Tummy Tuck Surgery in Boston

Serving Sudbury and Wellesley Patients

• When to Consider Tummy Tuck Surgery
• Candidacy for Tummy Tuck
• What to Expect During Your Consultation
• The Abdominoplasty Procedure
• Mini Tummy Tuck
• The Tummy Tuck Recovery Period
• The Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery
• Start on Your Way to a Toned Tummy Today

Want to get tummy tuck surgery in Boston? For some individuals, 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. William E. LoVerme of Accurate Aesthetics for his expertise in abdominoplasty.

We welcome patients from Sudbury and Wellesley, MA to visit Dr. Loverme’s office as well.

 When to Consider Tummy Tuck Surgery

Over time, the body produces less and less collagen and elastin, two proteins that are vital for healthy, elastic skin. Without an ample supply of these proteins, the skin loses its elasticity and starts to sag. Other factors can compound this aesthetic concern, including some lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, yo-yo dieting), the effect of gravity and certain genetic traits.

Also, major rapid weight loss and even pregnancy can cause the abdominal skin to stretch out, so it can no longer bounce back to a smaller size and shape once an ideal bodyweight has been reached. In addition, pregnancy can severely weaken the abdominal muscles, often causing them to separate. This condition, called diastasis, make it impossible to restore muscle tone, no matter how diligent a woman is about following a healthy diet and exercise routine. Once these aesthetic issues have developed, surgical intervention is often necessary to restore a fit, firm abdominal profile.

This is where abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” surgery, comes in. With tummy tuck surgery, Dr. LoVerme removes excess abdominal fat (as needed), eliminates loose, sagging abdominal skin and repairs the underlying musculature, for a slimmer, toned contour throughout the midsection.

Candidacy for Tummy Tuck

Although abdominoplasty is an effective way to remove excess fat and skin and restore muscle tone throughout the abdomen, it is not a suitable treatment option for everyone.

It is important to note that tummy tuck surgery is not intended as a tool for major weight loss. Instead, the procedure is best suited for patients who are already at or just slightly above their ideal bodyweight. There are two reasons for this. The first is that removing too much fat at once can lead to serious surgical complications. Secondly, regaining a substantial amount of weight can counteract the aesthetic benefits of abdominoplasty. In overweight patients, there is also excess fat around the intestines and organs that tummy tuck surgery cannot improve. This fat can only be eliminated through weight loss. The doctor will discuss whether your expectations are realistic with you, at your consultation.

The best way to establish whether you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure is to come in for a consultation. That way, your board-certified plastic surgeon can review your medical history, aesthetic concerns and surgical goals to determine whether you would benefit from tummy tuck surgery or perhaps from another body contouring procedure such as liposuction.

Nevertheless, suitable tummy tuck candidates typically include individuals who:

• Are frustrated with sagging abdominal skin that has lost its elasticity
• Have separated or greatly damaged abdominal muscles
• Are in good mental and physical health overall
• Are at a stable bodyweight that they feel they can maintain after surgery
• Are not currently pregnant and do not plan to become pregnant in the near future
• Understand the potential risks and rewards of surgery and feel the rewards outweigh the possible complications
• Seek aesthetic improvement, not necessarily perfection
• Are undergoing the procedure for personal reasons and not to satisfy someone else

To find out whether you would benefit from tummy tuck surgery, the team at Accurate Aesthetics invites you to come in for a consultation.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your consultation, which will last about one hour, Dr. LoVerme will inquire about your aesthetic concerns as well as your desired surgical outcome. This will help the team at Accurate Aesthetics understand what your expectations for tummy tuck surgery are; the doctor will let you know whether your expectations are reasonable and can be achieved with abdominoplasty or another cosmetic surgery procedure. You will be asked to view a short film from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons explaining the risks and benefits of tummy tuck surgery and explain how it is done.

Dr. LoVerme, a specialist in body contouring, will then perform a physical examination, during which he takes measurements of your abdomen and evaluates the health of your skin (i.e., its elasticity). He also notes the amount of underlying fatty tissue present.

Dr. LoVerme reviews your medical and surgical history, as well. Please be prepared to discuss any medical conditions you have, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, etc. Make sure to tell Dr. LoVerme about any medications, vitamins or other supplements you are currently taking. It is crucial that you provide complete information, so Dr. LoVerme can formulate the best treatment plan to help you achieve your surgical goals safely.

(Note: If you smoke, you must be prepared to stop smoking for several weeks both before and after the procedure, as smoking can cause serious complications, from delaying your healing process to causing your wounds to reopen. You may be asked to undergo urine testing for the presence of nicotine. Often, a different procedure such as liposuction or a less-invasive procedure such as a mini-tummy tuck may be the appropriate operation for a patient who is unable to stop smoking.)

Dr. LoVerme then discusses the procedure in detail, outlining the limitations and potential risks of abdominoplasty. He also answers any questions you may have about the procedure.

