Do I Need A Tummy Tuck After My Weight Loss Surgery?
Losing weight is a wonderful accomplishment and a positive step toward a healthier life. Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is chosen by millions of people each year to reduce the size of the stomach and help individuals get back on track with their weight loss goals. After healing from this procedure, however, you may find that excess or sagging skin is preventing you from truly enjoying the benefits of weight loss. Not only that, lingering fatty tissue and weakened abdominal muscles are common issues post-weight loss surgery.
Based in Florham Park, NJ, The Peer Group performs tummy tuck surgery, also called abdominoplasty, to trim away the extra skin and fat while tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. This gives patients a more contoured body and renewed appearance. Many patients choose a tummy tuck after weight loss surgery for a more aesthetically pleasing look. If you believe abdominoplasty may be the right solution for you, the skilled staff at The Peer Group explain the benefits of this procedure below.
Why should I get a tummy tuck after weight loss?
Major weight loss is a huge accomplishment. But once you’ve reached your weight loss goal, there may be some obstacles still standing in your way. Perhaps you’re not comfortable with the stretched-out or sagging skin on your stomach. Unfortunately, this can’t be cured with diet or exercise alone. Tummy tuck surgery after weight loss provides fine-tuning so you can feel more comfortable in your body in Greater New Jersey.
There are other reasons to consider plastic surgery after weight loss. Those extra pockets of fat could be getting in the way of your new active lifestyle, as your body may not be giving you the freedom of movement you need to perform certain types of exercise. If this is the case, abdominoplasty can give you a more defined midsection so you can continue a healthy workout routine.
What kind of tummy tuck should I get?
While weight loss surgery is an increasingly common solution for those who struggle with obesity, there are some aesthetic concerns to consider. Today there is a range of tummy tuck techniques, each of which addresses specific cosmetic issues on the body. The following explains the techniques used in plastic surgery:
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Full tummy tuck: Suitable for those with a moderate amount of extra skin in their midsection. In this procedure, the incision extends from hip bone to hip bone. Our surgeons tighten the muscles and use advanced liposuction techniques to remove fat. We then reposition the belly button so it appears natural.
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Mini tummy tuck: A smaller incision is made along the lower abdomen. While patients still have some pockets of fat, a mini tummy tuck is not as invasive as a full or extended tummy tuck. The belly button doesn’t need to be modified in this procedure.
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Extended tummy tuck: Patients who require major body contouring after weight loss are best suited for an extended tummy tuck. The incision extends beyond the hips and around the navel. The muscles are tightened, excess skin trimmed, and fat removed through liposuction. The belly button is also positioned in a way that looks completely natural.
In each surgery, every effort is made to minimize the appearance of scars or place them in locations where they will be concealed by underwear or a bathing suit. If you are considering a tummy tuck and body contouring following weight loss surgery, an extended tummy tuck may be your best option. However, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, so we can assess the area and make a more personalized recommendation.
Healing from a tummy tuck and body contouring
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2 – 4 hours to complete. The Peer Group in Greater New Jersey has a fully accredited, on-site surgical center that is dedicated to your success. After a tummy tuck and body contouring, one of our friendly and caring professionals will give you a compression garment to promote blood circulation and make you feel more comfortable as you rest at home. It is important to give yourself plenty of time to heal after your procedure. With permission from your plastic surgeon, you should be able to resume exercise in about 6 – 8 weeks.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation
Patients who have had weight loss surgery and would like a more defined silhouette can turn to the skilled plastic surgeons at The Peer Group. We understand that additional surgery can be difficult, but we are with you every step of the way. During your private tummy tuck consultation, we take the time to understand your concerns and answer your questions. If you are less than confident about your appearance, reach out to a member of our Florham Park, NJ, team today and find out if a tummy tuck after weight loss surgery is right for you.
