Regardless of your best efforts, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, you might still have unwanted pockets of fat and loose skin on your abdomen. Most people store extra fat in the abdomen, which makes it a prime source for unwanted bulging. You may also have unwanted abdomen fat because of genetic predisposition or pregnancy. Dr. Boustany performs a highly personalized tummy tuck in Boston to help you achieve a toned, slim, and sculpted abdomen without unwanted fat or sagging skin.
What are Tummy Tucks?
Am I a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck?
You’re a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck if you want excess fat, sagging skin, or weak muscle definition on your abdomen, despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. This is especially true for women after pregnancy, which leads to extreme abdominal muscle separation and skin laxity. In these cases, a personalized tummy tuck can help you achieve a firm, slim, and contoured abdomen.
To qualify for a tummy tuck, officially called an abdominoplasty, you must be in generally good physical and mental health, with realistic expectations from the procedure. You shouldn’t have underlying health problems that can interfere with the recovery, and you shouldn’t be a smoker or be willing to stop smoking before the procedure. Dr. Boustany will discuss your concerns and review your medical history to ensure you’re the ideal candidate for a tummy tuck in Boston.
A tummy tuck corrects the following problems:
- Love handles
- Bulging abdomen
- Extreme skin laxity on the abdomen
- Stretched and sagging abdomen skin
- Unwanted pockets of fat in the abdomen
- Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
- Stretch marks on the abdomen
What happens during the tummy tuck?
Your tummy tuck journey starts with a private consultation with Dr. Boustany. She will listen to your concerns and expectations, examine the targeted areas, and review your medical history. Based on her assessment, she’ll curate a personalized tummy tuck treatment plan, which might include liposuction. She will highlight the entire process to you and, if necessary, provides preparation tips to follow before the surgery.
Your tummy tuck in Boston will be performed as an outpatient procedure at a premier Boston hospital, under the care of Harvard-affiliated professionals. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Dr. Boustany will make the necessary incisions according to your goals. In some cases, she might place a hip-to-hip incision along your bikini line, so the resultant scar will be hidden from view.
Dr. Boustany will trim away excess skin tissues to make your skin look firm and youthful. The stretch marks on your lower abdomen might be removed with the excess skin. The underlying abdominal muscles will be tightened using sutures, thereby restoring your weakened or stretched muscles. The surgeon will also form a naturally-looking belly button and reposition it in the new location. Finally, the incisions will be closed with sutures.
After the surgery, your abdomen will be wrapped in bandages and a surgical compression garment. This will protect your abdomen, minimize swelling, and preserve the newly formed abdominal contours. You’ll be taken to an on-site recovery suite for a brief observation period to ensure you don’t react harshly to the anesthesia. After a few hours, you can have another adult take you home for your recovery post tummy tuck on Boston.
What’s the recovery process after a tummy tuck?
You’ll experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few days after the surgery. You’ll have to wear bandages and compression garments for a few days to minimize swelling. Dr. Boustany will prescribe medications to prevent infections, minimize discomfort, and ensure a safe and smooth recovery process. You must follow her aftercare guidelines with the utmost precision to ensure optimal recovery.
After a few days, the swelling and bruises will start fading away, and you’ll soon appreciate the results of your tummy tuck. You can start walking around in a day or two to promote blood circulation, and you can start working in a week or two. However, you should avoid strenuous physical activities and extreme sun exposure for about six weeks post tummy tuck in Boston.
Once the healing process is complete, your abdomen will look firm, taut, and youthful. You might also notice muscle definition. Most patients are thrilled about showing off the results with revealing clothing, including lingerie, low-cut bottoms, and swimsuits. The incision marks will gradually fade into a dull pink, followed by a thin white line.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Will there be scarring after a tummy tuck?
Yes, scarring is inevitable with a tummy tuck procedure. However, skilled surgeons like Dr. Boustany reduce visible scarring by strategically placing incisions along the bikini line or concealing them in natural creases. Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable, aided by proper post-operative care and scar management techniques.
Are there any risks or complications associated with a tummy tuck?
Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck carries inherent risks such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Potential complications include poor wound healing, seroma formation, and changes in sensation. Choosing a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Boustany and following all pre- and post-operative instructions can help mitigate these risks.
Will I need to follow a specific diet or exercise regimen before or after a tummy tuck?
Your surgeon may recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle before and after the procedure to optimize results and minimize risks. Pre-operatively, maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can promote overall wellness and aid in recovery. Post-operatively, following a nutritious diet and gradually reintroducing exercise can help support healing.
How long will the results of a tummy tuck last?
While a tummy tuck can provide long-lasting results, maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle are crucial for preserving the results. Factors such as aging, pregnancy, and fluctuations in weight can impact the results. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of a tummy tuck for years to come.
Real Patient Reviews
Why choose Dr. Boustany for your Boston tummy tuck?
Dr. Boustany is a Harvard fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with keen artistic sensibilities. She understands your unique goals and concerns to curate highly personalized tummy tuck treatment plans that work with your anatomy. She’s also compassionate and empathetic, ensuring you feel comfortable under her care. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Boustany to discuss your option for a tummy tuck in Boston, MA.
