Tummy Tuck Surgery in Boston
For some people achieving a tight, toned tummy is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Sometimes, following a healthy diet and exercise routine is simply not enough to contour the midsection and achieve muscle definition throughout the abdominal area. Boston-area patients who can relate to these sentiments often turn to Dr. Katherine Hein, Medical Director of Accurate Aesthetics for her expertise in abdominoplasty.
WHAT IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY OR A TUMMY TUCK?
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Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdomen wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. The result is a thinner, flatter, tighter abdomen. There is always a lasting scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
If you’re considering abdominoplasty, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure – when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. It can’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. At your consultation, ask Dr. Hein about anything you don’t understand.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK?
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The best candidates for abdominoplasty are people who are in relatively decent shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, because of pregnancy, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Many patients have a tummy tuck after weight loss because there is no other way to get rid of the excess skin. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, Dr. Hein may recommend against a tummy tuck or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
A tummy tuck can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations, and discuss them with your surgeon.
WHAT IS THE SURGICAL PROCESS FOR A TUMMY TUCK?
In your initial consultation, Dr. Hein will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell her if you smoke and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Hein. She will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives, and the risks and limitations of each.
If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a “mini-tummy tuck,” which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.
In any case, Dr. Hein will work with you to recommend the procedure that is right for you and will come closest to producing the desired body contour.
During the consultation, Dr. Hein and her staff will also explain the anesthesia, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. Dr. Hein only performs surgery in fully accredited operating rooms with board-certified anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists and a full operating room team. In most cases, health insurance policies do not cover the cost of abdominoplasty, but you should check your policy to be sure.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
Post-operative complications, such as infection and blood clots, are rare but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.
Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. Dr. Hein will not perform an abdominoplasty on a smoker.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Hein’s instructions before and after surgery.
ABDOMINOPLASTY SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Dr. Hein will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least one two months before your surgery and not to resume for at least four weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.
Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.
Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed
Dr. Hein performs surgery at a fully accredited hospital–Newton Wellesley Hospital, or MetroWest Medical Center. A board-certified anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist will supervise your care. A full operating room team will work with Dr. Hein to care for you and to manage the necessary instrumentation and medication. Most patients go home the same day.
Types of Anesthesia
Dr. Hein will most likely use general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep through the operation. In some cases, it is possible to local anesthesia combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You’ll be awake but relaxed, and your abdominal region will be insensitive to pain. (However, you may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort.)
ABDOMINOPLASTY SURGERY PROCEDURE DETAIL
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty or a mini-tummy tuck may take an hour or two.
An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.
Typically, Dr. Hein will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty (mini-tummy tuck), the incision is much shorter, and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
Next, Dr. Hein will precisely separate the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.
Dr. Hein draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.
The skin flap is then stretched down, and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. A pain catheter may also be placed, to minimize your pain after surgery.
In partial abdominoplasty (mini-tummy tuck), the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.
Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed. With complete abdominoplasty, a new opening is cut for the navel. Both incisions are stitched closed.
Contact Accurate Aesthetics to schedule your Tummy Tuck consultation to learn more.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS AFTER ABDOMINOPLASTY SURGERY?
For the first few days, your abdomen will be swollen, and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort that can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours, or you may have to remain hospitalized overnight.
Dr. Hein will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color.* While they’ll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
If you’re realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a lasting scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.
After surgery, you will have a flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are lasting but will fade with time.*
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WHY YOU SHOULD SELECT ACCURATE AESTHETICS FOR YOUR TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
Dr. Katherine Hein is among the top cosmetic surgeons in the Boston, Wellesley, and Sudbury area. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and Medical Director of Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, Dr. Hein has helped thousands of satisfied patients achieve their cosmetic surgical face and body enhancements goals.
When you select Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery for your tummy tuck procedure you can be reassured of a close personal relationship with Dr. Katherine Hein and her professional staff.
Additional Reasons to Select Accurate Aesthetics
- One-on-one consultation with Dr. Hein, follow-up appointments after surgery, and availability by telephone for your questions.
- Availability of a fully certified operating room in-office for your comfort and privacy.
- The exclusive use of a certified Physician’s Assistant (PA) on each case to keep your surgery time shorter and safer.
- The use of a board-certified MD anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist on each sedation case where sedation or general anesthesia is used.
- Consultation fee is deducted from cost of any major surgery.
- One surgical compression garment is provided free for each surgery, as needed.
- Free Arnica Montana (pharmaceutical grade) anti bruising and swelling regimen with appropriate surgical procedures.
- Free general skincare session with a medical esthetician after any major surgical procedure.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed. Consult with the medical professionals at Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery to see if you are a candidate.
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