Awake Tummy Tuck in Englewood Cliffs, NJ
At Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery, we understand that pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations can leave behind stretched skin, excess fat, and separated muscles that diet and exercise alone cannot fix. Our professional team, led by Dr. Boris Mordkovich, performs awake tummy tuck in New Jersey, procedures to help you regain a flatter, firmer, and more youthful-looking belly. We will evaluate your needs and goals to determine the best surgical approach and visualize the expected results using our cutting-edge 3D imaging system. Dr. Mordkovich will make these exciting transformations and help you feel more confident and comfortable in your beautiful body.
What Is an Awake Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is used to improve the appearance of the belly. Excess skin and fat are removed from the middle and lower abdomen to tighten the muscles and tissue in those areas. It is typically performed under general anesthesia and in combination with liposuction. The main goal of this procedure is to create a flatter, smoother, and more toned abdominal profile. Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery offers awake tummy tucks where the patient is conscious and pain-free. This approach helps to minimize the risks of anesthesia.
A Tummy Tuck Addresses the Following Concerns:
- A bulge that does not respond to diet and exercise
- Loose skin as a result of pregnancy or weight fluctuations
- Abdominal muscles that have stretched out or loosened over time
- A body contour that makes you self-conscious about your appearance
Types of Awake Tummy Tucks
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen below the navel. It does not address the muscles of the upper abdomen. The recovery time for this procedure is typically shorter compared to other types.
Regular Tummy Tuck
A regular or standard tummy tuck removes excess tissue from the upper and lower abdomen. The surgeon also tightens the muscles and can address stretch marks and loose skin. This procedure requires a larger incision and has a longer recovery time.
Preparing For a Awake Tummy Tuck
Initial Consultation
Dr. Mordkovich will schedule an initial consultation to discuss your goals and determine whether you are ready for a tummy tuck procedure. He will review your medical history, including any past surgeries, medications taken, or pre-existing conditions.
1
Medical Tests
Once approved, you will take the necessary medical tests to rule out risk factors for both surgery and anesthesia. Standard preoperative lab work includes blood analysis, an EKG, and chest X-ray or other imaging.
2
Surgical Plan
After an evaluation, Dr. Mordkovich will develop a surgical plan based on your individual needs. He will determine the appropriate techniques, incision placement, and extent of muscle tightening and skin removal that are required to achieve the desired outcome.
3
Medication
You must cease taking blood-thinning medications or supplements at least 1-2 weeks before the surgery. Smoking should be avoided for at least a month or more beforehand as well. It is advisable to make arrangements for transportation home after surgery and for assistance during the initial recovery phase.
4
Procedure Day
You should also stop consuming food and drink by midnight the day before the scheduled surgery date. It is also recommended to prepare the recovery area at home beforehand by gathering pillows, supplies of soft foods, and loose, comfortable clothing.
5
Awake Tummy Tuck Procedure
Awake Anesthesia
At the beginning of the tummy tuck surgery, the patient is awake, but local anesthesia is injected to keep them comfortable and pain-free during the procedure, which typically lasts 1-5 hours. Local numbing is often the best option because it minimizes the risks that are typically involved in general anesthesia and other strong types of sedation.
Incisions and Surgical Techniques
Incision
Dr. Mordkovich, for a regular tummy tuck, makes a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The length and type of the cut – straight or curved – depend on the correction needed and your body type. If only the lower abdomen requires tightening, a mini tummy tuck is performed with a shorter incision. An incision can also be made around the flanks during an extended tummy tuck.
Repairing the Muscles
Dr. Mordkovich repairs separated muscle layers and tightens the abdomen with sutures. This procedure helps to make the appearance flatter and more toned. A second incision is required to free the belly button from the surrounding skin so it can be repositioned later.
Removing Loose Skin and Fat
Excess skin and fat are carefully removed from the target areas. Dr. Mordkovich uses liposuction and other techniques to contour your abdomen and restore its beauty.
Redraping the Skin
The remaining abdominal skin is stretched and redraped over the newly shaped area. The belly button is surgically repositioned to fit the refined profile.
Closing the Incisions
Once the optimal shape is achieved, Dr. Mordkovich closes the incisions using sutures, surgical tape strips, and possibly a temporary drainage tube. The procedure leaves a scar that matures over time and becomes less visible.
Recovery After Awake Tummy Tuck
The recovery period after a tummy tuck procedure is crucial for proper healing and good cosmetic results. Patients must take 1-2 weeks off work and normal activities to rest. The first few days after surgery will involve significant swelling, bruising, and moderate pain, which will be managed with medication. In addition, patients should not stand upright until complete recovery. Walking bent at the hips for some time will be necessary to avoid straining the incision site.
An abdominal binder should be worn at all times for the first 3-6 weeks to provide support and reduce swelling during the healing process. You should avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting over 5-10 lbs, or vigorous exercise during this period. Most sutures will dissolve independently, while any non-dissolving ones will be removed after 1-2 weeks.
Patients can expect persistent swelling, numbness, and mild pain around the incision site and abdomen for up to 6 months. However, in many cases, the full results are visible after a few months, and they continue to improve up to a year after the surgery as the body adjusts to its new shape. Following all post-operative care instructions carefully is crucial for proper tummy tuck recovery.
Ideal Candidates For Awake Tummy Tuck
Our tummy tuck surgery is designed for women who have:
Good Overall Health
Patients should have an adequate fitness level and be free of any medical conditions that could impair healing and recovery, such as diabetes, immune disorders, bleeding disorders, or significant cardiac disease. Being in strong health allows the body to focus energy on rehabilitation.
Stable Weight
Patients should be at a steady weight they can reasonably maintain over time. Changes in body mass both before and especially after surgery may significantly alter contouring results. Weight loss can leave excess skin, while gains could stretch and negate a procedure’s tightening effects. Ideal candidates should be no more than 10-15 pounds from their target body mass.
Realistic Expectations
A tummy tuck focuses on tightening abdominal muscles and skin instead of serving as a full-body contouring procedure with dramatic weight loss effects. Skin quality, tone, and remaining looseness/stretch marks may impact the result. Thus, you should have clear expectations about this procedure and consider adding liposuction or choosing a mommy makeover to achieve more profound transformations.
Proper Motivation
Patients who have struggled with body image issues must ensure that they are seeking surgery for themselves and their self-confidence rather than striving for an often unrealistic standard of appearance or undergoing the procedure primarily to please someone else. A stable self-perception and positive outlook will maximize your satisfaction with your appearance and help you feel great in your beautiful body.
No Smoking Habit
Avoiding nicotine products for at least 4 weeks before surgery and during recovery is imperative. Smoking severely restricts blood flow, which can lead to delayed wound healing, infection, excessive scarring, poor aesthetic results, and tissue or skin loss.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Improved Contour and Shape
A tummy tuck removes sagging skin and excess fat from the belly and tightens muscles. This comprehensive sculpting of the entire abdominal area creates a flatter, smoother, and more toned appearance. Such results are often impossible to achieve through diet and exercise alone. A tummy tuck is highly beneficial after a significant weight loss or pregnancy. It will restore your firm, beautiful abdominal contours.
Improved Abdominal Wall Function
A tummy tuck can also improve abdominal wall strength and function. The surgical tightening and repair of belly muscles provide more support. Such enhancements can help with posture, balance, core stability, and movement. Some patients even experience less back pain after a functional abdominoplasty.
Enhanced Self-Image and Self-Confidence
In addition to physical changes, a tummy tuck improves self-confidence and body image. Having a fit belly can help to reduce insecurities and self-consciousness about excess abdominal skin and fat. By addressing areas of concern through contouring surgery, our patients often feel more comfortable in different types of clothing and happier with their overall figure. Therefore, tummy tuck provides significant emotional benefits.
Long-Lasting, Permanent Results
The results of a tummy tuck are permanent, unlike temporary fixes, such as restrictive shapewear garments. The physical removal of excess tissue means the abdominal improvements do not revert over time. Patients can enjoy their slimmer, sleeker bellies for years to come.
Safe and Effective
When performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Mordkovich, tummy tuck surgeries do not involve any hazards. They are performed regularly in our clinic and always produce reliable, effective results. Risks are minimal in appropriate surgical candidates. Technological advances also allow for less invasive techniques that provide the same dramatic improvements with reduced recovery times compared to the approaches that were used in the past.
Resilience to Aging
Finally, a tummy tuck helps the abdomen age better over time. By removing excess skin and fat, there is less tissue to sag or relax. Patients can enjoy a fit tummy for decades longer than if they had not undergone surgery. Thus, a tummy tuck provides more lasting resilience against the aging process.
