Frequently Asked Questions – Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery
Welcome to Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery with Dr. Arthur Shektman, a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Wellesley and the Greater Boston area. Choosing plastic surgery is a significant decision, and our team wants you to feel confident and informed before you take the next step. Whether you’re exploring breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, facelift surgery, neck lift surgery, tummy tuck, or liposuction, these FAQs bring common questions into one easy-to-navigate resource.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, call (781) 239-0680 or send us a message.
Main FAQs
Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery is located at 170 Worcester St, Wellesley, MA 02481.
Dr. Arthur Shektman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement, and body contouring. Patients often seek him for careful planning, natural-looking results, and an education-first consultation style.
Dr. Shektman specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. Some of these include breast augmentation, breast lift, facelift, neck lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction.
Most procedures on this page are cosmetic and are typically paid for out of pocket. If your goals include a functional or reconstructive concern, our team can explain what to expect for documentation and planning.
Call (781) 239-0680 or send us a message to schedule your consultation.
Virtual consultation options may be available for select patients and early planning. Our team will guide you on what photos or details may be needed to make the visit productive.
Financing and payment options may be available depending on your plan. Our team can review what may apply to your situation when you schedule your consultation.
We welcome patients from Wellesley and communities throughout the Greater Boston area and Massachusetts.
Your consultation is designed to be thorough and personal. Dr. Shektman will discuss your goals, evaluate your anatomy, review options, and outline a plan and recovery timeline that fits your priorities.
Patients often value our combination of experience, careful technique, and a consultation process that emphasizes education and realistic expectations rather than pressure.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Breast augmentation enhances breast size and shape using implants. Many patients choose it to restore volume after pregnancy or weight changes, improve symmetry, or add upper fullness while keeping results proportional.
Breast augmentation is often a good fit when your main concern is volume. If position and sagging are the bigger issues, Dr. Shektman may discuss a lift or a combined approach instead.
Both are implant options. Patients often choose silicone implants for a softer, more natural feel, while saline implants can be a strong fit, depending on anatomy and preferences. Dr. Shektman will explain which option supports your goals and tissue characteristics.
Sizing is based on chest width, existing tissue, skin elasticity, and the look you want in and out of clothing. The goal is a size your tissues can support long-term without looking overly heavy or stretched.
Profile describes projection, or how far the breast projects forward. Two people can choose the same volume and look different, depending on chest width and profile, so this choice helps fine-tune your shape.
Incision placement depends on your anatomy and surgical plan. Dr. Shektman will recommend an approach designed for precise implant placement and discreet scarring.
Placement depends on tissue thickness, desired contour, and long-term support considerations. Dr. Shektman will explain how placement can affect cleavage, implant visibility, and recovery comfort.
Most patients notice tightness, soreness, and swelling early on, with steady improvement. You’ll receive detailed instructions for activity limits, sleeping position, and when it is safe to return to normal movement.
Desk work may be possible sooner than physically demanding work. Walking is encouraged early, while lifting and strenuous exercise return gradually based on Dr. Shektman’s clearance.
You’ll see changes immediately, but your result refines as swelling resolves and implants settle into a more natural position over the weeks and months that follow.
Planning ahead helps your first week feel calmer and more comfortable:
- Arrange a driver and support for the first 24 hours
- Prepare loose, front-opening tops to avoid overhead strain
- Set up a rest space with pillows for elevation and easy movement
- Keep medications, water, and essentials within easy reach
These steps make it easier to rest consistently and protect implant settling as swelling improves.
Breast Lift FAQs
A breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes and elevates sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning breast tissue to sit higher on the chest. It can also improve the size and placement of the nipple-areola complex when needed.
A lift is often recommended when the nipple sits at or below the breast fold, points downward, or the breast looks deflated with loose skin. Dr. Shektman confirms candidacy by evaluating breast position and measurements.
A breast lift is designed to improve position, projection, and shape rather than add volume. Some patients feel slightly smaller because the breast is more compact and supported, while others feel fuller because the breast sits higher and looks more projected.
A breast lift improves position and contour, while augmentation adds volume. If you want both elevation and fullness, Dr. Shektman may discuss combining a lift with implants.
Yes. Many patients choose lift-only surgery when they like their current size but want a firmer, more elevated shape.
If you want more upper fullness, a larger overall size, or more volume restoration after pregnancy or weight loss, implants may be recommended as part of a combined plan.
