Tummy Tuck

in Boston, MA

Get Your Flat Tummy Back

with tummy tuck surgery

in the Boston plastic surgery center that places the utmost importance on results, safety, and patient satisfaction while serving patients in the New England area.

What Is A Tummy Tuck?

At Clareo Plastic Surgery in Boston, our tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, offers a transformative solution for achieving a firmer and flatter abdomen. This outpatient surgical procedure is designed to tighten and remove excess skin from the front of your stomach, while also tightening abdominal muscles and repositioning your belly button for a smoother, more contoured appearance.

For optimal results, our tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction to target and eliminate stubborn fat from the upper abdomen and waist. Additionally, we offer customizable treatment plans that can integrate a tummy tuck with other popular procedures, such as breast augmentation or liposuction in various body areas, to enhance your overall physique.

The Clareo Plastic Surgery team, led by Dr. Michael Tantillo and Dr. Christopher Lee, can help you achieve the confident, revitalized look you’ve always wanted.

What Can A Tummy Tuck Do For Me?

When the sit-up muscles have separated after pregnancy, a tummy tuck will repair that separation—giving the abdomen a tighter and more toned feel. Stretch marks in the lower abdomen can also be removed during a tummy tuck.

A full tummy tuck generally removes all or most of the excess skin below the belly button and includes an incision around the belly button.

A mini tummy tuck removes less skin but does not have an incision around the belly button. The muscles can be repaired with either a full or mini tummy tuck.

Am I A Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?

Any patient with excess skin hanging over their waist when they sit straight up are candidates for a tummy tuck. However, ideal patients are within ten to 15 pounds of their goal weight, overall good health, and non-smoker. Our surgeons, and most board-certified plastic surgeons, agree that it’s best to be as close as possible to your ideal body weight before having abdominoplasty. This will ensure that your results are both rewarding and long-lasting. A stable and realistic weight is best.

It is important to have realistic expectations of your results. Your Clareo surgeon will be able to address your concerns and guide you through the procedure so you can understand the aesthetic process.

Benefits Of A Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is often done to improve the appearance of the stomach area. It can help you achieve a flatter, more toned stomach.

A tummy tuck can also:

What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?

When deciding between a tummy tuck and liposuction, it’s crucial to consider the condition of your abdominal skin, including its excess and elasticity. Unlike a tummy tuck, liposuction does not remove excess skin. If your skin has significant sagging or lacks the elasticity to “bounce back,” liposuction alone might result in loose, hanging skin.

At Clareo Plastic Surgery in Boston, our body sculpting experts will assess your unique needs during your consultation. We will explore the best options for you and provide a thorough discussion of the benefits and potential drawbacks of each procedure. Often, liposuction is performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to enhance results. In fact, nearly all of our tummy tuck patients also undergo some form of liposuction to achieve optimal body contouring outcomes.

Tummy Tuck Before & Afters

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How long will my tummy tuck results last?

Your results are permanent, but the aging process will happen gradually. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight with a proper diet and exercise is vital for long-lasting optimal results.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

Tummy tuck surgery is a customized procedure that our Clareo surgeons tailor to each patient’s unique needs. Determining the right approach to your surgery will depend on your anatomy, cosmetic goals, and the level of correction needed. Your surgeon will discuss your abdominoplasty options and the price of your procedure with you during your initial consultation.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Your tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, so it is vital to have a friend or family member available to drive you home and attend to you for the first three to five days after your surgery. Depending on your unique treatment plan, your surgeon will perform the following techniques:

Mini tummy tuck:

A mini tummy tuck addresses excess skin and fat below the belly button. Mini tummy tucks can be performed with or without muscle repair and include a small incision along the lower abdomen. Mini tummy tucks are best suited for men and women who need only minor improvements and do not require significant skin removal.

Full or traditional tummy tuck:

Traditional tummy tuck surgery is often called a full or standard tummy tuck. This procedure involves an incision on the lower abdomen and around the belly button. A full tummy tuck is ideal for those who require a moderate amount of skin and fat removal, as well as muscle tightening or repair. Traditional tummy tuck surgery differs from a mini tummy tuck in that it can improve the appearance of the abdomen both above and below the belly button.

Circumferential tummy tuck (body lift):

A circumferential tummy tuck or body lift may be most beneficial for people who have lost a significant amount of weight. This technique addresses excess skin and fat around the entire abdomen, flanks, and back. Although this surgery is the most invasive, it provides the most dramatic results. It not only creates smoother body contours and a slimmer silhouette, but it also can improve physical issues like skin chafing – making it easier to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.

