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The staff is amazing and Dr. Small is great! He has changed my life completely! I would definitely recommend Dr. Small for any procedure!

D. Junger

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Everything you Need To Know Abdominoplasty Overview

Spotlight on Dr. Stephen E. Small

An Experienced Tummy Tuck Expert in Toms River and Stafford Township

Overview

Dr. Small has over 18 years of expertise in providing patients with outstanding aesthetic results and a seamless, rewarding treatment experience. He prioritizes an exemplary holistic approach, insisting on technical innovation, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to safety and service. It is Dr. Small's belief that every patient is beautiful and deserves their unique qualities to be elevated and accentuated. His core mission is to help others to look and feel like the best version of themselves possible.

Early Life

Dr. Small's passion for aesthetics began at an early age. When he was just nine years old, he experienced a serious burn accident that required plastic surgery. He was astounded by the transformative and life-changing results that his provider was able to deliver. From that day forward, he became interested in offering the same innovative techniques during his own career. Today, Dr. Small goes above and beyond to ensure the ultimate success and satisfaction of his patients. He is a truly service-minded provider who insists on excellence at every stage of the treatment journey.

Training Background

Dr. Small is a board-certified plastic surgeon committed to excellence in reconstructive, laser, and cosmetic procedures. After receiving his medical degree with honors from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), he embarked on a demanding 5-year general residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford. Dr. Small was then selected for an intensive one-year burn and reconstructive fellowship at New York Medical College, Valhalla, during which he mastered the same cutting-edge techniques that saved his life as a child. Dr. Small also served as a resident and chief resident in plastic surgery for several years at Ohio University, South Pointe Hospital-Cleveland Clinic Health System.

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Abdominoplasty Procedure Overview

Scope:

A tummy tuck can trim excess sagging skin, tighten the underlying abdominal muscles, and reposition the belly button in a more flattering and youthful-looking location.

Anesthesia:

General anesthesia is used.

Treatment Time:

Treatment time is typically 2-4 hours.

Recovery:

Most people are able to return to work 7-14 days after a tummy tuck. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4-8 weeks.

Abdominoplasty Before & After

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What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a body sculpting procedure performed to restore a flat, toned midsection. It not only eradicates excess skin, tissue, and fat but also firms pregnancy-induced weakened or separated stomach muscles, commonly called diastasis recti. Additionally, the belly button can be repositioned during abdominoplasty so it sits in a more attractive, youthful-looking location.

While a tummy tuck alone can transform the physique, the surgery is a common component of a more extensive mommy makeover procedure to help women in Toms River and Stafford Township reclaim their confidence and well-being after pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing.

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What Are the Benefits?

The benefits of a tummy tuck in Ocean County, expertly performed by Dr. Small, are numerous and include the following:

  • Trims excess hanging abdominal skin
  • Reshapes the midsection after aging, pregnancy, or massive weight loss
  • Firms and tightens the underlying stomach muscles
  • Repositions the belly button
  • Creates a more sculpted, streamlined silhouette
  • Enhances self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Long-lasting, dramatic results
  • Expands choices when it comes to clothing, swimwear, and lingerie
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Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

Do you have a round tummy, no matter how hard you diet and work on your crunches? If so, you’re far from alone. It can be very difficult to get a flat stomach strictly through weight loss efforts, especially after pregnancy. Even after substantial weight loss, your abdomen can remain flabby with loose skin and excess fat. This is why a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is such a popular procedure.

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Dr. Small and his office staff are the bomb! I’m 59 years young and I finally got the tummy tuck that I wanted for many years. My surgery and healing went smoothly. My stomach looks fabulous! I wore a bikini this summer for the first time since I was a teenager. I am so happy. Thank you Dr. Small.

Lois S.

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The Abdominoplasty Procedure

Your tummy tuck might be performed under anesthesia at a fully accredited surgical center or hospital. There are a variety of techniques that Dr. Small can use during the surgery. He will choose the best methods for your case based on his preoperative examination and consultation with you.

Generally speaking, however, excess skin is removed during a tummy tuck, and liposuction is used to remove any excess fat that may be present. If the abdominal muscles are stretched, they are carefully tightened. In some cases, the incision might have to extend from one hip to the other, and a second incision near the belly button may also be necessary to achieve the results you want. Dr. Small will do everything he can to keep the incision small. Scarring can remain hidden under clothes and will fade over the months and years following your surgery.

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Recovering from a Tummy Tuck

Most people are able to return to work 7-14 days after a tummy tuck. Swelling and bruising are normal, and there is a feeling of tightness in the incision area for a few days. Discomfort is mild, with the majority usually occurring during the first three to five days.

You will also need to wear a compression garment for a short period of time after your procedure.

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Get Started With a Tummy Tuck

in Toms River or Stafford Township Today!

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Small is adept at performing tummy tucks and helping his patients achieve a flatter stomach and a more contoured waistline. The procedure requires skill and experience to make sure that the muscles remain intact and that scarring is kept to a minimum within the bikini line area.

Contact us today to schedule a private consultation and learn more about Dr. Small’s innovative and holistic approach to abdominoplasty in Ocean County, Toms River, & Stafford Township. Our offices are located along the beautiful New Jersey coastline, providing a peaceful, picturesque backdrop for your unique aesthetic journey. Call today to get started!

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Abdominoplasty Frequently Asked Questions

When Will I See the Results of My Abdominoplasty?

You will see immediate improvement after an abdominoplasty, but you will continue to notice additional improvement for as long as a year after surgery. Exercising regularly and maintaining a steady weight will help you keep your results as long as possible. Exercise can usually be resumed at 4 weeks.

How Much Does Abdominoplasty Cost?

Dr. Stephen Small will perform an assessment of your body to develop the ideal treatment plan for your specific needs. He will discuss the details of the surgery and the associated cost of the procedure during your consultation.

Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures?

Abdominoplasty is a body contouring surgery that is frequently part of a Mommy Makeover and Post-Bariatric Reconstruction.

In some cases, if the excess fat of the abdomen is not excessive and if there is little to no excess skin, a non-surgical procedure called Vanquish may be sufficient. After examining you, Dr. Small will let you know if Vanquish will work for you.

Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This ensures you sleep peacefully throughout your procedure, free from pain. After surgery, you can take prescription and over-the-counter pain medications to help alleviate postoperative discomfort. Dr. Small will also fit you with a compression garment to help reduce swelling and accelerate your recovery process.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Tummy Tuck?

Potential complications are rare with abdominoplasty, provided that you select an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Small in Toms River and Stafford Township. A tummy tuck comes with the following risks:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Poor reactions to anesthesia
  • Pain
  • Fluid buildup
  • Poor wound healing
  • Changes in skin sensation
  • Asymmetry
  • Poor scarring

What Will Scarring Look Like?

Dr. Small is meticulous in placing incisions so that scarring will later be well-hidden. Most often, a tummy tuck scar is completely hidden by the bikini line.

When Can I Exercise Again After a Tummy Tuck?

Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for around 4-8 weeks after a tummy tuck. However, each patient is unique, and Dr. Small will provide a detailed aftercare plan with specific instructions for resuming exercise.

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Schedule a Consultation for Your Tummy Tuck

Contact Ocean Plastic Surgery P.A. and Laser Center today to find out more about how a tummy tuck can help you look slimmer. At our Toms River and Manahawkin locations, we serve patients from all over the New Jersey Shore and beyond, including Stafford Township, Barnegat, Lacey, Berkeley, Dover Township, Brick, Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, Jackson, Howell, Wall, Freehold, Manalapan, and Point Pleasant.

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