breaks down and absorbs fat. In the digestive system, deoxycholic acid destroys fat by breaking down cell membranes. When injected into fat cells, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat. The byproducts of this process are then naturally eliminated by the body’s metabolic system.

How is a non-surgical tummy tuck done in a dermatology office?

Thanks to advancements in cosmetic dermatology, a variety of non-surgical treatments are now available to achieve a non-invasive tummy tuck and refresh the abdominal area. Each option employs different techniques to reduce fat and tighten the skin. When you consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, she will collaborate with you to develop a non-surgical tummy tuck plan that results in clear, smooth, and firm skin that lasts. Common alternatives in dermatology clinics include Thermage, CoolSculpting, Kybella, and EmSculpt.

Non-surgical tummy tuck alternatives:

Thermage for skin-tightening

Thermage is an FDA-approved technique that delivers radiofrequency energy to the deepest layers of the skin while simultaneously protecting the skin’s surface through continuous cooling. The radiofrequency energy heats collagen fibers deep in the dermis, which tightens the skin and stimulates new collagen production for several months after treatment. The growth of new collagen in the treated area improves skin laxity, resulting in firmer, smoother skin. In addition to the abdomen, Thermage can be used on the face, neck, décolletage, hands, arms, and legs, leading to a tighter, more lifted appearance. It is often considered the “gold standard” for skin tightening. A study of Thermage RF treatment showed significant improvement in skin laxity for all patients who received the treatment, with 73% experiencing notable improvement in facial contour. At Dr. Green’s private NYC dermatology office, she uses the Thermage FLX, the latest generation of advanced, non-invasive skin-tightening technology from Solta Medical. This new technology enhances patient comfort, stimulates collagen production, and yields improved results. If patients have high skin laxity along with stubborn pockets of fat, Dr. Green often combines body contouring treatments with Thermage FLX for skin tightening.

CoolSculpting body contouring for nonsurgical fat reduction

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved, non-invasive body contouring treatment designed for fat reduction in stubborn problem areas for healthy patients. It reduces fat cells in any treatment area by 25 percent without causing side effects. Repeating the treatment in the same area can lead to even better results, with up to a 40 percent reduction in fat cells. Originally, fat freezing was created to treat the abdominal area, but it has since been expanded to target multiple parts of the body. Common treatment areas include the submental area (double chin), love handles, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, bra fat, flanks, back, and abdomen.

CoolSculpting uses patented cooling technology to deliver targeted, controlled cooling to specific areas, affecting only fat cells and avoiding harm to surrounding tissue or cells. Fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than nearby tissue, causing these bulges to be “frozen,” and the body naturally excretes these cells through its metabolic process. CoolSculpting causes fat cells to be gradually metabolized by the lymphatic system; therefore, this treatment does not lead to increased skin laxity. The full results usually appear four months after the procedure, though some results may be visible within a few weeks.

Kybella injections for eliminating unwanted fat

Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable drug for dissolving and contouring submental fat; however, it can also be used on other areas of the body, such as the bra bulge area on the back. While primarily known for reducing submental fat, it is also used off-label to target fat deposits in the abdominal area. The active ingredient in Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps in the absorption and breakdown of dietary fat. Kybella injections can quickly, safely, and effectively reduce excess fat in as few as three treatment sessions. Although not FDA-approved for this purpose, it may be used for stomach fat reduction as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction, especially for smaller, localized fat pockets. The procedure takes only a few minutes, during which tiny injections of Kybella are administered in the targeted area. After minimal swelling, the treated fat cells are permanently destroyed. It generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to see the full cosmetic results from each session. After a series of treatments, stubborn fat is permanently eliminated.

EmSculpt

Emsculpt is an FDA-cleared treatment option that can be included in a non-surgical tummy tuck to help tighten the abdominal muscles. When the EmSculpt device is applied to the midsection of the body, it stimulates many strong muscle contractions—up to 20,000 per treatment session—to engage and tone the muscles in the treatment area. The electromagnetic energy released by High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology helps reduce fat in treated areas, leading to increased muscle growth. EmSculpt is an effective way to flatten and tone the abdomen, requiring no downtime following the procedure. However, patients may experience muscle soreness in the days after treatment.

What is the best non-surgical tummy tuck?

