Abdominoplasty
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a highly effective surgery that removes loose skin and tightens the abdominal “six-pack” muscles. It improves both the function of your core and the appearance of your midsection, making it a procedure that’s both reconstructive and cosmetic.
What is Abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgery that improves the appearance and strength of your abdomen. Many people develop loose or stretched skin over time due to aging, pregnancy, or weight changes. After significant weight loss, it’s common to have extra skin on the stomach and a wider-looking waist.
Pregnancy can also cause diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles that leads to core weakness and a belly that pushes outward. This muscle separation cannot be corrected with diet, exercise, or physical therapy alone.
A tummy tuck addresses these issues by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat to create a flatter stomach, stronger core, and a more natural-looking waistline. When these improvements are combined, the results can be truly transformative—both physically and emotionally.
Ideal
Candidates
for a
Tummy
Tuck
Women who have completed their families and are no longer considering a future pregnancy
Those who have undergone massive weight loss and have excess overhanging skin
Have weak core strength not improving with exercise
Have pockets of abdominal fat not improving with weight loss
Are also at or near their ideal body weight, and are able to successfully maintain this weight without extreme diets or exercise measures.
Are in good general health and are invested in a surgical recovery
What Happens During Your Tummy Tuck Consultation?
During your tummy tuck consultation, Dr. Parcells and Dr. Pasick will sit down with you to understand what you want to improve about your stomach and what results you’re hoping for. They will gently examine your abdomen, checking for loose skin, muscle separation (diastasis recti), and any areas of extra fat. They will also review your medical history and any past surgeries to make sure the procedure is safe for you.
Your consultation is meant to be an open, comfortable conversation. Dr. Parcells and Dr. Pasick will explain how a
tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) works, what the surgery can
and cannot fix, where the incision is placed, and what your recovery will look like. They’ll also go over possible risks and realistic expectations so you feel fully informed.
Their goal is to make sure you understand every step of the process and feel confident in your decision. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, talk about your goals, and learn what a customized tummy tuck plan could look like with two experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in New Jersey and New York.
Who is a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) if:
- You have loose or excess skin and fat in the abdominal area.
- You notice sagging or stretching of the stomach after pregnancy or weight changes.
- You’ve tried diet and exercise but can’t achieve the improvement you want.
- You have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.
- You are in good general health with no medical issues that could affect healing.
- You are a non-smoker, or you’re willing to stop smoking before and after surgery.
- You have a stable weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- You understand that a tummy tuck improves shape and tightness but is not a weight-loss procedure.
What Is Recovery from Tummy Tuck Like?
Recovery from a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) does involve downtime, and following your aftercare instructions is key to getting the best results. In the first few days, it’s normal to experience swelling, tightness, and discomfort in the abdominal area. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help you stay comfortable.
Rest is essential during the early healing phase. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity and give your body time to recover. As the days go on, you’ll slowly start returning to light activities. Short walks are encouraged to help with
and reduce the risk of blood clots. Wearing your
recommended compression garment is important—it helps minimize swelling and supports your new abdominal contour as you heal.
Most patients can return to work and normal daily routines within 1–2 weeks, depending on the type of tummy tuck performed. However, heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for several weeks to protect your results.
Every patient heals differently, and Dr. Parcells and Dr. Pasick will guide you through each step to ensure a safe, smooth recovery.
How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost?
At the end of your consultation, you’ll meet with our patient care coordinator, who will review pricing and help you understand the next steps for scheduling your tummy tuck surgery.
You will receive a personalized quote based on your specific needs, the type of tummy tuck recommended, and any additional procedures that may enhance your results. Because tummy tucks are considered cosmetic, they are not typically covered by insurance.
To make your abdominoplasty more affordable, our practice offers financing options through CareCredit, allowing you to choose a payment plan that fits your budget and helps you move forward with confidence.
Recovery After Tummy Tuck
Once discharged from the hospital, most patients are moving slowly around their house, in a slightly bent position, for the first week after surgery.
Why Choose us?
Here at Parcells Plastic Surgery, we want you to feel confident and celebrate your natural beauty. Our goal is to educate and empower you to decide what’s best for your body.
We look forward to meeting you and addressing your aesthetic concerns. Call or text us if you would like to know more, or schedule an appointment for your New Jersey abdominoplasty consultation with Our Plastic Surgeons. We hope to see you soon!
Abdominoplasty Recovery
An overnight stay in the hospital is recommended, both for pain control and monitoring for signs of infection or complication.
