Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Bucks County, PA & Hunterdon County, NJ
Is Abdominoplasty
Right for Me?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Buinewicz is renowned for his expertise in performing tummy tuck procedures and helping his patients achieve flat, toned waists at Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, located in Doylestown, PA, and Flemington, NJ. The procedure is among the most popular types of cosmetic surgery procedures performed each year and is in high demand with his patients.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, sometimes referred to as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to help flatten the abdominal wall and streamline the waist, resulting in a sculpted, tight abdomen. Many people have problems with a weakening of core muscles and skin laxity following pregnancy or extreme fluctuations in weight. A tummy tuck is useful for the removal of extra sagging skin left over following a pregnancy or extreme weight loss. It tightens and repairs stretched or loose muscle tissue in the abdominal area. The procedure may also include the removal of stretch marks on the lower abdomen, but it may be impossible to completely remove them.
What Are The Types Of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
1
TRADITIONAL TUMMY TUCK
A conventional tummy tuck procedure is for those who have an excessive amount of skin and fat that requires removal, as well as those who have significant abdominal wall muscle weakness. During this procedure, Dr. Buinewicz must make two incisions, one around the naval and the other in the pubic area that runs from each hip bone. He then will stretch a flap of skin over the muscles and remove any excess skin. Loose muscles are tighened up a excess fat is removed with liposuction. Finally, he will reattach your naval.
2
MINI TUMMY TUCK
A mini tummy tuck is different from a traditional tummy tuck because it is much less invasive and is for those with only small amounts of excess skin and fat deposits. The mini tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision just above the pubic area, which is shorter than the incision used for a traditional tummy tuck. After the incision, Dr. Buinewicz will loosen the skin from the abdominal wall. The muscles of the lower abdomen are then sutured into a tighter position, excess skin and fat are removed. Once the procedure is completed, the incision is sutured and bandaged.
Patient Before & Afters
What Can a Tummy Tuck Accomplish?
- Removes excess skin
- Reduces fat
- Tightens the muscles
- Improves abdominal contours
- Reduces stretch marks
- Produces a flat stomach
Are You A Candidate For A Tummy Tuck ?
The best patients for tummy tucks are those who:
- Have excess skin or stretch marks on the abdomen that are unresponsive to diet or exercise
- Have experienced changes in the abdomen due to extreme weight loss or pregnancy
- Are dealing with diminished self-esteem due to the stomach profile
- Feel that a protruding abdomen is unattractive
If you think you might be a good candidate for abdominoplasty, the next step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz. During your consultation, Dr. Buinewicz can evaluate your cosmetic goals and help you determine the best path forward. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the tummy tuck process. Dr. Buinewicz will be able to explain exactly what you can expect leading up to, during and after your surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Buinewicz?
Surgeon experience is one of the utmost qualities to consider when seeking a tummy tuck surgeon. Dr. Buinewicz is a triple board certified plastic surgeon, demonstrating expertise in all qualities of abdominoplasty surgery. With over 25 years of plastic surgery experience, he has performed hundreds of abdominoplasty procedures and is passionate about furthering education in the tummy tuck community. Read more about Dr. Buinewicz’s experience or explore patient reviews.
If you live in Hunterdon County, NJ, or Bucks County, PA, and have found yourself frustrated with stubborn pockets of body fat, then the team here at Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, located in Doylestown, PA, and Flemington, NJ, is ready to help. Please contact us today to speak with Dr. Buinewicz about this popular cosmetic procedure.
Call 215-647-9668 Today
To Schedule Your Consultation!
Questions For Your Consult
What Happens During Tummy Tuck Surgery?
A tummy tuck takes place under general anesthesia. The patient sleeps throughout the procedure, has no recollection of the procedure and has no discomfort whatsoever throughout the procedure. We perform our tummy tuck procedures in our state-accredited operating room under the anesthesia care of board-certified anesthesiologists. Tummy tucks generally take 2 to 3 hours and are usually an outpatient procedure, although the exact duration of the surgery will depend on the surgical techniques used. The surgical techniques involved will depend on whether you are receiving a traditional tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck.
