Tummy Tuck
Get a flat stomach with our tummy tuck expert in New Jersey
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a procedure that works to remove the excess fat and skin from the abdomen as well as tighten the fascia surrounding the muscles along the abdominal wall. Dr. Weinstein can greatly reduce a bulging waist using the safe & effective technique of Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Who is a candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Men and women who are in fairly good shape, but bothered by stretch marks, excess skin, loose abdominal skin or an unsightly fat deposit are ideal candidates. However, women who have gone through multiple pregnancies and stretched out their abdominal muscles, fascia and skin find this procedure to be very helpful. Also many patients who have lost elasticity in their skin because of slight obesity can also improve their look.
Click here to see select before and after photos of Dr. Weinstein’s Tummy Tuck cases.
*Results May Vary
If you are planning to lose a large amount of weight, or women who plan on becoming pregnant should wait to have the procedure.
Dr. Weinstein will meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations of this procedure to determine if you are a candidate.
What are the risks of a Tummy Tuck?
Each year, there are thousands of tummy tucks successfully performed. If your abdominoplasty is done by a qualified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Weinstein who does body contouring regularly, then the results are more likely to be positive. However, like all surgeries, there are risks associated with a tummy tuck procedure. Some of which include:
- Infections are very rare, and are usually prevented by sterile gentle technique, antibiotics and drainage. Treatment of an infection might necessitate a stay at the hospital.
- Blood clots less likely to happen if you move around as soon as possible after the procedure.
- Additional procedures may be necessary if poor healing occurs and causes conspicuous scars. Those who are smokers will be advised to quit completely at least two weeks before this procedure, as it significantly increases the risk of poor healing, skin flap loss and umbilical compromise.
Dr. Weinstein will provide instructions before and after the surgery. If you follow these instructions, you will reduce your risk for developing these complications.
What happens during the Tummy Tuck consultation?
Dr. Weinstein, in your initial consultation, will evaluate your overall health, determine the amount of fat deposits in your abdominal area, and assess your skin tone. Make sure that you tell the doctor if you smoke, are taking any medications, vitamins or other drugs.
In this consultation, discuss frankly your expectations with Dr. Weinstein and he will be sure to describe the alternatives, as well as the limitations and risks of each. He will be sure to recommend the procedure that best suits you and will help you achieve the figure you desire.
What happens on the day of a Tummy Tuck?
You will be provided instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, which include what you can and cannot eat or drink, as well as guidelines for smoking, medications and other vitamins.
If you currently smoke, you should stop smoking at least two weeks before your procedure and not start smoking again until two weeks after the surgery.
Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the hospital for your surgery, and help you out for the next few days afterwards. Your procedure will be performed at Morristown Medical Center. You, Dr. Weinstein and his staff will discuss and decide where and when you will have your procedure.
How is the tummy tuck procedure performed?
First, you will receive general anesthesia so you will be asleep throughout the entire operation. The entire procedure takes about two to five hours to complete depending on whether it is a complete or partial abdominoplasty. Then, the following steps are taken:
- Just above the pubic area, an incision is made to remove excess fat and skin from the lower and middle abdomen. Usually, this incision is from hip bone to hip bone. In a partial abdominoplasty, the incision can be shorter.
- The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall extending upwards to the ribs. A skin flap is lifted to reveal the fascia covering the vertical muscles inside your abdomen. These muscles are then pulled closer by stitching together the stretched fascia to narrow the waistline and provide a firmer and thinner waisted abdominal wall.
- The underlying muscle and tissue are then drawn together and stitched to continue to narrow the waistline and tighten the abdominal wall.
- The flap of skin is stretched down and then the extra skin is removed. A hole thru the skin is formed for your navel and then stitched into place. Please mention to Dr. Weinstein the shape of the belly button you would like; round, elliptical, heart shaped, triangular, as small as possible…
- Finally, the incision is stitched, dressings are applied, and a temporary tube is inserted to drain fluid from the procedure site and help the skin stick back down.
What happens after the abdominoplasty procedure?
Depending on how extensive your procedure was, you may be released after a few hours, or a 23 hour extended stay at the hospital. The next few days after your surgery, you will likely feel some pain and discomfort which can be addressed with medication. Your abdomen may be swollen as well.
Instructions will be provided for changing your dressings and showering. You should also start walking as soon as possible, even if you cannot stand straight at first.
After five to ten days, surface stitches will be removed. The deeper sutures maybe removed in two to three weeks following the procedure or dissolve. Your dressing on the incision may be replaced with a support garment.
It may take you a few weeks or even months to get back to feeling like your old self again. Those who were in peak physical condition find that recovery is much faster. Some people are able to return to work after two weeks, whereas others wait three to four weeks.
Exercise will help you recover and heal better. Even if you have never before exercised, you should begin an exercise program to lower the chance of blood clots, tone muscles and reduce swelling. However, you should avoid vigorous exercise until you can perform it comfortably.
Your New Look
The results from an abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, last for a long time, especially if you exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet.
You will have a trimmer, flatter abdomen after surgery. There will be long-lasting scars, but over time they will fade.
If you have realistic expectations for your new look and you think abdominoplasty is for you, contact Dr. Weinstein today!
Tummy Tuck Testimonial
“Dr. Weinstein, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for my new amazing body. After two C-sections I never thought I would feel comfortable in my own skin again. My relationship with my husband was strained and I was feeling pretty depressed. Now I am excited to get dressed in the morning and even wear things I haven’t fit into for over 5 years. My husband says it’s like we are dating all over again. I am an all-around happier person with a new found pride in the way I look. Your professionalism and knowledge of what I needed and your concern for my anxiety about the surgery made this whole experience a positive one. Your staff and nurses are so pleasant to deal with. They really make me feel comfortable whenever I’m in your office. They show nothing but concern about my feelings and are always there to answer any questions I have. You are a top notch doctor with an amazing talent. Thank you for giving me my life back. You’re the best!”
Sincerely,
ALV
*Results May Vary
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To learn more about Weinstein Plastic Surgery Center and the services we offer, please call 908-879-2222 or click here.
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