Abdominoplasty | Tummy Tuck

Are you unhappy with the contour of your abdomen? Do you have a muffin top, sagging skin, or stretch marks? Has your figure been affected by pregnancy or massive weight loss? Do you diet and exercise with no results? If so, you should consider a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, to restore a youthful contour and flat stomach. Tummy tuck surgery will remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles, for a toned and flattened stomach.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck by a board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta can flatten and firm your abdomen, enhancing your appearance and creating a smoother abdominal profile. This procedure is designed to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.

Tummy Tuck Benefits

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, provides benefits for those seeking to enhance their abdominal contour. It removes excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles, creating a firmer and smoother midsection. Patients often report improved self-confidence, better posture, and relief from issues like skin irritation or discomfort caused by excess skin.

Before and After Photos

Before and after photos are a beneficial way to understand the effects of a tummy tuck. These images showcase real results, helping patients visualize what they can achieve. Reviewing these photos during your consultation provides a clearer expectation of outcomes based on your anatomy.

Good Candidates for Tummy Tuck

You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are healthy, are maintaining a stable weight, are a non-smoker, and don’t plan to be pregnant in the future. Prior to tummy tuck surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa DiFrancesco may ask tummy tuck candidates to stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory and/or herbal medications that can increase their post-operative bruising. In addition, candidates should also have realistic expectations for this plastic surgery, as tummy tuck surgery will not address intra-abdominal fat—the fat surrounding your internal organs.

Tummy Tuck Options

A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia. The technique and the incision size for a tummy tuck procedure depend on the amount of loose skin or overhang as well as any prior surgical scars from other plastic surgeries. People who have experienced significant weight loss and have a large amount of excess skin will likely need an extended incision around the hips or even a lower body lift.

Liposuction is often used in addition to any type of abdominoplasty procedure to recreate a more youthful contour of the waist. This additional plastic surgery treatment can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck procedure.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini abdominoplasty is best suited for tummy tuck patients who have mild skin laxity and stretch marks only below the navel. The incision for a mini tummy tuck is placed lower on the abdomen—like a C-Section incision—and the length includes a limited length of skin in the shape of an ellipse.

A mini tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction for optimal results. Patients of Dr. DiFrancesco usually maintain a healthy lifestyle with a regular exercise routine and a good diet but have a stubborn overhang of excess skin that may be caused by a previous plastic surgery procedure, weight loss, or pregnancy.

Traditional Tummy Tuck

A full abdominoplasty (or traditional tummy tuck surgery) is the most common technique for excising abdominal skin, which uses a low abdominal incision as well as an incision along the bikini line. During this plastic surgery procedure, an ellipse of skin is removed from the lower abdomen, the belly button is repositioned on the abdominal flap, and the muscle is tightened in the midline section of the abdomen.

With a full tummy tuck in Atlanta, removing excess skin also removes lower abdominal stretch marks. Skin laxity above and below the navel can be tightened, and a youthful contour to the abdomen can be restored.

Extended Abdominoplasty

An extended abdominoplasty is used in patients who have severe skin laxity extending to the hips or love handles. This condition is common in patients who lose significant weight, especially those who lose weight over a short period of time.

One disadvantage of the extended tummy tuck is the length of the scar, which must be extended to address the excess skin and hard-to-reach fatty tissue. An extended abdominoplasty not only flattens the stomach but can also lift the thighs and hips in the process.

Fleur-de-lis

The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a specialized procedure designed for patients with significant excess skin, especially after massive weight loss. This technique involves both vertical and horizontal incisions, allowing for more extensive reshaping of the abdomen. While the scars may be more noticeable, the dramatic improvements in contour often outweigh the tradeoff.

Weight Loss

Dr. DiFrancesco uses a modified abdominoplasty most often with patients who have previous scars that interfere with the blood supply of an abdominal flap or patients who need a significant amount of liposuction of the abdominal flap. A modified abdominoplasty uses an incision low on the abdomen and lifts the abdominal flap in the midline to preserve maximum blood flow yet still allows Dr. DiFrancesco to suture the abdominal muscle to repair skin and muscle laxity.

