What is a Tummy Tuck?

A "tummy tuck," or abdominoplasty, is a surgery performed to restore a firm, fit, sculpted look to the abdomen. The abdominal region can be affected due to age, pregnancy, weight gain, and loss. The underlying muscle structure may stretch, with excess skin and fat accumulating, leaving your figure looking less trim and fit. Our tummy tuck in Boston is customized to match the individual condition of the patient. It typically involves tightening the underlying muscle structure, removing excess skin and fat, and repositioning the belly button (navel) to create a sculpted look to the area, firm, fit, and slim.

Tummy Tuck in Boston Before & After

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How Does Abdominoplasty Work?

Abdominoplasty is ideal if you struggle with a bulge in the tummy area and excess skin and fat that no exercise program can resolve. It works to resolve issues such as a bulging or sagging abdomen, loose, stretched areas of skin, fatty deposits, love handles, and abdominal muscles that have extended or appear split (diastasis recti) to create the look and feel of a firm, fit figure.

Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgery undergone by many men and women after pregnancy or massive weight loss. It has a high patient satisfaction rating. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 127,633 tummy tuck procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2016.

Every year, thousands of women and men decide to have tummy tuck surgery to:

Remove loose, hanging, excess skin around the midsection
Correct a protruding abdomen out of proportion with the rest of the body
Remove stubborn belly fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise
Strengthen abdominal muscles that have been weakened due to pregnancy, aging, or abdominal surgery
As part of a mommy makeover to improve the appearance of stretch marks or C-section scars on the lower abdomen
Enhance the silhouette
Improve the fit and look of clothing on the body

Should I get Liposuction with my Tummy Tuck?

Liposuction can be performed in combination with a tummy tuck to strategically sculpt, trim and contour the lower body. During liposuction, excess fat is vacuumed out of the body through a slender tube known as a cannula. The fat can either be discarded, or it can be saved for a future fat transfer procedure to augment the breasts, buttocks or facial contours.

While liposuction is an effective fat loss solution on its own, it cannot do anything to tighten the stomach muscles. Clients who require both fat removal and abdominal tightening will do best to choose a combination of tummy tuck surgery and liposuction.

What are the different types of Tummy Tucks?

MINI TUMMY TUCK

A mini tummy tuck is appropriate for clients who require body contouring in the lower part of the abs beneath the belly button. Excess skin and fat are removed, but the underlying six pack stomach muscles are not affected as with a full abdominoplasty procedure. Mini tummy tucks use smaller incisions and require less recovery time. They are perfect for clients who are at or near their ideal weight, but who struggle with belly fat that is resistant to dieting and exercise

Male Tummy Tuck

The number of men choosing to have a tummy tuck grows yearly as plastic surgery procedures are becoming more common for the male demographic. Dr. Montilla can combine the operation with hernia repair to treat issues such as a ventral hernia. The best candidate for a male tummy tuck is in good medical health and has realistic expectations of what aesthetic goals the procedure can accomplish. With most tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Montilla will tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin. Some men may require additional liposuction to their waist to improve the love handles. Other men may choose an etching of the skin to give the appearance of a "six-pack" or V-lines.

FULL TUMMY TUCK

A full abdominoplasty, also known as a standard tummy tuck, is ideal for clients whose six pack muscles may have separated after pregnancy, or anyone who is frustrated with stubborn abdominal fat that doesn’t respond to working out at the gym. During the procedure, an incision is made within the bikini line stretching horizontally from hip to hip. The surgeon lifts up the skin, tightens the underlying stomach muscles, removes excess fat and tissue, and then closes the incisions. While a full tummy tuck requires a longer healing period than a mini tummy tuck, results are more dramatic and long lasting overall.

The Abdominoplasty Procedure - What To Expect

Our tummy tuck in Boston will be performed under general anesthesia. The procedure varies from patient to patient, based on the extent of the issues that need to be corrected. An incision is placed on the lower abdomen area, from hip to hip (full tummy tuck), or a shorter incision just above the pubic area (mini tummy tuck).

Loose muscles are tightened and repaired through the incisions, and excess fat and skin are removed. This procedure often removes stretch marks on the lower abdomen's lower area, and the incisions are placed to be invisible once healed.

Tummy Tuck Overview Video

Why Choose Montilla Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Richard Montilla is an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who truly cares. He is known for his dedication to his patients’ beautiful results. Dr. Montilla is committed to providing stellar outcomes using the safest, most modern technology and techniques.

His surgical abilities and dedication go beyond the expected, ensuring your procedure is safe and you’re completely satisfied with your new contours. Please call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your tummy tuck with Dr. Montilla.

Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Our abdominoplasty in Boston can produce dramatic cosmetic results. As stated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), it also has several medical benefits:

Better posture and improved abdominal tone

The muscles in the stomach can become distended after multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss, a problem that cannot be corrected with diet and exercise alone. Weak abdominal muscles are often associated with a sway back, poor posture, and back pain. Along with removing excess fat and skin to flatten the belly, a tummy tuck procedure surgically tightens weak abdominal muscles.

Stress Urinary Incontinence reduced

After a vaginal delivery, women may develop a bladder control problem known as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). In women with SUI, leakage can occur with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. In an abdominoplasty procedure, Dr. Montilla can reduce urinary incontinence by creating a slight bladder obstruction using soft tissue near the pelvic region.

