TUMMY TUCK – ABDOMINOPLASTY SURGERY

For your Abdominoplasty, Dr. Lowney will customize the procedure to provide you with the best results possible. The surgery begins with an incision made in the bikini line. The abdominal skin is pulled down and inward. Underlying fatty tissue is removed and excess skin is trimmed away.  In addition, Dr. Lowney may perform tumescent liposuction of the flanks and lower back using a minimally invasive approach. The weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened. If necessary, another incision around the navel is made to reposition the belly button and remove excess skin of the upper abdomen.  To finish the surgery, Dr. Lowney skillfully re-drapes the skin and closes the incision with several layers of absorbable suture.

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Dr. Lowney also offers a unique procedure called the “Mini Tummy Tuck,” also known as a lipoabdominoplasty or Avelar Tummy Tuck. This procedure is ideal for patients with a low “pooch” of loose skin below the belly button. During a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Lowney uses a small amount of liposuction to remove excess fat under the “pooch,” and then removes the excess skin that makes up the “pooch.” With this procedure, there is no need to suture the muscle wall or re-create the belly button.

During your consultation, Dr. Lowney will explain the differences between a traditional tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck and determine which procedure is most appropriate for your individual situation and personal aesthetic goals.

Dr. Lowney’s ultimate objective is your safety and satisfaction, which includes an improved, natural appearance without any obvious signs of surgery. Whether you want to wear a bikini in confidence or show off your new belly button, Dr. Lowney is dedicated to helping you along that journey.

Prior to a patient’s surgery from Advanced Body Sculpting of New England, Dr. Lowney performs a careful history and physical exam to ensure that the patient is an appropriate candidate. A comprehensive lab panel is also reviewed.

On the day of the pre-operative visit, the informed consent, pre-operative and post-operative instructions are meticulously reviewed and the patient is fitted with a compression garment.

Immediately prior to the procedure, Dr. Lowney carefully marks the amount of skin that is to be removed and the areas of fat to receive liposuction. The surgery is performed in an outpatient setting at Advanced Body Sculpting of New England, an AAAHC-accredited office-based surgery center in Fall River, Massachusetts. The surgery usually takes approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on the amount of excess skin and fat to be removed and the laxity of the abdominal muscles. A drain is usually placed under the skin during the surgery and is removed in 2 to 7 days.

All tummy tucks are performed under intravenous conscious sedation and tumescent local anesthesia, which is administered by a Board Certified Nurse Anesthetist. This advanced technique provides the patient with a painless procedure while avoiding the need of general anesthesia wherein the patient is put to sleep during the surgery.

Recovery time is usually 7 to 10 days based on the specific procedure performed. The patient must also wear a compression garment for 6 to 8 weeks following the surgery. The compression garment helps prevent fluid buildup and supports the abdomen during the healing process. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 6 weeks following the procedure. While most patients see results immediately, it can take several months for the swelling to reside before you will see the full effect of your tummy tuck.*

Tummy tucks are not for everyone. During your consultation, Dr. Lowney will help you determine if this procedure is right for you. Characteristics of the ideal candidate include

• Healthy Women and Men with BMI <32
• Ages 25 to 65
• Non-smokers
• Generally in good health
• Desire a flatter stomach, stronger abdominal muscles and sculpted waistline

The average cost of a tummy tuck at Advanced Body Sculpting of New England is about $9000. A Mini tummy tuck begins at $7500. Your specific quote will depend on a variety of factors, including the extent of liposuction and skin removal required.

When comparing prices of different cosmetic surgery centers or cosmetic surgeons in Massachusetts, it is important to know that the total cost of your surgery from Advanced Body Sculpting of New England includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs and the facility fee for the operating room. Some surgery centers bundle the price of the procedure into one total fee and others may only quote you their surgeon’s fee so their Abdominoplasty prices seem less.