Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty or an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, as well as tightening muscles and repositioning the abdominal wall muscles to create a flat, toned appearance.
A tummy tuck can help you regain your confidence, feel more comfortable in your clothes, and get back into your regular routine after pregnancy or weight loss. It’s also a great way to enhance your appearance if you’re unhappy with the way your body has changed over time due to aging or other factors.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck procedure in Boston or elsewhere, it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure. The best tummy tuck surgeons have extensive experience performing this type of surgery on both men and women of all ages and body types—from teens to seniors!
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on Best tummy tuck surgeon in boston, top tummy tuck surgeons near me. Read on to learn more. We at cosmeticsurgerytips have all the information that you need about tummy tuck cost. Read on to learn more.
Best tummy tuck surgeon in boston
As a popular body-shaping surgery at our San Francisco practice, a tummy tuck is designed to repair weakened abdominal muscles and get rid of saggy skin. Yet not all tummy tucks are created equal.
To get the best outcomes possible from a tummy tuck, finding a skilled, highly qualified plastic surgeon is a requirement rather than a luxury.
In a nutshell, find a surgeon who can help you make well-informed decisions, and recommend the appropriate tummy tuck variation based on your current needs and existing physique.
A Cautionary Tale Worth Retelling
Jane is a 28-year-old student and mother of one who was unhappy with her flabby belly following childbirth. After hearing a radio ad promising a safe, quick, and minimally invasive procedure that would remove her belly fat and tighten her sagging skin — two major issues that Jane has been struggling with — Jane decided to check it out. It turned out to be an ad about Smartlipo laser liposuction by a national liposuction chain.
Frustrated with the way her tummy looked even after eating clean and a consistent exercise routine, she eventually signed up for their consultation.
On her first visit, she was seen by a ‘patient counselor’ who performed a quick assessment, and assured her that she was a good candidate for the procedure. The counselor offered her a “special,” including $1000-off if she signed up that day.
Of course, the offer was “too good to pass up,” so she signed up for the procedure on the spot.
Jane didn’t meet her surgeon until the morning of the surgery, but he seemed like a nice guy. During the procedure, despite local anesthesia, she felt like she was being stabbed, even though the patient counselor had assured her that the procedure wouldn’t hurt.
In spite of the pain, Jane managed to get through the procedure. Unfortunately, the SmartLipo results turned out poor. After waiting almost six months to heal, Jane’s abdominal skin ended up uneven with horrible-looking dimples.
She went back to the clinic that performed the procedure, but was told that she was not an ideal candidate in the first place because of loose skin. Jane was upset that there was no mention of this when she initially talked to the patient counselor.
Sadly, this happens more frequently than you would think.
Jane eventually found out about Dr. Fan and came in for a consultation at our San Francisco practice.
Dr. Fan listened to her concerns, reviewed her history, performed a thorough examination, and personally spent over an hour talking with her about her options. She decided to undergo the recommended tummy tuck and was ultimately thrilled with the results!
What Makes A Great Tummy Tuck Surgeon?
If there’s one key lesson to glean from Jane’s story, it would have to be the importance of finding a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon who can give you an honest appraisal of your condition and the necessary treatment rather than trusting in heavily marketed, unproven technology and non-expert doctors.
So how do you spot a well-versed, expert plastic surgeon from the inexperienced?
Four Things to Look For:
1. Board-Certification in Plastic Surgery
Find a surgeon who is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Board certified plastic surgeons are the only doctors who have been rigorously educated, trained, and certified to perform cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. Evaluate your surgeon for outstanding credentials and track record in producing stellar results specific to the type of surgery that you’re interested in.
Be wary of anybody who calls themselves a “cosmetic surgeon” or any doctor who is not specifically board certified in plastic surgeon.
2. A Plastic Surgeon Who Performs A Full Range of Tummy Contouring Procedures
Most patients with sagging tummies need a tummy tuck, but others may be candidates for alternative treatments such as liposuction and/or CoolSculpting.
