Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure intended to remove excess skin and fat around the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. (1)

Excess skin and fat around the abdomen can result from various causes, including significant weight loss, hormonal fluctuations, or pregnancy. These issues can also be caused by genetics or simply be a byproduct of the natural aging process. For some people, these issues do not respond to healthy lifestyle practices such as adopting proper diet and exercise routines and can be difficult to address without professional treatment. Regardless of the cause, these issues can be a source of frustration and self-consciousness for many individuals. If you are struggling with excess skin or fat around your abdomen and are looking for a long-term solution, you might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.

Dr. Harry Haramis is a highly experienced breast and body plastic surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He and the team at Associates in Plastic Surgery are New Jersey’s best when it comes to plastic surgery and tummy tuck procedures. To schedule a personal consultation, contact our office by calling (732) 548-3200 or reaching out to one of our four locations:

About Tummy Tuck Procedures

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure is a popular choice for individuals who struggle with loose or sagging skin around their abdomen, often resulting from significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Despite following a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, many people are still unsatisfied with the aesthetics of their abdomen due to factors beyond their control. For those looking to improve the appearance of their abdomen and regain confidence in their body, a tummy tuck can be an excellent solution.

Tummy tucks are comprehensive procedures and can come in several different forms, including a full or traditional tummy tuck, a partial or mini tummy tuck, and an extended tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck is the most popular version of this procedure, while versions such as the mini tummy tuck might appeal to people who only have a small amount of excess skin or whose abdominal muscles are not separated. Patients who have a more significant surplus of excess skin or fat might opt for an extended tummy tuck procedure, which is often combined with other body contouring procedures. The extended tummy tuck is most popular among women following pregnancy and individuals have undergone significant weight loss.

Benefits

A tummy tuck offers numerous benefits that can be both physical and mental. Some of the benefits reported by patients often include, but are not limited to, the following:

From a physical standpoint, having a more defined abdomen can enhance overall body proportions and create a more youthful appearance. The procedure also improves core strength for many patients, ultimately leading to better posture and reduced back pain for some. For many patients, tummy tuck procedures can result in profound mental benefits. Having an abdomen you feel confident about can potentially result in a boost in confidence that helps contribute to a better overall quality of life. (1)

Ideal Candidates

There are a variety of different factors that determine whether or not someone is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck. For the most part, ideal candidates are people in good overall health with realistic expectations about what they can achieve with the results of the procedure. While the procedure can produce impactful results, it is not a substitute for weight loss or a solution for weight-related conditions. Candidates should be close to their ideal body weight and committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even following the surgery. It is also important for candidates to avoid smoking or using nicotine products, as these can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

While this surgery can appeal to a wide variety of individuals, typical candidates often include women who have gone through pregnancy and are looking for a long-term solution to reduce the appearance of excess skin and fat around their abdomen. This typically includes women who do not plan to have any more children, as pregnancy can reverse the effects of a tummy tuck. Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose skin around the abdomen are also common candidates for this procedure. Ultimately, your eligibility for a tummy tuck procedure will be determined during your consultation with Dr. Haramis.

To see if you are an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck, contact our office by calling (732) 548-3200 or reaching out to one of our four locations to schedule a personal consultation:

Personal Consultation

If you are looking to embark on the path toward a smoother, flatter midsection, the first step is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Haramis and the Associates in Plastic Surgery team. This consultation will allow you to discuss your goals and reasoning for seeking body contouring procedures with Dr. Haramis. Dr. Haramis will take the time to get to know you as well as assess your medical history and current health status. Based on this information, he will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and recommend the type of tummy tuck procedure that he feels you could benefit the most from.

During the consultation, you will also receive detailed information about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Dr. Haramis will explain the preparation process, including any lifestyle changes or precautions you may need to take in the weeks leading up to surgery. This is also an excellent time to ask any questions you may have or address any concerns about the procedure. The goal of the consultation is to ensure that you feel informed, confident, and prepared to move forward with your treatment.

To schedule a personal consultation, contact our office by calling (732) 548-3200 or reaching out to one of our four locations:

Preparation

Before your procedure, Dr. Haramis will provide you with a detailed list of preoperative instructions to help you prepare for the procedure. These instructions may include guidelines for adjusting or ceasing medications, avoiding certain substances, and making arrangements for transportation and postoperative care. Following these instructions closely is essential to ensure a smooth and successful procedure.

Procedure

The tummy tuck procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety. The length of the surgery will vary depending on the type of tummy tuck being performed and the extent of correction needed. After anesthesia is administered and the patient is deemed comfortable, Dr. Haramis will make an incision along the lower abdomen, carefully removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. The incision will be carefully and strategically made in an area where any scarring can be easily hidden by everyday clothing. The skin will be repositioned and sutured in place.

Additional procedures, such as liposuction, may be performed during the tummy tuck procedure to further enhance the results. Liposuction can be performed before excess skin removal to help patients address stubborn fat deposits in the midsection.

Recovery

Recovery from a tummy tuck requires patience and commitment to postoperative instructions. Most patients can expect to return to work and light activities within about two weeks, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several additional weeks or until Dr. Haramis approves. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort are normal during the initial recovery period but can be managed with prescribed medications and proper care. Dr. Haramis will monitor your progress through follow-up appointments and guide you to ensure a smooth recovery.

Results

While some results such as an improvement in abdominal definition might be noticeable immediately, the full results of a tummy tuck may take several weeks to become apparent as swelling subsides. Patients often report feeling a renewed sense of confidence and satisfaction with their appearance after the procedure. To maintain your results, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.

As with any surgical procedure, it is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of a tummy tuck. While the procedure can produce dramatic improvements in the appearance of the abdomen, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle or a guarantee of perfection. With this in mind, Dr. Haramis and his staff are confident they will be able to help you achieve your desired goals and are a highly sought-after name in the world of cosmetic surgery for a reason, and that is because of their ability to consistently produce stunning results for their patients.

Cost of Tummy Tuck Procedures in New Jersey

The cost of a tummy tuck will vary for each person and procedure, and a detailed cost estimate can be given during your consultation where Dr. Haramis can answer any questions you might have. Associates in Plastic Surgery does offer financing options to those who qualify.

References

1. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28613712/
2. Papadopulos NA, Meier AC, Henrich G, et al. Aesthetic abdominoplasty has a positive impact on quality of life prospectively. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2019;72(5):813-820. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2018.12.020