Tummy Tuck

About Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Surgery

Due to weight fluctuations, prior pregnancy, aging and the inevitable effects of gravity, the abdominal area sometimes develops loose skin and fat deposits. In addition, underlying muscles may weaken and separate. The tummy is an area of the body that may not respond to dieting or targeted workouts, which leads many women (and men) to look for solutions in a NJ plastic surgeon’s office.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can restore tautness and tone, bringing back the flat tummy of youth. With a slimmer silhouette and smooth midsection, clothing fits better and a trip to the beach is no longer stressful. Many patients even stand up straighter, appear taller and enjoy a boost to their self-esteem.

Men and women often consider tummy tuck surgery to regain the youthful shape and firmness of the lower abdominal area. Loose abdominal skin and a sagging tummy typically result from a combination of factors including:

• Inevitable aging.
• Loss of skin elasticity.
• The effects of gravity.
• Prior pregnancy.
• Prior surgery.
• Weight fluctuation.
• Genetic predisposition.

A sagging, flabby or deflated tummy may protrude over the waistband of clothing or cause physical discomfort when wearing certain garments. Muscles may have become stretched and lost strength, no longer responding to exercise. The idea of wearing swimwear or fitted clothes may cause anxiety.

A skilled and experienced Bergen County plastic surgeon can tighten the abdominal skin, smooth underlying tissue and repair muscle to create a pleasing shape and a fit, toned appearance. This is accomplished with strategically placed incisions that may be camouflaged in even the smallest bikini bottoms or low-rise jeans.

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?

The abdominoplasty procedure is planned for each individual patient to achieve the best result in regard to:

• Overall body shape.
• Incision placement and closure to reduce scarring.
• Location and appearance of the belly button.
• Long-lasting results.

The tummy tuck treats the area typically located below the belly button and above the pubic area. Fat is suctioned out if necessary in a combined tummy tuck/liposuction procedure.

Excess skin is removed from the area and remaining skin and muscle are tightened. The belly button is re-positioned to the anatomically correct location. Incisions are placed so that scars fall as low as possible often below the bikini line so that no one else has to know you’ve had surgery.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The best candidate for abdominoplasty is a Northern NJ man or woman in good health, with realistic expectations about what a tummy tuck can do for them. A tummy tuck will improve your abdominal profile but it is not a weight loss method.

The ideal patient has good skin and is not planning a future pregnancy or major weight loss or gain. Large fluctuations in weight or a pregnancy after a tummy tuck may cause additional stretching and separation of muscles and renewed abdominal sagging.

Tummy tucks may also be done as part of an overall body lift procedure or body contouring plastic surgery. These surgeries may be done after bariatric surgery (or major weight loss) to remove excess skin and smooth remaining pockets of fatty tissue. A tummy tuck is often done in combination with aesthetic breast surgery and liposuction.

Risks of Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with a tummy tuck and with general anesthesia. Risks are rare but include infection, excessive bleeding , and blood clots.

Risks are greatly minimized with meticulous surgical technique and expert care. To reduce risks, tummy tuck patients in Bergen County will be advised to wear compression stockings following surgery as well as a compression garment around the treated area to support the healing of your abdomen.

Recovering from a Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Surgery

Patients who undergo a tummy tuck generally recover quite rapidly, however a loss of sensation in the area and minor discomfort may persist. Post-surgical swelling and bruising will subside gradually over the course of two weeks. A small amount of swelling may persist for months.

A few days of abdominal muscle spasms usually result in limited activity. Stitches will be removed after approximately a week. On average, patients can return to work (in an office setting) and resume their normal activities after about two to three weeks. Some patients may require up to 4 weeks off from work.

Recovery time is dependent upon your physical condition, how much skin and fat were removed, and how closely you follow pre- and post-surgery instructions.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon for a Tummy Tuck in Bergen County

Every day, Dr. Winters and Dr. Cohen use their surgical skill, experience and aesthetic sensibility to perform plastic and reconstructive procedures for patients in Northern NJ. Furthermore, the doctors meet with patients daily to discuss their plastic surgery objectives and provide professional advice.

If the patient is a good candidate and decides to go forward, the surgeon partners with each patient for an excellent outcome. Our goal at Cohen/Winters is to deliver the tummy tuck result that precisely fits each patient’s anatomical needs and personal goals.