Yes. A breast lift requires incisions, and the scar pattern depends on how much lifting and reshaping is needed. You’ll receive clear guidance on scar care to support favorable healing over time.
Many patients return to work within about a week if their job is not physically demanding. Activity restrictions and support bra wear are important during early healing, with gradual return to full exercise as cleared.
Breast lift surgery is commonly performed with general anesthesia to support comfort and allow precise surgical work.
Yes. Some patients combine breast lift surgery with breast augmentation or body contouring procedures when it is safe and recovery demands are realistic.
A practical plan helps you heal more smoothly and reduces stress during early restrictions:
- Arrange help for lifting limits and household tasks for several days
- Plan time off work and avoid major events early in healing
- Wear your recommended support garments consistently
- Begin scar care only when you are cleared
- Protect scars from sun exposure
These steps help swelling resolve more evenly and support a more stable long-term breast shape.
Facelift FAQs
A facelift (rhytidectomy) addresses visible facial aging, such as sagging skin, jowls, and deepening folds, caused by tissue descent. The goal is a more rested, youthful look that still resembles you.
A facelift can improve loose or sagging skin, soften jowls, and restore a more defined jawline. Many patients also like the refreshed appearance that comes from repositioning tissue rather than simply tightening skin.
“Mini facelift” can mean different things in different practices. Dr. Shektman focuses on the areas that need lift and support, then recommends a technique based on your anatomy and goals instead of relying on a label.
A facelift is designed to improve laxity-related folds and jowls and can soften deeper creases, but it does not erase every fine line. Dr. Shektman may discuss skin-quality treatments if fine texture lines are a concern.
A facelift can improve the jawline and the transition into the neck. If neck laxity is significant, Dr. Shektman may recommend a dedicated neck lift for the most balanced, complete result.
Natural-looking results come from balanced lifting, careful incision planning, and avoiding excessive tension. The goal is refreshment and support, not an over-tightened appearance.
Incisions are typically placed around the ears and along hairline contours so that scars can be well concealed as they heal. Dr. Shektman also plans incision placement to support a natural contour rather than a stretched look.
Most patients plan for visible swelling and bruising to improve significantly over the first couple of weeks, with continued refinement afterward. Your exact timeline depends on your procedure plan and how you heal.
Many patients plan around two weeks away from work if they prefer others not notice the early swelling. Exercise returns in stages, and you’ll be guided on when it is safe to resume strenuous activity.
Facelift results are long-lasting, though aging continues. Many patients like that they still look like themselves, just more rested and supported for years.
Planning ahead makes early healing calmer and more predictable:
- Arrange time off work and avoid major events early on
- Set up head elevation and a comfortable rest space
- Keep meals, medications, and essentials within easy reach
- Plan transportation and follow-ups so healing can be monitored closely
These steps support smoother swelling reduction and help your results look refined as tissues settle.
Neck Lift FAQs
A neck lift addresses sagging neck skin, folds, and loss of definition along the jawline and under the chin. It can restore a smoother, tighter neckline when aging changes become more noticeable in the neck first.
A neck lift targets the neck and jawline contour, while a facelift focuses on the lower face and midface. Many patients benefit from combining them to create a cohesive, balanced result.
Neck lift incisions are typically placed behind the ears and, in some cases, beneath the chin. Dr. Shektman plans incision locations to hide scars and create a natural direction of tightening.
Yes. A key part of neck lift surgery is removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining skin for a smoother contour. Depending on anatomy, deeper support work may also be discussed to improve banding or laxity.
Neck bands and skin laxity often overlap. A neck lift can improve banding appearance by tightening and repositioning tissues, with technique tailored to what is causing your specific neck concerns.
Most patients experience swelling and bruising early on, with gradual improvement over the first couple of weeks. You’ll receive clear aftercare guidance on incision care, head positioning, and activity restrictions.
Results are long-lasting, though natural aging continues. Many patients appreciate that their neck and jawline look more defined for years after surgery.
Yes. Many candidates are at or near a healthy weight but are bothered by skin laxity and contour changes that don’t respond to lifestyle measures. Skin quality and anatomy matter more than a single number on the scale.
Non-surgical treatments may help mild concerns, but they do not remove excess skin the way surgery can. Dr. Shektman will explain whether your goals require surgical lifting or if a less invasive plan could be appropriate.
