Abdominoplasty
Michael Nagy MD, FACS
Abdominoplasty, often called a “tummy tuck,” is a popular procedure used to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. Our doctors have been performing tummy tucks with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Dr. Michael Nagy has become one of the most well-respected plastic surgeons in the area providing some of the best tummy tuck outcomes in the tri-state area.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to traditional diet and exercise. This procedure can also benefit older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.
Tummy tucks can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to consider postponing this procedure until they are done having children. Our office offers the Mommy Makeover for women seeking to retain their youthful firmness prior to their pregnancy
We also encourage patients who intend to lose a lot of weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.
We provide customized treatments for optimal cosmetic results. We take the time during every pre-operative consultation to learn what patients want to achieve from a tummy tuck both for their bodies and for their self-confidence. By listening to what patients have to say and closely examining them rather than performing a one-size-fits-all procedure on every person, we provide patients with a completely customized treatment that takes into account their specific goal. As an experienced abdominoplasty surgeon, Dr. Nagy will meet with you in his Wall Township office to discuss all options and pricing.
Tummy tucks take approximately two to five hours and are performed under general anesthesia. This procedure may be performed on an in-patient or outpatient basis, depending on the complexity of your surgery and your doctor’s recommendation.
Dr. Nagy will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. They will separate the skin from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin flap is then stretched down and over the newly tightened muscles, excess skin is removed, and the navel is reattached in a natural position. Finally, Dr. Nagy will close the incisions and apply sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.
A tummy tuck leaves patients with a flatter, more toned abdominal area that fits the natural contours of your body. It can improve a patient’s appearance and confidence by helping them look and feel younger and slimmer. The results of this procedure are visible right away and will continue to improve. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting. Scars will fade with time, leaving your stomach sleeker and more defined than ever before.
A tummy tuck will leave a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip. We are very careful to make the incision low enough for even a bikini to conceal the scar.
After surgery, compression garments are worn and a temporary tube may be inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months. You should limit strenuous activities for at least six weeks, and may need to take off from work for up to a month. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for your individual recovery. Following these instructions can help speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of any post-surgery complications.
Before undertaking any surgical procedure it is critical that patients understand the cost involved. The cost of an abdominoplasty depends on the details of the surgery, which will vary from patient to patient. Plastic Surgery of the Face & Body works with two financing companies to assist you in getting the credit you need to finance your surgery or procedure. These include Care Credit and Alphaeon. Learn about these options by visiting our Patient Resources page.
Though rare, post-operative complications from any surgical procedure are possible. They may include infection, blood clots, and poor healing, which may require further surgery.
Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the tummy tuck procedure. A scar revision procedure after a tummy tuck can help minimize the appearance of unsightly scars.
Contact us today to schedule a tummy tuck consultation and find out if you can benefit from this effective procedure.