The only doctor who is qualified to give you a full and honest opinion as to what YOU need is a plastic surgeon who performs the full spectrum of tummy contouring treatments (ie. nonsurgical treatments like CoolSculpting, minimally invasive treatments like liposuction, and surgical treatments like tummy tucks).
Doctors who do not perform tummy tucks (eg. doctors who only perform liposuction, or doctors or medical spas that only perform non-invasive fat reduction treatments) do not have the expertise to give you a qualified assessment. Additionally, they have a vested incentive to steer you away from a tummy tuck because they don’t offer that service.
3. A Genuine Concern For Your Health, Needs, and Goals
Go for the surgeon who takes the time to understand your needs and preferences. A great tummy tuck surgeon will help you get the results you want rather than what they want.
To accomplish the best results possible without compromising safety, the surgeon of your choice should be thoughtful, detail-oriented, and have a keen sense of aesthetic artistry.
Unlike Jane’s unfortunate experience with the liposuction chain post-surgery, a surgeon who genuinely cares for your safety will stick with you even after the procedure.
4. Technical Finesse and Artistry Rolled Into One
As a prospective tummy tuck patient, take the time to find a surgeon who is a true artist and much more than just a technician. Renowned plastic surgeons have an innate eye for beauty and technical finesse in body sculpting procedures. Attention to the smallest of details and a commitment to excellence can make all the difference between an OK result and a GREAT result.
The Best Tummy Tuck Surgeons in the United States
Now that you’re aware of the qualities to look for in a great tummy tuck surgeon, your next step is to find the best tummy tuck surgeon in your area.
For starters, it can be overwhelming as just about every plastic surgeon’s website (including ours) claims they are the right choice for you.
To refrain from ending up like Jane, here’s a roundup of the best tummy tuck surgeons in the country’s major cities:
Dr. Alan Matarasso (New York City)
Dr. Alan Matarasso’s dedication to medical training, education, and scientific research are manifested in his membership and active participation in more than twenty regional and national medical organizations. In terms of tummy tuck expertise, Dr. Matarasso has edited a three-volume series on liposuction and body contouring techniques.
Dr. Todd Pollock, MD (Dallas, Texas)
Dr. Todd A. Pollock is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member in good standing of the American Society of Plastic Surgery. He has hospital privileges at several Dallas and Allen area hospitals to perform all of the procedures that are also offered in our accredited office surgical suite.
Dr. Eric Swanson (Kansas City, Kansas)
An advocate for evidence-based medicine, Dr. Eric Swanson is the founder of the Swanson center in Kansas. He is dedicated to staying at the leading edge of technological progress, so patients benefit from the most advanced treatments and techniques available.
Dr. Susan Downey (Los Angeles, California)
Dr. Susan Downey is a board certified plastic surgeon who has had a practice in the Los Angeles area for 22 years. She also has a particular interest in post massive weight loss patients especially after bariatric procedures and has over 20 years experience in the field.
Dr. Larry Fan (San Francisco, California)
Dr. Larry Fan is the founding director of 77 Plastic Surgery in San Francisco. He is known for his expertise in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and Asian cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Fan has been named one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons for the past seven years. He has been an invited speaker at numerous national and international meetings including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Fan is also a recognized plastic surgery expert who is highly sought after by both industry and the media and has been featured on CNN, NBC, ABC, Bloomberg, and Refinery 29.
Patients often remark about Dr. Fan’s finesse in providing aesthetically beautiful and natural results. He is also known for incorporating non-surgical cosmetic treatments into his practice, as well as being open and honest with patients.
Your Next Step to a Flat, Firm, and Flab-Free Tummy
Nothing beats a face-to-face consultation if you want to gain insight into a plastic surgeon’s credentials, and get a feel for their practice’s overall approach in helping you attain striking yet subtle tummy tuck results.
Top tummy tuck surgeons near me
- An extended tummy tuck is similar to a abdominoplasty, but the procedure also targets fat on the flanks and lower back.