Cost of Awake Tummy Tuck in New Jersey
In New Jersey, tummy tuck prices range from $5,000 to $15,000. The costs vary because this procedure is customized to each patient’s needs. Some individuals have mini tummy tucks, while others undergo more complex surgeries. The following factors influence the cost:
The Type of Surgery
A mini tummy tuck is the cheapest option because it requires less time and procedures. Extensive surgeries that target excess skin and fat across the entire abdominal area, including the sides and back, are more demanding. Thus, the tummy tuck cost increases.
Added Liposuction
Many patients combine complementary procedures, like hip or thigh liposuction, with their tummy tuck for comprehensive contouring. Adding these services also increases the fees.
At Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery, our abdominoplasty surgery pricing varies, depending on the type of procedure. However, we provide financing plans to make our services more affordable. We will offer the best conditions to help our patients improve their appearance and self-confidence. During your initial tummy tuck consultation at our clinic, Dr. Mordkovich will examine your abdominal area, discuss your goals, and design a customized treatment plan. We will also provide a detailed quote outlining all costs at this visit. We believe that being transparent about pricing from the start helps patients make informed decisions regarding this body contouring procedure. Our office staff is always available to answer any finance-related questions.
Why Choose Us For Your Awake Tummy Tuck?
If you are considering a awake tummy tuck, look no further than Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery. Here are the main advantages that set us apart:
Cosmetic Expert With 30 Years of Experience
With over 30 years of medical experience, Dr. Boris Mordkovich is a true expert in cosmetic surgery procedures. He is dedicated to delivering exceptional results. When you choose Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery, you can feel confident knowing that you will receive personalized care from an experienced, passionate surgeon.
Patient Comfort and Personalized Care
We take the time to listen and understand your unique cosmetic goals. Our professional team will work closely with you to develop a tailored treatment plan.
Advanced Techniques and Equipment
Whether it is a tummy tuck, liposuction, or any other procedure, Dr. Mordkovich uses advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to help you achieve your desired look.
Full Spectrum of Services
Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery offers surgical services and medspa treatments, such as injectables, laser procedures, and ultherapy. This means that we can address all of your beauty needs in one convenient location. We aim to boost your confidence by enhancing your natural beauty from head to toe.
Private, Welcoming Environment
We provide a professional yet welcoming environment where you can openly and comfortably discuss your cosmetic goals and concerns.
Flexible Financing
Financing your tummy tuck procedure is easy with our hassle-free loan options. We work with multiple partners, such as Care Credit, Alpheon, and Cherry, to offer you low fees and a simplified application process. Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery will help you improve your appearance with maximum comfort and affordability.
Five-Star Patient Experience
Dr. Mordkovich founded our clinic with the vision of delivering exceptional patient satisfaction through compassionate, attentive care catered to your unique needs.
Transform Your Look Today!
Read our Testimonials
I have been a patient with Dr. Mordkovich for nearly 4 years now. Dr. Mordkovich is so caring and gifted. He makes you comfortable and understand everything that is happening. His attention to detail is like no other…You will leave wishing every Doctor cared about patients the way Dr Mordkovich does!
L.R.
Dr. Mordkovich was the only one I felt safe with. He did an excellent job. Dr. Mordkovich is a miracle worker. He exceeded my expectations. He is always available to answer my questions even after a year post-surgery. He is caring and always looking for the best results with his patients.
L.M.
I’ve been w Dr Mordkovich for 8 years, and over time I have had multiple in office treatments. I’m 46 and I’m frequently told that look 10 years younger, I couldn’t be happier. Thank you, Dr Mordkovich!
H.B.
As a medical professional,I was looking for a plastic surgeon, who specializes in excellence and professionalism. 10/10 recommend Dr. Mordkovich and will be back. He is really a master of his craft!
B.S.
As a medical professional,I was looking for a plastic surgeon,who specializes in excellence and professionalism.Dr.Mordkovich was just that.My procedure was done in the office under local anesthesia,went flawlessly and recovery was seamless. 10/10 recommend Dr. Mordkovich and will be back. He is really a master of his craft!
Bella Shapnik
Very knowledgeable Dr. And very caring and he is very patient and answers all the question that you have. I recommend him
Faten Dajani
