Serving New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut (the mid Atlantic states)
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon Sheila A. Bond, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Click Pictures To View Videos On Tummy Tucks
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Dr. Shelia Bond of Montclair, New Jersey performs this procedure which can dramatically improve the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
Dr. Bond is a featured expert on RealSelf.com regarding Abdominoplasty.
The best candidates for a tummy tuck?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal with diet or exercise. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with weight gain and loss, can also be improved.
If you would like to have a flatter abdomen and want to look more attractive in your slacks and form-fitting clothes, then a Tummy Tuck may be the procedure for you.
Dr. Sheila Bond will meet with you in a personalized private consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
The Surgery
Complete tummy tuck surgery usually takes about three hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial (mini) tummy tucks may take about two hours
Dr. Sheila Bond will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. She will plicate the rectus muscles to create flatness at the muscle level. With a mini tummy tuck, the incision is shorter and the navel is not changed, and excess skin above the navel is not tightened.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new opening is cut for the navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressing will be applied, and a temporary drain will be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. The drains will be removed in about one week.
A tummy tuck does produce a permanent scar which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip, but will be placed within the bikini line to be hidden by most underwear and swimwear.
Recovery
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some discomfort, which can be controlled by medication that Dr. Sheila Bond will prescribe for you. Most patients stay overnight in the hospital after this surgery.
Dr. Sheila Bond will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressing. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first because of the newly tightened skin, you should be able to after a few days.
Surface stitches will dissolve by themselves. A support garment will be worn for six to eight weeks.
Getting back to normal
It may take you several weeks to feel like your old self again. If your start out in good physical condition, at a maintainable weight, your outcome from a tummy tuck will be better. Most people return to work after three to four weeks. You can begin light exercise after about a month.
Your new look
Tummy tucks, whether partial or complete, produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. The results will be long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Many patients look better after a Tummy Tuck, than before they had babies!
If you feel this procedure could enhance your look, please call our office at (973) 509-0007 to schedule your personalized consultation. Let Dr. Sheila Bond help you look your best.
Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Montclair, New Jersey (NJ). We serve patients from the following area, such as Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Sussex counties, as well as Jersey City, Newark, NJ and all surrounding areas including New York (NY).
We look forward to meeting you in person.
