Tummy Tuck in Bergen County, NJ
Few things in life are more frustrating than having stomach folds that don’t respond to dietary changes or exercise. The presence of a visible tummy “pooch” can make you feel out of shape, even if you’re not. The good news is that tummy tuck surgery, formally known as abdominoplasty, can correct the underlying problems that cause poor abdominal tone.
At Art Plastic Surgery, board-certified NJ plastic surgeons Dr. Luis A. Zapiach and Dr. John T. Cozzone will take the time to personalize every tummy tuck procedure they perform. Whether your midsection has changed as a result of motherhood, weight fluctuations, or aging, they can address your specific concerns and help you achieve your desired look.
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery in Bergen County, NJ, and how it can help you sculpt a firm, taut tummy, contact our surgeons for a personalized consultation.
Our team is ready to help you navigate through the next steps of you booking your procedure. Contact us today!
How Is a Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
During tummy tuck surgery, unwanted fat and excess skin are removed in order to create flat, lean stomach contours. Damage that’s been done to the abdominal muscles by pregnancy or weight gain will also be corrected to strengthen your core muscles, which may even correct back pain or urinary incontinence.
Tummy tuck surgery starts with the creation of a thin incision along the patient’s bikini line. Sometimes, a second incision is made around the navel if the patient also has loose skin on his or her upper abdomen. Then, liposuction is used to remove deposits of stubborn diet-resistant fat, and sutures are placed to restore the muscles to their original position. These sutures are designed to gradually dissolve as the muscles heal. Finally, the patient’s skin is placed over the newly contoured stomach, and any excess dermal tissue is removed.
What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Because it’s impossible to tighten loose skin or strengthen damaged muscles with exercise alone, some people need to have tummy tuck surgery to obtain a flat stomach. This procedure can also prevent certain medical issues that are linked to weakened abdominal muscles.
Overall, tummy tuck surgery offers a range of benefits to eligible candidates:
- The creation of a sleek, slim midsection. This procedure reduces the protrusion of the lower stomach and gets rid of any “muffin top” you have.
- The elimination of stretch marks and folds of loose skin.
- The ability to maintain a flat stomach with diet and exercise. Once your muscles have been repaired, they’ll respond to targeted workouts, allowing you to achieve your fitness goals.
- Likewise, removing excess abdominal fat makes it much easier to create visible muscle tone.
Our NJ board-certified team of plastic surgeons can combine tummy tucks with other procedures, such as liposuction or Aveli, to create even more striking results. If you’ve recently had a baby and are ready to visit North Jersey’s beautiful beaches, you may want to consider a mommy makeover. A mommy makeover provides comprehensive full-body rejuvenation by combining tummy tuck surgery with implants or fat transfer breast augmentation, ThemiVA™, and other personalized aesthetic therapies.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Most adult men and women can have tummy tuck surgery if they’re in good health, don’t smoke, and are close to their ideal weight. When you come in for a consultation at our Bergen County, NJ, office, Dr. Zapiach and Dr. Cozzone will review your medical history (including any medications and supplements you take) to make sure you can safely have surgery. You may have to discontinue the use of certain medications, like blood thinners, for a few weeks before your operation.
Additionally, mothers interested in having tummy tuck surgery will need to be at least six months postpartum before scheduling a consultation. You should also be aware that future pregnancies and significant weight gain or loss could compromise the results of this procedure. We, therefore, recommend waiting until you’re done having children and losing weight before having tummy tuck surgery.
We Offer Full Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck Options in Bergen County, NJ
Not every patient needs a full tummy tuck to achieve a smooth, toned midsection. Depending on the extent of excess skin, muscle laxity, and fat deposits, our surgeons may recommend either a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is the most comprehensive form of abdominoplasty. This procedure addresses both the upper and lower abdomen, making it ideal for patients who have significant skin laxity, separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), or noticeable stretching following pregnancy or major weight changes. A full tummy tuck typically provides the most dramatic results, making it the preferred option for patients seeking a complete abdominal transformation.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a less extensive procedure designed for individuals who struggle primarily with a “pooch” or loose skin below the belly button. It does not address the upper abdomen, and it typically involves a shorter incision and less muscle repair. Recovery is also often quicker and more comfortable compared to a full tummy tuck.
