Tummy Tuck in Boston

Every patient is unique, both with planned procedures as well as potential risks. General risks of abdominoplasty can include bleeding, scar, infection, fluid collection, pain, and blood clots in the legs that could embolize or travel. With careful patient and procedure selection, and detailed attention to perioperative care, most potential complications are thankfully rare with tummy tuck.

Tummy Tucks, or abdominoplasty are performed as day surgery procedures under general anesthesia. Patients may have a drain or two for one to three weeks, and be in a surgical binder for three to six weeks. Many patients do not require narcotic pain medication, but some may for a few days. We advise no significant lifting or strenuous activity for three weeks, and no heavy lifting for 6 weeks. At six weeks there are no restrictions.

Our preference is to perform most liposuction with sedation or general anesthesia in the operating room as a day surgery procedure. Patients wear compression garments for several weeks after surgery. Bruising and some swelling is common, but varies in severity. It takes several weeks to months for the swelling to resolve. Patients report being sore the first week, but significant pain is rare.

When it comes to your Tummy Tuck Boston plastic surgeons Dr. Taylor and Dr. Sullivan make safety their top priority. They will provide specific information and instructions to help you prepare for your procedure. We take precautionary steps to minimize risks and complications from surgery to help you recover with the least amount of discomfort and time.

Tummy tuck trades a scar for improved body contour. The trade-off is typically a good one and the scars can be placed in the least conspicuous location. The scar from a tummy tuck can be lower than that of a C-section scar, and although longer, the scar can usually be hidden by underwear or bikini bottom. The exact position will depend on any individual anatomy. We use dissolving buried sutures to avoid the need for suture removal or unnecessary suture scars.

A Tummy Tuck is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance (at least until women become CEOs of all insurance companies!). When you come in for your consultation we will evaluate your condition to determine if you might qualify for some coverage by your insurance company with a simultaneous hernia repair. Depending on which procedures meet your goals, your policy may provide some coverage.

Although a tummy tuck will not affect your ability to have more children, you should consider postponing procedures such as Tummy Tuck until after you are done having children. Nevertheless, operations can be performed again in the future.

Women or men with excess skin and abdominal fat and bulge from diastatsis recti are potential candidates for a tummy tuck. The ideal candidate is a nonsmoker, in good health with a BMI less than 30, and, if a woman, is finished with childbearing. Safely lose the weight you can and be at a weight that you can maintain. If we determine you to be a good candidate and you wish to proceed, we will be in this together with you to help you to achieve your goals, as quickly and as safely as possible.

A Tummy Tuck has been among the top ten most common cosmetic surgeries for the last ten years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 130,000 abdominoplasty procedures were performed in the United States in 2020 alone.

A tummy tuck will provide long-lasting results, but it is important to note that it is not guaranteed to be permanent. Significant weight gain or pregnancy after a Tummy Tuck will compromise your results.

While skin and subcutaneous fat will be removed, this is not a weight loss procedure and does not have the health benefits of visceral fat loss.

For the first several weeks of recovery, it is important to avoid putting pressure on the abdominal area to allow the incision to heal properly. We recommend that you sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees to elevate your legs and reduce strain on your abdomen.

Significant weight gain after abdominoplasty will essentially reverse the results of your procedure. At most, 10 to 15 pounds is typically the fluctuation limit.

Yes, in most cases, the incision for abdominoplasty is made below the location of a C-section scar, low enough to be hidden under bikini bottoms, so it will be removed completely during this procedure.

No, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must hold off on undergoing this surgery.

Yes, you will definitely need to plan for a family member or close friend to drive you home after surgery. It’s also best to have someone with you for about 24 hours as the sedation wears off.

This will depend on your particular recovery, and you will need to be cleared by your surgeon. For most patients, they can gradually restart their exercise routine at anywhere from six to ten weeks.

The most important consideration is whether the patient is serious about maintaining their results after surgery which can be achieved at any age. In general, our Boston Tummy Tuck patients are often in their late 30s to 40s and beyond.

Yes! Abdominoplasty is often combined with other procedures, including liposuction, breast augmentation, or as a part of a mommy makeover surgical plan.

There are certain laser treatments or skin tightening techniques that are sometimes offered as alternatives to a tummy tuck, but they are temporary and not nearly as effective as a surgical abdominoplasty.

The average cost of a tummy tuck in the US is typically between $3,000 to $15,000. The cost will vary based on geographic location, the skill and experience of your surgeon, and various hospital and other medical fees.