How Long Will the Results of Blepharoplasty Last?
Did you know that even your eyelids are not resistant to the effects of aging? It appears that almost every body part can potentially fall prey to the signs of aging, even the lids of the eyes. These small flaps of skin suffer from the effects of gravity, loss of skin elasticity, and depleted collagen, which are all synonymous with growing older. When men and women have excess skin that collects on the eyelid, it causes unattractive wrinkles and bulges. Many people are turning to cosmetic procedures like eyelid surgery to reverse the signs of aging and look younger. When expertly performed by a highly qualified plastic surgeon in New Jersey, eyelid surgery can create dramatic results by removing and tightening “bags” of excess skin. The result is a more alert and youthful appearance.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is one of the top five cosmetic procedures for men and women with over 100,000 performed last year alone, according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, have expertly performed countless eyelid surgeries. This fantastic procedure has enabled their patients to finally get rid of excess, saggy skin, and puffy fat pouches around their eyes. An eyelid procedure can give both men and women a rejuvenated look. In some cases, it can even help patients see better as the loosened skin can hang low enough to impair vision. Read below for some insightful information from the expert New Jersey plastic surgeons at The Peer Group about this cosmetic procedure, including how long you can anticipate the results to last.
What is eyelid surgery?
For patients in Greater New Jersey, eyelid surgery is performed to help remove any excess, loose skin on the eyelids or underneath. Tired and droopy looking eyes are transformed by lifting them to a higher resting position, so they look alert and healthy again. Eyelid surgery is becoming an increasingly popular procedure, especially amongst older patients. The skin around the eyes is thinner, so when individuals get older, eyelids can begin to droop or sag, causing heaviness and laxity in the upper eyelid area. This popular cosmetic procedure combines beautifully with other techniques such as a brow or facelift to correct sagging skin for a more dramatic aesthetic improvement.
Medical or functional eyelid surgery in New Jersey is recommended if a patient's skin is so loose and puffy that it inhibits their ability to wear eyeglasses or contacts. Other medical conditions that require eyelid surgery many include irritation from excess skin folds or forehead discomfort from overused muscles that strain to lift sagging skin. Functional blepharoplasty is more common than one might think. It has a fantastic ability to not only correct the problem at hand but also make people look younger in the process.
Taking the first step
The first step to attaining this new rested, and awake look is to schedule a consultation and initial exam with one of our talented, board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group. During this session, one of our surgeons will listen carefully to your aesthetic or medical concerns concerning the state of the skin around your eyes and provide you with your customized surgical plan for blepharoplasty.
Three types of eyelid surgery
There are three different types of eyelid surgery for Greater New Jersey patients that can be performed either separately or together as a combination. These types include:
Upper Blepharoplasty
This eyelid surgery focuses primarily on the removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle that falls over the natural crease of the eye, creating a hooded appearance. Aesthetically, it is performed to improve the presence of the eye, creating a more rounded look. It is also the most common for medical needs to restore the function of the lid by removing excess skin that may be impairing a patient’s vision.
Lower Blepharoplasty
This eyelid surgery corrects sagging and puffy under eye bags. When surgically removed, wrinkles and fine lines can be eliminated and provide a more youthful and healthy appearance. Lower eyelid surgery is also helpful in improving the contour of the eyelid as puffiness, and droopy tissue is eliminated.
Double Blepharoplasty
This technique is commonly performed on Asian patients to create a wider, larger opening of the eye area. An incision is made in the upper eyelid skin to create a new eyelid fold, giving patients more real estate in their eyelid area.
Lasting results
Eyelid surgery in New Jersey yields immediate and long-lasting results. Typically, men and women who undergo upper eyelid surgery can expect to enjoy their new appearance for five to seven years. It is rare for those who have had lower eyelid surgery to require any additional tweaking. This quick, outpatient procedure typically only takes 45 minutes but can last up to 2 hours if complementary procedures happen simultaneously. It is normal to have some eye redness and slight bruising or swelling around the eyes for the first couple of weeks. To prolong your results, wear sunglasses and sunscreen whenever outdoors.
