Stephanie DeSimone, PA-C
Stephanie DeSimone, PA-C
TUMMY TUCK IN THE JERSEY SHORE
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a popular plastic surgery procedure which can help tighten overly stretched abdominal muscles and sagging skin to give the patient's abdominals a smoother, flatter appearance.
Many factors can contribute to overly stretched abdominals such as rapid weight gain, rapid weight loss and pregnancy. In many cases, the abdominals are unable to return to their natural shape after they have been stretched beyond their capacity, regardless of diet and exercise programs. In such cases, a tummy tuck can provide a high sense of satisfaction and be an immediate solution for patients. As an added benefit of the tummy tuck, not only will the abdominal region be firmer and flatter, but the waist will be smaller as well. Most patients are happy with the results offered through abdominoplasty and maintain a more favorable body image following the surgery.
In your initial consultation, your jersey shore cosmetic surgeon at the Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR TUMMY TUCK
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of work required. Most commonly, the surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.
Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and two temporary tubes may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed and the flap is stitched back into place.
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you are likely to feel some discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.
If you are considering a tummy tuck let one of the experienced plastic surgeons at the Lombardi Plastic Surgery Center in New Jersey review the procedure with you and help you make an informed decision.
If you have questions, we are happy to help. Call our Monmouth County location at 732-460-9555.