Tummy Tuck For New Jersey

See the Benefits of an Abdominoplasty

For many women, the effect of pregnancy or weight gains and losses over the years results in a combination of weakened abdominal wall muscles and loose, extra skin. Despite a healthy diet and exercise, the abdominal area can be quite unforgiving. Although there are newer non-surgical options that can remove small amounts of excess fat from problem areas (such as CoolSculpting^®), the only current procedure that will treat loose and stretched-out skin, tighten and repair muscle defects, and repair hernias is a tummy tuck. New Jersey’s Dr. Caroline Glicksman offers the surgical procedure, also known as an abdominoplasty, which is designed to tighten both the lax abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin and fat in the abdominal area.

What is a Mini-Abdominoplasty?

A mini-abdominoplasty is basically the same procedure as a full tummy tuck, but the biggest difference is that there is no incision around the umbilicus (belly-button), so the procedure results in only a well-hidden lower abdominal scar. The mini-abdominoplasty is best indicated for someone with loose skin on the lower abdomen and muscle weakness and stretch predominantly in the area below the belly button. It is not an ideal procedure for patients who have either lost a lot of weight, or are those who are unhappy with their entire abdominal wall bulging. It will also not treat any loose skin above the belly button. This tummy tuck procedure may be ideal for patients who hate the pouch just above their C-section scar, or who have developed lower abdominal muscle weakness after pregnancies. A mini-abdominoplasty can safely be combined with other surgical procedures, or even non-surgical CoolSculpting^®, to get back a slimmer, more youthful appearance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Dr. Glicksman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of surgical experience. A thorough exam is necessary to determine who may be an ideal candidate for a full tummy tuck or a modified or mini-abdominoplasty. The consultation is very important to determine if a patient is at or close to their desired weight, is done having children, and is in good health to undergo an elective surgical procedure. In addition, old abdominal scars are evaluated, including C-section scars or other scars on the abdomen from previous surgical procedures. The amount of excess skin, as well as the desires of the patient, helps determine the length and location of the tummy tuck scars. This procedure may sometimes be combined with liposuction of the surrounding areas, if indicated.

Every Patient. Every Visit.

Dr. Glicksman is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been committed to delivering expert, state-of-the-art care for her patients for over 25 years. The doctor performs all of her own consultations, procedures, and treatments and does not use “practice extenders” to care for her patients.

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What Does the Tummy Tuck Involve?

Dr. Glicksman performs all of her surgeries in her fully accredited and licensed ambulatory surgery center. Tummy tuck patients receive general anesthesia for this procedure, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The surgical procedure takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Newer suturing techniques have the potential to reduce or even eliminate the need for the surgical drains that are usually required after a tummy tuck. For many of Dr. Glicksman’s patients, this can lead to a faster, more comfortable recovery. After tummy tuck surgery, patients are placed into a comfortable Spanx^™ type garment and recover at the center until ready to go home with their friends or family. Patients leave the surgery center sore, but comfortable, without the need for pain pumps or narcotics.

Recovery and the Return to Daily Activities After Tummy Tuck in New Jersey

Depending on the extent and type of procedure, most patients return to their activities of daily living in just a few days. Dr. Glicksman recommends that mothers with young children arrange to have some support for about a week to allow themselves time to recover after a tummy tuck. If drains are placed, they will generally be removed within five to seven days. Patients may resume cardio-type exercise at about two weeks after a tummy tuck, and usually light abdominal exercises at about six weeks. Many patients are concerned with their scars, and Dr. Glicksman begins a comprehensive scar management plan as soon as all abdominoplasty stitches are removed.

Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss

For patients who have successfully lost a large amount of weight, either through diet and exercise or a bariatric procedure, a tummy tuck can be modified to manage the considerable amount of excess skin associated with their considerable weight loss. Body contouring procedures may differ in the extent of necessary pre-operative planning, including the evaluation of any associated hernia defects, previous scaring, and the location of possible ports after lap band procedures.