Why Women Get Tummy Tucks After Pregnancy
A woman’s body goes through numerous changes following pregnancy and childbirth. The abdominal area is generally affected most, as it must stretch to make room for the growing, healthy baby. After childbirth, many women are left with sagging, loose skin and an unwanted stomach "pooch" that has trouble bouncing back. This is why many women turn to the cosmetic surgery help of abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, once they have completed their families. There are several different types of tummy tucks that can help women get their pre-pregnancy body back, so they can enjoy motherhood while looking their best.
The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, are experts at performing tummy tucks and helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. A tummy tuck alone or as part of a mommy makeover can provide moms with a needed boost in the way they look and feel.
The skinny on excess skin
During and after pregnancy, a woman’s stomach experiences significant fluctuations in size. This stretching and weight fluctuation can cause the skin to appear wrinkled and loose. Following pregnancy, many Greater New Jersey-area women stick to a strict exercise and diet regimen. However, it may not be enough to reverse the changes caused by pregnancy. A tummy tuck can be an ideal solution, as it removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. The skin is then tightened and the underlying muscles are addressed for a flatter, more-toned tummy.
The dreaded pooch
A saggy stomach is hard to hide, even with the best shapewear available. The post-pregnancy pooch is a result of isolated pockets of fat near the middle-lower abdomen. The plastic surgeons at The Peer Group often add liposuction to the procedure to further remove and deplete the fat cells. Because the muscles under the skin are often lax from the pressure of pregnancy, liposuction and the tightening technique that takes place under the skin are a dynamic duo for a highly coveted flat tummy.
Customized tummy tucks
The amount of extra skin you have following your pregnancy will determine your tummy tuck style, as there are several types of tummy tucks. Some women can get close to their pre-pregnancy shape with diet and exercise and may only need a mini tummy tuck, which uses tiny incisions and tweaks a small area right under the belly button. For women who have gained a considerable amount of weight, have had multiple pregnancies, or who have poor skin tone with stretch marks and folds long after childbirth, a full or extended tummy tuck may be recommended. During a full tummy tuck, the incision usually spans from hip to hip. Liposuction is then used to remove fat, and a more significant portion of skin is removed, leaving only the taut skin.
C-section scars
Following a C-section, it can be more challenging to attain a flat tummy without some additional assistance. During a Cesarean section, the doctor cuts through the skin, fat, and muscle to retrieve the baby. This method of delivery contributes to further weakening of the abdominal area, loose skin, and possibly an unsightly scar. A tummy tuck is a fantastic option to help tighten the abdominal muscles, remove a large portion of excess skin, and create a new, cleaner scar.
Future pregnancies
If you have had one or more pregnancies and are considering tummy tuck surgery, it is in your best interests to think ahead as to whether you want to have additional children. Pregnancy following a tummy tuck will almost always alter the surgical results. It can weaken the muscles, create newly stretched skin, and make it difficult to keep your tighter tummy. If there is a pregnancy after your tummy tuck, a second surgery will likely be needed.
Good candidates for abdominoplasty
Those who desire a tummy tuck should be at a healthy weight and maintain it after the procedure. You should also be a non-smoker, as tobacco use may contribute to complications during and after surgery. Abdominoplasty is not a solution for weight loss, and after this treatment, you likely will not see much movement in the scale. However, you will have a tighter, more toned result because of the loose skin that has been removed.
Tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover
Pregnancy and childbirth not only take a toll on the abdomen but can also affect other areas of the body. Many Greater New Jersey-area women incorporate a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover after pregnancy. A mommy makeover combines procedures to improve areas affected by pregnancy and may include treatments such as liposuction, breast lift, or breast augmentation, along with a tummy tuck. This transformative combination can help make your body shapelier, firmer, and sleeker after pregnancy and childbirth.
If you’re ready for a flatter, toned stomach, set up a consultation at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, today. We will discuss the details of tummy tuck surgery and address any questions or concerns you may have. We can help you meet your aesthetic goals and are excited to be a part of your journey.
