Tummy Tuck Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Tummy Tuck procedures have an extremely high worth-it rating of 95% on RealSelf due to the significant benefits that patients have reported after undergoing the procedure. Generally, tummy tuck procedures are performed to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles after pregnancy or significant weight loss has altered a patient’s stomach.

• What is a Tummy Tuck?
• What are the different types of Tummy Tuck?
  • Full Tummy Tuck
  • Mini Tummy Tuck
  • Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck
  • Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
• The cost of a Tummy Tuck in Cape Cod
• What to look for in a Cape Cod Tummy Tuck Surgeon
• Tummy Tuck Before and After
• Contact the Office
• Directions to the Office
• Local Surgery Center Privileges

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck procedures are designed to give patients a slimmer, more contoured, and tighter abdomen. An incision is made, from hip to hip across the bottom of the abdomen and any excess skin or stretch marks are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The procedure can be combined with abdominal liposuction to remove any excess fat deposits from the abdomen. For more information about tummy tuck procedures, the benefits, and the recovery period, visit our blog ‘Tummy Tuck Boston: The Most Frequently Asked Questions.

What are the different types of Tummy Tuck in Cape Cod, MA?

There are various different tummy tuck procedures available that focus on different areas of the stomach. The most suitable tummy tuck procedure will depend on each patient’s aims and areas of concern. Any patients considering a tummy tuck procedure should book a consultation with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon so that they can discuss their specific goals for surgery and receive expert advice on what type of procedure will best fit their needs. It is important that patients see a surgeon who specializes in Tummy Tuck procedures so that they can get the best advice and results.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full Tummy Tuck procedure is performed across the entire abdomen and so addresses concerns on both the upper and lower regions of the abdomen. A large incision is made across the bottom of the stomach (designed to be hidden by the patient’s underwear or swimsuit) and the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin from across the abdomen is removed. Due to the fact that the surgery is performed across the entire abdomen the belly button often needs to be altered or repositioned. The specific details of your procedure will be explained during your consultation as the exact stages and techniques used will depend on your goals.

Dr. Mark Markarian, a Board-Certified Boston Plastic Surgeon, explains that a Full Tummy Tuck procedure generally consists of:

• Making a small umbilical incision, which is not visible, to give patients an “innie” belly button
• Making an incision running from hip to hip at the bottom of the stomach
• Removing any excess skin
• Tightening the abdominal muscles

Initially, after the procedure, some patients may have drains in place for a few days or weeks and it is essential that patients look after them and follow all after-care instructions their surgeon has given them. It is important to rest and take a couple of weeks off work to allow your body time to recover and heal from the surgery. Dr. Markarian explains that most patients tend to be able to return to usual activities within three weeks and should be able to fully exercise after six weeks.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A Mini Tummy Tuck procedure uses the same techniques as a full tummy tuck but the surgery is only performed on the lower section of the abdomen. The procedure is therefore suitable for patients who have concerns regarding excess skin or a “pooch” on their lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is less extensive than a full tummy tuck procedure and the incision line tends to be smaller as only the muscles and skin of the lower abdomen need to be accessed. Specific concerns over having a “pooch” can be addressed with abdominal Liposuction of the lower abdomen.

According to Healthline, a Mini Tummy Tuck procedure generally consists of:

• Making a small horizontal incision between the hipbones
• Removing excess skin on the lower abdomen
• Tightening the muscles of the lower abdomen

Since the procedure is less extensive than a full tummy tuck the recovery period tends to be shorter. Many mini tummy tuck procedures are drainless, but if drains are put in place you will need to have an appointment around a week after the surgery to have these removed. It generally takes around two or three weeks for patients to return to their usual activities but it can take four weeks for some patients and up to six weeks for the swelling to subside and the full results of the procedure to be visible. It is important to allow your body time to recover by getting sufficient rest and following all after-care instructions provided by your surgeon.

Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck

This procedure is more extensive than a full tummy tuck as it also removes excess skin and tightens the muscles horizontally across the abdomen, rather than just vertically. The fleur-de-lis technique tends to be recommended to patients who have experienced significant weight loss and have both vertical and horizontal excess skin across the middle of their abdomen.

The technique is named after the incision shape since it is similar to that of the petals of a Fleur-De-Lis. Unlike other tummy tuck procedures, this technique uses two incision lines and so scarring is more extensive from this procedure. One incision is made between the hip bones, the same as is performed for both the full and mini tummy tuck, and the second incision runs along the middle of the abdomen, so the skin can be tightened across the sides of the abdomen.

Since the procedure uses two incisions and is more extensive than other tummy tuck procedures the recovery time is generally longer. After the surgery compressive dressings must be worn and it is normal to experience abdominal pain and swelling. It is generally recommended that patients take two or three weeks off work to properly heal from the surgery.

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

Abdominal liposuction is frequently performed alongside a tummy tuck procedure to achieve a more contoured and slimmer result. Liposuction inserts a cannula into the stomach and uses a vacuum to suction out the unwanted fat deposits to effectively contour and slim the area. In WomensHealthMag, Kate Bayless explains that liposuction is commonly performed alongside a tummy tuck as it can enhance the results of the procedure, so patients should not be offended if they are recommended both procedures. The exact process and recovery period will vary if liposuction is also undertaken so it is important to research both procedures and be clear on the goals of your surgery.

The Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Cape Cod

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the average cost of a tummy tuck procedure is between $4,000 and $18,000. However, often this cost does not include the price of anesthesia or hospital expenses and so the entire surgery can amount to more than this. The average price range of this surgery is so large because undergoing a mini tummy tuck is much cheaper since it is a less extensive procedure. More complex techniques that are performed across a greater area of the abdomen such as the fleur-de-lis tummy tuck will cost far more.

Tummy Tuck procedures are very rarely covered by a patient’s insurance policy as the surgery is undertaken for aesthetic reasons. Therefore, patients typically need to fund the entire procedure themselves.

If you are considering undergoing a procedure, you should book a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to receive professional aesthetic advice and a quotation including the full breakdown of fees.

What to look for in a Cape Cod Tummy Tuck Surgeon

Dr. Markarian recommends that patients who are considering a Tummy Tuck procedure should make sure to book a consultation with at least one Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. When booking a consultation it is important to consider the plastic surgeon’s credentials, expertise, and the results of previous patients who have undergone the procedure you are looking into getting.

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

Tummy Tuck Before and After

Contact the Office

Dr. Markarian believes the best plastic surgery patients are those that have undertaken independent research into the surgery, the various techniques, and the recovery period.

If you are considering a Tummy Tuck procedure, the next step is to contact a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. Additionally, to learn more information about Tummy Tucks before your consultation, please visit our blog on the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Tummy Tucks.

Local Surgery Clinic Privileges