Are you ready?
Whether you need this surgery for medical purposes or solely for cosmetic reasons, eyelid surgery can restore a patient’s overall appearance. This transformative procedure provides instant satisfaction for those who are tired of dealing with droopy skin above and below their eyes. We encourage you to call the board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, to schedule a consultation about blepharoplasty today.
How Big is Too Big When it Comes to Breast Augmentation?
Size is a big factor to consider when it comes to breast augmentation surgery in New Jersey. Aside from making the decision to undergo this popular surgery, the size of the breast implant a woman chooses plays a significant role in her overall satisfaction. When it comes to bust size, bigger does not always mean better. This theory is especially true for small-chested women who desire a cup size boost. It is possible to over enhance and potentially cause unwanted issues, especially for a smaller-sized person. Besides appearing unnatural, an implant that is too large for a woman’s frame can lead to feelings of regret and newfound discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and back. Ill-chosen implants can make even routine exercise feel burdensome, uncomfortable, and take a toll on a woman's self-esteem.
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery in the Greater New Jersey area, enlisting the help of a qualified and knowledgeable plastic surgeon is your first step. The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, listen to their patient's aesthetic goals. Together they work to help determine the appropriate implant size that is proportionate to your body. During your consultation, they will explain this transformative cosmetic surgery in detail and provide you with answers to all your questions, ensuring your comfort level. Below our plastic surgeons have provided some crucial factors to consider for choosing the best implant size.
An adequate amount of breast tissue
New Jersey area women who have naturally smaller breasts, cup sizes A or B, may not have enough breast tissue to sustain larger implants. Breast implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters or CCs. Implant sizes typically range from 80cc to 800 CCs. When a patient opts for larger than 400 CC, without the breast tissue to support the size, the implants can show through the skin, looking awkward.
Body proportions
The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group take into account a woman’s anatomy when determining the best implant size. That means a patient who is taller with a broader chest and hips can typically accommodate bigger implants, and they will provide an appealing balance to their frame and curves. Those with a more petite build and narrower chest enjoy the results of smaller implants. It is typically not recommended that a smaller-sized woman choose an implant larger than a C cup as it can give the appearance of being top-heavy.
Your lifestyle matters
New Jersey area women who are physically active and enjoy high-impact workouts should convey this information during their consultation. Those who enjoy running marathons may find that more massive breasts are cumbersome and can get in the way of vigorous exercise. Women may also discover it is challenging to find clothing that fits well and looks flattering on their bigger breasts. Simply stated, you want to feel voluptuous yet comfortable during the activities you love most.
Physical effects and potential risks of choosing too big
The goal for most women when they decide to have breast augmentation surgery in Greater New Jersey is to look and feel sexier. Implants do a fantastic job of filling out a bra, but too large of an implant can pose risks. The weight of large implants can cause the skin around the breasts to become overstretched, resulting in a saggy, droopy appearance. Oversized breasts can leave too much gap space and appear asymmetrical and disproportionate. Women with implants that are too large can experience chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain as well as frequent headaches and posture issues.
Other noted effects of choosing implants that are too big include breathing difficulties or shortness of breath, the result of excess weight on the chest. Larger breasts can also pose challenges when it comes to finding a comfortable sleep position. Rashes can develop underneath the breasts as well from consistent friction. Poor outcomes involving breast implants usually can be avoided by openly discussing with your plastic surgeon well in advance your expectations and goals for breast augmentation in New Jersey.
Selecting your size
When it comes to choosing the size of breast implants, New Jersey women have options. It is important to remember that a friend’s size DD breasts may look great on them; it does not mean that it will look the same on you. The correct implant size is determined based on a patient’s height, chest width, and other factors. Breast implants should not be chosen based on bra size. Bra sizes vary between different manufacturers, and despite the cup size, the actual volume may be very different. It is recommended that you bring the exact bra you want to wear after surgery with you to your sizing session. This highly customizable and personal procedure requires expert-level skills, such as those of the board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in New Jersey. They have assisted countless women in finding the right size proportions for their bodies.
