Tummy Tuck
in Boston, MA

For most people, their midsection is where they feel most self-conscious on their body. This area is notoriously difficult to lose weight from in comparison to other areas. To lose the stubborn fat around the abdomen that many men and women have, an abdominoplasty may work for you, and restore you confidence.

abs thighs tape Small 1

What Is A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Tummy tuck surgery, also called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure Dr. Rick Silverman performs on patients that involves the removal of skin and fat from the abdomen. This plastic surgery technique corrects the deflated and loose appearance of abdominal tissue that results from pregnancy or weight loss.

Benefits Of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Abdominoplasty will refine the size and shape of the waistline by strategically tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin. This procedure can also minimize or eliminate the appearance of stretch marks on the lower abdomen.

Abdominoplasty Before And After Photos

Tummy Tuck Results 1
Tummy Tuck Surgery before after

Brighton, MA Candidates For A Tummy Tuck

Women who have been pregnant and have excess skin after childbirth are great candidates for abdominoplasty. Both men and women who may require skin removal after significant weight loss could benefit from a tummy tuck. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are sometimes left with a large apron of abdominal skin after their procedure. This excess skin can cause challenges with clothing and mobility, and can cause rashes. Tummy tuck will address these functional issues as well as the cosmetic element.

Abdominoplasty Patient Testimonial

"Dr Silverman has truly changed my life. His skill and bedside manner are 5 star and he is always honest with you and what you want.  His staff is equally as incredible and always there for you with questions or needs. His skill of work is truly an art and would never consider another plastic surgeon. I have been to him multiple times."

What Are The Different Types Of Tummy Tuck Procedures?

There are a few different approaches when performing a tummy tuck. These include:

  • Mini Tummy Tuck
  • Full Tummy Tuck
  • Extended Tummy Tuck
  • Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty
pexels leah kelley 3722176 200x300 2

Mini Tummy Tuck

Mini tummy tucks are performed when the tissue positioned below the belly button and above the pelvic bone have become loose and saggy. This is created through a horizontal incision located along the swimsuit line, where it can be discreetly hidden. Through this incision, muscle tissue across the lower abdominal wall is tightened, and excess skin is removed. Ideal candidates for this modified abdominoplasty procedure want to smooth and tone the lower abdomen and have no stretching or sagging around the belly button.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck is an excellent treatment option for individuals who have loose skin around and above the belly button. The complete tuck procedure can release the attachment between skin and the belly button to remove excess skin after tightening abdominal muscles that may have stretched or separated.

Muscle separation and fascia stretching may occur during pregnancy, causing the upper tummy to protrude forward. This is cosmetically problematic and may also mean that the abdominal wall is not providing adequate support to the bowels. During a full tummy tuck, the fascia, muscle, and skin can all be corrected to lie smooth and tight. In some cases, the fascia of the lower abdomen has become lax.

In such instances, it is necessary to observe the relationship between the fascia below the belly button and that which is situated above the belly button. Tightening the lower without evaluating the potential effect on the upper area could lead to unsatisfactory results.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck contours the front and the sides of the midsection to reduce waist circumference. A longer incision is necessary for this procedure to facilitate access to the sides, or flanks. The extension of the incision and correction of side tissue is the primary difference between a full tummy tuck and an extended tuck. The incision is made low enough to make it concealable beneath a swimsuit.

How Is A Tummy Tuck Performed?

Patients go under general anesthesia for the procedure. To begin the procedure, two incisions are made: one to from hip to hip near the pubic area, and one around the navel. The skin is separated from the abdominal muscles which are pulled tightly together to create a firmer abdomen and narrow waist. The skin is stretched down over the tightened muscles and the excess is removed. The navel is reattached where it looks natural and all incisions are closed. Sterile surgical dressing are applied over the sutures for protection.

How Long Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Dr. Rick Silverman typically performs an abdominoplasty between 2 and 5 hours.

Recovery From Tummy Tuck Surgery In Brighton, MA

After surgery, we suggest that patients have one week of rest for recovery. In the case of abdominoplasty, there will be drain tubes in place for about a week. Patients can gradually return to exercise activities starting with a week of low-impact cardio. After two weeks, resistance training can be added but nothing heavy for about six weeks. This is to avoid compromise of any deep tightening stitches. Depending on the job, many patients can return to work within a week, or after the drains come out. Patients cannot do any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for four to six weeks.

Can Abdominoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Tummy tuck surgery is often combined with other body contouring procedures at our Brighton, MA office, such as breast augmentation or mastopexy. Shaping and lifting the breasts at the same time as abdominoplasty enhances the overall results of both procedures because the adjustments that are made to these companion areas complement the overall proportions of the body.

In addition to breast procedures, abdominoplasty is also frequently performed with liposuction. This fat reducing procedure may be performed on the abdomen, hips, flanks, or thighs to add to the contouring achieved with tissue tightening.

iStock 931652760 e1565355136769 1

Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Leave Scarring?

Unfortunately, the abdominoplasty procedure will leave a visible scar from hip-to-hip. The scar is usually not visible when wearing a bathing suit or shorts.

In uncomplicated cases, the outcome is a flat abdomen with a scar across the lower abdomen and around the belly button.  These scars generally fade well over time, though it is possible that they could be visible, but easily coverable.

Tummy Tuck Before & After

Patient 12504 b1
Patient 12504 a1

Risks Of Tummy Tuck Surgery

As with all surgery, there are anesthetic risks, but these rarely occur in healthy individuals. Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, scar formation, contour irregularity, persistent numbness or sensory alteration in the treated area, tissue loss, and need for further surgery.

Schedule An Abdominoplasty Consult In Boston!

If you would like to learn more about the Tummy Tuck procedure offered by Boston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Rick Silverman, please schedule a one-on-one appointment at our office today! Call (617) 965-9500 or click here to send our talented team a Consultation Request Form.

logo

Book An Appointment

*All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Accessibility Toolbar