Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

by drracanelli | Apr 24, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Choosing a plastic surgeon is a vital step in your cosmetic surgery process. If you want to accomplish your aesthetic goals, you will need to find a surgeon who is qualified, reputable, and capable of performing your required procedure. 

Dr. Racanelli, who himself is board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery, knows that choosing the correct surgeon can truly determine the success of the operation. He prides himself on being voted by New Jersey Monthly Magazine as one of the top doctors in plastic and reconstructive surgery in the state of New Jersey.

Dr. Racanelli recommends going through the proper research to find the right surgeon for you, wherever you may be located. To do so, we’ve provided a few key factors to consider when choosing your plastic surgeon.

Credentials

The first and most important qualification for choosing a plastic surgeon is their credentials. If your surgeon doesn’t have a medical degree and board certification then they are obviously not qualified to perform cosmetic procedures.

Knowing that your surgeon has received adequate training is essential to having a good operation. Check their credentials online or ask for them directly from your potential surgeon. They should also hold accreditation from the American Board of Plastic Surgery in addition to their medical degree and board certification.

Facility Credentials

It is also exceedingly important that the facility where your potential surgeon operates is accredited as well. You need to make sure the equipment, operating rooms, and other key factors are all up to standard. There are too many horror stories out there of sub-par facilities that lead to infections and botched surgeries. 

If the facility’s accreditations are not presented in a clear and concise manner on their website, you should get in touch with the establishment and inquire about their accreditation status.

Specialization

While many doctors such as Dr. Racanelli are experts in a variety of different plastic surgeries and will give you the best procedure possible, consider focusing your research on surgeons that specialize in the procedure you are interested in. For example, if you live in Miami and want to get a Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, look for Miami surgeons that specialize in that procedure. 

Referrals and Recommendations

Talk to your primary doctor and see if they can provide you with a referral for a plastic surgeon who specializes in a procedure you are considering. Primary care offices often provide referrals to reputable surgeons that they know perform effective surgeries at accredited facilities. 

Additionally, ask people you know that have had successful plastic surgeries where they have gone. If they have a surgeon that they love, schedule a consultation. Even if that surgeon does not specialize in your specific surgery, reputable plastic surgeons have substantial networks and surely will have someone they trust and recommend.

Consultations

Yes, that’s plural for a reason. After doing your research you will hopefully have a couple of surgeons that you are interested in. A good surgeon will offer free consultations, so take advantage and schedule consultations with multiple surgeons. 

Even if all of the surgeons you are looking at meet your expectations for qualifications, it is a good idea to speak to a few in person and see which one you are comfortable with. Plastic surgery is an intimate process and you want to have someone that you can open up to about your goal and insecurities, and can trust to help you throughout the whole process.

Choosing Your Surgeon

Once you’ve done your due diligence and completed your consultations, pick the surgeon that is right for you. At this point you will have chosen a reputable and qualified surgeon and can begin the steps to meeting your cosmetic goals. Good luck!

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, medically referred to as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The goal is to restore a flatter, firmer, and more youthful midsection.

During surgery, excess skin and fat are removed from the lower and middle abdomen. The underlying muscles and fascia—connective tissue that supports the abdominal wall—are tightened to improve core strength and contour. The result is a smoother abdominal profile with enhanced definition through the waist and hips.

Dr. Racanelli customizes every tummy tuck procedure to address each patient’s anatomy, ensuring balanced, natural-looking results.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck in New Jersey often include individuals who:

  • Have loose or sagging abdominal skin due to pregnancy or weight loss
  • Experience abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
  • Maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle
  • Are in good overall health
  • Do not smoke or are willing to stop prior to surgery
  • Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes

Excess skin and weakened muscles cannot be corrected through diet or exercise alone, making abdominoplasty an effective solution for qualified patients.

What to Expect During a Tummy Tuck Consultation

Your consultation with Dr. Joseph Racanelli is comprehensive and personalized. During this visit, he will:

  • Review your medical history
  • Perform a physical examination of the abdomen
  • Discuss your aesthetic goals and concerns
  • Recommend the most appropriate tummy tuck technique
  • Explain recovery expectations, scarring, and surgical risks

This consultation is also your opportunity to ask questions and fully understand the procedure, cost, and recovery timeline before moving forward.

How Much is a Tummy Tuck?

The cost of a tummy tuck in New Jersey varies depending on several factors, including:
The complexity and duration of the surgery

  • The extent of muscle repair required
  • Hospital and anesthesia fees
  • Optional add-on procedures, such as liposuction

Because every patient’s needs are unique, exact pricing is determined during your private consultation.

How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck

Proper preparation plays a key role in achieving a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Patients are typically advised to:

  • Pick up prescriptions ahead of time
  • Arrange time off work for recovery
  • Prepare a comfortable recovery area at home
  • Secure transportation and overnight support
  • Avoid nicotine, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications
  • Maintain a balanced diet and hydration

Following pre-operative instructions carefully helps reduce complications and improve healing.

Types of Tummy Tucks

Dr. Racanelli offers multiple abdominoplasty options, each designed to address different degrees of skin laxity and muscle weakness.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck targets excess skin and fat below the belly button and is ideal for patients with mild laxity and minimal muscle separation.

Classic or “Full” Tummy Tuck

This is the most comprehensive option, addressing excess skin and muscle laxity across the entire abdomen, including repositioning the belly button.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck removes excess skin from the abdomen and flanks, making it ideal for patients following significant weight loss.

Tummy Tuck with Liposuction

To enhance contouring, Dr. Racanelli may include liposuction of the flanks to sculpt the waistline. In many cases, this is performed at no additional charge to optimize results.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Recovery from a tummy tuck typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery. Most patients:

  • Take at least two weeks off work
  • Resume walking upright within 1–2 weeks
  • Return to most normal activities within 6–8 weeks

A compression garment is worn to reduce swelling and support healing. Mild tightness or discomfort is normal during recovery and gradually improves over time.

Tummy Tuck Results

Results from a tummy tuck in 2026 are long-lasting and transformative when paired with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Patients can expect a flatter abdomen, improved muscle tone, and smoother skin contours.

Tummy Tuck Scars

Dr. Racanelli utilizes a meticulous, layered closure technique to minimize tension on the incision. Scars are typically thin, low, and easily concealed beneath underwear or swimwear, fading significantly over time.

Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos

before-after-tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty-1313i
before-after-tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty-1313j
Resized Tummy Tuck Before Photo
Resized Tummy Tuck After Photo

Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation with Dr. Racanelli

If you are considering a tummy tuck in New Jersey in 2026, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli to explore your options.

Call (888) 409-0801 or fill out our online contact form to begin your personalized tummy tuck journey.