There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting your implant size. Your new breast volume should not be based on a picture of a celebrity or a friend. It is always best to choose a size that is right for your body. Your body and surgical plan for breast augmentation are unique and must fit your personal needs. The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ are here to assist you with this big decision. Call us today to schedule your consultation.
I Want Awesome Abs. What Are My Options to Get Them?
Who doesn’t want washboard abs? When diet and exercise alone aren’t providing toned and sculpted abs, turning to cosmetic help may be the best answer. Body contouring procedures in Greater New Jersey have grown in popularity and men and women are finding multiple options either with or without surgery to get those ideal chiseled, sculpted abdominals.
The board-certified, award-winning plastic surgeons of The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, are known for their exceptional results with body contouring procedures. The Peer Group uses the latest innovations and surgical technology to create natural-looking, beautiful outcomes for their patients in Greater New Jersey. Body contouring procedures can sculpt and reshape certain areas, especially the abdomen. Procedures such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, and CoolSculpting are some of the body contouring options available for a tighter, more fit midsection. Let’s discuss ways you can get the fantastic abs you want and the cosmetic options The Peer Group offers.
Body contouring help
Women and men who want a flatter, toned midsection are turning to cosmetic procedures to make their vision a reality. It can be deflating to spend long hours at the gym doing countless sit-ups or core exercises without any abdominal definition as a result. With today’s modern cosmetic options in New Jersey, experts like board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group can provide both men and women with that little extra boost to further contour their physique. From tumescent liposuction to non-surgical options like CoolSculpting or SculpSure, the options when it comes to body contouring in Greater New Jersey are giving patients the results they desire.
Body contouring with surgical intervention
Healthy women and men in the greater New Jersey area are trying to find new ways to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat in their midsection and gain more muscle definition. Liposuction is one of the most effective cosmetic tools that can further sculpt and create the abs a patient wants.
Tumescent liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is a popular body contouring technique performed by board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group. It is a suction-assisted form of liposuction that utilizes a unique injection, which is a combination of saline, a numbing agent, and medication that controls bleeding. Small incisions are made within the natural contours of a patient’s abdomen to minimize scarring. A unique cannula instrument then sculpts and removes fatty tissue that resides just underneath the skin to accentuate a patient’s abdominal muscles. This same-day outpatient procedure typically takes about an hour and is performed under a general anesthetic. It takes surgical precision and creative touch provided by the experienced plastic surgeons in New Jersey at The Peer Group to give patients incredible results.
Laser-assisted liposuction
This liposuction technique uses a laser to provide heat energy to melt the unwanted fat before permanent removal. Popular techniques include SmartLipo or LipoLift. The cannula instrument is much smaller than with traditional liposuction, so patients are only left with tiny scabs to heal. This less invasive form of liposuction uses a triple-wave laser device to deliver thermal energy to stubborn pockets of fat. Patients can have more abdominal muscle definition and less downtime for recovery with this option.
Tummy tuck with liposuction
A tummy tuck with liposuction can help remove those isolated pockets of fat and contour a patient’s entire midsection. This procedure is a more invasive surgical option to remove excess, loose skin, and unwanted pockets of fat standing in the way of having more abdominal definition. A tummy tuck with some form of liposuction may be what a patient requires to contour their abdominal area further. For patients in New Jersey, a tummy tuck requires more downtime and takes longer to heal than other procedures, but if sagging skin that can not be eliminated with exercise, diet, or liposuction along with stubborn fat in the abdominals is standing in the way of having the abs you always wanted then this may be the option you need.