Know the Essentials Before And After A Tummy Tuck at Peer Group Plastic Surgery
A tummy tuck procedure is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed today. Men and women in the Greater New Jersey area may be frustrated that a healthy diet and numerous hours in the gym are not giving them the tight tummy they want. This is why many consider a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, for additional assistance in attaining their aesthetic goals. Abdomens with excess skin that are unresponsive to diet and exercise could be vastly improved by removing the extra fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck is considered to be major surgery, so enlisting the help of a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is the first step.
The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, are leading abdominoplasty experts in the Greater New Jersey area. With extensive knowledge and experience, they have helped numerous men and women improve the appearance of their midsection so they can love the way they look. There are various types of tummy tuck options available, but no matter which surgical procedure you choose, the preparation and recovery steps are similar. Here is some helpful information about the essentials both before and after tummy tuck surgery.
Understanding the surgery
A tummy tuck surgically removes excess skin from the abdomen. Some patients require the additional step of tightening the underlying abdominal muscles as part of a tummy tuck, depending on the severity of muscle separation. A tummy tuck is not a one-size-fits-all procedure, and it is not uncommon for liposuction to be included to contour the stomach area by removing additional fatty tissue.
Are you a tummy tuck candidate?
A tummy tuck is not for everyone. The best candidates are those who follow a healthy diet and exercise plan, are at or near their goal weight and still have excess skin, and women who have completed their families. If you have any of the following concerns, abdominoplasty may be right for you:
- Excess skin following significant weight loss
- Separated abdominal muscles due to pregnancy
- Fatty tissue deposits in the abdomen
- Protruding abdomen
Maintain your health before surgery
A tummy tuck procedure is major surgery. Maintaining good health before surgery should be a priority, as patients in good physical condition before surgery will recover more easily. New Jersey-area patients are advised to maintain a consistent weight and healthy diet before surgery for optimal results. Issues with weight fluctuations can alter your results and potentially undo some of the post-surgery effects. It is highly recommended that you get to your ideal body weight and maintain it for six months before a tummy tuck procedure.
Final results will take time
Your stomach won’t be completely flat after surgery. Also, your scars will be prominent at first and will need time to heal, but they will gradually fade. Be patient, as it takes time to feel normal and see your final tummy tuck results. You will be swollen and sore, and your energy levels will be depleted at first. Just remember that the results won't be visible right away.
Plan ahead
Another essential before tummy tuck surgery is planning. Know where and how you plan on spending your recovery time, and have the proper help in place so you can put your mind at ease during the healing process. Rest is crucial during the recovery period after any cosmetic surgery. Prepare your accommodations for a recovery space before surgery, and have magazines, books, or favorite shows available so you can rest easy. Also, arrange help for at least the first 48 – 72 hours after your surgery, especially if you have children.
Follow your doctor’s orders
Your post-surgical protocol from the plastic surgeons at The Peer Group is your guide to a smooth recovery. Listening to their recommendations for recovery is imperative for the healing process and the warning signs you will not want to ignore. Take medications as instructed, restrict activities, and follow their timeline to get you back into the swing of things. Anything you feel unsure about should always be communicated to our experienced staff.
The recovery process
There are several options for tummy tuck surgery, including a full, extended, or mini tummy tuck. During your consultation, one of our plastic surgeons will assess your problem areas and listen to your concerns before formulating a plan. A full abdominoplasty addresses loose skin in the lower and upper stomach, while a mini tummy tuck is better suited for the lower belly, also known as the "pooch." An extended tummy tuck helps with loose skin on the abdomen and around your waist. Based on the method or technique chosen, recovery time will vary.
Schedule your consultation
A tummy tuck is an excellent option for patients in the New Jersey area who need additional help when a healthy diet and regular exercise aren’t doing the trick. Patients can enjoy a firmer, more toned stomach and love the way they look with a tummy tuck. The plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, can help women or men with their midsection woes so they feel better about their appearance. Call or schedule your tummy tuck consultation with The Peer Group today.
