New Jersey Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck

This procedure tightens loose abdominal muscles and sagging, excess skin to create a flatter, tighter, and more youthful abdomen. It's a popular option among post-weight loss patients as well as moms to restore their body contour after pregnancy.

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Quick Facts

  • The scar from a tummy tuck can be hidden well by most bathing suit bottoms
  • A mini-tummy tuck improves the lower abdomen with a shorter scar & less involved recovery
  • Combining liposuction with a tummy tuck is also called "lipoabdominoplasty"
  • 130,081 women had tummy tuck in 2018**

Cost & Recovery

  • $7,950 to $11,250
  • Depending on the extent of surgery, patients typically return to their jobs after 2 to 3 weeks
* Results may vary
** Statistical information listed here is drawn from 2018 ASAPS data

Abdominoplasty, better known as tummy tuck surgery, is the classic procedure to achieve a flatter, firmer, and more youthful midsection. Popular with both men and women in New Jersey, a tummy tuck can address common unwanted changes to following weight loss or pregnancy, including stretched, protruding abdominal muscle, loose and sagging skin on the belly, and excess fat.

We personalize tummy tuck surgery to meet your unique needs. Our goal is to provide the improvements that best meet your expectations with the least involved surgery possible. Choose from the list below to learn more about tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Parker:


What type of tummy tuck do I need?

Which procedure is best for you will depend on the amount of excess skin & fat you have to address, your personal goals, and what type of recovery you are okay with. At your free cosmetic consultation, Dr. Parker will go over the following options:

  1. Liposuction (or CoolSculpting) alone
  2. Mini abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck)
  3. Classic abdominoplasty
  4. The Parker Tummy Tuck (Modified Lipoadominoplasty)

How much does a tummy tuck cost in New Jersey?

Tummy tuck prices start at $7,950 to $11,250 at The Parker Center. Your total cost of surgery will depend on your goals, anatomy, and the extent of surgery needed to achieve your desired result. For example, a classic or extended abdominoplasty to repair severe muscle separation will cost more than abdominal liposuction alone.

At your free cosmetic consultation, you will receive a detailed, personalized price quote including all associated costs: surgeon’s fees, anesthesia and operating room costs, post-surgical compression garments, and pre- and post-op care at The Parker Center.

Is liposuction or a tummy tuck right for me?

Liposuction alone is used in patients with excess fat but good skin and muscle tone. Two tiny incisions in the pubic hair area and one inside the naval are used. Recovery is usually uncomplicated and quick. If you just have a modest amount of fat to address, non-surgical fat reduction with CoolSculpting may be a good option.

Before & After Abdominal Liposuction Only*

New Jersey Tummy Tuck Image

Mini-abdominoplasty (modified tummy tuck)

Patients with limited excess skin and muscle laxity in their lower abdomen are candidates for “mini abdominoplasty.” A low horizontal incision, similar to that used in a C-section, provides excess for skin removal and muscle tightening.

Before & After Mini-Tummy Tuck*

New Jersey Tummy Tuck Image

Classic abdominoplasty (standard tummy tuck)

Classic abdominoplasty allows removal of excess skin, fat and tightening of the lax “abs” along their entire length. The incision is similar to that for a mini abdominoplasty but is longer in that the outer ends curve up to the hipbones. The incision may be designed so that it is hidden by high cut swimwear. A second small incision encircles the naval. Though the scars are permanent, they usually fade within the first year of surgery.

Before & After Classic Abdominoplasty*

New Jersey Tummy Tuck Image

The Parker Tummy Tuck

The Parker Tummy Tuck, or modified lipoabdominoplasty, is a relatively new procedure that combines aggressive liposuction of the abdomen with many of the principles of a classic or traditional abdominoplasty. Dr. Parker first learned this technique from international colleagues several years ago. He has since modified and improved the procedure to provide even better results with a quicker recovery.

Before & After Parker Tummy Tuck*

Before & after lipoabdominoplasty
This patient was frustrated by her hanging abdominal panniculus and frustrated that weight loss efforts had plateaued. Dr. Parker performed a lipoabdominoplasty along with SAFE liposuction of the hips and lateral thighs. Click here to see more New Jersey Tummy Tuck Before & After photos.