Nonsurgical abdominal contouring
Noninvasive body contouring treatments in New Jersey are also becoming more popular. You may have slimmed down with diet and exercise but still, need more abdominal definition without the downtime required by invasive surgical procedures. The expert plastic surgeons at The Peer Group can determine if any of these nonsurgical body contouring options are the right fit for you.
CoolSculpting
One of the first noninvasive body sculpting techniques since its FDA approval in 2010, CoolSculpting is still providing both men and women great results. The CoolSculpting device delivers a controlled cooling agent that essentially freezes away fat and is widely used to contour abdominal areas. The frozen fat cells die off and the body then naturally absorbs them, leaving patients with permanent results of a more contoured, sculpted midsection.
SculpSure
SculpSure is one of the latest advancements in New Jersey's non-invasive body contouring options. Nonsurgical liposuction procedures like SculpSure use laser thermal heat to target specific pockets of fat. It can reshape a patient’s desired area with no incisions, no downtime, and no scars. The Peer Group experts offer SculpSure and will determine during a consultation if it will give you the desired look for your abdominal area that you want.
Patients in the greater New Jersey area can get amazing results with one of these cosmetic options to further contour their abs. Staying at your ideal weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will allow patients to enjoy their new, sculpted abdominal area for years. The board-certified expert plastic surgeons at The Peer Group will help determine which option is right for you and be with you every step of the way.
The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, has helped countless women and men achieve the look they want with the various surgical and nonsurgical body contouring options they provide. If you need more help getting the abs you always wanted, then we invite you to schedule a consultation with them today.
What Are the Latest Trends in Body Contouring?
Body contouring treatments in the Greater New Jersey area are quite popular these days for men and women who are looking outside the gym for extra help toning their bodies. Growing older, pregnancy, weight loss, and other factors can contribute to how our body changes. Noninvasive body contouring procedures like CoolSculpting or more invasive, surgical options like liposuction can reshape, rejuvenate, and tighten up trouble areas, so you look better aesthetically. Both men and women can turn to a number of body contouring procedures in New Jersey to enhance and tighten up troublesome spots so they can enjoy their new look.
The expert, board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, provide several body contouring solutions to their patients across the Greater New Jersey area. From liposuction to tummy tucks and arm lifts or noninvasive treatments like CoolSculpting, The Peer Group offers numerous options to contour your way to a better you. Body contouring treatments are growing in popularity among individuals in New Jersey, and here is how The Peer Group is accommodating their needs.
The beauty behind body contouring in New Jersey
With today’s cosmetic advancements, there are several ways you can contour your body in New Jersey outside of the gym. Both men and women seek to reduce stubborn areas of body fat either for health reasons or simply to look better. A number of body contouring procedures can be customized to what each patient needs, addressing almost every area of the body. For decades, liposuction in the Greater New Jersey area has provided a surgical, helpful solution to give patients a slimmer, more contoured figure. Patients now have other options available when it comes to body contouring that is less invasive or doesn’t require any incisions at all. They also have a shorter recovery period, less downtime, or no downtime at all. The reasons that patients seek body contouring in New Jersey vary as much as the procedures. Some patients want a simple change to their waistline while others need contouring help in more than one area. With the ideal candidate, body contouring procedures can give you a well-proportioned look in all the right spots when performed by the professional board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group.
Who can benefit from body contouring procedures?
Individuals dealing with excess fat and skin in certain areas can benefit from body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck and liposuction. Ideal candidates are within 10 pounds of their ideal body weight and are healthy, non-smokers. Weight loss patients who struggle with loose, excess skin that has lost elasticity may find that certain body lifting procedures can eliminate that problem and show off the hard work they’ve endured. Another example of a group that will benefit from body contouring in New Jersey is women who decide to have a tummy tuck after they are finished having children. Another growing group looking to body contouring in the Greater New Jersey area are men who want to get that chiseled, sculpted look to their physiques. No matter the patient, the qualified, experienced plastic surgeons at The Peer Group will listen to your aesthetic needs and then determine your appropriate body contouring treatment plan. Depending on what you need, you may be able to address different areas all at the same time.