Your Clareo surgeon will make the appropriate incisions and remove any extra skin during surgery. If muscle tightening is needed, the abdominal muscles will be pulled tight. This will help create a flatter, firmer midsection. Liposuction is also used to remove extra fat and slim the body. During a tummy tuck patients may have drains placed under their skin to help remove excess fluid and reduce swelling. If placed, they will be taken out a few days after the procedure.

Other Essential Approaches

For some patients, other aesthetic goals need to be addressed, which include the following:

Once your abdominolasty is completed, the doctor will apply a dressing to the area. Surgical drains are commonly inserted to keep from fluid building up and for optimal healing, but these will be removed in a couple of days. You must wear a compression garment 24 hours a day (except to shower) for the first week to reduce swelling.

Combine A Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures

You can often achieve better results by combining a tummy tuck with other procedures, such as liposuction or a body lift. This is because these procedures can help to target specific areas of your body that may not be addressed with abdominoplasty alone.

Some of the combo procedures are:

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck

Liposuction can remove stubborn pockets of fat that diet and exercise cannot get rid of. This can help to improve your results from a tummy tuck by giving you a more sculpted appearance.

Tummy Tuck and Body Lift

A body lift is a procedure that addresses the skin and tissue on the entire body. This can be a good option if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin all over your body.

Tummy Tuck and Breast Surgery

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, you may want to consider combining a tummy tuck with breast surgery. This can help to create a more proportionate look. You can either opt for a breast lift or a breast augmentation. A breast lift is when the breasts are lifted and the excess skin is removed. Breast augmentation is when implants are inserted to increase the size of the breasts.

Thighplasty and Tummy Tuck

A thighplasty, or thigh lift, is a procedure that can help to improve the appearance of your thighs. This can be a good option if you have excess skin on your thighs and your stomach.

Brazilian Butt Lift and Tummy Tuck

A Brazilian butt lift is a great combo with a tummy tuck. This is a procedure that can help to improve the appearance of your butt, giving it a firmer, fuller, and more lifted appearance. If you have excess skin on your butt and your stomach, this may be the perfect combination for you.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a specialized combination of procedures that are designed to help mothers improve their post-pregnancy bodies. This can include breast surgery, abdominoplasty, liposuction, and more. Some even desire a mommy makeover for belly fat removal.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

While some patients are out of bed and walking the evening of surgery, it can take up to a week for other patients to stand up straight, up to three weeks to return to work, and six weeks before patients are using their core muscles for lifting or strenuous activity. Getting proper rest is essential to your recovery, which means having pillows in place that are easy to access, having help to manage small children if necessary, and assistance with getting up and down.

Once you have completely healed, your tummy will be flat with tighter muscles. Your tummy tuck scar will be placed low and can easily be covered by clothing and swimwear. With a full tummy tuck, there also is an incision around the belly button. Patients are encouraged to have completed their pregnancies prior to having abdominoplasty, as pregnancy can stretch the skin and separate the muscles even after a tummy tuck, reversing all the work the abdominoplasty did.

Tummy Tuck Results

While individual results are unique, your abdomen will be flat without loose skin, your waistline will be improved, and your sit-up muscles will be tightened. It may take up to three months for swelling to subside, but most patients will notice an immediate difference in their physique with the excessive skin and fat now gone. It is important to maintain your results with proper diet and exercise (once you are cleared to do so.) As your body naturally ages, EmSculpt treatments can provide additional contouring maintenance.

Talk to Clareo Plastic Surgery’s experts about your Tummy Tuck surgery

Clareo Plastic Surgery proudly serves the Greater Boston Area. Our team of expert plastic surgeons – led by Dr. Christopher Lee and Dr. Michael Tantillo – is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with cutting-edge treatments and personalized care.

Ready to enhance your appearance? Request a consultation today to explore the advanced cosmetic procedures we offer. At Clareo Plastic Surgery, we are committed to guiding you through every step of your transformation. Contact us now to begin your journey towards a more beautiful you.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

Does BMI (body mass index) affect whether someone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Board-certified plastic surgeons recognize the increased risks, including blood clots and wound infections, associated with patients with a high BMI. While surgeons may vary slightly regarding the upper BMI limit, Dr. Tantillo does not offer tummy tuck to patients whose BMI is greater than 33. Patient safety is the most important consideration.

Our surgeons, and most board-certified plastic surgeons, agree that it’s best to be as close as possible to your ideal body weight before having a tummy tuck. This will ensure that your results are both rewarding and long-lasting. A stable and realistic weight is best.

