Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Jersey
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that eradicates excess fat and skin while tightening abdominal muscles to contour the area. The goal of abdominoplasty is to create a more youthful and attractive physical appearance, with a focus on the midsection. It flattens and restores the abdomen for a slimmer and more defined body shape. (1)
Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing in New Jersey and New York City. He is residency-trained in both aforementioned branches of medicine and performs all types of cosmetic procedures including facelifts, liposuction, and abdominoplasty. He uses his extensive experience to help each patient achieve the aesthetic appearance they want in a safe and effective manner.
Schedule a private tummy tuck consultation with him by filling out this form, or call (888) 409-0801 to contact our offices in New Jersey and New York City.
Contents
Before and After Photos
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty takes the excess skin and fat and removes it from the lower and middle abdomen to produce a slimmer and more firm waistline. This process tightens the muscle and fascia, the band of connective tissue beneath the skin that separates and encloses muscles and internal organs. A tummy tuck greatly improves the contour of the abdomen while accentuating the waist and hips for an aesthetically pleasing and smooth midsection. (2)
To do this, Dr. Racanelli places an incision along the lower waistline and removes skin and fat from the area. There are multiple types of this procedure including the traditional abdominoplasty, extended tummy tuck, and the mini tummy tuck. Each surgery has the same objective, which is to smooth the abdominal area and tighten a patient’s core. Dr. Racanelli utilizes additional steps to further improve results during his customized tummy tuck procedure.
The Dr. Racanelli Difference
Abdominoplasty alone does not necessarily remove all the excess fat in the area. To contour your torso and waist, Dr. Racanelli may include liposuction of the flanks (love handles) during your tummy tuck at no additional charge. He also uses an advanced technique of plication to fold and tighten the muscles and fascia in more than one layer. This more detailed method leads to significantly better results for long-term success of the abdominoplasty procedure.
Dr. Racanelli also performs an exclusive closure method, designed to produce a superior scar that is easily concealable. His technique involves meticulous closure in multiple layers, effectively alleviating tension and resulting in an imperceptible scar.
Benefits of Abdominoplasty
There are various reasons that bring a necessity for a tummy tuck into your life’s equation. Here are 5 reasons why a tummy tuck can be a great option for you:
- Postpartum Recovery: The miracle of childbirth can take a toll on the body, particularly in the abdominal region. Stretch marks often occur due to both the muscle and skin stretching significantly during pregnancy. Additionally, scars from Cesarean sections can be unsightly and discomforting for any woman. A tummy tuck removes loose and stretched skin, often leading to a more concealable scar.
- Post-Weight Loss: A tummy tuck is often necessary after massive weight loss through diet and exercise, bariatric surgery, or through medications like semaglutide. A strict dietary and exercise regimen does not tighten excess skin. Abdominoplasty tightens the area between the ribcage and pubic bone, otherwise known as the inner girdle, to restructure the abdominal walls.
- Old Scars: There are other surgical procedures or even unfortunate accidents or events that can lead to scarring in the stomach area. Appendectomies, hernias, or stomach stapling could all be the cause of unattractive markings in this area. Tummy tucks smooth and revive the skin to present as unblemished an appearance as possible.
- Self-Consciousness And Self-Image: No one wants to feel inadequate or self-conscious when putting on swimwear or midriff-baring clothing. Abdominoplasty helps recover your confidence so you can feel great and not have any reservations when putting together your summer outfits.
- Cosmetic: There doesn’t need to be any psychological or circumstantial reasoning other than the fact that we all want to look our best. A tummy tuck is a simple way to achieve a flat, beautiful stomach, and there is nothing wrong with taking that step to improve the look of your body.
Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidates
The ideal candidate for abdominoplasty will have excess skin and fat surrounding the lower abdomen that they seek to remove. This is often a symptom of rapid weight loss, pregnancy, or genetics. To qualify for surgery, they should be in good overall health with no serious underlying medical conditions. Candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit at least 1 month before their procedure date to avoid complications with healing. It is important to maintain a consistent weight for at least 6 months to ensure optimal results. Lastly, they must have reasonable and achievable expectations for their tummy tuck results.
Personal Consultation with Dr. Racanelli
During your private consultation, Dr. Racanelli will inquire about your medical history and perform a physical examination of the abdomen. If he deems you a good candidate, he will then answer questions you may have on the specifics of the procedure, cost, or recovery time. More importantly, he will assist in alleviating any fears or concerns that you may have regarding the surgical risks involved. Whether you have not seen the desired results from diet and exercise, have recently given birth, or simply want to feel more confident, Dr. Racanelli helps you achieve your goals.