- The incision wraps from the low pelvis to the lower back.
Safety
- Extended tummy tucks are generally considered safe. As with all surgeries, there are risks involved.
- Risks include swelling, fluid accumulation, reaction to anesthesia, and numbness after surgery.
Convenience
- Tummy tucks are an in-hospital procedure where patients are put under anesthesia.
- If the procedure is elective, as most are, it will not be covered by insurance.
- It’s important to find a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon whose work you trust.
Cost
- The cost for a tummy tuck varies widely based on where you live, the procedure itself, and the size of the area.
- It will usually fall between $4,000 and $18,000.
Effectiveness
- Extended tummy tucks are very effective with studies reporting that the majority of those who elect to have this procedure are satisfied by the results.
What is an extended tummy tuck?
An extended tummy tuck is very similar to a regular tummy tuck — sometimes called an abdominoplasty — but instead of just reducing excess skin and fat on the stomach, it also targets the flank area, or love handles, between the waist and hips. In some cases, an extended tummy tuck will also target excess skin on the lateral thigh.
The ideal candidates for an extended tummy tuck include people who have lost a lot of weight and have excess skin, and those who want to slim the appearance of their stomach and flanks.
How much does an extended tummy tuck cost?
The cost of an extended tummy will vary depending on the surgeon, the volume of fat, and the size of the area. The price range for a tummy tuck generally falls between $4,000 and $18,000.
In 2019, the average cost of a tummy tuck (not extended) was $6,092 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Because there is more involved in an extended tummy tuck, the cost will likely be more. In addition, this cost is only for the procedure and does not take into account anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.
Because tummy tucks are usually done for aesthetic reasons only, the procedure will not be covered by insurance. In some cases, a tummy tuck may relieve back pain and incontinence. You will also likely have to take several days off from work for recovery.
How does an extended tummy tuck work?
Extended tummy tucks work by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairing any muscles that have become loosened or torn. Through an incision above the pubic hairline that wraps around to the lower back, skin and fat are removed from the stomach and flank area. The skin is laid flat, and the belly button is reattached, giving the skin a smoother, flatter appearance.
In a 2012 studyTrusted Source of 25 individuals who underwent extended tummy tuck surgery, all 25 were “extremely satisfied” with the results.
Procedure for extended tummy tuck
- During an extended tummy tuck, the surgeon will typically make an incision between your hip bones, low in the pubic area. If you’re having a tummy tuck after a C-section, they may reopen the same scar.
- Any muscles that have been separated, such as from pregnancy, will be sewn together so they appear taut. Full tummy tucks can fix diastasis recti, which is a splitting of the abdominal muscles.
- The belly button will be cut away, and liposuction may be performed if there is extra fat.
- Excess skin is removed from the tummy and flank area, and the skin will be pulled taut.
- Finally, the belly button is sutured in its original place, unless you and your surgeon decide to change its shape.
Targeted areas for extended tummy tuck
Extended tummy tucks target the upper and lower stomach, waist, flanks, and sometimes the uppermost lateral portion of the thigh.0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with all surgery, there are some risks and side effects associated with extended tummy tucks. One study found that 8.5 percentTrusted Source of people who underwent tummy tuck surgery were re-administered into the hospital because of some kind of complication. These complications and side effects may include:
- numbness after surgery, which is typically temporary
- excess fluid or blood pooling in the belly
- swelling and redness
- internal organ puncture — while rare, could be caused by cannula (a tube that removes excess fluids from the body) penetrating too deeply and potentially puncturing an organ
What to expect after an extended tummy tuck
Your surgeon or nurse should brief you on what to expect after surgery including:
- what activities to avoid and how long
- if and when you can consume alcohol and certain medications or supplements
- how long to wear your compression garment
- how to manage your drainage tubes, if your surgeon uses them
- when to schedule a follow-up appointment
You will be able to see some results immediately, though your abdominal area will be swollen and bandaged. For the first few weeks, you will likely be advised to rest at an angle and avoid strenuous activity or lifting heavy things.
