Abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck") in New Jersey

Abdominoplasty, often called a "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure designed to flatten a protruding abdomen by tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall and removing excess fatty tissue and skin. Dr Jill Hazen has been performing abdominoplasties with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under her exceptional care. Many patients combine their tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction; breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy) surgery.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are women and men who are in relatively good physical condition but have stretched out excess skin or fat in the abdominal area that does not respond to diet and exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women after childbirth whose core muscles and skin have stretched beyond the point where they can return their abdominal area to a sleek, toned abdomen through diet and exercise.

Other candidates can include patients who have lost large amounts of weight through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery and have excess skin in the abdominal area which can also be improved.

The Procedure

A low horizontal incision is made beneath the bikini line, across the lower abdomen which curve up to the hipbones. Dr. Hazen tightens the muscles of the abdomen, the excess skin is removed and the belly button is reattached in a natural position. The fascia (the covering of the muscles) is pulled together and tightened for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The final incisions can usually be hidden beneath a modest bathing suit or underwear. Most patients are able to return to their desk jobs within 1 to 2 weeks. If you think you might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure, please Call Hazen Plastic Surgery at 609-921-7747 and talk with our patient coordinators for further information and to schedule your consultation.

Post Operative

A full Abdominoplasty is done under general anesthesia and an overnight stay at the hospital is required for your comfort. For the first few days your abdomen will be swollen and you are likely to feel some discomfort which can easily be controlled with medication.

Physical activity will be limited somewhat after the surgery, but with the support garment, you will be able to increase your activity at a steady pace. You will be feeling better with each passing day. We encourage our patients to begin walking as soon as possible although you must refrain from any strenuous activity or lifting.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty)

The Mini Tummy Tuck is similar to abdominoplasty (full Tummy Tuck) except a shorter incision is made and the skin is only lifted to the navel, which does not have to be moved. The mini tummy tuck can be done under intravenous sedation (IV Sedation) where patients go home the same day. No overnight stay at the hospital is required.

The best candidates for this procedure are women who have a stretched out lower abdomen with a mild to moderate amount of excess skin. In the procedure, the incision can be limited in length (much like a cesarean section scar). Some women seek this procedure to minimize and improve the appearance of their c-section scar.

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