Surgical or nonsurgical body contouring help
Body contouring envelops a wide range of options. You can have a lower body lift to tighten up loose skin and further sculpt the areas of your hips, buttocks, and thighs all in one surgical session. With the latest nonsurgical innovations, you can possibly forgo more invasive surgery and have a flatter, more toned-looking stomach with CoolSculpting instead of a tummy tuck. In New Jersey, The Peer Group offers several cosmetic options that incorporate the latest surgical and nonsurgical techniques when it comes to body contouring treatments to eliminate sagging skin or stubborn pockets of fat practically anywhere on the body such as the stomach, buttocks, thighs, arms, and breasts.
Surgical body sculpting procedures
Liposuction
For men and women in New Jersey, liposuction still reigns supreme as a leader in the cosmetic world to help patients eliminate pockets of unwanted fat for a more contoured, slim appearance. The Peer Group offers the latest in liposuction technology with tumescent or laser-assisted techniques. Today’s liposuction techniques are more precise, require less downtime, and safer. It is also a versatile tool that can sculpt several areas of the body and in some cases, all in the same session.
Body Lift Procedures
Body lift procedures are particularly popular for weight loss patients to remove excess skin for a more sculpted appearance. Liposuction can also be used in conjunction to remove isolated pockets of fat to optimize the results. The Peer Group offers numerous lift procedures from a tummy tuck, breast lift, arm lift, thigh lift, and neck lift. They even provide body contouring packages for patients needing more than one type of surgical treatment done at the same time as with mommy makeovers, after weight loss surgery or a lower body lift that addresses more than one area.
Nonsurgical body sculpting procedures
The ever-evolving world of noninvasive body contouring techniques is growing in popularity. For patients needing a little extra contouring help in the greater New Jersey area, noninvasive body contouring options may be the right solution. Nonsurgical body contouring procedures like CoolSculpting and SculpSure are giving patients the results they want with no downtime required.
CoolSculpting
Coolsculpting offers an FDA-approved device that eliminates fat in those stubborn areas of the inner thighs, upper arms, or stomach by permanently freezing them away. In about three months, the frozen fat cells die off, and the body naturally absorbs and eliminates them to give patients a permanent solution if they maintain their ideal weight.
SculpSure
SculpSure is a quick procedure that uses a temperature-controlled device similar to CoolSculpting but instead uses heat produced from a laser. The method is applied to trouble spots like the stomach, thighs, or flanks to deliver intense heat which is absorbed by the fatty tissue. In about 6-12 weeks, after one treatment, patients see visible results.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is the latest technique that has everyone talking. This noninvasive technique uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten certain areas like the face, brow, under the chin, and neck. It treats the deep layers of the skin without disturbing the surface to give patients a boost in collagen production to reveal a more youthful appearance in about 2-3 months.
Kybella
Kybella is the first FDA injectable that The Peer Group provides which can eliminate submental fullness, also known as a “double chin” that commonly occurs with age. It removes those fat cells so patients can enjoy a new profile after their last treatment in about 3-6 weeks. As long as patients maintain their current weight, the Kybella results are permanent.
If you have done all the work and realize that you still need a little body contouring help, then it is time to turn to the experts at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ. Body contouring procedures offer patients help for almost any area of the body. The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group provide numerous surgical and nonsurgical body contouring options to their patients in the greater New Jersey area. They will help devise a plan to address your cosmetic concerns so you can feel better about how you look. If you are interested in seeing what options may be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with The Peer Group today.
10 Facelift Do's and Don'ts
Your face is a very important part of your identity. If any part of your face appears worn out, tired, or aged, this can take a toll on your confidence. Facelift surgery restores your natural appearance by addressing issues such as deep lines or creases in the corners of your mouth as well as the loss of skin elasticity.
To get the results you desire, turn to the board-certified plastic surgery experts at The Peer Group in the Greater New Jersey area. Our plastic surgeons can accommodate your individual needs and provide you with an exceptional experience as they improve the look and feel of your face. Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of facelift procedures for New Jersey area men and women and how to obtain more successful results below.