This option is best suited for patients who maintain a relatively lean physique but still experience mild lower-abdominal bulging that cannot be resolved through diet or exercise.
What to Expect During Recovery
Patients who have tummy tuck surgery need to take at least two weeks off work. During this time, you’ll need someone to help look after you while you rest.
Though symptoms of swelling, bruising, and soreness usually resolve after two to three weeks, tummy tuck patients usually need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for one to two months after their procedure. You will, however, be advised to take short walks in order to stay active and reduce the risk of blood clot formation.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
What Will It Cost for a Tummy Tuck in North Jersey?
The price of a tummy tuck is unique to each patient and their needs. Some factors we take into consideration when determining what it will cost are a patient’s anatomy, their goals, and the extent of the tummy tuck surgery. For example, a tummy tuck combined with liposuction or a mommy makeover costs more due to the extra procedures. At the time of your consultation, you will receive a comprehensive estimate on operating costs.
Can I Have a Tummy Tuck In North Jersey With Insurance?
Abdominoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, which is not covered by insurance. There are some cases where your insurance may help to cover some out-of-pocket costs for a tummy tuck if, and only if, it is a medical necessity.
Will Having a Tummy Tuck Help Me Lose Weight?
Tummy tuck patients typically lose about five pounds after the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue. Some women report losing additional weight after a tummy tuck because they feel fuller faster after eating than before their surgery.
However, it’s important to be aware that abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. Tummy tuck surgery works best on patients who have a healthy BMI but who still struggle with loose skin and small deposits of diet-resistant fat.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Most patients need about two weeks of dedicated rest before returning to light activities or work. While swelling and bruising typically diminish within a few weeks, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least one to two months. Your surgeon will give you personalized recovery timelines based on the extent of your procedure.
How Can I Optimize My Tummy Tuck Results?
One of the most frequent tummy tuck questions we receive involves how to improve expected results. We recommend following a healthy lifestyle. This includes sticking to a balanced diet, exercising regularly once you’re cleared, avoiding significant weight fluctuations, and staying hydrated. Wearing your compression garment as recommended and following all post-operative instructions from your surgeon will also support smoother healing and longer-lasting results.
Can I Have Children After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Yes, absolutely. While we recommend waiting until you’re done having children to have this procedure, having a tummy tuck won’t pose any risk to you or your baby if you get pregnant after you’ve recovered from surgery. If you do have more children, you can return to Art Plastic Surgery for revision surgery. Revision surgery can restore your original results.
Will I Have Visible Scars After I Heal?
Tummy tuck surgery usually creates a thin scar just above the pubic area. This scar can easily be hidden with underwear or a swimsuit, so most patients don’t feel that their scar is very visible. If you’re still concerned about the appearance of the scar, you can come to our office for laser treatment.
Can a Tummy Tuck Help With Back Pain or Poor Posture?
When abdominal muscles are tightened during a tummy tuck, the strengthened core can improve posture and reduce strain on the lower back. This is especially common in patients who experienced muscle separation after pregnancy.
What Is the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?
Liposuction strictly removes subcutaneous fat; it does not tighten skin or repair muscles. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, removes excess skin and repairs the abdominal muscle wall. Many patients choose to combine the two procedures, using liposuction to contour the waist and flanks while the tummy tuck addresses the loose skin and protruding belly.
Choose a Top-Rated Tummy Tuck Surgeon in North Jersey
Bergen County men and women who want to look and feel their best on the North Jersey beaches and in everyday life are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Luis A. Zapiach and Dr. John T. Cozzone for a tummy tuck. We also offer:
As North Jersey’s top-rated surgeons, Dr. Luis A. Zapiach and Dr. John T. Cozzone are dedicated to making you feel confident and comfortable about your procedure. We urge you to contact us at your convenience should you have any questions or concerns. Your satisfaction is our utmost priority — we want you to be amazed by your tummy tuck, mommy makeover, or breast lift before and after! Schedule a consultation at our office located in Bergen County, NJ, today.