Tummy tucks continue to rise in popularity. With recent advances in medical technology and various tummy tucks to choose from depending on your body type and goals, it is easier than ever for New Jersey men and women to get the flat, toned tummy they have always wanted. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery are leading experts in body contouring treatments such as tummy tuck surgery (also known as abdominoplasty). There are some things you should know before undergoing this surgery so that you can get the best results out of your tummy tuck. Below is a checklist to help answer your questions and give you a fresh take on how cosmetic surgery can change your figure and your life.
Step One: Know what you want from a tummy tuck procedure
A tummy tuck is an option to enhance your abdominal area and increase your confidence. Knowing your expectations prior to surgery can only help the plastic surgeon and you during your initial consultation appointment. Knowing what you want help with and the aesthetic outcome you desire will enhance the dialogue between you and your doctor allowing for the surgeon to provide detailed feedback so you can attain a better end result. Here are some key things to think about:
-
What are your areas of concern for your stomach area?
-
Do you have stretch marks you are trying to eliminate or make less noticeable?
-
Did you lose a significant amount of weight that requires extensive skin removal?
-
Have you had one or multiple pregnancies and simply want to get your pre-baby tummy back?
-
Are you in good shape, but desire a little tightening to keep up with the aging process?
-
Is your goal to get back into a 2-piece bathing suit?
-
Ultimately, what is the end result that you desire?
Step Two: Understand if you are a good fit for this treatment
Genetics, pregnancies, large weight fluctuations, and the natural process of aging are all factors that can change the appearance of our midsections. Loose skin, isolated pockets of fat, and the unwanted “pooch” can all be the result of various life occurrences. Tummy tuck surgery is one that is performed to remove this excess skin and fat in the abdominal area and tighten the underlying muscles for a flatter, more toned look. So do you think you are a good fit for this surgery?
-
Have you managed to get to a good body weight but are still struggling to attain a flatter stomach no matter how many sit-ups you do, or how much you exercise or eat right?
-
Are you done having children and just can’t get your lower abs to bounce back and be firmer even with doing daily core exercises?
-
Has pregnancy left your once expanded tummy with loose or wrinkled skin, excess fat, and the appearance of stretch marks?
-
Have you recently lost weight or a significant amount but are now left with excess skin that is draping in folds?
-
Are you noticing that your stomach just is not as tight as it use to be and has loose skin that once wasn’t there due to the natural aging process?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then you may be a great candidate for a tummy tuck. When skin loses it elasticity or the abdominal muscles underneath have been “stretched” there are no forms of exercise that can change it. A tummy tuck is the solution to regaining those areas of your midsection you have lost and want back!
Step Three: Understand what kind of tummy tuck you need
If you have done all the work beforehand, then a tummy tuck can be the solution to getting your midsection over the finish line. With a few different surgical options to consider, our greater New Jersey area plastic surgeons can determine which technique will be best for your specific condition. Some of the tummy tuck surgeries to consider include:
-
A full tummy tuck (the incision spans from hip to hip–also known as the traditional approach)
-
An extended tummy tuck (the incision reaches just beyond the hip bone for those with significant excess skin or fat removal)
-
A mini tummy tuck (the incision is smaller and positioned just under the navel for those needing minimal skin tightening)
-
A reverse tummy tuck (the area of focus is on the upper abdomen/upper torso region where the incision is generally made under the breast fold)
Your initial consultation will involve meeting with one of our expertly trained plastic surgeons and letting them listen to what you want from your tummy tuck procedure. They will diagnose what you need, which tummy tuck procedure will give you the best results, and determine if you are good candidate.
Step Four: Do all you can to get ready for surgery so you’ll have great results
If you have decided that a tummy tuck is an option, then you need to optimize what you need to do to get the best end result. This starts with finding the right plastic surgeon. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group are part of a fully accredited center that is one of the top plastic surgery facilities in the country, as well as in the New Jersey area.
There are some key factors that will help before and after your tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck is not a weight loss option. It is for individuals that are at a healthy weight and have maintained it for more than 6 months. To get the best results, patients will need to:
-
Quit smoking, if you currently are, which will help with your recovery and healing process.
-
Consider if you are planning to have more children. For women, the best tummy tuck results last if you are done being pregnant. Obviously, the abdominal area is affected by pregnancy and you want to enjoy the new look of your stomach!
-
Adhere and try to live a healthy lifestyle prior to a tummy tuck procedure. This will only help you with your recovery and healing process. A tummy tuck is a major surgery and it takes several weeks to properly heal and see the results you have been wanting.
A tummy tuck is not a solution for weight loss or trying to get out of exercising ever again. Consider it a “boost” to the work you have already put in. A tummy tuck can not only give you a flatter, tighter-looking stomach but also can give you more self confidence about your appearance. Call or schedule your tummy tuck consultation today with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery in the New Jersey area and get the midsection you have always wanted!