You work out, you eat well, and you feel great. But sometimes things like pregnancy or impressive weight loss leave behind that one bit of loose skin or some separated abdominal muscles. It can be frustrating when you're so close to the shape you've been going for, and you just need a little help to finalize the look.
At Joseph A. Russo, MD, right here in Newton, MA, we offer the Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty, as the direct solution. Dr. Russo is an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in surgical body contouring that precisely fixes muscle separation (diastasis recti) and removes that extra skin. The procedure delivers a smooth, tightened, and totally balanced stomach profile that finally matches all the effort you put in every day.
A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a major cosmetic surgery designed to address issues in the abdominal area that neither diet nor dedicated exercise can fully correct. This surgical procedure focuses on two key structural problems: excess skin and the laxity of the internal abdominal wall.
The procedure involves removing excess skin and extra fat from the mid-to-lower abdomen. It also includes expertly tightening the underlying abdominal muscles that can separate due to pregnancy or significant weight loss. Dr. Russo anchors these muscles back together with sutures, creating an internal "corset" that results in a significantly flatter, firmer abdominal area. The goal is to flatten the stomach area and achieve a more defined shape.
Choosing to have tummy tuck surgery in Newton is choosing to permanently reset your core contour. This body contouring procedure solves physical issues that impact daily life and provides aesthetic benefits that enhance how you feel in everything from workout clothes to a bikini.
When considering abdominoplasty, it's important to understand which procedure addresses your specific needs. The primary difference between a tummy tuck (or full tummy tuck) and a mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty) lies in the extent of correction and the location of the tissue laxity in the abdominal region.
A full tummy tuck is the comprehensive solution. It addresses both the upper and lower abdomen, requires repositioning the belly button, and includes the critical diastasis recti repair for maximum muscle tightening. This is the procedure of choice when a patient has significant loose excess skin above and below the navel, often following pregnancy or massive weight loss.
A mini tummy tuck is reserved for minor corrections. This surgical procedure targets only the lower abdominal region, involves a much shorter incision, and typically does not include extensive diastasis recti repair. It's ideal for patients with a small amount of extra skin and extra fat concentrated only in the lower abdomen, who otherwise have firm core muscles.
During your consultation, Dr. Russo will determine which surgical plan—the mini tummy tuck or the full tummy tuck—will best achieve your desired appearance and shape.
The ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery is a physically healthy individual who has achieved a stable weight and struggles with loose abdominal skin and muscle laxity. Most often, this laxity is the result of irreversible factors like multiple pregnancy cycles or dramatic weight loss.
The main contraindication is planning future pregnancies; since a subsequent pregnancy would likely undo the muscle repair. Dr. Russo strongly advises patients to defer the tummy tuck until they are finished having children. Patients must also stop smoking well in advance of the surgery, as tobacco use severely compromises wound healing and increases the risk of complications like poor wound healing and infection.
A tummy tuck is fundamentally a body contouring procedure. It targets the physical structures of the midsection that prevent a patient from achieving a flat, toned look, regardless of their fitness level.
This is the issue of extra skin that hangs or drapes, especially in the lower abdomen. It often creates a roll or "apron" of sagging skin that cannot be tightened through exercise. The full tummy tuck excises this redundant excess skin and redrapes the remaining skin smoothly over the newly tightened abdominal muscles.
This is a condition where the vertical abdominal muscles separate. This separation, common after pregnancy, leaves the midsection weak and protruding—often referred to as the "pooch." Dr. Russo performs diastasis recti repair by suturing the muscles together, creating a tight, flat abdominal wall that also improves core function.
While the tummy tuck is primarily a skin and muscle procedure, it often includes strategic liposuction to refine the surrounding flanks, hips, and upper abdomen. This combined body contouring approach ensures the best possible shape by sculpting the entire abdominal region for a smooth, natural transition.
Your consultation for a tummy tuck with Dr. Joseph A. Russo in Newton is a personalized strategy session. As a highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Russo takes time to fully understand your goals and assess the unique anatomy of your abdomen, specifically checking the degree of diastasis recti and the amount of excess skin. We encourage you to be open about your medical history and lifestyle, as this detailed evaluation is essential for planning the safest and most effective tummy tuck surgery for you.