Around the 2- to 3-month mark, most of the swelling will likely have gone down, though you may still see some scarring, which should lighten over time. After 6 months to a year, you will see the full results, which should be permanent unless you gain weight quickly or have a pregnancy.
Before and after pictures
It’s helpful to see photos from people who have had extended tummy tucks when deciding if the procedure is right for you. Check out before and after photos below:
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Preparing for an extended tummy tuck
Before your extended tummy tuck, you’ll likely need to get a blood panel to make sure you’re in good health. You will also want to meet with your surgeon to discuss what to expect. Also, you will need to arrange a ride home.
You may also be told to:
- stop smoking
- limit alcohol
- stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin) and certain herbal supplements, which could potentially worsen bleeding or prevent proper clotting
Extended tummy tuck vs. traditional tummy tuck
An extended tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck are very similar procedures. The main difference is that an extended tummy tuck addresses the flanks, also known as love handles, between the waist and hip. Because of the additional procedure, an extended tummy tuck is often more expensive, takes longer to complete, and may require a longer recovery time post-surgery.
How to find a provider
An extended tummy tuck should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. You can use the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Find a Surgeon Tool tool to find a list of board-certified plastic surgeons near you.
Tummy tuck cost
The abdominal area can be a stubborn area of the body to achieve a flat, taut or smooth appearance. If you’ve been looking for a treatment that will get rid of the sagging pooch or flab around your stomach, you may have looked into liposuction or a tummy tuck. Although both treatments may address similar areas, there are important differences to consider when deciding on your treatment.
Trying to determine which option is best for you can be confusing and overwhelming. The information below will help get you started.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally-invasive surgical treatment that suctions excess fat away from the body permanently.
Achieving a flatter, tighter abdomen may not come to you despite regular exercise and a healthy diet. When it comes to stubborn deposits of belly fat, there are few treatments that can deliver results like liposuction. Though liposuction is not meant to be considered a weight-loss alternative, it is a great treatment for spot-reduction of exercise-resistant fat stores that typically develop around the stomach.
If the problem areas around your belly are primarily an issue of excess fat, then liposuction is typically the best route.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess, stretched or sagging skin from the abdomen to restore a flatter, and tighter abdominal area. A tummy tuck is also highly capable of repairing weakened or stretched abdominal muscles.
In many cases, when we’re talking about the stomach and abdominal area, there is also the issue of excess, sagging skin. Pregnancy, aging, and large amounts of weight loss can result in sagging, stretched “flaps” of skin around the stomach. In these cases, liposuction may not be the best treatment because the excess skin is better addressed through treatments such as a tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction Houston, TX
Both a tummy tuck and liposuction can deliver great results for achieving a flatter, leaner abdomen. To answer the question of which treatment is right for you comes down to the issue of excess skin versus excess fat.
Belly Fat versus Excess Skin
The struggle to achieve a slimmer stomach is one of the most common issues and only tends to get more challenging as you get older. Fat distribution is highly individualized and is affected by age, gender, genetics, and lifestyle. For women, they may notice a pronounced change of excess fat deposits around the waist after menopause, which studies show is linked to the changing levels of estrogen in the body.
Hormone levels have an important influence on how your body stores fat.
Aging, genetics, and lifestyle also play a big role in skin elasticity. Skin elasticity is the ability of your skin to hold a taut shape and resist the effects of gravity. When skin becomes stretched due to weight gain, age, and pregnancy, sagging skin can develop. Additional dieting and weight loss cannot treat sagging skin and may actually make the appearance of sagging skin worse.
Tummy Tuck or Liposuction? Which treatment is right for me?
The best choice for you is based on a number of factors unique to your body and goals. At a glance, the key differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction are:
Benefits
Liposuction: Fat removal and reduction
Tummy Tuck: Skin reduction and abdominal muscle repair
Cost:
Liposuction: Between $4,000 to $8,000 ~ average costs $6,000. (Learn more about liposuction pricing.)