How To Get A Bikini Body After A Tummy Tuck In New Jersey
One thing is true — people who get a tummy tuck want to show off their midsection afterward. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that will leave a scar, but how visible will it be? Women worry they won’t be able to wear a bikini, and male patients are concerned about where the scar might be. Tummy tuck surgery gives patients dramatic results, but if you are concerned about a large, visible scar, you don’t have to be.
The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, have provided amazing tummy tuck results for numerous New Jersey patients. Their online gallery of before-and-after photos displays the dramatic results tummy tuck surgery can provide, with no visible scars. Let’s take a look at how you can be swimsuit-ready and enjoy your tighter, slimmer midsection with this body contouring technique.
Build your confidence with tummy tuck surgery
If you are unhappy with your midsection or feel self-conscious in a swimsuit, a tummy tuck procedure can restore your waistline. A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that addresses concerns on the abdomen like sagging skin, torn abdominal muscles, or a "pooch." Abdominoplasty can streamline a woman’s silhouette or give a man a more muscular-looking physique by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissues and muscles. Your entire midsection can be reshaped with this procedure, and liposuction can be incorporated when needed to remove excess fatty deposits. The result is a more contoured waist and flatter stomach that can give your body a more balanced, toned appearance.
Getting bikini-ready with a tummy tuck
Patients in the Greater New Jersey area hiding their midsection because of a "muffin top" or loose, saggy skin can renew their appearance with a tummy tuck procedure. Likely candidates for this cosmetic help have experienced significant weight loss, leaving their stomach area looking stretched out and deflated. Some men and women may also be struggling with pockets of unwanted fat that haven’t responded to a healthy diet and regular exercise. The Peer Group experts can help patients get a tighter, slimmer midsection that will look great in a bathing suit and warm-weather outfits.
What happens during a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. The qualified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group will ensure that your incision is made in the lower part of the abdomen. Excess abdominal skin will be removed, and any unwanted fat will be eliminated with liposuction. Abdominal muscles will be tightened if needed, and the remaining skin will be sutured together so patients are left with a flatter, firmer abdomen.
What about scarring?
An abdominoplasty can reshape your body to be swimsuit-ready, but will there be visible scars? One of the best ways to feel comfortable about your potential tummy tuck results is to look at photos of actual patients after their surgery. The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group have an extensive photo gallery on their website. When viewing tummy tuck results for yourself, you can see that no visible scars are present. Looking at your surgeon’s website will give you a better understanding of how they will conceal the tummy tuck incision for each patient. When you look at a patient’s "after" photo, you not only see their fantastic results, you also see that no scarring is visible. The answer to the scar question is that you should definitely invest in a bikini after your tummy tuck procedure.
The primary goal for any type of tummy tuck procedure is to give women and men natural-looking results. This body contouring cosmetic help can further sculpt and create the midsection you desire after working hard to lose weight. With a traditional or extended tummy tuck, the incision is placed on the lower abdomen area so it can be concealed with a bathing suit or undergarments. The scar to reposition the belly button is placed internally so it won’t be visible. If a full or extended tummy tuck is not needed, a mini tummy tuck is an even less invasive option that uses a smaller incision in the lower abdomen area. In some cases, an existing C-section scar may be utilized, and the belly button is not relocated with a mini tuck procedure.
Schedule your consultation today
Wear your bikini or swim trunks with pride and don’t worry about any visible scars after you have had a tummy tuck. The qualified, experienced plastic surgeons at The Peer Group make sure their patients love the way they look and have no visible signs of surgery. If you are considering a tummy tuck but are concerned about potential scarring, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our experts at The Peer Group. Patients in the Greater New Jersey area can have a tummy tuck procedure and no visible signs left behind except a smoother, tighter stomach.
