Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boston, MA

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure that reduces excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. Changes to your body are not always preventable, but you do not have to live with them permanently.

At JL Plastic Surgery in Boston, we have helped numerous patients regain comfort in the appearance of their abdomen by providing them with a tummy tuck. Dr. Jeffrey Lee, a plastic surgeon known for his artistry and expert approach, has helped thousands of patients fall in love with their bodies again. A tummy tuck procedure can give you the tight, toned, flatter-looking abdomen you desire. Contact our office or call (617) 340-2822 to get started with your treatment at our Boston location.

About Tummy Tucks

Body contouring procedures like the tummy tuck help patients achieve a smoother, more toned appearance in the abdominal area. In most cases, a tummy tuck also involves repairing the muscles along the abdominal wall that have been stretched and separated by age, lifestyle changes, or pregnancy. Although excess skin and fat can be caused by several reasons, it is most commonly from:

  • Pregnancy
  • Weight Change
  • Aging

A tummy tuck procedure is not just aesthetic; it can improve your quality of life. Your surgery will be performed by Dr. Jeffrey Lee at his office in Boston, MA.

“For some, plastic surgery is about beauty. For me, it’s about strength. When you are comfortable in your skin, you are empowered. It is very important to me that patients are comfortable every step of the way and completely trust me to take good care of them. My work is very personal and the experience and surgery are tailored to each patient. Beauty shouldn’t fit a mold.”

– Dr. Lee

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Surgery After Pregnancy

In some cases, pregnancy can lead to the development of diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles along the abdominal wall become stretched and separated. (1) This can cause a permanent bulge to form on the abdomen. Diastasis recti can only be corrected through surgery. The abdominal muscles need to be surgically tightened to give the stomach a flatter appearance.

What is a Drainless Tummy Tuck?

A drainless tummy tuck is a newer technique that does not involve using plastic drains after surgery. This eliminates the need to empty and maintain the drains while they are in place and eliminates the risk of a drain site infection. It also makes the recovery significantly more comfortable. Ask Dr. Lee if you are a good candidate for a drainless tummy tuck.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

The benefits of a tummy tuck include the following: 

  • Removes excess skin
  • Improves core strength (2)
  • Smooths skin texture
  • Eliminates sagging
  • Repairs abdominal muscles
  • Restores your original figure

Tummy Tuck Candidates

A good candidate for an abdominoplasty is anyone who has excess skin and fat in their midsection. There are a variety of types of abdominoplasty. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lee will recommend the best version for you based on the result you would like to achieve. If your body mass index (BMI) is high, you might need to lose weight to be a candidate for surgery as excess weight can increase your risk of experiencing complications.

Personal Consultation

Although abdominoplasty can provide dramatic results, it cannot give a patient someone else’s abdomen. It can only make improvements to your own figure. There is a limit as to how much you can safely tighten someone’s abdomen and that can vary by patient. This means that everyone’s results will vary. In some cases, we may need to perform additional work on other areas of the body to attain the most effective results.

Preparation

To prepare for your tummy tuck, you will need to stop smoking and taking medication that thins your blood. Depending on your current BMI, we may recommend that you lose weight before your procedure. Before your procedure date, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. We also recommend that you go grocery shopping and meal prep a couple of days before your tummy tuck so you have everything you need to recover comfortably.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Abdominoplasty can take between 2-3 hours. Performing a drainless technique adds 30-45 minutes. Also, if a patient desires to improve their flanks, Dr. Lee will usually recommend liposuction to complement the abdominoplasty. This can add another 30-60 minutes to the surgery as they are commonly performed at the same time.

This cosmetic procedure involves raising the skin and fat of the abdomen of the underlying muscles. Dr. Lee repairs or tightens the muscles and removes the excess skin and fat. He will also create a new opening for your belly button.

Recovery

Recovery from abdominoplasty usually takes around 7-14 days after which most patients can return to work. We will ask you to wear an abdominal binder or compression garment for 4 weeks to help provide additional support and manage swelling. In the rare case that you have drains, they will be removed within 1-2 weeks following your abdominoplasty.

Results

After your tummy tuck, you can enjoy a smoother, contoured, toned midsection. It will take some time to see the full effects. Some results will be visible once the majority of the swelling goes down after 4 weeks. Results will continue to improve over the coming months. It can take six months or more to see the final results of your abdominoplasty. 

Corresponding Procedures 

Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat with suction. We can use liposuction during a tummy tuck to help you achieve your body goals. If you have fat in other areas that you would like to remove, we can use liposuction to eliminate it. 

Breast Augmentation

A breast augmentation is a procedure that enhances the shape and volume of your breasts. Changes to the breasts are common after pregnancy and weight loss. You do not need to live with deflated breasts. Dr. Lee can help you restore your figure with implants and help you achieve a naturally enhanced contour.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a procedure that helps you restore your figure after pregnancy. If you are experiencing sagging skin, excess fat, or drooping abdominal areas, a mommy makeover will help you eliminate these. Our mommy makeovers are customizable and will save you time by addressing multiple concerns in one procedure. For more information about corresponding procedures, see the blog. 

Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Boston

Tummy tuck prices in Boston are estimates only. Dr. Lee will determine the price of your surgery during your consultation and will be affected by the recommended surgical technique, patient anatomy, and time. Please see our pricing guide for additional information.

Schedule a Consultation

 If you are unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen and are in need of professional care to correct the issue, contact JL Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation for your tummy tuck with Dr. Lee. He can provide you with the professional aesthetic care you are in need of.

Contact our office at (617) 340-2822 to learn more about financing at our Boston location.

FAQ

Will there be visible scarring after a tummy tuck?

While it is normal to have some scarring following a tummy tuck, surgeons take great care to minimize scarring by placing incisions strategically and using advanced techniques. Incisions are often placed below the bikini line, ensuring that scars can be discreetly concealed under clothing or swimwear. Over time, these scars will fade and become less noticeable.

What is a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial abdominoplasty, is a less invasive procedure that primarily targets the lower abdomen. It involves a shorter incision and addresses localized excess skin and weakened muscles below the belly button. Very few patients end up being good candidates for a mini tummy tuck.

What type of anesthesia is used for a tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks are typically performed under general anesthesia. This ensures complete comfort and allows for a safe and effective procedure.

Can diastasis recti recur after surgery?

Although diastasis recti repair surgery provides long-lasting results, there is a possibility of the condition recurring, particularly if the underlying causes are not addressed. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized recommendations on how to maintain the results long-term and minimize the risk of recurrence.

When will I be able to exercise after a tummy tuck?

Patients are usually able to exercise after 6-8 weeks, but your clearance for exercise will depend on your recovery. Your surgeon will monitor your progress and let you know when you are ready for exercise.

Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?

Yes, it is common for patients to combine a tummy tuck with other body contouring procedures, such as liposuction, breast augmentation, or a mommy makeover surgery. Your surgeon can discuss these possibilities with you during your personal consultation and create a tailored treatment plan to address all of your aesthetic goals.

References

  1. Hall H, Sanjaghsaz H. Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573063/ 
  2. Orr Shauly, Goel P, Gould DJ. Painless, Drainless Lipoabdominoplasty: A Retrospective Study of Pain Following Lipoabdominoplasty Utilizing Liposomal Bupivacaine and a Modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2022;4. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojac049