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What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, describes a major surgical procedure to eliminate extra skin or fat and tighten muscles in the abdominal wall. Tummy tucks differ from liposuction, removing fat deposits for a flatter stomach, which tends to work for patients with firm, elastic skin, and good muscle tone.

During a tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon will place a discreet incision in the abdominal area. The number and length of these incisions will depend on the type of tummy tuck. At this point, the navel may be repositioned to a more natural location to fit the new stomach shape. Then, underlying muscles in the abdomen may be tightened, by pulling them closer together and stitching them into a position that offers a more toned aesthetic.

Following this, the surgeon will pull the abdominal skin downward and trim away loose skin if needed. After the completion of the tummy tuck, the surgeon will suture the skin together with surgical stitches, which will be removed about 7-10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) after the surgery.

What are the Different Types of Tummy Tucks

At Personal Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lalla offers six distinct types of tummy tucks to better accommodate individual needs.

• A Complete Tummy Tuck includes a hip-to-hip incision with the tightening of abdominal muscles horizontally and the removal of excess fat and skin.
• A Partial Tummy Tuck is a less extensive version of the previous procedure, where the skin will not be detached from the abdominal tissue.
• An Extended Tummy Tuck features a complete tummy tuck in addition to a lateral thigh lift, which helps to smooth and tighten the outer thigh.
• High Lateral Tension Tummy Tucks include both horizontal and vertical tightening of the abdominal muscles for an even flatter abdomen.
• A Circumferential Tummy Tuck refers to a complete tummy tuck that includes a buttock lift, a procedure that tends to work best for patients who have experienced extreme weight loss.
• Mini Tummy Tucks focus on removing extra skin in the lower abdominal area.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Lalla will determine which type of tummy tuck is best suited for the patient’s body type, goals, and post-op expectations.

Who are the Ideal Candidates for Tummy Tucks?

The two most common reasons for a tummy tuck include pregnancy, which tends to stretch the skin and the walls of the abdomen, and extreme weight loss, resulting in excess skin. A viable candidate for tummy tuck surgery should be at a healthy, stable weight, which they can realistically maintain after the surgery. This is usually within 20 pounds of their ideal weight.

These patients also typically struggle with sagging skin in their abdominal area that has lost its plasticity and weakened stomach muscles. Women who intend to have children in the future should wait to have their tummy tuck surgery as pregnancy will undo the results.

What is the Recovery Process for a Tummy Tuck?

Immediately after surgery, tummy tuck patients should remain active to encourage blood flow, thereby decreasing the risk of blood clots and swelling. Patients will need to apply antibiotic ointment daily and cover the incision with gauze, as well as use a compression garment for up to six weeks after the tummy tuck operation.

Most patients will not notice the initial results for several weeks after the surgery until the swelling goes down. The full results will become visible 3-6 months later, though the scars may take 6 to 12 months to fade. The speed of the recovery process and the results will depend on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Lifestyle modifications include staying active, avoiding nicotine, and mitigating strenuous physical activities for at least six weeks post-op. Also, surgeons recommend keeping the scar out of the sun during the recovery process, as this may lead to inflammation and discoloration of the scar.

Effective Tummy Tuck Procedures in Belleville, NJ

Belleville, which means beautiful town in French, has been nicknamed the Cherry Blossom Capital of America. Located at the junction of the Second River, or Watsessing River, and the Passaic River, the township borders the picturesque Branch Brook Park, which hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival in April that attracts over 10,000 visitors. The blue-collar suburb of Newark, located 12 miles from Manhattan, has become a destination for New York buyers looking for affordable housing options within commuting distance. The average cost for most single-family houses ranges between $350,000 and $450,000.

Historically, Belleville was known for its industrial and manufacturing sectors. With its prime waterside location, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the city relied on waterpower and had easy access to coal and other supplies shipped down the river from New York. In 1797, Josiah Hornblower built the first steamboat in New Jersey in Belleville. In 1994, Congress officially recognized the city as the birthplace of the industrial revolution in America. Many historical buildings still exist near Washington Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare, including a public library endowed by Andrew Carnegie, a funeral home that appears in “The Sopranos, Belleville Dutch Reformed Church and Cemetery.

Belleville has a diverse population of people from different backgrounds and cultures. According to the 2010 census, Latinos make up 39.34% of the population, while Asians make up 12%. In 1870, Belleville became the first city on the East Coast with a Chinatown. The city is home to New Jersey’s No.1 salsa studio, MDN Latin Dance Studio. Founded in 2009 by Marcus Nieves, the state’s only Eddie Torres-certified salsa instructor, MDN offers classes, private lessons, and choreographies for sweet 16 parties and weddings. Popular restaurants in town include The Whiskey Priest, a Latin- and Italian-influenced gastropub; Michael’s Roscommon House, a sports bar with Irish and Italian food; and the Belmont Tavern, a traditional family-style Italian restaurant founded in 1967.