One of the most common questions patients ask in Dr. Green’s office is, “What is the most effective non-surgical tummy tuck procedure?” The best non-surgical tummy tuck treatment option varies depending on factors such as the amount of stubborn fat in the area, your skin laxity, and your aesthetic goals. The treatments Dr. Green most often recommends include Thermage to tighten the skin, Kybella injections to break down fat cells, CoolSculpting to target persistent fat pockets, and BodyTite radiofrequency body contouring. While no single procedure is ideal for everyone, combining these treatments often produces the best results, as each targets different concerns. During your initial consultation, Dr. Green will examine the treatment area and discuss your goals to choose the most suitable option for you.

How long does a non-surgical tummy tuck last?

The results of non-surgical procedures like CoolSculpting and Kybella are permanent as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid gaining weight after your treatment. These treatments cannot stop new fat cells from forming or existing ones from enlarging. During fat removal treatments, fat cells are destroyed and gradually metabolized by the body over the following weeks and months. If you gain weight after the procedure, the remaining fat cells in the treated area can expand and begin to fill the space cleared by the treatment. Other non-invasive body contouring procedures, like Thermage, are not permanent and require maintenance treatments every six months to once a year. The results of any non-invasive body contouring can be extended by following a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.

How much is a non-surgical tummy tuck?

The total cost of your non-surgical tummy tuck treatment varies based on factors like the size and extent of the treatment areas, the type of procedure chosen for your plan, and how many sessions are needed to reach your desired body sculpting results. The location of the treatment office and the experience level of the provider also influence the final price. To ensure satisfying results and reduce the risk of side effects, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Dr. Michele Green in NYC is a globally recognized, board-certified expert in cosmetic dermatology with over 25 years of experience helping patients achieve their ideal body contours. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for non-invasive body contouring, tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic goals.

Is a non-surgical tummy tuck safe?

Yes, non-surgical tummy tuck options are considered safe, with fewer risks and less downtime compared to traditional surgical tummy tucks. While plastic surgery can deliver dramatic and immediate results, it also carries risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, and significant pain. Non-surgical tummy tuck treatments, however, are safe and effective alternatives with much lower chances of side effects. These non-invasive options allow patients to return to their normal activities almost right away, with little to no downtime. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green, can help you explore your options for non-surgical procedures, not just for the abdominal area but for any area of concern.

Does a non-surgical tummy tuck work?

Non-surgical tummy tuck treatments are suitable for patients who are at or near their target weight but still have stubborn fat deposits or skin sagging in their midsection. These procedures use different techniques to reduce fat and tighten skin without incisions or general anesthesia. They often rely on technologies such as radiofrequency energy, ultrasound, or cryolipolysis, combined with the body’s natural processes, to eliminate fat cells. The advantage of these non-surgical treatments is their flexibility, allowing them to be used on various areas of the body, not just the abdomen. Many non-surgical tummy tuck options offer long-lasting results. Thermage skin tightening can last up to 18 months after one session. At the same time, CoolSculpting and Kybella results are generally permanent, as long as there is no significant weight gain after treatment.

How to get started with a non-surgical tummy tuck treatment today

If you are looking for a non-surgical treatment to eliminate unwanted pockets of stubborn fat and cellulite that resist traditional wellness routines, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, then the non-surgical tummy tuck could be the solution for you. Non-surgical tummy tuck procedures, such as CoolSculpting, Kybella, VelaShape, and Thermage radiofrequency, can be excellent alternatives to plastic surgery. These non-surgical body contouring treatments consistently yield stunning results and are associated with minimal to no downtime. Every patient presents with their own unique skin concerns and aesthetic goals and thus requires a customized treatment approach for their non-invasive body contouring. It is always recommended that you undergo non-surgical body contouring treatments with an expert, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City, who can tailor your body sculpting treatments to your specific needs and help you achieve ideal, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.

Dr. Michele Green is a globally recognized, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience offering her patients top non-invasive treatments. She adopts a holistic approach, following a less-is-more philosophy, and creates personalized skincare routines and treatment plans tailored to her patients’ unique concerns and aesthetic goals. She is frequently ranked among New York’s top dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and discover if the non-surgical tummy tuck is the right treatment option for you.