Ventral hernia correction

A ventral hernia can occur after massive weight loss or abdominal surgery when the intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through the weakened abdominal wall to form a pocket or sack. A tummy tuck procedure may be combined with hernia repair to strengthen the abdominal wall and help prevent the hernia from recurring.

Resolving Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is when the rectus muscles, also known as the “six-pack” muscles, separate. These muscles normally join at the midline of the abdomen. They can separate and stretch apart with a space created between them. This condition is common in women over 35 who deliver a larger baby or have a multiple pregnancy or in older men with abdominal obesity.

This condition causes the abdomen area or belly to bulge forward. This cosmetic effect of bulging and pouching can’t be resolved with diet and exercise alone and requires a surgical procedure to reconnect and strengthen the muscles.

During a tummy tuck, the muscles are rejoined, bringing the two sides of the abdominal muscle tight together with permanent sutures. The muscles are repaired and strengthened. This procedure also decreases the abdominal circumference, making the waistline tighter and smaller. The waistline is also contoured and sculpted as excess, loose and sagging skin is removed. The results are a tighter, flatter, and stronger abdominal area.

Patient Testimonials

I can’t say enough about my experience with Dr.Montilla.

by A.P.

I can’t say enough about my experience with Dr.Montilla. I had trauma to my nose years ago, and met with him to discuss a septo-rhinoplasty procedure. From the initial consultation to post op I felt extremely confident in his ability to give me the results I wanted- and I really did feel he had my best interest every step of the way.

I can’t possibly say enough about Dr Montilla and his staff.

by W.R.

I can’t possibly say enough about Dr Montilla and his staff. What a great experience! From my initial consultation to the surgery and recovery, I never felt alone. Dr Montilla is so calm and very detail oriented. He took the time to explain everything I needed to know. He was very easy to talk to and work with.

Dr Montilla and his team were outstanding.

by N.P.

Dr Montilla and his team were outstanding and able to complete a very difficult Mohs surgery reconstruction on my nose. Would highly recommend Dr Montilla for his professionalism and attention to detail.

Dr. Montilla is a excellent surgeon, a perfectionist, and a real human being.

by J.P.

I had a broken wrist during my vacation in Boston area. Fortunately, ER doctor referred me to Dr. Montilla for surgery. Dr. Montilla and his staff are very professional, warm and caring during my surgery in Worcester, MA. My follow up doctor in Pasadena, CA is so impressed with Dr. Montilla's work on my wrist. Dr. Montilla is a excellent surgeon, a perfectionist, and a real human being.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After you awaken from your tummy tuck in Boston or Worcester, you will be groggy from the anesthesia. Dr. Montilla will protect your abdomen with dressings and a compression garment to keep the area stable and limit swelling. You will be evaluated by our medical team and then released to return home to rest and recover under the care of another adult-plan to have help from another adult for several days or longer. You will have prescription pain medication to keep you comfortable and other medicines to take as directed.

Arrange your home for a smooth and comfortable recovery. Sleep with your upper body elevated on pillows or a foam wedge. Take gentle walks daily, and you should start to feel more like yourself within about two weeks. Eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, and slowly increase your physical activities while avoiding vigorous motions or exercises for four to six weeks. The final result of a tummy tuck is very rewarding - even thrilling! You will no longer see a bulging tummy zone but will enjoy a trim, youthful figure.

5 Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

Recovery from a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is essential for achieving optimal results and minimizing complications. Here are five key tips to navigate the recovery process effectively:

Follow Surgeon's Instructions: Adhere closely to post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. This includes caring for your incisions, managing discomfort, and attending follow-up appointments.
Rest and Relax: Allow your body time to heal by taking ample rest during the initial stages of recovery. Avoid strenuous activities and follow your surgeon's recommendations for resuming normal activities.
Manage Discomfort: Expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after surgery. Use prescribed pain medication and apply cold compresses to alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling.
Eat Nutritiously: Support your body's healing process by maintaining a healthy diet. Focus on consuming foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Be Patient: Recovery from a tummy tuck takes time. Be patient with your body's healing process, and avoid comparing your progress to others. Follow your surgeon's guidance and listen to your body's cues throughout the recovery journey.

Following these tips and maintaining open communication with your surgeon will help ensure a smoother recovery from your tummy tuck procedure.

Tummy Tuck FAQ's

Do you have to be at your ideal weight for a tummy tuck?

You should be at a stable weight, within 10-15 pounds from your goal weight.

What hurts more, tummy tuck or lipo?

Pain tolerance varies from patient to patient, but a tummy tuck is generally more painful than liposuction, as it involves incisions into the muscle, while lipo is less invasive.

What are the complications of a tummy tuck?

Like any surgery, a tummy tuck may have complications that include bleeding, poor wound healing, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), changes in skin sensation, unexpected scarring, and others.

What do tummy tuck scars look like?

The incision is between your hip bones, low on your abdomen at the pubic line. It is placed where it can be concealed by underwear or a bikini bottom. Over time, the scar should fade to a flat white line.

Can you gain weight after a tummy tuck?

It is important to keep your weight stable after your tummy tuck. Significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells in the abdomen to grow and can even result in the return of loose skin.

Why are my thighs bigger after my tummy tuck?

During the healing process, there will be minor swelling in the thighs that may take up to a year to resolve fully. Another factor is weight gain. The fat cells eliminated during your tummy tuck won’t return. If you gain weight, it will appear in other places, such as the thighs or buttocks.

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