See our tummy tuck pictures in the before and after gallery
Abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”) surgery is one of the most common procedures we perform at Boston Plastic Surgery, and one that Dr. Samaha feels especially passionate about. When pregnancy or significant weight loss occur and the skin and tissue of the abdomen stretches out, a person can be left with an undesirable bulge around his or her midsection. Abdominal muscles can also weaken or separate, to make the situation even worse.
What is a mini tummy tuck?
A tummy-tuck, or “mini-tummy tuck” (what we call a modified abdominoplasty) can correct these problems to give patients a flatter, firmer stomach. If you exhibit conditions like the following, you may be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery.
- A stable body weight, but protruding midsection
- Most of the abdominal fat is under the skin, as opposed to internal fat.
- An inability to reduce the size of the tummy through diet/exercise
- Loose skin on the tummy from significant weight loss
- Loose skin on the tummy from past pregnancy
Abdominoplasty Surgery
Tummy tuck surgeries are usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The surgical techniques employed involve the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen, and the tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles. In some cases, liposuction can be used to eradicate excess fatty tissue.
Dr. Samaha hides the incision precisely below the bikini or bathing suit line. While the scar is relatively inconspicuous, it often extends to both sides of the hips. The scar will be most prominent immediately after surgery. It should fade and flatten out over time to become less apparent. A mini, or ‘modified’ abdominoplasty may be performed for those with less tissue to remove, therefore resulting in a shorter scar. Dr. Samaha is proficient in several abdominoplasty techniques, and will recommend the approach that would best achieve each person’s goals.
For the past few years, Dr. Samaha has been able to use technique modifications that have allowed him to avoid the use of those pesky ‘drains’ in the vast majority of his patients, while nearly eliminating the incidence of fluid accumulation after surgery.
After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Full recovery may take several weeks, depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. Patients with stronger abdominal muscles often experience a shortened recovery as their body more easily adapts. It is advisable for patients to initiate a regular exercise regimen to get the best post-tummy tuck results.
A good resource for reading real patient stories about tummy tuck surgery can be found at RealSelf.com. If you're in the Boston area, contact us to learn more about the risks, benefits, or cost of a tummy tuck at Boston Plastic Surgery.
