Houston Plastic Surgeon Highlights Two Techniques for Tummy Tuck Enhancement

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - Jul 3, 2013) - At Boynton Plastic Surgery, between 20-30% of Dr. James F. Boynton's patients receive tummy tuck surgery. The tummy tuck procedure, medically known as abdominoplasty, is designed to eliminate excess abdominal skin and tighten the underlying muscles to help patients achieve a flatter, more fit look in the abdomen.

The Houston plastic surgeon says the procedure can often be useful for patients that have lost a significant amount of weight, have experienced bodily changes due to pregnancy, and those who have not been able to improve the look of the stomach region even with strict diet and rigorous exercise. In a recent blog post on his website titled, "Top Two Advantages of My Tummy Tuck Technique," Dr. Boynton notes that he is one of the first in Houston to offer the tummy tuck procedure with a new, long-lasting pain reliever called EXPAREL®.

Dr. Boynton says EXPAREL® has been able to markedly improve pain control for his tummy tuck surgery patients: "EXPAREL® works by slowly releasing pain medication to a targeted area over the course of about three days. This has allowed me to send patients home feeling comfortable on the actual day of their surgery." With EXPAREL®, Dr. Boynton says a tummy tuck procedure can be performed as a true "outpatient procedure," allowing patients to return to their normal lives and enjoy their results more quickly than ever before.

"Combination therapy" is another tummy tuck technique Dr. Boynton says can often be beneficial for some patients. The technique utilizes a combination of various procedures to further enhance the cosmetic results. Dr. Boynton says one very popular combination of treatments involves a tummy tuck, breast lift/augmentation, and liposuction for women who are seeking to regain their pre-pregnancy figure. This particular combination of procedures for mothers is referred to as a Mommy Makeover. Dr. Boynton says the number of additional procedures performed can vary in range and type, depending on the patient's ultimate goals.

During all of his tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Boynton adds at least a small amount of liposuction to evenly shape the waistline for the best possible results after the surgery: "Every tummy tuck I do includes some liposuction and shaping through the hips. I don't believe the best results can be achieved without fully shaping the waistline 360 degrees around."

Dr. Boynton says some of his "combination therapy" cases may even involve both aesthetic and medical treatments. He says around 20% of his patients require an umbilical repair or are treated for a small abdominal hernia while the tummy tuck procedure is performed. Dr. Boynton adds that he has also had a lot of experience doing "combined" GYN cases where he performs a tummy tuck with an OB/GYN who is simultaneously performing a hysterectomy or a bladder suspension.

Overall, Dr. Boynton says advances in tummy tuck surgery techniques have made many procedures and recovery periods more convenient and comfortable for patients, with results that meet their needs.

About James F. Boynton, MD, FACS

Dr. James F. Boynton is a graduate of Duke University and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon. The International Association of Plastic Surgeons (IAPS) selected Dr. Boynton as a "Top Plastic Surgeon in Texas" and a "Leading Physician of the World" in 2012. Dr. Boynton is available for interview upon request.