Surgery of the Abdomen (Abdominoplasty or “Tummy Tuck”)

When it comes to getting your body in shape, one of the areas that most people struggle with is their abdomen. The abdominal area is often plagued by loose skin, excess pockets of fat, and worn-out and stretched abdominal muscles. Dieting and exercise can help to eliminate excess fat, but they cannot tighten loose skin.

What is a tummy tuck?

The only way to properly address the common issues that occur with the abdomen is through an abdominoplasty. Generally referred to as a “tummy tuck,” an abdominoplasty reduces excess fat and removes skin from the abdomen through an incision made along the lower abdomen.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

Usually the skin from the bellybutton to the level of the crease of the lower abdomen can be removed. The procedure also helps to tighten the waist and flatten the abdomen by tightening the surrounding muscles to create a tighter core with a more toned appearance.

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

In general, the ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who is in good overall health and is unhappy with the sagging appearance of their abdomen. In addition, if you are concerned about abdominal fat deposits or loose skin that does not respond to diet and exercise, this procedure may be right for you.

There are multiple factors that can cause the abdomen to develop sagging. Some of the more common reasons significant weight fluctuations and pregnancy.  Pregnancies place large amounts of strain on the skin and muscles of the abdomen resulting in widening of the waist and loosening of the skin. When the abdominal muscles have separated over time, this is a condition known as diastasis recti. A tummy tuck is the only procedure that can properly address this issue. A tummy tuck is also commonly performed after an individual undergoes massive weight loss, which commonly results in loose skin and pockets of stubborn excess fat across the stomach.

It is advised that women should only pursue the abdominoplasty procedure once they have finished having children. This is because the results of the procedure can be jeopardized by further pregnancies. It is also important to note that the results of your tummy tuck can be jeopardized if you gain a significant amount of weight after your procedure. Maintaining a consistent diet and exercise routine after your procedure is incredibly beneficial for results and general health.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

An incision is made along the lower abdominal crease and typically extends from hip to hip. The surgeon then lifts the abdominal skin and fat off of the underlying muscles. The muscles are then tightened, and the skin and fat pulled downward. The excess skin and fat are then removed. The bellybutton which remains attached to the muscles during this procedure is them brought through a new incision. Drains are placed to remove any fluid that would otherwise build up. The incisions are closed and then a binder is placed.

What is tummy tuck recovery like?

The procedure is typically done in our Ambulatory Surgical Center and patients go home the same day of their surgery. We will usually see our patients the next day in the office to make sure there are no immediate issues. The drains will likely be in place for about 10-14 days and will be removed as the output decreases. Currently, we use a long acting numbing medication, called Exparel®, which significantly helps with post-operative pain and discomfort. In addition, you will be given pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication to help you with post-operative pain. Typically, 3 weeks after the surgery you will feel relatively “normal”, but it will still be too soon to resume strenuous activity or exercise. We usually ask you to wait until you are closer to 4-6weeks out from surgery before you resume them.

What will the scarring look like?

Abdominoplasty produces a permanent scar that can possibly extend to both sides of your hips, although the scar will likely be located below the bikini or bathing suit line. This means that it will not be easily visible to others, even during the summertime.

Will insurance cover my tummy tuck?

Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that insurance will cover a tummy tuck. This is typically considered a cosmetic procedure.

Are there good nonsurgical options for tummy tuck?

In short, not really. There are non-surgical treatments we offer that can be done to address unwanted fat in the abdomen, such as CoolSculpting and Vanquish, but these treatments do not address loose skin.

Click here to view Tummy Tuck before & after photos.

Why should I have tummy tuck performed at Samra Plastic Surgery?

At Samra Plastic Surgery, we are highly skilled when it comes to body-contouring procedures like the tummy tuck. We have provided numerous people in the Monmouth County area with outstanding results from their tummy tuck.

Contact us to set up a personal or virtual consultation today.