Tummy Tuck in NJ | Abdominoplasty NJ

Tummy Tuck Surgery in NJ

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is the removal of excess, loose skin around the midsection, which may include the removal (excision) of excess fat and the repair of abdominal wall defects, such as diastasis, hernias, and general abdominal wall weakness. A protruding or loose abdomen may be due to aging, genetics, pregnancy, previous surgeries, or fluctuations in weight that have caused the abdominal walls to weaken and sag. I use a customized approach for my tummy tuck procedures in NJ to meet every patients’ needs and create a smoother and firmer midsection to dramatically improve your shape.

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Tummy Tuck Candidates

Ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are non-smokers, at a stable weight, physically healthy, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. The goal of a tummy tuck is to strengthen the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin from your midsection for a more toned and sculpted stomach. A tummy tuck, however, is not for individuals looking for an alternative to weight loss.

What to Expect During a Tummy Tuck Consultation

During your tummy tuck consultation, I will talk to you about your current medications, previous medical treatment and surgeries, medical conditions, drug allergies, alcohol and drug use, and your surgical goals. My team and I will also evaluate your overall health, go over potential risks and complications, answer any questions you may have, and recommend a customized tummy tuck procedure based on your desired outcomes.

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How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck

Preparing for tummy tuck surgery may require you to receive an additional medical evaluation, take certain medications, stop smoking, or avoid taking over-the-counter drugs that may increase bleeding. After a tummy tuck, you are not allowed to drive a vehicle. Please arrange for someone to drive you to and from our surgical center.

Tummy Tuck Procedures

Based on my recommendations during your initial consultation, I will customize your tummy tuck procedure to meet your desired surgical goals. There are several types of tummy tuck procedures that I can perform to create an aesthetically appealing outcome and functionally superior body!

In women (and men) with skin-only problems, a mini tummy tuck is performed to improve the appearance of the lower abdomen with less extensive surgery. Only one small, slightly curved, or horizontal incision is made far below the belly button and just at or above the pubic area to eliminate the problem skin and tighten the lower abdomen. I can also combine a mini tummy tuck with liposuction of the flanks and upper abdomen in patients with good quality upper abdominal skin and no significant abdominal wall issues.

A skin-only umbilical float abdominoplasty is performed for patients with no abdominal issues and skin laxity or excess skin in the lower abdomen that extends above the belly button. In this type of tummy tuck, the attachment of the belly button (umbilicus) to the abdominal wall is divided temporarily (to allow for mobilization and tightening of more skin) and then reattached internally without any evidence of scarring around the belly button. This approach removes and tightens more skin over a greater surface area, requiring longer incisions than a mini tummy tuck.

An umbilical transposition (skin only) abdominoplasty is performed in cases where there is significant skin laxity or excess skin over the entire abdomen (above and below the belly button) without any significant abdominal wall issues or concerns. During this procedure, an incision is made around the surface of the belly button to detach it from the skin surface, leaving it attached to the abdominal wall. This allows for maximal skin removal and the freedom to mobilize as much skin as possible. The belly button is then “brought back out” through the skin in the proper location.

The most common form of a tummy tuck is referred to as a complete or full tummy tuck. This type of tummy tuck procedure addresses abdominal wall issues (diastasis, hernias, weakness, and bulges) through restoration and equalization of abdominal wall function. RETAF, as I have called it since 1996, is a process of improving the resting and functional tone of the abdominal wall. The correction of these abdominal wall issues requires true customization, which is where I believe I set myself apart from other plastic surgeons performing this procedure.

In the RETAF process, I perform what could be considered human origami of the abdominal wall to impact the aesthetic shaping of the torso. I make a slightly curved incision in the area just at or within between the pubic hairline. The underlying, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired once the skin is lifted in the abdomen. A second incision is made around the belly button to facilitate the freeing up of all remaining abdominal skin up to the ribs, which allows for the removal of loose skin in the upper and lower abdomen. The excess skin in the upper abdomen is pulled down and trimmed. The remaining skin is sutured together, and a new belly button opening is created and pulled through to the surface.

In certain cases, patients can benefit from a complete tummy tuck as well as abdominal liposuction. I can combine hip, back, flank, and buttock liposuction with any of the above-mentioned tummy tucks. In these scenarios, the liposuction may be performed at the time of tummy tuck, or if the situation warrants, a second staged liposuction is performed after healing from an abdominoplasty. There are limitations to the amount of liposuction that can be performed simultaneously to a tummy tuck, which includes correlation directly with the amount of skin undermining. The more complete the tummy tuck procedure is performed, the less overlying liposuction that can be done safely simultaneously.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Time

Tummy tuck recovery varies depending on your age, health, and type of procedure you received. After your surgery, dressings and bandages are applied to your incisions, and small tubes are placed under your skin to drain any excess fluid or blood. To support your abdomen and minimize swelling as you heal, you may have to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks. It is also essential to follow your post-op instructions, including how to care for your incisions and drains, medications to take, specific concerns to look for, and when to return for follow-up care. Visible scarring from a tummy tuck is possible and may take several months to fade, but prescribed topical creams can help reduce their appearance. Tummy tuck results may be obscured by swelling at first, but within a few weeks, you will see a midsection that is more proportionate with your body contour!

Tummy Tuck Results

With a tummy tuck, you will see a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate to your body. The results of tummy tuck surgery may be obscured by swelling at first, but in a week or two, you should see a new slimmer profile and gain significant functional improvement. Visible scarring from a tummy tuck is possible and may take several months to fade, but prescribed topical creams can help reduce their appearance.

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Dr. Spiro today!

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