Abdominoplasty

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flat and well-toned abdomen is something many people strive for. When exercise and healthy eating cannot achieve this goal, it can be easy to feel discouraged. Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) is a comprehensive treatment center offering tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and other reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries in northern New Jersey. CNSO’s award-winning team of healthcare professionals helps patients look and feel their best.

Quick Facts About Tummy Tucks

• A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat to create a firmer, smoother abdomen.
• Tummy tucks are recommended for physically healthy individuals with fat deposits or saggy skin that do not respond well to conservative fitness routines.
• The different types of tummy tuck include full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. The procedure may also be performed alongside other surgeries.
• Results from a tummy tuck are permanent, though abdominal tightness can be affected by weight fluctuations and pregnancy.
• CNSO offers tummy tuck surgeries for patients across northern New Jersey.

What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

An abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure to change the appearance of the abdomen. In some cases, adjustments to physical activity and eating habits are not enough to achieve the appearance that patients desire. During an abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon removes excess fat and skin and tightens the underlying fascia. The result is a firmer, smoother, and flatter abdomen.

Liposuction is also performed in conjunction with an abdominoplasty for appropriate patients. Similar to tummy tucks, liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat deposits to permanently reshape the body contour. It often leaves areas of loose skin, especially if large amounts of fat were removed. Abdominoplasty, meanwhile, focuses on tightening the skin and underlying fascia. This procedure can be used to create a smooth appearance after fat deposits have been removed with liposuction.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure is somebody who is in good health with a stable weight and who does not smoke. The procedure can address fat that does not respond well to exercise or diet changes. It may also be used to correct physical changes due to:

• Pregnancy
• Major weight loss
• Previous surgeries
• Natural aging

Tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for physical exercise or a healthy diet, and it cannot correct stretch marks or cellulite. It also does not prevent future weight gain. Patients who plan to become pregnant or lose weight should delay abdominoplasty until their bodies are unlikely to change further. This ensures the longest-lasting results. Finally, cosmetic procedures are not advised for patients who smoke, as smoking can keep the body from healing properly and increase the risk of complications.

Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures

Abdominoplasty can be performed following several approaches, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed. Before surgery, the cosmetic surgeon and patient will discuss the desired results and the types of procedures available. Options may include:

• Full (standard) tummy tuck: The surgeon makes a cut in the lower abdomen and removes an amount of tissue depending on the patient’s desired results.
• Mini (partial) tummy tuck: The surgeon makes a smaller cut and removes less tissue. This procedure is less extensive and often has a shorter recovery.
• Extended tummy tuck: The surgeon removes tissue from the front and back. This procedure changes the shape of the body from all sides, not only the front.

Tummy tucks may also be performed in addition to other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction or a breast lift, for a more extensive revision. A “mommy makeover,” for example, combines a breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, and tummy tuck to correct unwanted physical changes from the aftermath of pregnancy.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure: What to Expect

Tummy tuck procedures begin with meeting a board-certified plastic surgeon. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will learn more about the patient’s overall health and their goals for surgery. The surgeon will also provide instructions on how to prepare. Instructions may include:

• Stopping smoking
• Pausing certain medications, such as blood thinners
• Eating well-balanced, nutritious meals
• Planning transportation to and from the hospital
• Preparing the home for an easy recovery

On surgery day, patients should wear loose, comfortable-fitting clothing. They will be asked to remove their clothes and put on a hospital gown. They will be evaluated by the anesthesiologists and nursing staff prior to being brought into the operating room. Anesthesia is then administered to keep the patient asleep while the surgeon:

• Makes an incision between the pubic region and the belly button
• Pulls the upper abdominal skin downward to tighten it and removes any excess skin
• Adjusts the position of the belly button for natural-looking placement
• Places tubes to drain excess fluid
• Closes the incision with stitches and covers it with bandages

The surgery takes three to four hours, depending on the type of procedure. Afterward, patients move to a recovery room while the anesthesia wears off. Most patients can go home on the same day as their procedure. If multiple procedures were performed, a short hospital stay may be recommended.

Recovery and Results

Most patients feel sore after a tummy tuck. The plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medications to relieve discomfort. Antibiotics may also be provided to prevent infection. Patients should be careful to keep their dressings clean as well as care for drainage tubes as instructed. Compression garments may also be used to prevent fluid buildup and encourage healing.

Patients should avoid strenuous activity for the first few weeks after surgery. The plastic surgeon will provide guidance on returning to normal activity levels. Physical therapy may be recommended to help the patient regain their former strength and mobility if needed.

Recovery from a tummy tuck takes around one to three months. The scar continues to fade for up to a year, though it does not fully disappear. Flattening results from a tummy tuck are permanent but can be affected by weight fluctuations. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help patients maintain their surgical results for long-lasting satisfaction.

Find Expert Tummy Tuck Surgery Near You in New Jersey

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery can restore a youthful appearance and improve patients’ body image when standard methods prove insufficient. Led by the award-winning surgeon, Dr. Hakan Kutlu, Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics offers this and other cosmetic procedures, such as male abdominoplasties. CNSO operates at locations near you across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Union, Middlesex, and Hudson counties in northern New Jersey. Interested individuals can schedule their personalized consultation today to find out whether a tummy tuck is right for them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks

How much downtime will I need after tummy tuck surgery?

Patients should plan for a few weeks of downtime after a tummy tuck surgery.

Will a tummy tuck help me lose weight?

Tummy tucks cannot help patients lose weight.

Can pregnancy affect tummy tuck results?

Pregnancy can loosen the skin after a tummy tuck. Patients are advised to wait until after their last pregnancy before planning a tummy tuck procedure.

Will insurance pay for my tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is usually considered an elective procedure, meaning that most insurance policies do not cover it. Insurance may cover portions of abdominoplasties when performed for medical reasons, such as repairs of pre-existing underlying hernias in conjunction with a general surgeon.