What will my tummy tuck scars look like?

Scars are an unfortunate trade-off for the many benefits of a tummy tuck. The abdominoplasty scar in the lower abdomen will be such that it will be covered by most any clothing. The length of that scar depends on how much excess skin needs to be removed. Patients who have a full abdominoplasty also have a scar around the belly button; a mini tummy tuck does not require an incision around the belly button. Precision surgical techniques are used to minimize the appearance of the scar and we will give you recommendations for scar management after the surgery. Over time the scars are almost always inconspicuous and acceptable to patients.

Can a tummy tuck get rid of my C-section scar?

Yes, abdominoplasty is an excellent procedure for removing C-section scars and other post-pregnancy-related issues, such as repairing muscle laxity and bringing your abdominal muscles back together.

Will a tummy tuck change the tattoo on my abdomen?

Depending on the location of the tattoo and how much excess skin you have, the tattoo may be removed completely or altered. We will be able to plan for this ahead of time and sometimes alter the surgery a bit to accommodate a tattoo.

How long will my surgery take?

Typically abdominoplasty takes about three to four hours to complete. However, this depends on the number of additional procedures you have done. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you how long your specific procedure will take and address any concerns.

If I have small, young children, should I wait until the children are older before scheduling my tummy tuck?

Not necessarily. We often have abdominoplasty patients who also have young children at home. The key is asking for help and preparing for your recovery. Typically, you will need to avoid lifting anything over 5 pounds for 6 weeks. This can be very difficult for mothers who want to carry or hold their children, but it is only temporary and is necessary to ensure your results are not compromised. Engage the help of a friend, relative, or trusted loved one for some assistance during the weeks following your procedure.

Will a tummy tuck truly be able to bring my body back to its firm shape like it was before I had children?

Yes. A tummy tuck really can help you regain your pre-baby body. That’s because a tummy tuck addresses excess skin and muscle separation that is caused by pregnancy. In fact, many of our patients even say that they look better after their abdominoplasty than they did before they had children.

It’s important to note that tummy tuck surgery does not improve the quality of the surrounding skin or tissue that is not removed at the time of your operation. So, if there are stretch marks outside of your treatment area, they will remain.

Will a tummy tuck help me lose weight?

A tummy tuck, like liposuction, is a body contouring procedure rather than a weight loss surgery. While excess tissue is removed in the operation, this weighs very little and a tummy tuck is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

An abdominoplasty does not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Because pregnancy will stretch the soft tissues on the abdominal wall, we recommend postponing a tummy tuck until you have completed your pregnancies.

Does a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

A tummy tuck includes the removal of the skin from the lower abdomen, and any stretch marks included on this removed skin are removed as well. Stretch marks above or to the side of this area are not removed.

Is there any medication to help heal the scar from a tummy tuck procedure, and can that medication also help the scar fade?

Yes. Some medications can help lighten scars and minimize their appearance. Different surgeons will recommend different things, but most agree that silicone, pressure, and antioxidants are effective. Our Clareo surgeons recommend BIOCORNEUM® and scar massage.

Does the scar from tummy tuck surgery ever completely fade?

No. All surgery leaves a scar, but our surgeons use techniques to make scarring as inconspicuous as possible. Scars can be faint with proper wound closure and scar management. Genetics also affect how noticeable your scar is. Regardless, most of our patients find that their scar is a small price to pay for the transformative results they enjoy and that their scar can be easily concealed by clothing and swimwear.

Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?

Yes, other procedures besides liposuction can be combined with a tummy tuck. These include aesthetic breast surgery, circumferential torso surgery, thigh lift or liposuction, or an arm lift or liposuction. We will only perform surgery that is safe; if you are interested in more procedures that can be safely done as one procedure, we will devise a plan for staged surgery.

Do I need drains after a tummy tuck?

Nearly all tummy tuck procedures performed at Clareo will include postoperative drains to help achieve the best results during your recovery.

How do I sleep after a tummy tuck?

Doctors recommend sleeping in a reclined or elevated position and avoiding sleeping on your side or stomach for the first two to three weeks. Place plenty of pillows under your knees, and your head should give you the most comfortable position.

Does insurance cover a tummy tuck?

Abdominplasty is a cosmetic procedure and not covered by medical insurance. However, Clareo Plastic Surgery offers payment and financing options for your convenience.

Now’s the perfect time to look and feel your best.

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At Clareo Plastic Surgery, our cosmetic specialists are ready to help you achieve your goals with the most advanced treatments the cosmetic industry has to offer. Contact us today to take your first step toward a more beautiful you.

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