As one of the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures, tummy tuck surgery is popular here in Northern NJ because of its ability to reshape a key area of the body. Both women and men commonly find themselves with excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area. The stubborn midsection often doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. That’s because after significant weight loss or pregnancy, the underlying stomach muscles can stretch and separate. Abdominoplasty (the tummy tuck procedure) can address all these related problems in a safe and efficient manner. Having spent the last 15 years performing all types of tummy tucks, including those requiring hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction, I’m familiar with the questions Bergen County patients may struggle with when considering surgery. Today I will share some crucial information and advice to help you better understand what the tummy tuck procedure involves and what it can accomplish. I find that giving patients in-depth information up front helps them go into surgery confidently, should they decide to do so. With that confidence, recovery tends to be more comfortable and surgical outcomes even better.
Be Certain That a Tummy Tuck is Right for You
The research you’re now doing is just the way to be sure that a tummy tuck is the right fit for you and your goals. Your meeting with your plastic surgeon should answer the more specific questions relating to goals and expectations. You should also think through your motivation and timing. It’s easy to be subconsciously influenced by the idea that complete fitness and perfect bodies are the norm in today’s world. The media and advertising hype is all around us in Bergen County and across the US. It’s good to examine your goals to make sure you want the tummy tuck for your own satisfaction. Make sure you’re not chasing the perfect body or expecting others to treat you differently after your tummy tuck in NJ. That is the sure way to disappointment. If you are clear that you’re doing this for yourself, you will likely be very pleased with your abdominoplsasty results. I see an extremely high level of satisfaction from patients after the tummy tuck procedure.
Establish Realistic Goals for Your Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck can achieve a lot for the right candidate, but as mentioned, it won’t fix your life. If your expectations are grounded and include looking fitter with a taut and flat tummy, improved posture and increased body confidence, you are likely to join the large group of satisfied abdominoplasty patients.
Consider the Costs but Ignore the Price, Initially
It’s unwise to choose your plastic surgeon with price as a main consideration. Nor should you rule it out completely. I have performed countless revisions of tummy tucks done elsewhere and, frankly, going through the procedure twice is lot for a patient to endure. It’s definitely worth taking your time and choosing your surgeon (and the procedure) based on the big picture rather than on price. Liposuction is cheaper, for example, but won’t tighten skin or deal with muscular issues in the abdomen. A dedicated plastic surgeon will, of course, steer you in the right direction for the best procedure in your particular case. You may unfortunately find some who just want to make a “sale.” By speaking of costs and price as different things, I’m pointing out the need to make a quality decision about procedure and surgeon. If you meet with a Bergen County surgeon who seems focused on price before (or instead of) showing interest in your unique patient profile and details, cross them off your list. If you are looking for a bargain price foremost, you will likely choose a surgeon lacking experience or the proper board certifications. Conversely, don’t assume that by choosing the highest priced surgeon in town, you are getting the best. If you feel rushed, some of these ideas may tempt you—but keep focused on the overall cost. The highest cost of all would be a botched procedure, no matter the price paid.
Evaluating Benefits vs Risks of a Tummy Tuck in NJ
Some of the benefits tummy tuck surgery can provide:
- Flattening the abdominal area by removing excess fat.
- Trimming away excess skin.
- Contouring the midsection.
- Toning up and strengthening the tummy and the waist.
- Repairing stretched or separated abdominal muscles.
- Enabling better posture by providing a well-supported core.
- Producing a well hidden scar just above the pubic area.
- Revealing a more youthful figure with a trim waistline.
- Fitting into the skinny jeans.
- Feeling more confident ion the beach or at the shore here in Northern NJ.
Surgical risks include:
- Bleeding.
- Blood clots.
- Infection.
- Poor healing.
- Excessive scars.
- Skin discoloration or loss.
- Asymmetry.
Many complications can be prevented with sophisticated surgical technique so choose your surgeon wisely. You can ensure a healthy recovery by making sure you understand and follow all instructions to prepare for surgery and to speed recovery.
Find a Tummy Tuck Surgeon Who Pays Attention
You can tell if someone is “phoning it in.” So go with your gut feeling once you’ve checked all the basics about each surgeon, including: licensure, certification, hospital privileges, etc. I know some great Northern NJ surgeons who just aren’t patient focused. They are technically good but they are (or should be) treating areas where they can do the technical fix, much the same way for all similar patients. Their meetings with patients are very quick with less back-and-forth. Plastic surgery and tummy tucks, in particular, are not like that. For your tummy tuck, you need a surgeon who is genuinely interested in what you’re trying to accomplish with the procedure. First of all to ensure that what you’re seeking is realistic, but also to do your procedure right the first time for a satisfying result.
Seek Out Reconstructive Experience and an Aesthetic Sense
There are subtleties to a tummy tuck that your surgeon must plan for so that your body, overall, looks great after the procedure. They must consider proportion and details, such as whether the person is curvy or more athletic looking. Your wants and needs figure into the surgical plan greatly as well. To avoid any negative surprises from your NJ tummy tuck, you need a surgeon that is technically superb during your surgery. But you also need a surgeon who takes time with you to understand your needs beforehand. Your tummy tuck should be personalized just for you.
Look for Honesty and Openness
Part of my job as a surgeon is to determine whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. To do this, I need to meet you and discuss your health, goals and motivations. If your physical health is fine and your reasons for seeking the surgery are solid—we come to the goals. This is where you tell me what you’d like to see as the end result of your tummy tuck. It’s my job to explain what the procedure can do in your specific case. Choose a Northern NJ surgeon who takes into account your unique build and body shape and explains how your tummy tuck fits in. When your goals align with the probable and achievable outcome, we have a match. We can successfully go forward with your tummy tuck procedure and expect the best outcome. Since complete honesty is important when determining if a tummy tuck is right for your needs, be up front with your surgeon about what you hope to achieve. And expect your surgeon to be honest about your fitness for the NJ tummy tuck procedure, to clearly explain risks and provide professional advice, for example: Not a good candidate: Sometimes a patient wants more than tummy tuck surgery can give them. If an individual wants to come out a whole lot smaller than when they went into surgery, that’s not realistic. Yes, patients will look thinner and more fit after surgery, but a tummy tuck is not an overall weight loss solution. A good candidate: Taking a different example, if you’re a Bergen County patient interested in a tummy tuck and also concerned about isolated areas like the “love handles” or “thigh saddlebags”, liposuction can be added to address those issues. We may be able to do the additional procedure at the same time as your tummy tuck or at a later date, depending on the details of your case. In this case, you’re a good candidate with a slight amendment to your original plan, which we discuss in detail during your consultation.
Your Role in a Successful Tummy Tuck Experience
Preparing and recovering properly are crucial to the success of your procedure. Your surgeon can only do so much; your role in the plastic surgery procedure is a big one. As a surgeon, I will partner with you for a successful outcome from your tummy tuck. I can provide professional advice, instructions on preparing for surgery and recovery and perform the procedure. But you have to follow through. Make sure to put your health first when recovering from your tummy tuck in NJ and don’t rush into moderate or strenuous activity until your surgeon gives the ok. Be sure to take the time needed off from work (approximately 2 weeks) and have a support system of family or friends to assist you, especially in the first several days after your tummy tuck in NJ. Of course, the only way to really find out what tummy tuck surgery can do for you is to meet with an experienced Bergen County plastic surgeon. When you’re ready to begin your journey, I’m happy to help. Contact Cohen/Winters for a no-charge consultation about how a tummy tuck might benefit you.