Preparation
To prepare for a tummy tuck, please follow these steps for a successful surgery:
- Pick up new prescriptions
- Request time off of work to rest
- Prepare a recovery space at home
- Ask a trusted friend to drive you and stay the night afterward
- Arrange necessary child care and personal assistance during recovery
- Refrain from smoking tobacco and nicotine products
- Avoid NSAIDs and other blood-thinning medications
- Do not drink alcohol
Tummy Tuck Procedure Steps
Complete Abdominoplasty
The patient is under general anesthesia for the entirety of the surgery. Dr. Racanelli makes an incision along the bikini line from one hipbone to the other. Then, he frees the belly button with a separate incision. Next, he lifts the skin away from the abdominal muscles from the incision to the ribs before repairing the ab muscles. Lastly, he pulls and tightens the upper abdominal skin toward the hips and places his layered sutures. The procedure typically takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to complete.
Partial (Mini) Abdominoplasty
A partial or mini tummy tuck is a complete abdominoplasty, just on a smaller scale. Dr. Racanelli makes a smaller incision, then detaches the fat and skin in a less prominent manner from the fascia. As with the complete tummy tuck, he redrapes the skin and removes the excess before placing sutures.
Recovery
Depending on the extent of the surgery, you can expect anywhere from 4-8 weeks to recover fully from the operation. We strongly advise taking a minimum of two weeks off from work to allow your body the necessary time to heal and recuperate. This period of rest is vital for optimizing the outcome of your tummy tuck. After a week or two, you should be able to stand up straight and walk normally, and you can usually begin driving after two weeks. After 6-8 weeks, you should be able to get back to most activities, excluding extremely strenuous exercise.
Dr. Racanelli provides a compression garment to help with pain, swelling, and general comfort during the healing process. Even after several months, there may be a new movement, stretch, or activity in general that causes slight discomfort. Assess your healing progress periodically and rest as much as possible for optimal results.
Results of a Tummy Tuck
At Dr. Racanelli’s practice, we emphasize the significance of lifestyle choices in achieving optimal results from a tummy tuck procedure. Patient results are influenced by factors such as body composition, skin elasticity, and unique anatomical considerations. Those who prioritize a balanced and active lifestyle post-surgery often experience more pronounced and sustained results. Incorporating a healthy diet and regular exercise contributes significantly to the enhancement of the tummy tuck outcome.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in New Jersey?
Key pricing factors of a tummy tuck are:
- Surgical Duration: The complexity and extent of the tummy tuck procedure contribute significantly to the overall cost.
- Risk Assessment: We consider factors such as medical history and overall health status to tailor the procedure to your unique needs.
- Optional Add-ons: We offer various add-ons that may complement your specific goals.
- Hospital Setting and Charges: It’s important to note that both the hospital and anesthesia charges are billed hourly. Consequently, the duration of the surgery directly impacts the overall expense.
For a personalized consultation and detailed pricing information, please feel free to contact our dedicated team. You may also call us at (888) 409-0801 to start your tummy tuck journey today.
FAQ
How much weight will a tummy tuck take off?
Unlike weight loss surgeries, a tummy tuck is not intended as a means for shedding pounds. Instead, its primary goal is the removal of excess skin and fat to enhance the overall contour of your body. This clarification is pivotal to managing expectations and ensuring that individuals considering a tummy tuck are well-informed about the procedure’s objectives.
What is the age limit for a tummy tuck?
There is no specific age limit for undergoing a tummy tuck. Rather, the focus lies on evaluating individual health factors like medical history and current health conditions.
Does insurance cover the cost of a tummy tuck?
It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is generally considered a cosmetic procedure. As such, insurance providers typically do not cover the costs associated with this elective aesthetic surgery.
Will I have visible stretch marks after tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks on the lower abdomen by removing excess skin containing these marks. However, it is important to note that this procedure is not specifically designed to target or remove stretch marks.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?
Yes, many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with other body contouring or breast procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. These procedures can include liposuction, breast augmentation, or a mommy makeover surgery, which typically addresses multiple concerns resulting from pregnancy and childbirth in one surgery.
References
- Carl Frascina. How the “tummy tuck” has improved over the decades. The Harley Street Journal. Published February 11, 2022. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://theharleystreetjournal.co.uk/2022/02/11/how-the-tummy-tuck-has-improved-over-the-decades/
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. Accessed December 5, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/