Tummy Tuck
in Middletown, NJ
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is the surgical procedure to correct a protruding or sagging abdomen. The treated area may extend from the lower rib cage to the pubic bone and liposuction can be used to address the flanks and back. Abdominal muscles that have weakened or separated due to pregnancy, a condition called diastasis recti, can also be corrected with a tummy tuck.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is an ideal procedure for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or whose lower abdominal area is resistant to diet and exercise. Patients who have a tummy tuck also enjoy the following benefits:
- A tight and smooth abdominal area
- Ability to participate in various exercises and activities
- Increase in self-esteem
- Better posture
- Significant back pain relief
- Eliminate the possibility of secondary skin infections and rashes in the folds of the skin
Before & After
Patient Reviews
“Everyone at Allure is friendly and professional! Ease of appointment scheduling is top notch, as is the wait time for your actual appointment. They run on schedule and never make you wait. They are state of the art with all aspects of skin care and maintenance. I highly recommend Allure for all your skin care needs!”
— Jill D.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Dr. Taylor performs the tummy tuck in a fully accredited hospital or surgical facility under general anesthesia. The procedure generally takes 3 to 4 hours depending on the degree of correction needed and usually does not require an overnight hospital stay.
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision above the pubic hairline as well as incision around the umbilicus (belly button). This excess fat and skin are removed, weakened abdominal muscles may be corrected and the belly button repositioned. This results in a low-lying hip-to-hip scar which will fade in time. If the problem area lies only below the belly button, then a mini tummy tuck, or limited abdominoplasty, may be performed. This results in a shorter incision line and does not require repositioning of the belly button. After surgery, a compression garment is worn to minimize swelling and support the abdomen as it heals. Drainage tubes are removed within 1 to 2 weeks. Prescription oral medications are given to control post-operative discomfort and antibiotics are taken to prevent infection. Bending, straining, and lifting should be avoided for several days.
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck
While done on an outpatient basis, a tummy tuck requires the following steps to be taken in preparing for the procedure:
- Undergo pre-operative testing
- See your physician for medical clearance
- Adjust or discontinue current medications
- Take certain medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal supplements that may thin your blood.
- Make travel arrangements for someone to drive you to and from surgery
- Arrange for someone to stay with you the first night following surgery
Recovery from a Tummy Tuck
Although the results are immediately visible, the final results may be initially obscured by swelling and the inability to stand fully upright. Within a week or two, patients are able to return to work, standing tall and confident in their new slimmer profile. Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin’s surface will resolve in a few months and the figure-flattering final results are complete several months after the surgery. The results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent but can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in weight.
At Allure Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. John Taylor offers plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures as well as non-invasive advanced skin care treatments to patients in Red Bank, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to set up your consultation today.
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