Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Jersey

Tummy Tuck New Jersey, NY

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the underlying muscles to create a flatter, smoother, and more toned appearance. The procedure is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy and are left with loose, sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles that do not respond to diet and exercise.

Dr. Michael Gartner is a double-board certified and his experience in the plastic surgery field has led him to receive a reputation for success in countless different procedures. If you have excess skin on your torso that you want to eliminate, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Gartner and his team to begin planning your treatment.

Before and After Photos

Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1861
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1861
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1860
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1860
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1859
Tummy Tuck Before & After Patient #1859
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Schedule your initial consultation or call our Paramus, New Jersey office at (201) 546-1890 or our New York City office at (212) 350-9998 to speak with one of our specialists. If you are calling from outside the United States, please dial (201) 546-1890.

About Tummy Tucks

Tummy Tuck New Jersey, NY

Individuals often desire this procedure to achieve a flatter, tighter abdomen, enhancing their self-esteem and body image. Factors such as genetics, aging, weight fluctuations, and post-pregnancy changes can contribute to the appearance of a protruding abdomen, sagging skin, and separated abdominal muscles, referred to as diastasis recti. (1) Abdominoplasty is an essential cosmetic surgery that focuses on abdominal contouring and improvement, helping patients achieve their desired look.

Benefits

  • Improved Abdominal Contour: Tummy tucks create a flatter and firmer abdomen by addressing both skin and underlying muscles.
  • Excess Skin Removal: Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or experienced pregnancy may have excess skin; abdominoplasty effectively eliminates this.
  • Muscle Tightening: The procedure repositions and tightens abdominal muscles, restoring firmness after they have stretched or separated.
  • Enhanced Self-Confidence: Many patients report a boost in self-esteem following the surgery, positively impacting their daily lives.
  • Better Clothing Fit: A smoother abdominal profile allows clothes to fit more comfortably and attractively.
  • Reduction in Stretch Marks: By removing excess skin, some stretch marks may be eliminated or significantly reduced.
  • Comprehensive Body Sculpting: When combined with other procedures, such as liposuction, patients can achieve a more balanced overall appearance.

Candidates

Abdominoplasty can achieve a dramatic improvement in your body contour, giving you a leaner, smoother silhouette that you will feel better about. The procedure is suitable for men and women who are in generally good overall health and have excess skin that they want to remove. It is also recommended that patients be at a healthy and stable weight; for those who have undergone a weight loss journey, we recommend being at or near your goal weight. This prevents any need for revisional procedures or complications from weight regain. Women who are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or are breastfeeding should delay their tummy tuck.

Finally, all patients should be able to follow the pre and post-surgical care instructions outlined by Dr. Gartner.

Personal Consultation

Your private consultation with Dr. Gartner is the perfect time to talk about your aesthetic goals. Dr. Gartner will review your medical history, discuss your cosmetic concerns, and perform a physical examination. Understanding the condition of your skin, muscle tone, and areas needing treatment will help him tailor the best approach for your abdominoplasty.

Dr. Gartner will ensure that you understand all aspects related to the procedure and clarify what you can expect. Together, you will create a strategic plan that aligns with your goals. To take the first step toward your transformation, contact our office to schedule your consultation

Preparation

Dr. Gartner’s expertise and experience in tummy tuck procedures ensure that patients receive the highest quality care and achieve the best possible results. It is important to follow his instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. You will have an easier and faster recovery if you do. Each patient’s preparations will be specific to their procedure, but all preparation plans include the following:

  • Stop smoking at least four weeks before your surgery.
  • Maintain a stable and healthy weight with a sensible diet and exercise regimen.
  • Reduce the amount of sodium you consume. This is to reduce the rate of swelling and bloating you will experience after surgery.
  • Stop taking any medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
  • Start taking any vitamins that could help improve your recovery rate, such as those containing vitamin C and iron.
  • Do not eat or drink anything at least eight hours before your surgery.

Procedure

Your procedure will be performed at our state-of-the-art surgical facility. Our facility is fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). AAAASF medicare certification is considered the gold standard in accreditation and one of the highest certifications any ambulatory center can obtain in the country.

Before the surgery begins, you will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Dr. Gartner will start by making an initial horizontal incision on your abdomen. This is placed below the navel (belly button) at the bikini/underwear line.(2) Once this is made, Dr. Gartner will carefully create a skin “flap” that is disconnected from the body at one side and still connected at the other. Once made, this is stretched to meet the incision with a tight fit. Dr. Gartner will mark this point and make another incision to remove the skin flap.(2) Dr. Gartner will also create internal sutures to bring separated muscles back together, should this be required. Following this, your incisions will be sutured and you can begin your healing with a new, toned, flattened abdomen. In some cases, liposuction may be required to remove adipose (fat) tissue to enhance the patient’s new appearance.

Mini Tummy Tuck

These procedures follow the same process as a standard abdominoplasty but are adjusted to be better applicable for patients who either have a smaller stature and frame or have less excess skin. (2) Dr. Gartner will make a much smaller incision and remove less skin to give a patient a new, natural-looking abdomen.

