Tummy Tuck Specialist in North Brunswick, NJ

A tummy tuck is a type of surgical procedure that aims to create a firmer, more toned abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, particularly in the middle and lower abdomen. The surgery also includes the repair of weakened or separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti, resulting in an improved abdominal structure and strength.

 Dr. Partridge’s comprehensive approach to abdominoplasty often involves liposuction to remove fat deposits in the abdomen, flanks, and lower back, enhancing your body’s contours. She uses a large incision, from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area, to facilitate this process.

After removing the excess skin from the lower abdomen, Dr. Partridge repairs any weakened or separated abdominal muscles with sutures, resulting in a firmer abdominal wall and a narrower waistline. She then reposition the remaining skin to create a more toned appearance, often moving the belly button to a more natural location to match the new shape of your abdomen.

The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips, and a compression garment is provided to support the healing process and reduce swelling.

While a tummy tuck can enhance your physical appearance and boost self-confidence, it’s not a substitute for weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Partridge emphasizes that significant weight fluctuations can diminish the results. Therefore, those planning substantial weight loss or women considering future pregnancies may not make for ideal candidates.

Dr. Partridge always evaluates the patient’s weight when considering a tummy tuck. While there is no strict weight requirement, it is generally advised that patients are within 10 to 15 pounds of their ideal body weight before the procedure. This is because the results are more successful and long-lasting when the patient is at a stable weight.

Excess weight can present several challenges during and after a tummy tuck surgery. Surgical complications are more likely in obese patients. Anesthesia can also be more challenging to administer, increasing the risk of complications. Impaired blood flow to the surgical area due to excess weight can slow down wound healing, and significant weight fluctuations after surgery can compromise the aesthetic outcome and increase the likelihood of skin sagging.

Dr. Partridge typically prefers to perform tummy tuck surgery on patient who have a BMI of 30 or less. A BMI between 25 and 30 may be acceptable for patients who are otherwise healthy and have realistic expectations.

In some cases, Dr. Partridge may consider performing a tummy tuck on patients who are slightly overweight, particularly if the weight gain is recent and the patient is committed to losing weight after surgery. Other considerations include whether the patient has a significant amount of loose skin and excess fatty tissue that cannot be addressed with diet and exercise alone, or if the patient is undergoing other weight-loss procedures, such as a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, and the tummy tuck is part of a comprehensive weight-loss plan.

Tummy tuck procedures can provide numerous benefits, both cosmetic and medical. Tummy tucks are particularly beneficial among those who have experienced significant weight loss, multiple pregnancies, or the effects of aging that have resulted in loose skin. A tummy tuck performed by Dr. Partridge can sculpt the abdomen, eliminating unsightly bulges and sagging skin, and creating a more aesthetically pleasing silhouette.

Besides enhancing physical appearance, a tummy tuck can also provide several medical benefits. For instance, it can repair distended abdominal muscles that diet and exercise alone may not improve, thus enhancing abdominal tone, posture, and alleviating back pain. This can result in better mobility and improved spinal support.

Furthermore, this procedure can lower the risk of health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea by removing excess tissue. It could also alleviate urinary incontinence following a vaginal birth and correct a ventral hernia that may occur after massive weight loss or C-sections.

Dr. Partridge also acknowledges the psychological benefits of a tummy tuck. It can significantly boost self-confidence and body image, thereby improving mental health. By transforming body shape, individuals often experience less insecurity and embarrassment, feeling more comfortable and confident. It can also enhance sexual function by reducing any excess skin that may interfere with intimacy.

Post-surgery, patients often find that their clothes fit better and are more comfortable. The removal of excess skin eliminates the need to hide the body in loose clothing, allowing patients to enjoy a wider range of clothing styles.

The length of the procedure, which Dr. Partridge performs proficiently, can vary based on several factors. These include the type of tummy tuck chosen, the patient’s physical condition, the amount of excess skin and fat, degree of muscle separation, size and location of incisions, complexity of the technique used, and the individual patient’s anatomy and medical history.

Dr. Partridge excels in performing both traditional and mini tummy tuck procedures. A traditional tummy tuck, which involves the removal of a substantial amount of excess skin and fat as well as the tightening of abdominal muscles, usually takes between two to four hours to complete under her skilled hands. However, it can extend up to five hours if the procedure is more complex or if it is being combined with other procedures such as liposuction – another area in which Dr. Partridge is highly experienced.

A mini tummy tuck, which is less invasive and primarily targets the lower abdomen, typically takes about one to two hours under Dr. Partridge’s expert care. She is also proficient in performing an endoscopic tummy tuck, an advanced technique that uses an endoscope to remove excess fat and tighten muscles.

The duration can also be influenced by the surgeon’s skill and experience, areas where Dr. Partridge excels. With her extensive experience, she is able to complete the procedure more quickly without compromising the quality of the results. We serve patients from North Brunswick NJ, Princeton NJ, Milltown NJ, Clyde NJ, New Brunswick NJ, Edison NJ, Sayreville NJ, and Rocky Hill NJ.