The procedure begins with liposuction of the entire abdomen. Dr. Parker then makes an incision very low down in the lower abdomen and pubic area. The skin below the umbilicus is excised similar to a classic abdominoplasty, although lymphatic vessels are preserved to minimize postoperative swelling and promotes a more rapid recovery from surgery. Next, undermining of the upper abdominal skin is performed, preserving many blood vessels and nerves to the abdominal wall. The rectus abdominus muscles are then plicated or tightened to significantly improve the shape of the abdomen. A long acting anesthetic in injected into the area of muscle tightening to help minimize pain after surgery. The upper abdominal skin is advanced toward the lower abdominal incision and closed with multiple layers of dissolvable sutures. This minimizes tension on the incision and optimizes the appearance of the final scar. Dr. Parker’s goal is to keep the tummy tuck scar as low, inconspicuous, and as short as possible to allow patients to wear revealing clothing comfortably after surgery. He will then carefully shape an attractive belly button to complement the rest of the tummy tuck

What are the benefits of the Parker Tummy Tuck?

  1. Improved abdominal shape due to aggressive liposuction.
  2. Lower rate of postoperative complications such as seroma.
  3. A shorter, less noticeable scar in many patients
  4. Quicker postoperative recovery with less swelling, bruising and pain.

The Parker Tummy Tuck may be combined with other procedures such as liposuction of hips, back and extremities, body lifts, aesthetic breast and/or facial surgery. Lipoabdominoplasty should be delayed if future pregnancies are planned. Although pregnancy can proceed normally after surgery, the benefits of the procedure may be lost.

“The treatment I received was top notch. Dr. Parker listened to my concerns and gave me exactly what I was looking for. I am so happy with my results.”Tummy Tuck Patient

What is involved in tummy tuck surgery?

Patients undergoing liposuction and mini abdominoplasty can be treated with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Surgery time ranges from 1 to 2 hours. Patients are discharged within one hour after surgery wearing an abdominal compression garment. All sutures are dissolvable.

Classic abdominoplasty and the Parker Tummy Tuck are performed under general anesthesia and take 2½ to 3½ hours, depending on the amount of fat and loose skin to be removed as well as the degree of muscle tightening needed. An abdominal compression garment is applied shortly after surgery and worn for several weeks after surgery. Patients are given the option of being monitored overnight in our recovery facility by a registered nurse or going home; this will be discussed in detail with the patient at their consultation by Dr. Parker. Tummy Tuck procedures are commonly combined with liposuction of hips, back and extremities, body lifts, and/or breast augmentation.

Is muscle repair always needed with a tummy tuck?

Even though our patients recover quickly after tummy tuck surgery, recovery can be even quicker and easier if the rectus abdominus muscles, or “abs” are not tightened. This is something that can be discussed with Dr. Parker at your consultation after he examines you. He will want to be sure that your “abs” are in good shape and not too loose, particularly after having had children.

Before & After Tummy Tuck Without Tightening Muscles*

Before & After Tummy Tuck Without Tightening Muscles
The patient underwent a Parker Tummy Tuck to improve the contour of her abdomen after children. She decided against tightening her “abs” to speed her recovery.

Your Tummy Tuck Consultation & Imaging Session

Consultations at the Parker Center are special. Dr. Parker will spend extra time with you, ensuring that he understands your goals and that you are fully educated about each potential solution. Additionally, our imaging expert will help you see the possibilities with digital photo imaging or Vectra 3D imaging technology, depending on your interests. Patients who are comparing providers often tell us our consults are the most thorough and informative they’ve ever experienced!

Learn more about consultations at the Parker Center »
Read about imaging at the Parker Center »

*Results may vary

Our Rapid Recovery Program

We know your recovery experience is important to your well-being as well as to achieving optimal results. We also want to help you get back to your normal routine as soon as possible! That’s why we have developed special protocols to optimize your post-procedure experience. Learn more about our Rapid Recovery Program »

How long does it take to recover after a tummy tuck?

Most of our patients are anxious to return to their active lives as soon as possible after surgery. With that in mind, we have developed our unique Rapid Recovery program. This involves surgical techniques, anesthesia, and pain medications as well as post-operative massages and skincare that are specially tailored to enhance and accelerate your recovery.

Liposuction patients recover quickly. The abdomen is somewhat sore for the first three to four days. Ambulation is begun on the day of surgery and return to full activities within one week. Exercise may begin in two weeks.

Mini abdominoplasty, Classic abdominoplasty, and Parker Tummy Tuck patients are more uncomfortable due to the muscle-tightening component of the operation. Our Rapid Recovery pain management protocol is quite helpful in minimizing pain. Patients begin walking the evening of surgery and continue this afterwards. They can resume normal activities within seven to ten days. Light exercise can often begin at two weeks and be progressively increased under Dr. Parker’s supervision.

During your free cosmetic consultation with Dr. Parker and in your pre-op education visit with our Nurse Educator, we will discuss your anticipated recovery in detail.