What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat and also restores weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Factors that often contribute to these issues include aging, pregnancy, genetics, prior surgeries, and significant weight fluctuations. A tummy tuck results in a flatter abdomen that is proportionate with your body shape.
Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Candidates for abdominoplasty surgery in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts are healthy men or women who are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen. It is important that patients are at a stable weight, are non-smokers, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of their surgery. Furthermore, patients should be aware that a tummy tuck should not be used as a primary weight loss solution. A consultation with Dr. Hall can help you decide if a tummy tuck is right for you or if you might benefit from a different procedure.
Abdominoplasty Patient #65
A mother of one in her mid to late 50s who is bothered by bulging and laxity of abdominal skin following pregnancy and weight loss. She has lost 30 lbs with Wegovy. She is shown before and again, just 6 weeks after an extended lipoabdominoplasty. The abdominal skin and fat were still too thick for an ideal result, and liposuction was used at the time of abdominoplasty to thin it. The scar is hidden in a “thong” or bikini line and is “extended” laterally to give a better contour. Scars are typically at their reddest and thickest at 6 weeks and will then typically fade and improve over the next 2 years. There is typically swelling of the abdomen after surgery that resolves over 6 months. Despite the early time after surgery, she is already thrilled with her dramatic result. She performed our umbilical cleansing protocol in the week before surgery to decrease the risk of infection. She also followed our GLP protocol, supplemented with an additional 80 grams of protein a day for a month before and a month after surgery, and took her last dose of Wegovy 2 weeks before surgery, and was on clear liquids 24 hours before surgery. She will start topical silicone now to help with her scar maturation.
Abdominoplasty (Significant Weight Loss) Patient #15
A mother of twins in her early 50s who has lost 130 lbs with diet and exercise from her maximum weight of 286 lbs. She is bothered by the appearance of her stomach and the fullness of her mons, which bothers her in clothing and when she is changing. She had a C-section for her twins. She is shown before and again, 4 1/2 months after an extended abdominoplasty including liposuction of the Mons. Scars typically are at their thickest and reddest at 6 weeks and then will typically fade and improve over the next 2 years or longer. Her scar is settling nicely with topical silicone and is placed to be hidden by a bathing suit. She is thrilled with her improvement. She is now 5’3” and 147 lbs. A “champagne groove” was sculpted above the umbilicus, and a hollow around the umbilicus to give the abdomen a better shape.
Abdominoplasty (After Significant Weight Loss) Patient #14
RN and mother of 3 in her late 50s who has lost 35 lbs on a GLP-1 agonist. She is bothered by the bulging and laxity of her stomach. She has to “tuck in” the skin under her bathing suit. She is shown before and again, 4 ½ months after a Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty. She is thrilled with her new contour and doesn’t worry about whether her clothes will hide the bulge of her abdomen.
Discussion. Scars typically get thicker and redder for 6 weeks and then soften and fade over the next two years. We have her using topical silicone, which is working well to help fade her scars, but they will continue to fade and improve.
Before surgery, she was shown to have significant horizontal laxity of the upper stomach, which is not improved with a traditional abdominoplasty. The Fleur de Lis markings demonstrate the vertical component, which trades a vertical scar along the abdomen for a better correction. She is also noted to have a relatively higher umbilicus. I typically create a new umbilicus at the time of a Fleur de lis, and this allows us to keep her transverse incision much lower. One key does not fit all locks, and one type of abdominoplasty does not fit all patients. For patients with significant weight loss and horizontal laxity of the upper abdomen, who don’t mind trading a vertical scar for a better contour, a Fleur de lis abdominoplasty is often a good choice. I have
attached a link to my video on different types of abdominoplasties.
Abdominoplasty Patient #64
A mother of 3 in her early 60s with bulging and laxity of her abdomen from pregnancy as well as bulging of the mons. She has also lost weight with Wegovy. She is shown before and again, 11 months after an extended abdominoplasty combined with liposuction of her mons' area. She is thrilled with the improvement of her abdomen as well as the correction of her Mons pubis. Patients do not like having bulging of their mons in clothing and this can be more noticeable after an abdominoplasty if it is not corrected. Patients love being able to reach into their closet, and not worrying if the clothing they select will hide the bulging of their stomach and their mons.
Abdominoplasty #63
A mother of 3 in her early to mid-60s is bothered by bulging and laxity of her stomach as well as bulging of her mons. She is shown before and again, 7 MONTHS after lipoabdominoplasty. The “diver’s view” demonstrates the tightening of the skin. The side view shows the dramatic tightening of the abdominal muscles and improvement of the mons. Liposuction was performed at the time of surgery to contour her mons.
How is an Abdominoplasty Performed?
How your abdominoplasty procedure is performed will depend on your specific needs and body concerns. Tummy tuck patients choosing to undergo surgery have the choice of intravenous sedation and general anesthesia, and Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Hall will recommend which choice is best for you.
During the surgery, Dr. Hall creates a horizontal incision between the belly button and the pubic hairline, which results in a tummy tuck scar that a bikini can easily cover. The loose skin is then lifted, weakened abdominal muscles will be tightened, and a natural contour achieved by removing excess fat. Depending on how much excess skin is being removed, a second incision around the navel may be necessary. Skin on the upper abdomen is pulled down, and a new opening for the belly button is created. Incisions will be closed with sutures, tapes, or skin adhesives.
What Should I Expect During Recovery?
During abdominoplasty recovery, dressings are applied to incision sites and a compression garment may be worn to minimize swelling and provide support to the adjusted tissues. Small tubes may also be inserted to drain any excess blood or fluids. You can expect to be assisted with walking as soon as the next day to prevent the formation of blood clots, however, you should be resting for the first week or two after surgery.
After your procedure, you will likely experience some swelling and discomfort. Dr. Hall can provide you with prescription medication to manage your pain and make your recovery more comfortable. You will also have some activity restrictions in the first few months. You should avoid strenuous activity or movement such as bending at the waist that might strain the incision site. Dr. Hall will provide you with specific instructions about your recovery and activity restrictions.
Results of Tummy Tuck Surgery
The result of your abdominoplasty can be distorted due to swelling in the first few weeks, however as swelling diminishes you will begin to notice your results and can enjoy a toned abdominal area. The abdominoplasty scar will fade to be barely visible, and can be easily concealed in clothing and swimwear. Abdominoplasty results are permanent, although substantial fluctuations in weight can greatly diminish these results. Patients who are planning on losing a substantial amount of weight or future pregnancies are advised to delay tummy tuck surgery.
Schedule A Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
During a consultation, you can find out much more specifically what to expect from a tummy tuck procedure, including what results you can achieve, whether you need a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck, and the overall tummy tuck cost to anticipate. Dr. Hall is known for his down-to-earth, transparent approach to consultations, and he’s committed to helping each plastic surgery candidate get the right cosmetic surgery procedure for their unique circumstances. Get started with your journey toward having a toned abdomen today by calling our office or contacting us online.
“I saw 3 surgeons before meeting with Dr. Hall and by far
he and his staff was the most compassionate, thorough,
professional and helpful. Can’t say how pleased and
comfortable he and his staff made me feel.”
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