The body can’t always ‘snap back’ the way we’d like it to, especially after periods of significant weight fluctuations brought on by pregnancy, dieting, bariatric surgery, medically assisted weight loss, or aging. Even with a dedicated diet and exercise regimen, an accumulation of excess skin or stubborn fat can make a toned midsection feel nearly impossible to rectify. Fortunately, for those looking to supplement their efforts, a board-certified plastic surgeon can help with a tummy tuck in Massachusetts.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures to remove unwanted skin from the midsection, restore separated abdominal muscles, and reveal a smoother, more contoured silhouette. Below I provide details on the different kinds of tummy tucks offered at the Center for Plastic Surgery in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and how each works to help achieve your aesthetic goals.
Each midsection is like a fingerprint — unique to each person. So while everyone will achieve a different endpoint, hopefully, they will enjoy a remarkable change for themselves. There are different types of tummy tucks because it allows us to take a more individualized approach to each person and procedure, optimizing outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Here at the Center for Plastic Surgery in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, we focus on two types of tummy tucks for our patients: a traditional tummy tuck, known as a full abdominoplasty, and a mini tummy tuck, known as a partial abdominoplasty.
A traditional tummy tuck requires an incision from hip to hip, just above the pubic area to hide below the panty line as well as around the belly button (umbilicus). First, I lift the loose skin and unwanted fat from the abdominal wall to expose the muscles below. Next, I tighten the muscles along the midline to tone the abdomen and correct the diastasis (separation of the rectus muscles resulting in protuberance of the abdominal wall).
Then, I will pull down the skin and fat from the abdominal wall, like “pulling down a window shade”, and removing any excess from the lower abdomen (usually removing the entire lower abdominal skin up to the belly button, sometimes slightly more!). Finally, I insert the belly button through a smaller hole for a more contoured, defined look around the belly button.
When I address an even larger area than the traditional tummy tuck, this surgery is referred to as an extended tummy tuck.
While a full abdominoplasty is suitable for individuals with significant excess skin in both the upper and lower abdomen and general muscle laxity, a mini tummy tuck is better suited for those with minimal excess skin and loose muscles confined to the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck often requires a slightly smaller incision compared to a full tummy tuck and only targets the lower abdomen (below the navel) to contour the area. So there is no scar placed around the belly button.
Other kinds of tummy tucks you may read about while researching include:
If your commitment to diet and exercise has led you to consider a tummy tuck in Massachusetts, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck procedure depends on several factors, such as the amount of excess skin across your midsection, the extent of muscle laxity, and your overall health and current weight. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help decide which is the most appropriate procedure to contour your abdominal area.
At Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, I work alongside my patients to recommend the optimal procedure for each individual’s aesthetic goals. I’ll help you decide whether abdominoplasty is your best surgical option versus liposuction of the abdomen or a combination of the two, and potentially any non-surgical treatments that can complement your desired results. To get a better sense of which option may be best for you, click here to see some of our before and after patient photos.
When searching for the best tummy tuck surgeon in Boston, men and women deserve someone they can trust. With over 23 years of experience creating beautiful, natural results and over 4,000 procedures performed, a tummy tuck is one of my favorite procedures to perform! I find it truly gratifying to help patients come full circle with their body transformations after weight loss or pregnancy.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and learn more about your options for a tummy tuck. Contact Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery and Med Spa to inquire about complete and mini abdominoplasty or to set up a consultation today.
Plastic surgery isn’t just about people changing their look—it's about making you feel good about being you. Whether you need breast augmentation, a breast lift, liposuction or Botox, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos is here for you. For over 20 years, patients have sought out the care and results that Dr. Eliopoulos can create in her beautiful Chelmsford, Massachusetts office. The peace of mind that comes from a board-certified, residency- and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon is hard to parallel. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos today to experience the difference for yourself.
