Tummy Tuck New Jersey | Abdominoplasty NJ

Abdominoplasty — Morristown, NJ

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The laxity of the abdominal skin is usually a consequence of pregnancy, but can also happen with weight gain, weight loss, or a combination of these. In men, laxity usually happens after significant weight loss. The quality of the skin is critical in deciding between a tummy tuck and liposuction alone — in some patients, there is excess fat but the skin has no stretch marks and can retract after liposuction. A tummy tuck is the better choice when the skin is redundant or of poor quality.

Dr. Rafizadeh sees many patients who had surgery elsewhere and are unhappy with their results. The problem in these cases is usually related to the wrong choice of procedure — for example, liposuction performed when the patient needed a tummy tuck, or a mini tuck performed when a standard was needed. A careful evaluation by an experienced surgeon before surgery is essential.

“The judgment about which of the three procedures — liposuction, mini tuck, or standard tummy tuck — is appropriate is critical in order to get good results. The patient has to be careful and see an experienced plastic surgeon before undergoing this procedure.”

— Dr. Farhad Rafizadeh, MD FACS

Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Standard Abdominoplasty

When skin redundancy is primarily below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be appropriate. Liposuction is performed and excess skin above the pubis is removed without disconnecting the belly button. The operation is less extensive and recovery is faster. In some cases the muscles can be tightened through this approach as well.

A standard tummy tuck is for patients with redundant skin and excess fat over the entire abdomen. Liposuction is performed across the entire abdomen, skin from the lower abdomen is removed, and the abdominal muscles are repaired — correcting diastasis recti (separation of the rectus muscles) that pregnancy commonly causes. The belly button is repositioned to a natural location in the newly tightened skin.

Extended Tummy Tuck

The extended tummy tuck is a great alternative to more complicated body lift procedures. It is less invasive than a circumferential body lift while still allowing lifting of the lateral thighs and buttocks in addition to the abdomen. Patients are selected for this based on their body shape. The table is tilted from side to side during surgery to provide access to the back and the most lateral areas — without needing to be turned, reducing anesthesia complexity.

Mommy Makeover & Combination Procedures

The tummy tuck is a cornerstone of the Mommy Makeover — a combination of procedures designed to reverse the effects of pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Rafizadeh commonly combines abdominoplasty with breast augmentation, breast lift, or liposuction in a single operation. A combination of abdominoplasty, liposuction, and breast enhancement can only be reversed by such a combination and can produce a truly transformative result.

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3: The table is flexed for closure and patients are positioned with hips flexed. An abdominal binder is applied. Walking is encouraged but with hips and knees bent.
Days 4–5: Drains removed. Most patients feel more comfortable.
End of Week 1: Patients can usually walk upright.
Weeks 2–3: Return to desk work depending on the job. Driving resumes.
Weeks 4–6: Return to light exercise. Full activity at 6–8 weeks.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck or liposuction?+

The key question is skin quality. If your abdominal skin has stretch marks, poor elasticity, or visible redundancy — it will not retract adequately after liposuction alone and a tummy tuck is likely the better choice. If your skin is tight and elastic with good quality, liposuction alone can produce an excellent result. Dr. Rafizadeh carefully evaluates skin quality, the degree and distribution of fat, and the presence of muscle separation (diastasis recti) before recommending the appropriate procedure. — Dr. Rafizadeh, betterplasticsurgery.com

What is diastasis recti and can a tummy tuck fix it?+

Diastasis recti is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (the “six-pack” muscles) that commonly occurs during pregnancy as the growing uterus pushes the muscles apart. It results in a visible midline bulge or “dome” of the abdomen that cannot be corrected by exercise. During a standard tummy tuck, Dr. Rafizadeh repairs the diastasis by suturing the muscles back together in the midline — effectively tightening the core from within and producing a flatter, firmer abdominal profile that no amount of exercise could achieve.

What is the difference between a mini and a standard tummy tuck?+

A mini tummy tuck is appropriate when skin redundancy is limited to the area below the belly button. The belly button does not need to be disconnected and repositioned, the incision is shorter, and the recovery is faster. A standard abdominoplasty addresses excess skin across the entire abdomen, repairs the abdominal muscles, and repositions the belly button. It is the more appropriate choice when significant skin laxity or muscle separation extends above the belly button. Choosing the wrong procedure is the most common reason patients are dissatisfied after surgery. — Dr. Rafizadeh, betterplasticsurgery.com

What is an extended tummy tuck?+

An extended tummy tuck extends the incision laterally beyond the standard tummy tuck to address excess skin and fat on the outer hips, flanks, and upper thighs — including some lifting of the lateral buttocks. It is a great alternative to the more complex and involved circumferential body lift procedure for patients who need more comprehensive contouring but do not require treatment of the entire circumference. The patient does not need to be turned during surgery, as tilting the operative table from side to side provides access to the lateral areas. — Dr. Rafizadeh, betterplasticsurgery.com

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?+

Yes — very commonly. Abdominoplasty is a cornerstone of the Mommy Makeover, typically combined with breast augmentation, breast lift, or both in a single operation. It is also frequently combined with liposuction of the flanks, thighs, and other areas. Dr. Rafizadeh evaluates the safety and appropriateness of any combination during your consultation, taking into account overall surgical time, blood loss, and recovery.

Is a tummy tuck permanent?+

The results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent — the excess skin is removed and the muscles are sutured together. However, significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies after surgery can stretch the repaired tissues and potentially reverse some of the improvement. Dr. Rafizadeh recommends that patients be at or near their goal weight and have completed their family before undergoing abdominoplasty, to protect the investment of the surgery for as long as possible.

What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?+

Tummy tuck recovery involves more time than many other procedures because of the muscle repair. Days 1–3: Hips are kept flexed to reduce tension on the closure. An abdominal binder is worn and a drain is typically in place. Walking is encouraged. Days 4–5: Drains removed. Comfort improves significantly. End of Week 1: Most patients can walk upright. Weeks 2–3: Return to desk work is typical. Weeks 4–6: Return to light exercise. Full activity resumes at 6–8 weeks. — Dr. Rafizadeh, betterplasticsurgery.com

Tummy Tuck Patient Reviews

All Reviews →

★★★★★

A Completely Transformed Abdomen

After two pregnancies, no amount of exercise was going to fix the loose skin and separated muscles. Dr. Rafizadeh gave me the flat, firm abdomen I had been working toward for years. Life-changing.

He Actually Calls Patients Himself

Dr. Rafizadeh called me personally to check on me after my tummy tuck. My results are everything I hoped for and more. I wear a bikini for the first time in ten years.

Mommy Makeover — Incredible Results

I had my tummy tuck combined with a breast lift. The combination result exceeded my highest expectations. I feel like myself again after having children, and Dr. Rafizadeh was exceptional throughout.

Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)