On the day after tummy tuck surgery, patients are placed in a compression garment, similar to an abdominal binder, that aids with the reduction of swelling and improved comfort. It is recommended for use for 6-12 weeks post-surgery.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
After a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Parcells, a customized surgical plan will be proposed.
During the initial consultation, Our Plastic Surgeons will thoroughly review your medical history and discuss your concerns and desired outcome. She will then perform a detailed physical examination, including an assessment of skin tone and laxity, as well as an assessment of hernias, diastasis recti, and other abdominal conditions.
At the consultation, Our Plastic Surgeons will also extend her expert advice, review the options for achieving the desired outcome, and will review the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed procedure. All to ensure you experience the best tummy tuck New Jersey can offer.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Diastasis recti occur when the rectus abdominis muscles, also known as the “six-pack” muscles of the abdominal wall, become separated. This often occurs after extreme weight gain or loss, such as with pregnancy. However, the connection between the two muscles (the linea alba) remains intact, though widened. There is no hole or opening in the lining of the abdominal wall.
A hernia occurs where a hole or opening does develop in the fascia. As a result, part of the intestine may protrude through this opening, risking damage to the intestine and/or infection. This is closely evaluated prior to surgery. If discovered, this is usually easily repaired at the time of abdominoplasty by a general surgeon and is covered by insurance.
Yes. After this surgery, it is the body’s natural response to healing to create fluid. For proper healing, this fluid must be slowly removed from the body via the placement of 2 drains, one at each hip. Once no longer needed, approximately 1-2 weeks post-surgery, the drains are easily removed in the office. Forgoing the use of a drain can lead to complications, such as infection or fluid accumulation (known as a seroma), leading to additional procedures and prolonged recovery.
For the removal of excess lower abdominal skin, a hip to hip incision is required. However, it is hidden below the underwear or bathing suit line. Previous abdominal scarring, such as a C-section scar or stretch marks, can often be revised at the same time as this procedure. Depending on the severity of the diastasis or amount of extra skin, additional abdominal incisions may be required and will be discussed prior to surgery.
No. While a tummy tuck seeks to restore the strength and alignment of the abdominal muscles, a body lift only addresses the loose skin and excess fat of the abdomen, along with the hips, back, and upper buttocks. Instead of a hip to hip incision, the body lift requires an incision that goes all the way around the entire body.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to work with a qualified physician. Our Plastic Surgeons is a Top Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon licensed in the state of New Jersey. She is Board-Certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and is an expert in the field of aesthetics.
Here at Parcells Plastic Surgery, we want you to feel confident and celebrate your natural beauty. Our goal is to educate and empower you to decide what’s best for your body. We look forward to meeting you and addressing your aesthetic concerns. Call or text us if you would like to know more, or schedule an appointment for a New Jersey tummy tuck consultation with Our Plastic Surgeons. We hope to see you soon!
A mini tummy tuck only addresses loose skin and excess fat under the belly button. It does not address the laxity of the abdominal muscles, protruding the upper abdomen, or remove the excess pockets of fat above the belly button.
Why Choose Us For Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
At Parcells Plastic Surgery, your tummy tuck is performed by Dr. Alexis Parcells and Dr. Pasick, two
highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeons known for their expertise in abdominal contouring and natural-looking results. Our team takes a collaborative approach, creating a personalized treatment plan that reflects your body, your goals, and your lifestyle.
We believe that the best outcomes come from truly listening to our patients. From your consultation to your final follow-up, you’ll receive attentive, supportive care and a surgical plan tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck in New Jersey to achieve a flatter, firmer, more confident midsection, we invite you to schedule a consultation and learn how our surgeons can help you achieve the results you’re looking for.
Parcells Plastic Surgery
Our Plastic Surgeons is a Top Female Plastic Surgeon licensed in the state of New Jersey and is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Her unique perspective as a female plastic surgeon gives her a valuable understanding of what her patients go through, and what brings them to her for plastic surgery. She also has a thorough comprehension of what you will experience from the results of your surgery. Having a doctor who understands your experiences can make the world of difference in your aesthetic journey, and help ensure you recieve the best abdominoplasty New Jersey can offer.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
She will discuss an individualized quote for your tummy tuck, as well as address the logistics of your procedure. As not all cosmetic procedures are covered by insurance, Our Plastic Surgeons has partnered with CareCredit to help you achieve your aesthetic goals today.
