Tummy Tuck in Freehold New Jersey | Red Bank

Information on tummy tucks in Freehold, NJ - Red Bank offered by local plastic surgeon. Read about abdominoplasty, candidates, recovery and more.

Abdominoplasty, or a "tummy tuck," is designed to correct a protruding abdomen resulting from weak abdominal muscles, weight gain or pregnancy. Ageing causes the skin to lose its elasticity. These conditions may not respond well to diet or exercise if the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched.

An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.

Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs.

The surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.

With abdominoplasty, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and excess fatty tissue and skin are removed to improve the body contour. The goal is a narrower, flatter abdomen. Realistic expectations are important. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss.

Dr. Kim considers age, obesity and smoking habits when evaluating a candidate for this procedure.

Before Surgery

Dr. Kim will take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination to evaluate your general, overall health. Ideally, the abdominoplasty patient has few health problems, and wishes only to remove an excess deposit of fat or loose abdominal skin. Patients on a weight-loss plan should be close to their target weight before having the operation. Women planning future pregnancies should delay abdominoplasty, as pregnancy may promote further abdominal stretching.

Photographs will be taken before and after surgery.

The Procedure

Abdominoplasty is performed using anesthesia. You may be given medication beforehand so you will feel relaxed. The surgery may take 2-3 hours, depending on your overall condition. You will be released after a few hours in most cases.

The procedure is most commonly performed by making an incision below one hipbone, across the pubic area and under the other hipbone. A second incision is made around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up to the hipbone, exposing loose tissue covering the abdominal muscle.

Loose, stretched out muscles are tightened with sutures, and excess skin and fat are removed. The skin is lowered over the abdomen and the navel is reconstructed. The incisions are then sutured together. Drains are often inserted to eliminate fluid buildup, and firm elastic bandages are applied to the area.

Recovery: What to Expect

You may experience some discomfort immediately following surgery that can be controlled with pain pills. Some swelling is normal. You will be given special instructions for bathing and changing your dressings until the surface stitches are removed. You may also be required to wear a support garment.

Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed. With complete abdominoplasty, a new opening is cut for the navel. Both incisions are stitched closed.

After surgery the patient has flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.

The speed of recovery depends on your physical condition prior to surgery; those with stronger abdominal muscles usually recover faster. Allow at least 2 weeks to recuperate before returning to work.

Some scarring is also normal. It often takes 9-12 months before the scars begin to fade.

Though the recovery period is longer than that of other cosmetic procedures, the rewards are great for a patient previously distressed by a protruding abdomen. Those who follow a proper exercise routine and healthy diet will benefit from abdominoplasty the most.

Information on tummy tucks in Freehold, NJ - Red Bank offered by local plastic surgeon. Read about abdominoplasty, candidates, recovery and more.

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