Tummy Tuck Cambridge, MA

Rated one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in 2020 to benefit a patient’s appearance, is the Tummy Tuck. This procedure allows patients to achieve a smoother contour that they were unable to achieve through exercise or diet.

Wellesley Office

Address:
25 Walnut St, Suite 400,
Wellesley, MA 02481
Tel: 781-236-6226

Hours Open:
Monday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Office Directions from Cambridge

  • Get on I-90 W in Boston from Dana St, Memorial Dr and Soldiers Field Rd.
  • Head SW on Ellery St towards Broadway. Turn left onto Broadway. Turn right onto Dana St. Turn left onto Massachusetts Ave. Turn right onto Bay St.
  • Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Green St. Turn left onto Putnam Ave. Turn right onto Flagg St. Turn left onto memorial Dr. Turn right onto Western Ave
  • Turn left onto Soldiers Field Rd
  • Merge onto I-90 W. Take exit 16 to merge onto MA-16 W/ Washington St towards Wellesley. Slight left onto Wales St/ Walnut St.
  • Destination will be on the right.

What is a Tummy Tuck in Cambridge, MA?

People usually consider Tummy Tucks if they are wanting to achieve a more shapely, smoother and firmer abdomen. The removal or reduction in stretch marks is also reported to be an additional benefit of such a procedure, lifting people’s self-esteem and giving confidence when purchasing and wearing new clothes.

People who have an issue with loose or sagging skin in the abdominal area are typical candidates for this cosmetic procedure. The removal of any excess skin and tightening of the abdominal wall muscles during this procedure, may be the reason for considering a Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the reasons for this are usually:

  • Aging
  • Hereditary conditions
  • Pregnancy
  • Prior surgery, and
  • Significant fluctuations in weight.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of a Tummy Tuck, please visit our blog on the Most Frequently Asked Questions.

What are the different types of Tummy Tuck?

As there are various types and styles of Tummy Tuck, a patient should consider their desired goal when choosing a procedure. The area of the abdomen that is causing concern, the volume of loose skin to be removed and the length/location of the incision, are just some of the things to be taken into consideration.

Consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon is recommended for anyone considering a Tummy Tuck procedure. Having the aesthetic and medical expertise in your chosen procedure, as well as making you feel comfortable in consultation, are just some of the things people should look for when choosing their surgeon.

Classic Tummy Tuck

When looking to improve issues with both their upper and lower abdomen, a Classic Tummy Tuck would be their chosen procedure, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Where there is an issue with weakened abdominal muscles and/or an excess of skin around their midsection, for people who are otherwise is good health, a Classic Tummy Tuck would help them to achieve their desired goal. A more flattened and shapely abdomen can be achieved both above and below their belly buttons.

Dr. Mark Markarian, a Board-Certified Boston Plastic Surgeon, says a Classic Tummy Tuck includes:

  • Making a small umbilical incision, which is not visible (giving patients an “innie” belly button).
  • Making a short, low waistline incision which is designed to be hidden by the patient’s underwear or swimsuit
  • Removing the necessary skin
  • Tightening the abdominal muscles

What is the recovery time? Is one of the most common questions asked.

When looking at recovery time following a Tummy Tuck procedure, age, overall fitness and general health are all factors to be considered. It is reported by WebMD that patients may need drainage tubes under their skin for a few days. The down time, following the procedure is usually a week. Following that, most activities can be resumed within 3 weeks and full exercise taken after 6 weeks, is the advice given by Dr. Markarian.

Mini Tummy Tuck

People who have issues with loose skin, a “pooch” or stretch marks below their belly button may wish to consider a Mini Tummy Tuck, suggests the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The option of a Mini Tummy Tuck is for people who wish to address their lower abdomen only (below their belly button) and not their full abdomen (a Classic Tummy Tuck).

The issue of stubborn fat between the pubic and navel area (despite exercise and having a healthy diet) is often corrected by choosing a Mini Tummy Tuck.

The removal of excess skin and tightening of underlying abdominal muscles by making a small horizontal incision between the hipbones are part of the procedures involved in a Mini Tummy Tuck, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

A patient’s belly button is not repositioned when performing a Mini Tummy Tuck as any excess skin, fat or muscle laxity above the belly button is not addressed. Recovery from a Mini Tummy Tuck is less than that of a Classic Tummy Tuck and people who are in good health, have been known to heal in 2 weeks. It is, however, recommend that performing any strenuous activity should not be undertaken for at least 6 weeks.