Body Contouring Surgery Options in the Greater NJ Area
You can redefine the way you look and reshape your body with an array of body contouring treatments. Both women and men are turning to cosmetic help for a smoother, more toned appearance after losing weight or struggling with the natural process of aging. Body contouring procedures such as a lower body lift or arm lift are excellent ways to remove loose skin and stubborn fat in specific trouble spots. The result is a body that is slim and contoured in all the right places.
The highly regarded, board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, offer several body contouring procedures to patients in the Greater New Jersey area. Liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a complete lower body makeover are a few of the body contouring options The Peer Group provides. If you are struggling with sagging skin or stubborn fat, here is a more detailed look at what body contouring procedures can do for you.
What can body contouring do?
Patients in the Greater New Jersey area struggling with sagging, loose skin or excess fat can turn to cosmetic help with specific body contouring procedures. Following significant weight loss, especially after pregnancy, many women experience isolated pockets of fat in certain areas that won't go away with diet and exercise. Another common issue is loose skin that can’t conform to the body's new shape or size. Once the skin loses laxity, it won't snap back to the proper place. Loss of elasticity is also a side effect of age. Body contouring procedures can eliminate these issues and give your body more definition and a more proportionate appearance.
Popular body contouring help
There are numerous options when it comes to body contouring. From surgical to nonsurgical cosmetic intervention, both women and men can customize what they need in their target areas. Here is a look at some of the most popular body contouring procedures performed by The Peer Group for their patients in the Greater New Jersey area:
Tummy tuck
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, helps remove excess pockets of stubborn fat with liposuction and tighten loose skin in the stomach area. It can also tighten the underlying abdominal muscles, which are a common trouble spot for women after pregnancy. Tummy tucks are one of the most popular body contouring procedures performed today. With surgical advancements, a tummy tuck can be customized to fit what each patient needs. Some individuals might only need a mini tummy tuck, while others may opt for a full or extended tummy tuck.
Liposuction
Liposuction is still the leader in body contouring help for patients wanting a more defined, slimmer appearance in certain areas. For women and men in New Jersey, liposuction can sculpt any almost area of the body. It is a versatile tool that can eliminate pockets of unwanted fat from the stomach, lower back, thighs, under the chin, and upper arms or upper back (bra area). Progressive surgical centers like The Peer Group offer the latest advancements in liposuction procedures. Today’s liposuction techniques are safer, more precise, less invasive, and require less downtime.
Body lift
Body lift procedures are a necessity for individuals who have experienced dramatic weight loss. Body lift procedures usually involve some form of liposuction to give patients optimal results. An arm lift or brachioplasty can surgically eliminate sagging, loose skin on the upper arms to provide a tighter, more contoured appearance. Patients can opt for a lower or upper body lift, which incorporates more than one area. A lower body lift removes excess fat and tightens loose skin on the thighs, hips, and buttocks to create a more toned lower body. An upper body lift can involve a breast lift, arm lift, and tummy tuck to reveal a sleeker upper body.
Mommy makeover
This post-pregnancy procedure is a combination of body contouring surgeries to remove stubborn pockets of fat and tighten loose skin after weight loss. The main target areas for a mommy makeover are usually the abdomen and breasts, but the treatment can be customized to whatever a New Jersey mom needs. Women who desire to have their pre-baby body back can opt for a breast lift (usually with implants) along with liposuction and a tummy tuck. The big perk of a mommy makeover is that mom only has to plan for one recovery period, as these body reshaping procedures are done simultaneously.
Surgical help with body contouring procedures can be the solution to feeling better about how you look. If you have maintained a healthy lifestyle and your ideal weight for six months but are still struggling with your appearance, we encourage you to call The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ. You will meet one of their highly-skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons and discuss your aesthetic needs so you can get the results you want. Schedule a consultation with The Peer Group today and learn more about how to achieve your body goals with body contouring help.
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.
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.