Preparation requires committing to specific health adjustments. You must secure a stable weight prior to the surgery; if you need to lose weight, you must do so before the procedure. Two weeks before abdominal surgery, you will need to stop smoking and discontinue medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. Our supportive team guides you through the entire preparation process.
The tummy tuck is a major surgery performed in our private, AAAASF-accredited surgical facility in Newton, MA, prioritizing patient comfort and safety.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Russo creates a primary incision low on the abdomen, running hip-to-hip, placed strategically to be easily hidden by the pubic hair line or under swimwear. If a full tummy tuck is performed, a second incision is made around the belly button to allow for its repositioning. Dr. Russo carefully lifts the skin and fat, performs diastasis recti repair by tightening the separated abdominal muscles, and then excises the extra skin. He then redrapes the remaining skin and meticulously closes the incision site.
The procedure typically takes two to four hours, depending on whether it is a full tummy tuck or if it is combined with liposuction as part of a mommy makeover (which often includes breast augmentation). Temporary drainage tubes may be placed to manage fluid during the initial recovery time.
The initial recovery phase after your tummy tuck surgery requires dedication and support. You should plan for a downtime of one to two weeks before returning to light, non-strenuous activities. You will wear a compression garment to help minimize swelling and support the newly contoured body. For the first week, you will need assistance and must rest with your torso slightly flexed to avoid tension on the incision.
The recovery time varies, but the key is adherence to the care instructions to promote proper wound healing and prevent complications like blood clots or infection. You will experience some discomfort and pain, managed by medication. Final results are considered permanent, provided your weight remains stable. You will notice the difference immediately, but it takes time for the swelling to subside.
The final, refined appearance will gradually emerge over three to six months. To maintain your exceptional body contouring results, continue to maintain a stable weight and strengthen the core muscles once cleared for exercise. This is the entire process of healing and seeing the final sculpted shape.
The cost of a tummy tuck is a reflection of its complexity and specialized nature. Since every abdominoplasty performed by Dr. Russo is meticulously customized to the patient’s anatomy and goals, a precise quote is provided only after a thorough consultation at our Newton Centre facility.
The overall fee for your tummy tuck surgery is comprehensive and typically includes several components including the surgeon’s fee, the anesthesiologist fee, the facility fee, and your post-operative care. Costs can also vary based on whether the procedure is combined with liposuction or breast augmentation as part of a mommy makeover. We believe in transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of all associated costs during your private consultation.
If you are ready to define your silhouette and explore the benefits of a personalized tummy tuck plan, the next step is a consultation with Dr. Joseph A. Russo in Newton, MA. As one of Boston’s most trusted plastic surgeons, Dr. Russo is committed to helping you achieve natural, confidence-boosting results with the highest standards of safety and expertise.
Schedule your consultation today to discuss whether a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck is the right choice for your core refinement goals. Call our Newton Centre office today at (617) 964-1440 to get started.
A tummy tuck removes all the excess skin that is surgically excised, which typically includes most stretch marks located below the belly button. Marks above the navel will remain, but are usually stretched and moved lower.
No. A tummy tuck is purely a body contouring procedure designed for patients who are already near their stable weight. It should never be considered a primary weight loss solution.
Liposuction removes excess fat but does not address loose skin or diastasis recti. The tummy tuck removes excess skin, tightens muscles, and often uses liposuction for complementary contouring.
Dr. Russo advises waiting at least six to twelve months after delivery. This allows your weight to stabilize, and your abdominal skin and muscles to fully shrink before the tummy tuck surgery.
The tummy tuck scar runs hip-to-hip, but Dr. Russo places the scar as low as possible to be easily hidden by underwear or the pubic hair line. The scar will fade over time, but it is permanent.
The fastest way to heal is strictly following post-operative instructions: wearing the compression garment, avoiding strenuous activity, and protecting the incision site from strain to ensure optimal wound healing.
A mini abdominoplasty addresses the lower abdominal region only and does not include full diastasis recti repair or involve repositioning the belly button. It's a less extensive surgical procedure with a shorter recovery time.
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