Abdominoplasty

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 182
A nurse in her mid 50’s and mother of 4, including twins, who is bothered by bulging and looseness of the abdomen after pregnancy.  She had a breast reduction with us 15 years  before.  She is shown before and again, 8 ½ months after an extended abdominoplasty.  She had a history of a primary relative with an unexplained blood clot so she was treated in the postoperative period with Lovenox per the University of Michigan protocol, and had an uneventful postoperative course There is a small vertical scar in the lower abdomen from the original opening around her umbilicus/ this allowed us to place her main horizontal scar in a “thong” position where it is low enough to be hidden by her clothing.
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Abdominoplasty – Patient 181
A mother of 1 in her early 40’s who is bothered by bulging of her abdomen. Although she is not significantly overweight at a BMI of 28, she has excess fat in the abdominal area. She is 4’(“ and 129lbs and is shown before and again, just 6 weeks after an extended lipoabdominplasty with the removal of 2 liters of fat and 1440 grams of skin from her lower abdomen. Scars are typically at their worst at 6 weeks and then will fade and improve over the next 2 years. There is significant swelling still at 6 weeks that typically takes 6 months to resolve. She is already thrilled with her early result and at 6 weeks is eager to resume her zoomba classes!
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Abdominoplasty – Patient 180
A nurse and mother of 2 in her early 40’s who had a gastric bypass and lost 126 lbs. She is shown 13 months after mastopexy/brachioplasty and 5 months after Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty with the creation of a new umbilicus. She is thrilled with her new contour. Scars will typically continue to fade and improve for 3 years. A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty trades a vertical scar for additional tightening of the upper abdomen in a vertical direction.
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Abdominoplasty – Patient 179
An early follow-up on A mother of 2 in her mid 30’s who has had 6 pregnancies and 4 miscarriages. She is troubled by the wrinkled appearance of her abdominal skin as well as bulging of the abdomen which makes it difficult for her to wear fitted clothes. She mentions that each time that she looks at her abdomen, it reminds her of the many miscarriages. She is shown before and again, just 7 weeks after abdominoplasty. It is important to place the scar in a low, “thong” position even if it means closing the umbilical aperture as a small vertical slit in the lower abdomen. Scars typically get thicker for 6 weeks and then begin to fade and improve over the next 2 years. Swelling, especially in the lower abdomen takes 6 months to resolve after surgery. Already she is thrilled with her early result. She shared with me that she finally had the confidence to apply for a job that she wanted and got it!
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Abdominoplasty/Massive Weight Loss – Patient 163
An early follow-up on a Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty in a man in his early 40’s who has lost 80 lbs with a keto diet. He has a large hernia of his umbilicus which was corrected at the same time by his general surgeon. A new umbilicus ( neoumbilicus) was created at the time of his surgery. “Fleur de Lis” refers to the pattern of skin excision which includes a vertical component. Many patients with significant weight loss have a horizontal excess of the upper abdomen which requires a vertical excision to tighten it. A vertical scar is the tradeoff. Our patient is shown before and again, just 2 months after his surgery. Scars are typically the thickest and reddest at 6 weeks after surgery and then will fade and improve over the next 2 years. Swelling of the abdomen also takes 6 months to fully resolve after an abdominoplasty. A dramatic early improvement is seen. Update: A 9 month fu showns resolution of swelling and a dramatic improvement despite the gain of 5 lbs since surgery. Scar continues to fade and improve. And the new umbilicus that we created looks natural.
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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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