Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
in Boston, MA

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck targets the stretched skin and possible separated muscles created by the localized weight gain of pregnancy, or from the gain and then subsequent loss of a good deal of weight. When the skin in the lower abdomen is stretched to a certain extent it cannot tighten down to its former degree of tautness when the weight is lost or after the baby is delivered. This can leave the patient with sagging stomach skin that won’t respond to any exercises – the skin has simply become inelastic. Often during pregnancy, the stomach muscles in the center become separated. These cannot return to their former position in the center of the stomach without tummy tuck surgery.

The goal of a tummy tuck is to remove excess sagging skin, reposition or tighten separated muscles, and remove pockets of fat. The end result will be a flatter abdomen and usually a slimmer contour of the waist.

Candidacy for a Tummy Tuck

Some of Dr. Lin’s patients believe all they require is liposuction to solve their sagging lower stomach, but that’s usually not the case. If the abdominal skin has stretched and the support muscles have separated, liposuction may remove pockets of fat, but the skin will stay loose and lumpy. Plus, liposuction won’t do a thing for those separated muscles.

A tummy tuck is the right procedure for patients with a good deal of stretched skin and separated stomach muscles.

Dr. Lin may include some liposuction to remove some fat pockets, but this procedure generally removes excess skin and tightens the underlying muscle.

This isn’t a weight-loss procedure, however. Patients need to be within about 10 percent of their ideal body weight to have this procedure.

What is the recovery process for a tummy tuck?

The first one to two hours following surgery are spent in the recovery room.  In order to speed up the healing process, rest and limited movement are advised. Stitches are removed shortly after surgery. Normal activity can resume within two weeks. The body may take up to a year to adapt to its new configuration. Diet and exercise are advised to optimize results. Patients may report pain following surgery which can be treated with oral medication. Although the occurrence of complications is rare, Dr. Lin’s Boston patients can reduce the risk of developing potential problems after their tummy tuck procedure by carefully following the post-operative instructions.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

There isn’t a set cost for these procedures with Dr. Lin. That’s because he cannot know your personal situation until seeing you during your consultation. You may only require a mini tummy tuck with a shorter incision, which is less expensive than a full tuck involving two incisions. You may need an extended tummy tuck, where the incision runs from hipbone to hipbone but then extends around the flanks on each side. You may require some liposuction in addition to your tummy tuck surgery. Once Dr. Lin has a better idea of your unique needs he can give you a precise estimate of the cost.

The Risks of a Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty is major surgery, so it entails all of the risks involved with that: bleeding, poor wound healing, infection, reaction to anesthesia, and the like. There are few complications with these procedures, as they involve large muscle groups with limited nerves.

The one side effect, although not actually a side effect, is the extensive scar. There is a chance the long incision won’t heal flat and even, but this is a rare possibility thanks to Dr. Lin’s board-certified surgical expertise and experience. But there will be a lengthy scar. Dr. Lin positions the incision so the scar can be hidden under a bikini bottom or panties, but you will have a scar. It will fade with time.

Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?

Tummy tucks are considered to be cosmetic procedures by insurance companies, so they are generally not covered. We do offer various financing options, however.

What if I plan on having more children, can I still have a tummy tuck?

Dr. Lin emphasizes to his tummy tuck patients that they need to be finished having children to have this procedure. This isn’t an arbitrary thing – if you again gain the localized weight with pregnancy that will negate all of the changes made by a tummy tuck. Plus, it would place serious stress on your incision, possibly distorting your scar. If you’re even considering having any additional children, then this is not the time for this surgery.