Based on your exam findings, unique anatomical requirements and aesthetic goals, the knowledgeable plastic surgeon recommends a suitable treatment protocol to satisfy your distinct needs. For instance, your unique treatment plan may include liposuction in your tummy tuck procedure, or, if your excess skin is mainly located below the belly button, it may involve a modified version of tummy tuck that allows for a less extensive incision and thus scar.

Following your consultation, photographs are taken for your medical file.

The Abdominoplasty Procedure

Abdominoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis at our private surgical suite; however, Dr. LoVerme may require certain patients with more complex surgical needs to stay overnight in the hospital, so a nurse can monitor their initial recovery progress. Tummy tuck surgery is most often performed with the use of general anesthesia. For thinner patients that need less fat removal, deep sedation can be used, either in the office or at the hospital.

To start tummy tuck surgery, the body contouring plastic surgeon first places marks on the treatment area while you are standing. This allows your surgeon to determine the best placement of the final scar. He then creates a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, extending from one hipbone to the other. Although the incision used in abdominoplasty is significant, the plastic surgeon strategically positions it in the pubic area, where it can be easily concealed by the underwear or bikini line. Old caesarean-section scars are usually completely removed, and any skin hanging over the scar is removed.

After the incision has been made, the surgeon excises any excess skin. He then repairs the underlying musculature by placing permanent internal stitches in a crisscross pattern within the muscle fascia. This holds the newly restored musculature in place following surgery and provides a flat belly.

Once the surgeon is satisfied with the new abdominal profile, he re-drapes the remaining skin over the improved abdominal contour and pulls it taut. He closes the incision with sutures that will dissolve. Finally, the surgeon adjusts the position of the navel (belly button) so it is aligned with the new abdominal contour, using a secondary incision placed and concealed within the belly button. Often, a drain is placed that will stay in place for about five days.

The treatment area is dressed with bandages, and a compression garment is placed on top to minimize swelling and provide added support to the healing tissues.

You can expect to return home the same day of surgery. Once the effects of the anesthesia have subsided and you have been cleared, you will be released into the care of an authorized individual that can take you home to recover. You will need to have someone stay with you for a minimum of 24 hours after surgery.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Dr. LoVerme will tailor the tummy tuck operation to meet the unique needs of each patient. Certain patients with less tissue that needs to be removed or those who do not require any abdominal muscle tightening might be appropriate candidates for a modified approach to tummy tuck surgery, often called mini tummy tuck.

Depending on the patient’s specific surgical needs, during mini tummy tuck surgery, Dr. LoVerme might remove only a small amount of skin above the umbilicus (belly button) and perform liposuction on the rest of the belly. Or, he might relocate the belly button to a slightly lower position, but he will not need to make an incision around it.

The cost of a modified tummy tuck is adjusted accordingly.

The only way to find out which tummy tuck approach is right for you is to come in for a full consultation. To schedule your consultation, please contact us by calling (877) 603-7874 toll-free today.

When there is less tissue to be removed or when there is no need to tighten the muscles, Dr. LoVerme will tailor the operation specifically to your needs. Occasionally this is just a small amount of skin removal above a scar, perhaps with some liposuction of the rest of the belly. Other times the umbilicus (belly button) may be relocated slightly lower but not have any scar around it. Cost of a smaller tummy tuck is adjusted appropriately. The only way to find out what operation is best for you is to have a full consultation. Please call today for your consultation.

The Tummy Tuck Recovery Period

The length and intensity of the recovery will depend on the complexity of your procedure and your unique healing response, but you should expect to take about two weeks off of work or your normal schedule.

During this time, you should rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity, including exercise. However, you should take short, periodic walks around the house as soon as you are able to, to minimize the risk of blood clots.

The treatment area may be swollen, bruised, tender or numb. These are normal symptoms that will improve over time. You can take oral pain medication as directed by Dr. LoVerme to manage any discomfort. Although some of the aesthetic benefits of abdominoplasty are noticeable immediately, it can take several months for the final results to become realized, as this is how long it takes for the body to heal completely and for any residual swelling to subside.

Taking proper care of your incision site helps minimize the appearance of scars over the long run. Be sure to keep your incision site out of the sun for several months; even 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can cause the scars to become red and raised above the skin. When this occurs, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to improve the appearance of the scars.

During one of your follow-up appointments at Accurate Aesthetics, Dr. LoVerme will let you know when it is safe to remove the compression garment and gradually resume your normal activities, including your fitness routine.

The Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Typically abdominoplasty prices at Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery range from $6900 to $12,900. This includes all facility and anesthesia fees. Costs vary so much because of the type of surgery needed. A Mini tummy tuck or full and whether it is at the hospital or our certified in office operating suite. You will receive a personalized quote at the time of your consultation. Consultation fee is deducted from the cost of surgery.

Start on Your Way to a Toned Tummy Today

If you have tried to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine, but are still frustrated with excess fat and abdominal skin as well as greatly damaged abdominal muscles, it might be time to consider abdominoplasty. By scheduling a consultation with Dr. LoVerme, you can start on your way to achieving a toned tummy today.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. LoVerme to learn more about tummy tuck surgery, please contact Accurate Aesthetics by calling (877) 603-7874 toll-free today.