Abdominoplasty

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat, as well as restore 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 type.

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 173
A mother of 3 in her early 30’s who is bothered by the appearance of her abdomen. She had hyper emesis through her pregnancy which caused her to develop a large umbilical hernia She would like to be able to wear a 2 piece bathing suit again, as well as fitting better in fitted clothing. She is shown before and again, 2 1/1 months after surgery. She is already wearing a 2 piece bathing suit. Scars are at their reddest and thickest at 6 weeks after surgery and then typically fade and improve over the next 2 years. Her scar has been hidden in a “thong” position where is can be hidden by most clothing styles. Patients typically have swelling of the abdomen after surgery that continues to improve for the first 6 momths. She is already thrilled with her early result.
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Abdominoplasty – Patient 172
A mother of 3 and a medical professional who is in her mid 40’s and who was bothered by skin hanging over her pants and the stretch marks of the skin. She had a painful umbilical hernia as well. She is shown before and again, 3 years after an extended abdominoplasty with a correction of her umbilical hernia by general surgery at the same time. She is 5’5” and was 150 lbs before her surgery. 1089 gms of skin were removed at the time of surgery (454 gms in a pound, so 2.4 lbs). Since that time she has become active in fitness competitions and has lost additional weight, now being 136 lbs. She shared some photos from her recent competition and gave us permission to share these. She told us that she received many compliments from her fellow contestants on her abdomen and also on the placement of her abdominoplasty scar. They were amazed that it was low enough to be able to hide it with a thong!. I feel it is important to place the abdominoplasty scar in a thong position where it is low enough to be hidden by yoga pants or hip hugger pants, but high enough on the sides to still be hidden by a French-cut bathing suit. The umbilical stalk is kept short to try and keep the scar around the umbilicus hidden on the inside.
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Abdominoplasty – Patient 171
A 39 yo mother of 3 who was bothered by a “roll” of abdominal skin as well as by the appearance of the abdominal skin and bulging of the abdomen after pregnancies. She is shown before and again, 2 years after an extended abdominoplasty. A hernia of her umbilicus was repaired by general surgery at the same time. EXPAREL was used to decrease her need for narcotics after surgery. Progressive tension sutures were used to decrease her risk of seroma formation. Her scar is placed low, in a “thong” position. She is thrilled with the dramatic improvement of her stomach, and is happily wearing a 2-piece bathing suit again!
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Abdominoplasty – Patient 170
A mother of 3 in her mid 30’s who is bothered by the appearance of her abdomen after pregnancy. She has an umbilical hernia and bulging of the abdominal wall as well as excess skin. She is shown before and again, just 6 weeks after an abdominoplasty. Her umbilical hernia was corrected by general surgery at the same time. Her abdominal wall muscles that were stretched from her pregnancy was repaired during the abdominplasty and the excess skin was excised. A “champagne groove” was fashioned in the fat above the umbilicus and a beautiful hollow was sculpted around the umbilicus. EXPAREL was used to limit her need for narcotics and pain medication after surgery. Her scar is placed in a “thong” position where it is low enough to be hidden by a thong or by yoga pants or most clothing styles. There is typically still swelling of the abdomen that will resolve over the next 6 months. And the scars are at the reddest and thickest at 6 weeks and will now begin to fade and improve over the next 2 years or longer. She is thrilled with her early improvement.
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Abdominoplasty – Patient 169
A mother of 2 in her late 40’s who lost 40 lbs following her pregnancies and is bothered by excess skin and bulging of her abdomen. She is shown just before and again, 5 months after an extended abdominoplasty. Her umbilicus is brought back to the midline while repairing her diastasis and bulging of the abdominal muscles by means of a “plumbline” suture. EXPAREL was used to limit her need for narcotics after surgery. She is just back from a cruise, where she was able to wear a bikini, and loves the new appearance of her stomach.
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How is an abdominoplasty performed?

How your abdominoplasty procedure is performed will depend on your specific needs and body concerns. Patients choosing to undergo abdominoplasty surgery have the choice of intravenous sedation and general anesthesia, and Dr. Hall will recommend which choice is best for you. During the surgery, Dr. Hall creates a horizontal incision between the belly button and the public hairline, where a bikini can easily cover. The skin is then lifted, and the weakened abdominal muscles will be tightened. Depending on how much excess skin is being removed, a second incision around the naval 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. 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.
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. 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.

“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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