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Tummy Tuck in New Jersey
David Evdokimow, MD
If you don't like the way you look, it can affect every aspect of your life. Taking control of the changes that happen to your body can give you a whole new outlook, freeing you to focus on and enjoy the more important things, like your job, your family, and your relationships. A huge factor in self-image is a slim and smoothly contoured abdomen and a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in New Jersey, from Dr. David Evdokimow can help you get there.
If you are considering tummy tuck in New Jersey or the New York metro area, the board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Evdokimow looks forward to assisting you. Request your consultation online or call his plastic surgery New Jersey offices at 908-221-1136.
In general, an abdominoplasty can address laxity of the abdominal wall caused by over-stretched muscles and supportive structures of abdomen and flanks, as well as excess skin and fat in the upper or lower abdomen. These conditions respond poorly to diet and exercise, often making surgery the only option to achieve the desired result. Abdominoplasty is particularly popular among several groups, but is popular for many other women and men as well.
- Women after childbirth. When this is the case, many women in New Jersey choose to combine tummy tuck with liposuction or a breast enhancement procedure for a more complete "Mommy Makeover." Dr. Evdokimow has experience in combining all of these procedures and can discuss your options with you.
- Massive weight loss patients who are frustrated by loose, damaged abdominal skin with stretch marks.
- Patients with previous abdominal surgery
- Those with hernias of the abdominal wall (in the area of the umbilicus, in the midline).
Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction of flanks, chest wall, buttocks and thighs to restore balanced proportions. The procedure can also be combined with breast reduction, breast augmentation, or another breast enhancement procedure.
Abdominoplasty can also be combined with other types of abdominal surgery (e.g. hysterectomy), provided the patient is fit to undergo combined procedures. The risk of deep venous thrombosis and associated complications is higher when abdominoplasty is combined with pelvic surgery. Ask your doctor about the necessary precautions to minimize risks.
Before the Procedure
The best New Jersey tummy tuck candidates are healthy, fit people who are at a normal weight but have residual diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits and/or stretch-damaged skin. The abdominoplasty procedure can also help slightly overweight people, especially after massive weight loss. However, it's important to remember that abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Evdokimow will listen to your concerns, perform a physical exam to identify the problem (examining areas of weakness, the presence or absence of hernias, and the condition of your skin), and decide on a treatment plan. He may recommend a single procedure (abdominoplasty or mini abdominoplasty) or combined procedures (such as abdominoplasty with liposuction). He will identify the position of the surgical incision and the resulting scar. Through his discussion with you, he will set realistic expectations about what the procedure can accomplish. Pictures will be taken so you can see your results.
Smoking cessation is recommended for at least 3 months before the surgery to avoid wound healing complications and other problems associated with use of tobacco.
The Procedure
An abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgery center. There are two types of abdominoplasty:
- Mini abdominoplasty. During the mini abdominoplasty procedure, only the skin up to or slightly above the umbilicus is undermined, the lower abdominal muscles are sewn together, and limited additional sculpting of the lower abdomen is performed. A small amount of excess skin is removed. The incision is closed to place the scar in the desired location.
- Extensive or full abdominoplasty. The incision is made placing the future scar in the desired location. The skin is undermined up to the ribs, giving wide exposure to the entire anterior abdominal wall. Abdominal muscles are sewn together and additional tightening of the lateral part of the abdominal wall is performed. Excess skin and fat is removed, usually up to the level of the umbilicus. The remaining skin is pulled down to the lower incision. The umbilicus is reconstructed. Plastic drains are placed to avoid fluid collection. Liposuction of flanks and other neighboring areas is performed. When abdominoplasty is performed in combination with other surgical procedures (e.g. hysterectomy), additional modifications are used to facilitate the appropriate outcome. A compression garment will be applied in the operating room.
After Tummy Tuck in New Jersey
Depending on the extent of the abdominoplasty procedure, some of our tummy tuck New Jersey patients stay overnight in the hospital. All patients with mini abdominoplasty go home the same day. The compression garment is worn for 4 to 6 weeks, but can be removed when you take a shower. If drains are present, they are usually removed within the first two weeks. Most normal activities can be resumed within a week. However, Dr. Evdokimow recommends that abdominoplasty New Jersey avoid strenuous physical activity for 4 to 6 weeks. Scars will be permanent, but topical therapy will cause them to fade significantly.
After the initial recovery period, when discomfort and swelling have subsided, you will be able to see a slimmer, more toned abdomen with tighter, firmer skin.