What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?
The most common risks associated with tummy tuck surgery include bleeding, infection, scarring, delayed wound healing, skin numbness or changes in sensation, and blood clots. Together, however, these complications occur in less than 1% of tummy tuck procedures. Furthermore, Dr. Buinewicz’s focus and expertise on abdominoplasty techniques help to minimize the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery. As with any major surgery, there will always be risks involved - but under the care of a qualified and experienced surgeon, any significant complications become extremely unlikely.
What is Abdominoplasty Recovery Like?
How Long is Abdominoplasty Recovery?
The tummy tuck recovery process is straightforward and like any major surgery procedure. It requires an initial period of downtime, followed by some restrictions and mild symptoms, after which point patients can finally resume their normal lifestyles. Furthermore, the recovery process can vary depending on whether the patient receives a traditional tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck. For most patients, the traditional tummy tuck recovery timeline looks like this:
Week 1
During the first week after surgery, patients will experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the abdominal area. Pain medication can help manage any pain or discomfort. Patients will be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities. It is common to have drains in place to collect excess fluid, which are typically removed within a few days.
Weeks 2-3
Swelling and bruising gradually begin to subside, but they may still be present. Patients may be instructed to wear a compression garment to support the healing tissues and minimize swelling. Patients should continue to avoid strenuous activities and gradually increase mobility as recommended by Dr. Buinewicz.
Weeks 2-3
Swelling and bruising gradually begin to subside, but they may still be present. Patients may be instructed to wear a compression garment to support the healing tissues and minimize swelling. Patients should continue to avoid strenuous activities and gradually increase mobility as recommended by Dr. Buinewicz.
Weeks 4-6
By this time, most patients are able to resume light activities and return to work if it does not involve physical exertion. Swelling continues to decrease, and the incision scars begin to heal, although they will still be visible and may appear red or raised. It's important to continue wearing the compression garment as instructed.
Months 2-3
By this stage, the majority of the swelling should have subsided, and patients may notice a significant improvement in the contour of your abdomen. Incision scars continue to fade, but they may still be pink or slightly raised. Patients may benefit from light aerobic activities to facilitate recovery, but it is essential to avoid any activities that strain the abdominal muscles.
Months 4-6
The healing process continues, and the incision scars gradually fade and flatten. By this time, most individuals have resumed their regular activities and exercise routines with the approval of Dr. Buinewicz. However, it's important to remember that everyone's recovery timeline may vary.
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abdominoplasty Recovery Painful?
Patients should expect some pain during the tummy tuck recovery. It is during this period where the body is healing and feels the trauma of the surgical process. Fortunately, this pain should only last a few days, and can be managed with pain medications and other post-operative techniques. Pain blocks or nerve blocks performed by an anesthesiologist significantly reduce postoperative pain.
When Will I Feel Back to Normal After a Tummy Tuck?
Feeling "back to normal" after a tummy tuck can vary from person to person. It typically takes several weeks to a few months for most individuals to start feeling more like themselves again. However, it's important to keep in mind that the recovery timeline can be influenced by factors such as the extent of the surgery, individual healing ability, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
It is common to experience discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility during the initial recovery phase. These symptoms will gradually improve over the first month, when you’ll begin to notice an improvement in energy levels and overall well-being. You may be able to resume light activities and work during this time. Most significant improvements will take place 1-3 months after treatment. Patients can expect to feel fully back to normal within 4-6 months of surgery.
What Results Can I Expect From Abdominoplasty?
Dr. Buinewicz will illustrate your potential results during your tummy tuck consultation. After discussing your treatment goals and identifying the appropriate surgical techniques, you and Dr. Buinewicz can explore potential outcomes through before and after photos of previous patients. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it can take up to 6 months for your final results to become visible. This is due to the extensive recovery process that follows a tummy tuck, which can include residual swelling for several months.
For more on planning your tummy tuck or to get started with the consultation process, contact us today. Dr. Buinewicz of Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa specializes in abdominoplasty with extensive experience across other types of facial plastic surgery. We welcome patients from Hunterdon County, NJ, and Bucks County, PA.