Extended Tummy Tuck

Improving a patient’s flanks, in addition to their abdominal area, are the procedures involved in an Extended Tummy Tuck surgery. This would be an effective treatment to achieve the desired result of refining the shape of the body, possibly following significant weight loss.

Substantial laxity in a patient’s abdominal muscles or an abundance of excess skin hanging from their upper and lower abdomen and flanks, would make an ideal candidate for this type of Extended Tummy Tuck procedure.

Liposuction (often addressing issues with love handles, hips and flanks) may also be performed during an Extended Tummy Tuck procedure in order to achieve a patient’s overall desired body shape.

There is more postoperative scarring due to the length of incision required for the larger range involved in an Extended Tummy Tuck but this is designed to be hidden by clothing or swimsuits.

According to MedicalNewsToday, the scarring from an Extended Tummy Tuck may take longer to heal, but the recovery period is similar to that of a Classic Tummy Tuck.

Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck

The shape of the incision made during the surgical procedure of a Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck is where the name originates (resembling the petals of a Fleur-De-Lis) explains Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Jamie Schwartz.

Following dramatic weight loss, leading to both vertical and horizontal laxity may be one of the reasons for a patient considering this procedure. Like Classic Tummy Tuck candidates they would have loose skin in their lower abdomen, with the additional issue of looseness from side-to-side.

Patients suffering from excess skin in the middle of the abdominal area would benefit from this procedure advises Board-Certified Boston Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Markarian.

According to CER Hospital, there are two incisions involved in this Tummy Tuck procedure. As in a Classic Tummy Tuck, one is made along the pubic bone and the second, running along the middle of the abdomen. The combination of these two incisions allows the surgeon to tighten the patient’s abdominal skin from side-to-side as well as up-and-down, drastically improving the appearance of the whole abdominal area.

Dr. Markarian advises people considering the Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck to seriously contemplate the scar burden associated with this procedure.

Recovery from this procedure is usually 2-3 weeks before returning to work and no exercise until 6 weeks after surgery.

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

The removal of excess skin is the aim of a Tummy Tuck procedure and the removal of pockets of fat is the aim of Liposuction. If these two procedures are combined, body fat, excess loose skin and muscle tissue repair issues can all be addressed concurrently.

In her article for WomensHealthMag, Kate Bayless advised patients considering Tummy Tuck surgery that they should not be offended if their surgeon suggests Liposuction as part of their procedure.

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck procedures performed together, may be considered by people who have various abdominal issues they wish to be addressed. Prospective patients are advised to consult with a Board-Certified Plastic surgeon who would fully explain the procedure and the recovery process.

Tummy Tuck Cost in Cambridge

Most patients would need to consider how to fund their procedure as a Tummy Tuck is not considered to be a medically required procedure but an elective one.

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery advises that the cost of a Tummy Tuck may be between $4,000 and $18,000. The difference in price range would depend upon the surgeon’s expertise and certifications, inclusion of any hospital, anesthesia or other related expenses. All of which should be explained and a full breakdown of fees included in any quote received, before committing to any type of surgery.

It is suggested that a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon should be consulted for expert aesthetic advise regarding their intended procedure.

Choosing a Tummy Tuck Surgeon

When looking to choose a surgeon to perform their surgery procedure, patients are advised to take the following things into account:

  • The surgeon’s credentials
  • Expertise and experience in their surgery of choice
  • Results of other patients

Dr. Markarian recommends prospective patients considering a Tummy Tuck should only book consultations with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. New patients should also consider how at ease they feel when meeting with plastic surgeons as this would make their whole experience more comfortable.

Dr. Markarian’s Awards, Certifications and Educational achievements include:

  • Undergraduate: Biology and Criminology; University of California; Irvine
  • Graduate: MS; Public Health; Epidemiology; Emory University
  • Internship: Public Health; Tufts University School of Medicine
  • Residency: Plastic Surgery; Saint Louis University
  • Fellowship: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; Harvard University

Tummy Tuck Before and After

Contact the Office

Those who thoroughly research the benefits and risks associated with the procedure they are considering, make the best plastic surgery patients, believes Dr. Markarian.

The next step, if you are considering a Tummy Tuck procedure in Cambridge, Ma, would be to contact a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for consultation.

If you would like to learn more about Tummy Tucks before your consultation, please visit our blog on the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Tummy Tucks.