Tummy Tuck: Between$6,000 to $$10,000 ~average cost $8,000.
Recovery Time:
Liposuction: 2 days off work and light physical activity, return to high impact exercise after 2 – 3 weeks.
Tummy Tuck: 2 – 3 weeks off work and light physical activity, returning to high impact exercise after 2 – 3 months.
Ideal Candidates for Liposuction
You may benefit from liposuction treatment if you:
- Are in good overall health, within a reasonable range of your ideal body weight
- Are a non-smoker
- Do not have sagging skin around the abdomen
- Have excellent skin elasticity
Ideal Candidates for Tummy Tuck
You may be better served by a tummy tuck if you:
- Are in good, overall health, close to your ideal body weight
- Have a “paunch” or excess flab of sagging skin around the abdomen
- Have completed your last pregnancy
- Are open to a surgical procedure that will involve significant recovery time
In general, patients under the age of 40 are better-suited for liposuction because they tend to have better skin elasticity. Patients over the age of 45 may benefit from a tummy tuck’s ability to tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Weakened abdominal muscles can occur due to age or as a result of multiple pregnancies.
Your Consultation
The best way to be certain of which treatment will achieve your desired result is with a consultation. Speaking in person with a fat reduction and body sculpting specialist is the best way to get an accurate assessment. An experienced cosmetic surgeon will always recommend the treatment that will best serve the patient’s realistic goals and their unique anatomy.
Your consultation is a private personalized meeting where you can discuss your goals and concerns in detail.
After a physical examination and assessment of your medical history, you will receive a tailored treatment plan that is created to fit your body and goals. In some cases, our patients may discover they may even qualify for non-surgical options such as CoolSculpting.
Only a consultation with an experienced surgeon can determine which options are best for an individual.
How is Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction is a safe, effective option for spot-reducing and eliminating stubborn pockets of exercise-resistant fat. At Houston Liposuction Center, SmartLipo, Vaser Lipo, and Tumescent Liposuction techniques are available for reducing fat from the abdomen.
Liposuction treatments are performed on an outpatient basis and typically range from one to two hours in treatment time. The modern techniques used make it possible for patients to remain awake and comfortable during the entire treatment. Patients are back on their feet and able to return home as soon as the treatment is complete. The procedure requires 1 to 2 mm incisions near the treatment site to enable a specialized tool called a cannula to suction fat from the body.
After treatment, mild swelling and bruising is common, but are managed with pain medication and compression garments.
How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Tummy tucks are relatively more involved surgical treatments compared to liposuction. The procedure requires about two to three hours to complete.
First, a tummy tuck is typically performed under general anesthesia. A horizontal incision is made across the lower abdomen. Every effort is made to locate the incision where it will be well-hidden by the bikini line. Then, excess skin is trimmed and the abdominal skin is pulled taut for a flatter appearance. In some cases, an additional, circular incision will be made to make an appropriate space for the belly button.
A tummy tuck is indicated for repairing stretched or weakened abdominal muscles. This is achieved by stitching the two vertical muscle groups of the rectus abdominis together with permanent sutures. The most common type of abdominal muscle separation occurs along the vertical line between the two major muscle groups of the abdomen, a condition called rectus diastasis.
After the muscles have been tightened and excess skin removed, sutures close the incision sites. Drains, compression garments, and surgical dressings are applied to protect the treated area as it heals.
Results of Liposuction versus Tummy Tuck
Both liposuction and tummy tuck can achieve a flatter, smooth stomach with long-term results. Weight gain in the future can impact the results of both procedures.
Liposuction permanently removes excess fat tissue from the body, which will not return to the treated area unless there is future weight gain. Most patients are encouraged by their great liposuction results, which instills a newfound enthusiasm for healthy habits.
The results of a tummy tuck are permanent unless there are future pregnancies or weight gain that can re-stretch the abdominal wall. The excess skin is permanently removed by the procedure. Tummy tucks will leave a visible surgical scar along the lower stomach, but this will continuously fade over time.