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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Atlanta, GA
Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures
Losing weight, either following pregnancy or because of a lifestyle decision, is a significant achievement that requires dedication. Unfortunately, excess abdominal skin can still leave you feeling self-conscious despite exercising and eating a nutritious diet. By removing leftover excess skin and fat and tightening weakened abdominal muscles with a tummy tuck, Dr. Frederick T. Work, Jr. of the Atlanta Center for Breast and Aesthetic Surgery can restore a flatter, more youthful contour for men and women who live in and around Buckhead, Vinings, and Sandy Springs.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that flattens the abdominal wall, sculpts the waistline and results in a streamlined, taut abdominal region. Following pregnancy or dramatic weight fluctuations, many patients develop problems with skin laxity and a weakening of the muscles that hold the belly tightly in place. The tummy tuck procedure removes excessive hanging skin and repairs and tightens loose or stretched muscle tissue. Stretch marks on the lower abdomen may be removed as part of the procedure; however, it may not be possible to remove them all. The tummy tuck procedure is done through a horizontal incision across the bikini line, just above the pubic area and, therefore, leaves a thin scar in this area. The length of the incision depends on the amount of skin to be removed. In some cases, an additional incision is made in the navel area in order to pull excess skin from above the navel downward and remove it. The position of the belly button does not change.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Our tummy tuck patients should be in good health and have reached a stable weight close to their ideal weight. The tummy tuck procedure offers several benefits, including:
- Removing loose, sagging, excess skin that may also contain stretch marks.
- Tightening and repairing stretched or separated abdominal muscles that cause the belly to protrude.
- Reducing the appearance of scars from previous surgeries, such as C-section, appendectomy or gynecological procedures.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Dr. Work creates an incision across the bikini line and another incision near the belly button. Skin from above the navel is pulled down to the pubic area and skin that has been stretched by pregnancies or weight gain is removed. The remaining skin is pulled taut and the belly button is repositioned. Liposuction may also be used to contour the area to achieve more definition and a smoother contour.
What Is The Difference Between A Tummy Tuck And A Mini Tummy Tuck?
The traditional tummy tuck is performed on patients who have large amounts of excess skin and fat to remove, along with significant weakness in the abdominal wall. A mini tummy tuck is a far less invasive procedure recommended for patients who have only minimal excess skin, small amounts of fatty deposits and still maintain some tautness in the abdominal wall. Dr. Work will help you determine your best option based on his assessment of your condition.
Combining Treatments With a Tummy Tuck
Many women who seek abdominoplasty to correct physical effects caused by pregnancy often choose to combine the tummy tuck with other procedures as part of a Mommy Makeover. The most common procedures to complement the tummy tuck include breast enhancement surgeries, such as a breast lift or breast augmentation, along with liposuction. Combining different procedures is a safe and effective practice in healthy patients and saves on recovery time and expenses.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Immediately following the tummy tuck procedure, most patients require about 10-14 days of recovery. Light activities may be resumed after this period. We recommend a gradual return to regular exercise and normal physical activity after a period of six to eight weeks.
Can I Get Pregnant After A Tummy Tuck?
Yes. Although you will still have the option of becoming pregnant and enjoying a healthy pregnancy after a tummy tuck without harm to yourself or the infant, Dr. Work and his team highly recommend postponing the tummy tuck surgery until after you have finished having your children and nursing them, as future pregnancy and lactation may alter your surgery results.
How Do I Know If I Need A Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is recommended for patients who suffer from weakened abdominal wall muscles caused by pregnancy or weight fluctuations and for patients with excessive sagging abdominal skin. For patients with localized fat and good skin tone, liposuction may be a more appropriate option. Abdominoplasty is regularly performed successfully on both men and women.
If I Am Obese Can I Still Have Abdominoplasty?
During your consultation with Dr. Work, he will help you determine whether it is safe or wise to choose abdominoplasty at this point in your weight loss journey. Most doctors recommend cosmetic abdominoplasty for patients closer to a stable weight since liposuction and abdominoplasty cannot reduce or eliminate fat in and around abdominal organs. There is a separate procedure that is typically recommended for patients suffering from obesity with excessive fat and hanging skin. This procedure is known as a panniculectomy and is performed to treat severe cases in which hanging skin folds lead to rashes, irritation, infections and problems with personal hygiene.
Can Abdominoplasty Get Rid Of Old Scars And Stretch Marks?
Yes, this procedure can remove any marks on the skin if they are located on the area of skin being removed. Abdominoplasty does permanently remove stretch marks and scars located in the lower abdomen beneath the navel.
When Can I Resume Sex After a Tummy Tuck?
We recommend a return to non-strenuous sexual activities no sooner than three weeks following the procedure.
When Can I Resume Exercise After a Tummy Tuck?
We recommend that patients refrain from strenuous abdominal exercises for two to three months after a tummy tuck, although you are free to resume regular non-strenuous activities within three weeks, gradually increasing your exercise regimen over time.
How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost in Atlanta?
Tummy tucks and other cosmetic procedures are typically not included in coverage by most health insurance providers. The Atlanta Center for Breast and Aesthetic Surgery provides affordable cosmetic procedures for all our patients by offering easy financing options through CareCredit® and Prosper® Healthcare Lending. Our office also accepts cash, personal checks, and credit cards.
If you’ve recently undergone dramatic weight loss and your tummy appears droopy and unattractive due to sagging skin and pockets of fatty tissue, you may be a prime candidate for a tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Frederick T. Work, Jr. and his team of experts at the Atlanta Center for Breast and Aesthetic Surgery, provide excellence in tummy tucks and other cosmetic procedures for residents of the Atlanta, Buckhead, Vinings and Sandy Springs areas in Georgia.
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