Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, as well as the tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles. Despite the health benefits, exercising and dieting are sometimes not enough to help us achieve our desired contours. Though it can be frustrating, it is normal to experience excess skin in this area that feels nearly impossible to address on our own, particularly after pregnancy or massive weight loss. However, a tummy tuck can help patients achieve a firmer, slimmer, and more toned abdominal silhouette once and for all. ⁽¹⁾

Whether performed on its own or as part of a customized Mommy Makeover, a tummy tuck can help you achieve the silhouette you desire. At The Peer Group in New Jersey, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Isaac Starker, Dr. Francisco Colón, and Dr. Colin Failey are all dedicated to helping patients achieve the best cosmetic results. Serving Florham Park, Somerville, Livingston, Morristown, and beyond, our surgeons create personalized treatment plans to meet the needs of our patients. To schedule a personal consultation with one of our talented surgeons, you can contact our office at (973) 822-3000 or fill out our contact form. We also offer a convenient online booking option.

Before and After Photos

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About the Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a way to address changes in the body that can be caused by significant weight loss, the natural process of aging, or pregnancy. ⁽²⁾ Some people simply carry more of their weight around the midsection for genetic reasons and find it difficult to reduce belly fat as a result. In addition to stubborn fat and excess skin, our surgeons can also address muscle laxity that can give the belly a protruding or sagging appearance. For these patients, tummy tuck surgery can tighten these muscles while also smoothing the skin. ⁽²⁾ We can also reconstruct or reposition the belly button if need be. At The Peer Group in New Jersey, we offer the option of either a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck, also known as a traditional tummy tuck, typically includes everything the procedure can offer. We will remove stubborn fat and excess skin, and re-drape the remaining tissue for a smoother contour. We will also repair separated abdominal wall muscles, and reposition the belly button. For patients who require it, the full technique will address the whole midsection. ⁽²⁾

Mini Tummy Tuck

Some patients have less skin laxity below their belly button and will opt for a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck will only address a smaller area of fat, muscle, and skin. There are no belly button-related incisions involved in a mini tummy tuck. Patients who want to correct post-pregnancy sagging may be ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck. ⁽²⁾

If you are torn between the choice of a full or mini tummy tuck, you do not need to worry about making the decision on your own. After a physical examination and discussion of your aesthetic goals during a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, we will create a customized treatment plan that will best suit your needs.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Candidates

In most cases, men and women will be considered good candidates for a tummy tuck if the following applies:

Patients should fall within the ideal weight range for their height and body type to be eligible for a tummy tuck. It’s also important to remember that this surgery should only be done for yourself rather than to fulfill someone else’s desires. At your personal consultation, we can help you decide whether a tummy tuck will be the best option for you based on your aesthetic goals

Who Is Not A Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

If you plan to become pregnant in the future or to lose a substantial amount of weight, this procedure may not be a good choice for you. This is because a growing baby can stretch out skin and tissues, creating new cosmetic issues, while losing weight can further alter contours and cause the skin to hang looser.

Personal Consultation

To prepare for a tummy tuck, the first step will be a personal consultation at one of our offices, during which we will discuss the benefits of tummy tuck surgery and how they apply to your unique situation. At this time, we will inquire about your medical history, your current state of health, and any previous procedures you have had.

We want all of our tummy tuck patients to feel informed and confident in their decisions. During a personal consultation at one of The Peer Group’s New Jersey locations, we will encourage questions about tummy tucks, results, aftercare, and more. To schedule a personal consultation with one of our talented surgeons, you can get in touch with either one of our offices at (973)822-3000, fill out our contact form, or use our online booking feature today.

Preparation

Prior to having a tummy tuck, we will ask patients to get lab testing or a medical evaluation so that we can assess their overall health status. Once this is done, we can decide on the most suitable treatment options.

During your personal consultation at The Peer Group, our team will advise you on the best ways to prepare for a tummy tuck. Preparation will likely include avoiding any blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain types of supplements before and after tummy tuck surgery. These substances can thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding. Patients should also stop smoking and other nicotine consumption before and after this surgery because it can inhibit blood flow, which can delay the healing process. Smoking can also increase the risk of tissue damage along with other complications. ⁽¹⁾

Procedure

No matter the extent of your surgery, our plastic surgeons will work diligently to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Tummy tuck procedures will take place within our private, on-site AAAASF-certified operating room, and one of our board-certified anesthesiologists will administer the anesthesia necessary for making the procedure as safe and comfortable as possible.

A tummy tuck procedure may bring in different types of body contouring techniques, depending on the specific needs of the patient. For example, during a tummy tuck, liposuction can be used to reduce fat from the front of the abdomen, along with the waist and flanks. ⁽¹⁾ Excess skin is then trimmed away; the remaining skin is draped so that it lies flat. The abdominal muscles can also be brought together to create a stronger, more stable abdominal wall. ⁽²⁾

Once the contouring work is done, the abdominal wall and the incision will be injected with long-acting local anesthetic that will provide 3-4 days of decreased pain and discomfort. The incision will then be closed. We deliberately position the incision so that any resulting scar from the tummy tuck can be hidden by clothing, underwear, bikini bottoms, or swim trunks.

Recovery

The recovery timeline for a tummy tuck depends on the extent of the surgery. For example, a full tummy tuck requires more care and recovery than a mini tummy tuck. Every tummy tuck surgery will result in some common side effects, including swelling, bruising, and tenderness or discomfort. These sensations will likely last for 1-2 weeks. In any case, it will be important to get plenty of rest before you resume your daily activities, social engagements, and work tasks.

We encourage some light walking after the initial days of healing to promote healthy circulation, but tummy tuck patients should avoid any heavy lifting, straining, or more strenuous exercise for about 12 weeks. It is important to follow your surgeon’s guidelines for the support garments that we give you. We will also let you know what the most comfortable positions will be for sitting down or lying down during your recovery.

Results

A tummy tuck gives you a flatter, more toned, firmer, and slimmer abdomen. Patients who have their abdominal muscles tightened can also potentially see improved muscle definition. As a result, these patients may also feel better and more confident in their clothes. If you would like to see the results that are possible, our before-and-after photo gallery includes images of patients who underwent a tummy tuck.

While tummy tuck results have the potential to last years, it is possible to undo some of the effects by gaining significant weight or going through another pregnancy after the surgery. Anything that pushes apart the muscles in the abdominal wall, causes existing fat cells to grow larger or stretches the skin anew can cause the belly area to develop a flabby look once again. To avoid this, maintaining a healthy diet and mindful exercise routine will be the best way to promote long-lasting results from a tummy tuck.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Tummy tucks can be performed as standalone procedures, but if you want to correct other physical changes associated with pregnancy or weight loss at the same time, you might wish to consider a mommy makeover. This involves a combination of surgeries customized for each patient’s specific needs—and may include a tummy tuck. Other common elements of this makeover may include:

These procedures are designed to work together to sculpt a more proportional, balanced, and youthful body shape that looks natural. Our team will help you put together a personalized plan to enhance one specific area, multiple areas, or your overall body.

Cost of a Tummy Tuck in New Jersey

Since a tummy tuck is such a highly customizable procedure, the cost depends on the specific surgery details. A mini tummy tuck, for example, will be priced differently from the full option. Your costs will be discussed at your personal consultation. We offer financing through CareCredit for your convenience. If you have more questions about a tummy tuck procedure, please feel free to reach out to us at (973) 822-3000, or through our contact form.

References

1. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
2. Rosenfield LK, Davis CR. Evidence-Based Abdominoplasty Review With Body Contouring Algorithm. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2019;39(6):643-661. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjz013