Are you considering undergoing a Tummy Tuck in New Jersey?
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck”, is a terrific procedure for tightening abdominal skin, reducing stretch marks and getting rid of the “pouch” that hangs over a waistline or cesarean section scar. Abdominal contours can frequently be improved by liposuction alone, liposuction with mini-abdominoplasty, or full abdominoplasty. The choice of treatment at Plastic Surgery Arts of New Jersey is carefully directed at each patient’s unique skin and body characteristics.
During your consultation, we will evaluate your abdomen for muscle weakness, skin tone and excess fat to formulate the best treatment plan for you. Depending on the treatment necessary, recovery can vary from a weekend to several weeks.
Contact PSANJ to schedule a tummy tuck consultation at either of our New Brunswick, New Jersey or Princeton, New Jersey locations. We look forward to seeing you at Plastic Surgery Arts of New Jersey.
Call us at (732) 627-4553 or click here to schedule a consultation.
Before & Afters
What does a tummy tuck entail?
A tummy tuck, medically known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. It’s often sought after pregnancies or significant weight loss where the skin has become stretched and hasn’t returned to its prior state. The tummy tuck procedure entails:
- Incision: A horizontal incision is made between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.
- Removing Excess Skin: After the muscles are tightened, the surgeon will remove the excess skin. The remaining skin is then repositioned and sutured in place.
- Closing the Incisions: Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips are used to close the skin incisions.
Who is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can benefit many individuals who may or may not be mothers. It is essential to recognize that not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure. The common criteria that make someone a good candidate for a tummy tuck are:
A Stable Weight: Ideal candidates should be at or near their ideal weight and should have maintained that weight for some time. A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure but is intended to remove excess skin and tighten muscles.
Have Excess Abdominal Skin: Those with sagging or loose skin, especially after significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies, can benefit from a tummy tuck.
Have Separated Abdominal Muscles: Individuals who have diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles often due to pregnancy or significant weight gain, can benefit from the muscle tightening aspect of the procedure.
What are the benefits of undergoing a tummy tuck?
Improved Abdominal Contour: One of the primary benefits of a tummy tuck is achieving a flatter and more toned abdominal profile. The procedure removes excess skin and tightens stretched abdominal muscles, providing a more youthful and fit appearance.
Removal of Excess Skin: This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or have had multiple pregnancies. The skin can lose elasticity and may not return to its previous state, leaving loose, sagging skin that can only be addressed surgically.
Tightening of the Abdominal Muscles: Pregnancy or significant weight gain can lead to diastasis recti, a condition where the two large abdominal muscles separate. A tummy tuck can stitch these muscles back together, providing a tighter abdominal wall.
Commonly Asked Tummy Tuck Questions
Most patients experience moderate pain the first week after the tummy tuck surgery, which is relieved with pain medication. The bandages are usually removed within a week, and stitches are dissolvable.
A mini tummy tuck, works on the area right below the belly button and just above the pubic bone. A full tummy tuck addresses the entire front of the abdominal wall both above and below the belly button, from the rib cage down to the pubic bone.
Most patients are able to return to work within 2 weeks after the tummy tuck procedure. Recovery times vary widely by patient depending on the extent of the abdominoplasty procedure. You can be up and walking immediately after the procedure, and light exercise and more moderate workouts can be considered after 3-4 weeks, but heavy exercise routines should be avoided for at least a full month after a tummy tuck. Always consult with your physician before starting an exercise regime, as recovery times vary per patient.
Both liposuction and tummy tucks are good contouring procedures. Liposuction removes excess fat, while a tummy tuck removes excess fat, skin and tightens the abdominal wall as well. Liposuction is best for individuals that have good skin tone, but would like to target one or more stubborn areas of fat. A tummy tuck is best for individuals that would like to tighten their skin, decrease stretch marks and address abdominal tone.
When there is a ‘sagging’ appearance on the stomach it can be caused by fat tissue, loose skin or rectus muscle diastasis (when the abdominal muscles have separated, usually after pregnancy). Diet and exercise can help you lose fat and gain muscle, and is great preparation for a body contouring procedure. However, only surgery can remove excess loose skin and repair muscle diastasis.
The plastic surgeons of PSANJ are recognized for their remarkable dedication to patients, extreme attention to detail and consistent results. Using the finest equipment, and advanced tummy tuck techniques, patients of Plastic Surgery Arts of New Jersey receive natural looking results with less pain, bruising and faster recovery times. With members of our surgical team rated as “Top Doctors” in their field by multiple publications for their outstanding work, including New York Magazine and New Jersey Monthly, PSANJ is a top destination for tummy tuck surgery in the New Jersey, New York and the Tri-State Area. Just imagine the possibilities…
Note: The most important part of a successful abdominoplasty procedure, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is the selection of your cosmetic surgery team. At Plastic Surgery Arts of New Jersey, we encourage you to investigate your options: ask questions, see before-and-after tummy tuck photos, ask about advanced training and certifications, inquire about the latest tummy tuck techniques, and ask for an in-depth abdominoplasty consultation.
- How much does a tummy tuck cost?
- How close to my ideal weight should I be before the tummy tuck surgery?
- What are the risks of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure?
- Is a tummy tuck painful?
- Can a tummy tuck get rid of stretch marks?
- Will there be a noticeable tummy tuck scar?
- Can I choose which where my tummy tuck is performed in New Brunswick, Princeton and/or Edison, New Jersey?
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