Procedure Snapshot

Dr. Parker performs his signature “Parker Tummy Tuck” in Paramus, New Jersey, by combining liposuction of the abdomen with abdominoplasty to achieve dramatic, seamless improvements in body contour.

Cost & Recovery

  • Schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Parker to get your personalized quote backed by our Price Guarantee.
  • Depending on the extent of surgery, patients typically return to their jobs after 2 to 3 weeks

Quick Facts

  • Incorporating liposuction helps improve abdominal shape better than a tummy tuck alone**
  • Recovery is usually quicker with less postoperative discomfort
  • Combining liposuction with a tummy tuck is also called “lipoabdominoplasty”
  • Results in a shorter scar for most patients**
  • 97,988 people had tummy tuck surgery in 2020***

** Results may vary

*** Statistical information listed here is drawn from 2020 ASPS data

Tummy Tuck
 Before & After Photos

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Abdominoplasty, better known as tummy tuck surgery, is the classic procedure to achieve a flatter, firmer, and more youthful midsection. Tummy tuck surgery is popular with patients from Ridgewood and throughout Bergen County, North New Jersey, and surrounding areas who want to address common unwanted changes to their midsection. These changes often occur after weight loss or pregnancy and include stretched, protruding abdominal muscle, loose and sagging skin on the belly, and excess fat.

A Personalized Approach

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:

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in New Jersey?

The cost of a tummy tuck at the Parker Center 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 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 Parker Center.

Tummy Tuck Options

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

  • Liposuction (or CoolSculpting® or BodyTite) alone
  • Mini Tummy Tuck
  • Classic Abdominoplasty
  • The Parker Tummy Tuck (Modified Lipoadominoplasty)

Our Signature

Rapid Recovery Program

Our surgical procedures, anesthesia, medications, and aftercare are tailored to minimize post-operative discomfort and accelerate recuperation.

Learn More

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck Surgery

While patient needs differ, general guidelines for enhancing the abdominal area include:

  • Liposuction alone: Best for younger patients who have excess fat but good skin elasticity and muscle tone. Liposuction of the tummy involves 2 tiny incisions in the pubic hair area and 1 inside the naval. Recovery is usually uncomplicated and quick. If you just have a modest amount of fat to address, nonsurgical fat reduction with CoolSculpting may be a good option.
  • Tummy tuck: Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, been pregnant, or are age 60+ usually need a tummy tuck to repair stretched, protruding abdominal muscles, remove hanging skin on the belly, and reduce excess fat.
  • Combination of liposuction and BodyTite: This combination can be a great choice for patients, often in their mid-40s, who have excess fat and mild to moderate skin laxity. These “gap patients” need more than fat reduction with liposuction but not the significant correction of a tummy tuck. BodyTite is a minimally invasive skin tightening treatment that also reduces fat. Dr. Parker often combines it with liposuction on other areas of the body.

Abdominal Liposuction Only*

Best for younger patients who have excess fat but good skin elasticity and muscle tone.

New Jersey Tummy Tuck Image
Before and After Liposuction Only

Mini-Tummy Tuck*

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

New Jersey Tummy Tuck Image
Before and After Mini-Tummy Tuck

Classic Abdominoplasty (Standard Tummy Tuck)*

Classic abdominoplasty allows maximal removal of excess skin and 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 hip bones. 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.

New Jersey Tummy Tuck Image
Before and After Classic Tummy Tuck

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 and 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 Parker Tummy Tuck Technique

The procedure begins with liposuction of the entire abdomen. 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, limited undermining of the upper abdominal skin flap is performed, preserving many blood vessels and nerves to the abdominal wall. The rectus abdominus muscles are then plicated to improve their shape. The upper abdominal flap is advanced and closed with multiple layers of dissolvable sutures that minimize scar tension and postoperative scar spreading. Many absorbable sutures are inserted in the soft tissues of the upper and lower abdomen as well as the umbilicus to help create greater definition of the abdomen and umbilical area.

Dr. Parker can perform even more significant abdominal contouring by combining the Parker Tummy Tuck with lipo 360, which removes fat all the way around the abdomen (360 degrees). This combination of a tummy tuck and liposuction is sometimes called lipo abdominoplasty 360 or an “hourglass 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.

Can a Tummy Tuck Be Combined With Other Procedures?

The Parker Tummy Tuck or another type of tummy tuck may be combined with other plastic surgery procedures such as:

Many women considering a tummy tuck after having children combine the procedure with breast enhancement surgery and other body contouring procedures as part of a Mommy Makeover.

You've Had A Baby.
Now You Want Your Body Back.

“What to Expect When You're Done Expecting” describes the myriad physical changes that occur during and after pregnancy in a fun way that's easy to understand.

Whether you've already taken a deep dive into research about mommy makeover procedures or are just curious about your options, this guide is for you.

Dr. Paul Parker, who created the signature “Parker Tummy Tuck” technique, is recognized for his expertise in performing body contouring and breast enhancement procedures that restore your pre-baby body, not to mention your confidence.

Our guide describes:

  • What happens to your body during pregnancy
  • How your body continues to change after having a baby
  • Why moms should tune out unsolicited advice about their bodies
  • How to discuss plastic surgery with your kids

Can I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tucks and 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 binder. All sutures are dissolving.

Classic abdominoplasty and The Parker Tummy Tuck are performed under general anesthesia and take 2½ to 3½ hours, depending on the size of the patient. Post-op monitoring will be required overnight in our aftercare facility or in the comfort of your own home by a private duty nurse. An abdominal binder is applied shortly after surgery and worn for approximately one week.

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. Pregnancy can cause the abdominal muscles to separate, a condition called diastasis recti, which can result in a bulging belly. Dr. Parker will want to be sure that your “abs” are in good shape and not too loose, particularly after having had children. You can discuss this issue with Dr. Parker at your consultation after he examines you.

Feel Confident

About Your Procedure

Our cosmetic consultations include plenty of time with Dr. Parker, our patient care coordinator, and our imaging specialist. Once your procedure is booked, our nurse educator will meet with you for a special 1-hour pre-op education session.

Request a Consultation Your Education Session

Frequently Asked Questions

What BMI should I be before getting a tummy tuck?

Your body mass index (BMI) should be 30 or lower before scheduling a tummy tuck. Having an elevated BMI increases the risk of complications during the surgery.

How many sizes will I drop following an abdominoplasty?

Even though a tummy tuck is not weight loss surgery, you likely will drop 1 or 2 sizes after the procedure by removing excess skin.

Will my waist size change?

Combining a tummy tuck with liposuction can sculpt a more shapely and smaller waist. Leading a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a nutritious diet helps maintain the results.

Is a C-section incision similar to a tummy tuck incision?

The incision for a C-section delivery is shorter than the incision made for a tummy tuck. Both are located on the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck incision is about the same size as that used for a C-section.

Will my results be permanent?

A tummy tuck removes excess skin, so the results are permanent. You should understand, however, that extreme weight fluctuations in the future can result in lax abdominal skin and compromise the tummy tuck results.

Is the procedure safe?

All elective surgical procedures include some element of risk. Tummy tuck surgery is a common procedure that, when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, has an excellent safety record.