Extended Tummy Tuck

The extended tummy tuck is typically performed on patients with severe amounts of excess skin that significantly affects their lives and hinders their daily activities. The excess skin on these patients normally extends past the abdomen and will sag from the rib cage, the back, shoulder blades, and more. (3) However, while this is the norm, patients with more standard amounts of sagging skin can receive these procedures in conjunction with liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits in these areas as well.

Dr. Gartner will first make an incision below the excess skin for an extended tummy tuck. His team will lift the large skin mass so he can gain access to the bikini/underwear line and make the required incisions. This incision will be much longer than what is made in full (standard) abdominoplasty; normally extending from the furthest point on one love handle to the respective point on the opposite side. Once the skin around the abdomen has been corrected, these incision and tightening techniques will be performed elsewhere on the patient’s body to create the desired results. (3)

Recovery

You will be affected by swelling, bruising, numbness, and discomfort in the first few days after your surgery. These side effects will subside as the weeks pass. If one or two drains were placed, they would be removed in a few days. It will be important to wear a compression garment to maintain pressure on the swollen areas. You will also experience tightness and soreness in your abdomen in the first few days after the procedure. It is important to rest and relax in this period of recovery. Sedentary work can be resumed after two weeks. Any kind of physically demanding work or exercise should be avoided for at least two months. You can resume exercise after three weeks. Any kind of stretching or weightlifting should be postponed for at least two months.

Results

You will enjoy a flatter and firmer midsection as soon as your swelling dissipates. The love handles or muffin top that you once had before the surgery will be gone, allowing you to wear form-fitting clothing that shows off your new shape.

Cost of a Tummy Tuck in New Jersey

Tummy tuck procedures are planned specifically for each patient. Your goals, and the scale of the procedure will alter the price. At Gartner Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, our tummy tucks (including mini, full, and extended) range from $10,500 to $15,000. This, however, is subject to change depending on what your specific treatment requires. If you want to proceed with planning your abdominoplasty, we recommend meeting with Dr. Gartner. By discussing your goals, he will be able to give you an accurate cost estimate and begin to plan your treatment.

If you have any questions about payments, pricing, or financing options, please contact one of our offices by calling either (201) 546-1890 (Paramus, New Jersey) or (212) 350-9998 (New York City).

FAQ

How does a tummy tuck differ from liposuction?

While both procedures address the abdominal area, liposuction focuses on removing excess fat deposits, whereas a tummy tuck primarily targets excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles. In some cases, a tummy tuck may be combined with liposuction to achieve optimal results.

Can a tummy tuck help with loose skin and stretch marks on the abdomen?

Yes, a tummy tuck can help address loose skin and stretch marks on the abdomen. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to create a smoother and firmer abdominal contour. While stretch marks located on the excised skin will be removed, those above the belly button may be repositioned to a lower position.

How long is the recovery period after a tummy tuck?

The recovery period after a tummy tuck can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing capabilities. Generally, patients can expect a recovery period of several weeks. It is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and proper post-operative care. Dr. Gartner will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for yourself during the recovery period.

Will there be visible scars after a tummy tuck, and how can they be minimized?

Yes, there will be scars after a tummy tuck. The incisions are typically made along the bikini/underwear line and can extend from hip to hip. However, Dr. Gartner will take great care to place the incisions strategically, where they can be concealed by underwear or swimwear. With proper scar care techniques, such as keeping the incision sites clean, using silicone sheets, and avoiding sun exposure, the scars can fade and become less noticeable over time.

Can I undergo a tummy tuck if I plan to have more children in the future?

It is generally recommended to postpone a tummy tuck until after you have completed your family, as future pregnancies can affect the results of the procedure. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause the abdominal muscles to stretch and the skin to stretch again, potentially reversing the effects of a tummy tuck. However, if you do become pregnant after a tummy tuck, a revision surgery may be possible to restore your abdominal contour.

How long do the results of a tummy tuck typically last?

The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to keep in mind that natural aging and lifestyle factors can still affect your appearance over time. By maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise routine, and avoiding significant weight fluctuations, you can help prolong the results of your tummy tuck.

CAN I COMBINE A TUMMY TUCK WITH OTHER PROCEDURES, SUCH AS LIPOSUCTION OR BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Yes, it is possible to combine a tummy tuck with other procedures to achieve comprehensive body contouring results. Many patients opt to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction to remove excess fat from other areas of the body. Additionally, some individuals may choose to undergo a tummy tuck in conjunction with breast augmentation or breast lift to address multiple areas of concern. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the possibilities and recommend the best combination of procedures based on your specific goals.

WILL INSURANCE COVER ANY PART OF THE COST FOR A TUMMY TUCK?

In most cases, tummy tuck procedures are considered elective cosmetic surgeries and are not covered by insurance. However, there may be exceptions in situations where the procedure is performed for medical reasons, such as correcting a hernia or abdominal muscle separation. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options and any possible exceptions.

References

  1. Carlstedt A, Bringman S, Egberth M, et al. Management of Diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscles: Recommendations for Swedish National Guidelines. Scandinavian Journal of Surgery. 2020;110(3):145749692096100. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1457496920961000
  2. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
  3. Zhitny VP, Iftekhar N, Zide B, Stile F. Large extended abdominoplasty—dispelling the myths of prohibitively high BMI’s: a case report. Journal of Surgical Case Reports. 2020;2020(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jscr/rjaa145