Tummy Tuck

Do you exercise vigorously and diet but still struggle with a flabby abdomen? If so, you may be an appropriate candidate for tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). A popular body contouring procedure, tummy tuck trims loose skin and fatty deposits to create a flatter and more sculpted midsection. Following tummy tuck, the abdomen is more toned and the skin tightly hugs the abdominal wall for more flattering body contours.

What is a tummy tuck?

Many factors contribute to the appearance of a flabby abdomen. Changes in weight, pregnancy, genetics, and the natural aging process can cause the abdominal skin to stretch and lose its firm and elastic quality. This leads to drooping abdominal skin that hangs off the body in folds. Loose skin paired with stubborn fat often creates a “muffin top” appearance that plagues many men and women, even those who follow a strict diet and exercise regimen.

A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that reduces loose excess skin on the abdomen and destroys fatty deposits when paired with liposuction. It also repairs weakened or damaged muscles. The result is a flatter and smoother abdominal contour. The details of tummy tuck vary from patient to patient. Dr. Poulos will meet with you one-on-one to better understand your specific body contouring needs. She will use this information to determine whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Depending on your unique case, she may recommend combining a tummy tuck with another body contouring procedure.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

Traditional:

More attractive abdominal appearance
Improved profile
More confidence in having a photo taken
Increased mobility and stamina
Improved wardrobe choices

Mini Tummy Tuck:

Less Invasive: Smaller incisions mean less scarring and a quicker recovery.
Focused Results: Targets the lower abdominal area for patients with minimal excess skin.
Reduced Downtime: Patients typically experience a faster return to normal activities.
Natural-Looking Outcomes: Enhances the natural contour of the lower abdomen.

Before & After

After waiting 20 years to finally get my tummy tuck, I am exceptionally happy with the results. I look better now than I did 20 years ago. Knowing I was going to have the procedure made me motivated to lose weight and the results have kept me motivated to keep losing. I feel and look fantastic. I highly recommend Dr. Poulos. She was professional and direct and clearly wanted me to have the best results but also the safest and healthiest.

Wendy W.

Mini Tummy Tuck

In addition to the standard tummy tuck, Dr. Poulos offers a less invasive version of the procedure called a mini tummy tuck. Generally, a mini tummy tuck is a great option for individuals with a moderate amount of loose excess skin and/or fat around the lower abdomen. Specifically, a mini tummy tuck addresses the area below the belly button. This technique can also include tightening the lower abdominal muscles with sutures to create a firmer, more defined midsection.

When compared to a traditional tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck requires a much smaller incision and a shorter recovery period. It also tends to be less expensive than a standard tummy tuck. However, the results will be more localized, meaning that it’s not ideal for individuals seeking a drastic transformation.

Focus on Mini Tummy Tucks

Dr. Poulos specializes in various tummy tuck procedures, with a particular emphasis on mini tummy tucks. A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive option, ideal for patients with less excess skin and fat below the belly button. This procedure offers a quicker recovery time and smaller incision compared to a full tummy tuck, making it an excellent choice for those seeking subtle improvements.

A mini tummy tuck specifically targets the lower abdomen. This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area, tightening the underlying muscles, and improving the overall contour of the stomach. Unlike a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck does not involve repositioning the belly button, resulting in a shorter recovery period and less scarring.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Traditional tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Dr. Poulos creates a horizontal incision from hip to hip, between the pubic hairline and the navel. Dr. Poulos may create a second incision around the navel if it is necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. Dr. Poulos will make the agreed-upon modifications through the incisions, including removing skin and fat and suturing the abdominal muscles. Once Dr. Poulos is finished, she will close the incisions with sutures.

During a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Poulos makes a small incision just above the pubic area. Excess skin is removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, and patients can often return home the same day.

What can I expect from my recovery?

After a tummy tuck, you will need to avoid vigorous activity for at least two to four weeks to give your stomach muscles time to properly heal. Soreness and tenderness are to be expected, lasting up to a week, but these symptoms can be well controlled with oral pain medications dispensed by the doctor. You may be asked to wear a compression garment, which helps minimize your swelling and increases your circulation.

Ideal Candidates for a Mini Tummy Tuck

The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is in good shape and at a stable weight but is frustrated by loose, fatty abdominal skin that does not respond to dieting and exercise. All potential patients should be emotionally and physically healthy and have realistic expectations for what their surgery can achieve. Mini tummy tucks are suitable for individuals who:

Have good overall health and stable weight.
Have a small amount of excess skin and fat below the belly button.
Do not require extensive muscle tightening or skin removal.
Are looking for a shorter recovery time and less noticeable scarring.

Why choose Dr. Poulos?

Dr. Cynthia Poulos is a respected tummy tuck surgeon with over 20 years of experience and excellent surgical training and skill. Named “Best Plastic Surgeon” by Worcester Magazine, Dr. Poulos has a reputation for delivering superior tummy tuck results in a way that look completely natural. While many patients have similar requests and goals in mind, Dr. Poulos tailors treatment to each individual patient’s unique anatomy, concerns and desired outcome.

Dr. Poulos is dedicated to the comfort, satisfaction, and overall wellbeing of her patients. Her state-of-the-art facility has earned accreditation through the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), a reputable national organization that requires office-based surgery facilities to adhere to the highest safety standards. Thousands of men and women have chosen Dr. Poulos for their tummy tuck procedure thanks to the doctor’s commitment to patient safety and care.

If you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about your stomach, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with our tummy tuck surgeon. Contact Dr. Poulos’ Northborough office by calling today.