Do: Protect Yourself From the Sun
Imagine going through facelift surgery in New Jersey only to have the sun damage your final results. You must protect your face from sunlight for at least several weeks as you recuperate from your facelift. If you must go outside, you should wear a scarf, a large hat, or dark sunglasses to protect the surgery sites. However, do not wear sunscreen or other products on your face immediately after the procedure to avoid irritation.
Do: Prepare Yourself to Sleep Propped Up
Patients must get plenty of sleep post-surgery so your body can rest and dedicate resources to healing the injured tissues and muscles in the face. Before your facelift procedure in New Jersey, prepare an area where you can sleep with your head elevated to prevent swelling. You can sleep in a comfortable recliner at home or simply prop up your head with pillows.
Do: Get Some Help Post-Surgery
Following your facelift surgery, have a responsible adult stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. They can drive you to and from your appointment, make sure you take your medications as recommended, and help you with simple tasks such as food preparation. A simple act such as bending over to pick something up can cause blood to rush to your head. Having this extra help on hand can prevent you from a lot of unnecessary discomforts.
Do: Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods when resting at home after your facelift. In general, staying hydrated keeps your skin looking young and helps to ward off deep lines and wrinkles as you age. Following the facelift procedure, soft foods such as yogurt and smoothies can help you feel comfortable by placing less strain on your mouth and jaw. Getting the nutrients your body needs is also essential in the recovery process.
Do: Be Patient
Based on your unique health needs, most patients who undergo a facelift in Greater New Jersey will need at least two to three weeks before they can return to their regular tasks at home and work. Depending on the activity, you may need more time before you are able to resume it. It is important to have realistic expectations during the healing process before you can see your end results. While you may experience some bruising or swelling, you will find that the final outcome is worth the wait.
Don’t: Over-exert Yourself
Be careful, take it easy, and avoid any vigorous exercises for at least a few days after the procedure. If you feel pain or discomfort during an activity, take a moment to stop and rest to avoid injury to the face or body. After the initial recovery, you can slowly return to your daily routine to encourage blood flow.
Don’t: Irritate Your Face
Makeup products should be avoided for at least one week to prevent irritation of the surgery sites. In fact, any products applied to your face must be approved by your plastic surgeon at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ beforehand. Heat or pressure to the face may also affect your final results, as well as engaging in any activities that submerge your face in the water, like swimming.
Don’t: Use Hair Products
Avoid washing your hair or using hair products for several days after your facelift. Soaps and shampoos are likely to aggravate the sutures, as well as a hairdryer, curling iron, hairspray, or other related hair care products. For this reason, you might want to consider having your hair professionally done a few days before the procedure to ensure your comfort.
Don’t: Ignore Your Plastic Surgeon’s Advice
Your board-certified plastic surgeon at The Peer Group may give you a list of post-op instructions, including any medications you need to take following a facelift. New Jersey patients who ignore this advice may result in injury or a longer than the expected recovery period. For example, it is important to stay away from tobacco products such as cigarettes as they restrict blood flow and prevent proper healing. You should also avoid alcohol, saunas, and steam rooms during this time.
Don’t: Take Shortcuts
You may see some dramatic results immediately following your facelift, but understand that improvement can take weeks or even months. This means you must ease back into your regular routine slowly over time. If you push yourself too hard, you risk slowing down the healing process or experiencing side effects such as redness, swelling, or irritation. Please contact your plastic surgeon immediately if you experience any severe pain, bleeding, or concerning symptoms.
At The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, we understand that any surgery takes a great deal of time, effort, and resources to improve the shape and appearance of your face. We make the process easier by providing you with the board-certified experts and state-of-the-art resources needed to be successful. Address issues such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and more by scheduling a facelift consultation at our caring New Jersey practice today.