Yes. Neck lift surgery is often combined with facelift planning and may be paired with other facial procedures when it is safe, and your goals call for a more comprehensive refresh.
Preparation reduces stress and helps you follow restrictions consistently:
- Plan for a lighter schedule due to early swelling
- Set up head elevation for sleep and rest
- Arrange rides and support for the first day after surgery
- Follow medication and smoking guidance closely to support healing
These steps help swelling resolve more evenly and support a smoother, more natural neckline as tissues settle.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess abdominal skin and fat and tightens the area to create a smoother, flatter midsection. It can also repair abdominal muscle separation when present
Yes. Diastasis recti is a common reason patients consider tummy tuck surgery, especially after pregnancy. Muscle repair can improve both contour and core support when separation is present
A tummy tuck addresses loose skin and abdominal wall separation that can remain even with consistent fitness and stable weight. It is designed for contour and support, not as a weight-loss procedure.
Incisions are commonly placed along the pubic area, from hip to hip, and the belly button is typically repositioned in full tummy tuck planning to keep results looking natural. Exact scar placement depends on anatomy and how much skin must be removed
Many tummy tuck plans include an incision around the belly button so it can be repositioned naturally. Dr. Shektman’s goal is results that look balanced and proportional, including the navel placement.
Good candidates are generally close to their ideal weight, have maintained a stable weight for at least six months, and are bothered by significant skin laxity or muscle separation. Many patients also pursue tummy tuck after major weight loss or after completing pregnancies.
Recovery takes several weeks. Many patients wear compression garments during the early healing period, then gradually return to exercise and full daily routines as the abdominal wall and skin heal
Return to work depends on job demands. Desk work may be possible sooner than physically demanding work. Dr. Shektman will outline a realistic timeline based on your plan and your recovery needs.
Walking is encouraged early, but strenuous exercise must wait until you are cleared. Many patients return to heavier activity in stages as healing stabilizes.
Yes. Some patients combine tummy tuck surgery with liposuction or breast procedures when it is safe and when recovery demands fit real life, especially in mommy makeover planning.
A prepared recovery setup helps you protect your incision and muscle repair during early tightness:
- Arrange help for lifting, errands, meals, and childcare
- Set up a rest area with pillows for elevation and easy movement
- Place essentials at counter height to reduce bending and reaching
- Plan a light schedule so you can rest and walk consistently
These supports make it easier to follow restrictions and let swelling improve steadily while your contour settles.
Liposuction FAQs
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes stubborn fat pockets to create smoother lines and improved proportion. It is not a primary weight-loss treatment, but it can complement healthy habits by refining contours.
Liposuction can be used to enhance contours in many areas, commonly including the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, and other localized fat pockets that resist diet and exercise. Your plan is customized to keep transitions smooth and natural.
Good candidates are typically near a stable weight and have localized fullness with adequate skin elasticity. If significant loose skin is the main issue, Dr. Shektman may recommend a different approach
Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten significant loose skin. If skin laxity is a concern, a tummy tuck or another skin tightening a procedure may be a better match.
Liposuction removes fat to improve contour. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and can tighten separated abdominal muscles. Many patients choose one or the other based on whether fat or skin and muscle laxity is the main problem.
Yes. Liposuction is commonly included when stubborn fat pockets remain and the goal is a more refined waistline or smoother transitions as part of a broader plan.
Recovery depends on how many areas are treated. Most patients have swelling and soreness early on, with steady improvement over weeks as the body heals and the contours refine
Compression is commonly recommended to help manage swelling and support the new contour as tissues settle. Your timeline depends on the areas treated and your plan.
Some change is visible early, but swelling can hide definition at first. Many patients see clearer results over 1 to 3 months as swelling continues to resolve.
Removed fat cells do not grow back, but remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve results.
Consistency with aftercare helps swelling resolve more evenly and can improve long-term smoothness:
- Wear compression as directed and keep it consistent
- Walk regularly, but avoid strenuous exercise until cleared
- Stay hydrated and keep sodium reasonable to reduce swelling
- Maintain stable weight so results aren’t masked by new fat gain
These habits support a smoother contour as healing progresses and make results easier to maintain long-term.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Arthur Shektman Today
Dr. Arthur Shektman will help you understand your options and build a plan that fits your goals, anatomy, and timeline.
Call (781) 239-0680 or send us a message to schedule your consultation today.