Tips For Becoming Active Again After Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck procedure helps eliminate excess fat from the middle and lower abdomen, along with tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. This is a common surgery to correct loose skin and pockets of fat as a result of recent weight or pregnancy. If you would like to have a leaner, smoother midsection and live in Greater New Jersey, a tummy tuck may be the answer. This transformative procedure changes your waistline by eliminating stubborn fat that may not go away due to traditional diet and exercise programs.
The Peer Group is a renowned plastic surgery practice located in Florham Park, NJ that offers tummy tuck procedures for patients concerned about their midsection. One of the more commonly asked questions to our board-certified plastic surgeons at our facility is: When can I return to my regular exercise regimen? While every individual case is different, we have provided several general guidelines for recovery so you can get back to your active lifestyle.
Follow Your Post-Op Instructions
While you may be eager to get back to your active routines, for men and women in Greater New Jersey, a tummy tuck is a major procedure performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. Immediately following the surgery, the board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group will give you any required prescriptions along with a compression garment to wear for several days to promote proper blood flow.
It is absolutely essential that you follow any detailed instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon. This includes taking your medication at the right times, resting properly, and slowly easing your way back into your active routine. If you exert yourself too quickly, you risk damaging the surgery site, which means an even longer recovery period. Based on the type of tummy tuck procedure you receive, the trained experts at The Peer Group can provide you with details on what you can do and at what time.
Walking
While we encourage Greater New Jersey tummy tuck patients to take a walk the day after their procedure, an important part of the healing process is to start slow. For the first two weeks after your tummy tuck, you must allow your body to rest and heal properly. When you begin with strenuous activity or push yourself too hard, you risk injuring the surgery sites, leading to a longer recovery period. After this two-week period, under the approval of your plastic surgeon, you may participate in light exercise.
Walking is a low-intensity activity that doesn’t require special equipment and does not harm the surgery sites. In fact, walking helps promote blood flow and circulation that could help you heal faster. Regular walks could also assist with joint and muscle stiffness and pain if you have been sitting or laying down for long periods of time.
Regular and Core Workouts
A tummy tuck procedure requires an extensive amount of work to the abdominal wall, which is why workouts are not advised for at least 6 - 8 weeks post-op. At the 6-week mark, ask your board-certified plastic surgeon at The Peer Group about incorporating low-impact cardiovascular activities if there were no issues or injuries during the healing process. More intense exercises that focus on the core are prohibited for three months so these muscles can heal properly.
Leg or arm exercises can keep you active, as long as you don’t place any unnecessary stress on the abdominal area. Though every patient recovers in their own time, it can take up to six months to fully recover from tummy tuck surgery and get back to your normal workout routine. Slowly incorporating new movements is a great way to transition into harder exercises. Be sure to clear certain exercises with your doctor if you are uncertain if they are appropriate for you.
Risks and Concerns
So what happens if you ignore the advice of your physician or push yourself too hard right away? Strenuous workouts tend to raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause bleeding and other complications. If you are taking pain medications, this can also affect how you move or control your muscles, placing you at higher risk for injury. Patients who had their stomach muscles tightened must take extra precautions as core exercises can cause a great deal of damage following a tummy tuck.
Remember to schedule a follow-up appointment as needed so that your plastic surgeon at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ can assess the surgery site and underlying muscles to ensure they are healing properly. They will be able to give you the clearance to perform certain core activities like pelvic thrusts, leg lifts, and planks so you can show off your newly toned and sculpted midsection once again.
Contact The Peer Group
Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon makes all the difference when it comes to getting the outcome you want from a tummy tuck. Though every patient’s recovery period looks different, it is best to follow the instructions of your practitioner so you can make the most of your procedure and obtain the aesthetic outcome you desire. At The Peer Group, our leading, board-certified plastic surgery experts in the Greater New Jersey area offer a safe, comfortable environment in our on-site surgical center to accommodate your needs. Our staff invites you to reach out to our office for a tummy tuck consultation today.