In the course of a modified abdominoplasty, the navel can be repositioned and an ellipse of loose skin below the navel is removed. A modified abdominoplasty is usually recommended for patients with loose skin, and fat, and who experience significant muscle laxity, but who are not candidates for a full abdominoplasty.

Diastasis Recti Repair

Diastasis recti is a common condition in which the abdominal muscles separate due to pregnancy or significant weight changes. At DiFrancesco Plastic Surgery, we specialize in tummy tucks that involve diastasis repair to help restore a flatter, stronger, and smoother abdomen. By bringing the muscles back together, Dr. DiFrancesco can improve core strength, posture, and overall comfort while giving you a more toned appearance. This personalized approach aims to restore your confidence and overall comfort.

Tummy Tuck Alternatives

For patients not ready for a full tummy tuck, there are alternative options that can still deliver impressive results.

Liposuction

Liposuction is an excellent alternative for those with good skin elasticity and isolated fat deposits. This minimally invasive procedure targets stubborn fat pockets but does not address loose skin or muscle laxity.

Body Lift

A body lift is a more comprehensive procedure that addresses excess skin and fat in multiple areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. It is often recommended for patients who have undergone significant weight loss.

BodyTite

BodyTite is a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to melt fat and tighten skin. It is an ideal option for those seeking improvements without undergoing surgery.

Smart Lipo

Smart Lipo combines traditional liposuction with laser technology to liquefy fat cells and tighten the skin. This procedure is best suited for patients with mild to moderate fat deposits and skin laxity.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

Preparing for a tummy tuck involves several steps to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Patients should stop smoking, maintain a stable weight, and avoid certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk. A preoperative consultation will include medical evaluations and detailed instructions to follow before surgery.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

The tummy tuck procedure typically begins with anesthesia to ensure comfort during surgery. Incisions are made along the lower abdomen, allowing the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. The remaining skin is repositioned for a flatter and more toned appearance.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

During your pre-operative visit to DiFrancesco Plastic Surgery, our medical specialists will go over your pre-surgery instructions, including any medications you take on a regular basis as well as signs of complications (medically known as contraindications) to look for.

Depending on the length of your tummy tuck procedure, this plastic surgery can be an outpatient procedure, but you may be required to stay overnight in our surgery center. In the days following your surgery, light activities such as walking may be encouraged, but Dr. DiFrancesco typically recommends that patients avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 6 weeks.

If drains are required for your tummy tuck, you will receive instructions at your tummy tuck consultation and again before discharge. Dr. DiFancesco may require you to wear a post-surgery compression garment to reduce swelling and ensure optimal results.

Results of a Tummy Tuck

The results of a tummy tuck are transformative, offering a flatter and more sculpted abdominal area. Patients often experience a boost in self-confidence and improved comfort in clothing. While initial swelling and bruising are common, the final results become apparent as the body heals over several months.

Risks of a Tummy Tuck

As with any surgery, a tummy tuck carries some risks, including infection, scarring, and changes in skin sensation. Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon minimizes these risks and ensures a safer procedure. During your consultation, your provider will discuss potential complications and how to manage them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tummy Tuck Combination Procedures

A tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures to enhance overall body contouring results.

Breast Lift

Combining a breast lift with a tummy tuck creates a youthful appearance for patients seeking upper and lower body improvements. This is especially popular among moms looking to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a customized set of procedures that often includes a tummy tuck, breast enhancement, and liposuction. This comprehensive approach addresses multiple areas of concern in one surgery.

Buttock Enhancement

For patients desiring a more contoured backside, a tummy tuck can be paired with buttock enhancement procedures like a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). This combination ensures a harmonious and proportionate silhouette.

Cost of a Tummy Tuck

The cost of a tummy tuck varies based on factors such as the complexity of the procedure. During your consultation, your provider will provide a detailed cost breakdown, including surgical fees, anesthesia, and facility charges.

What to Expect From a Tummy Tuck Consultation

A tummy tuck consultation is your opportunity to discuss goals, ask questions, and learn about the procedure. Dr. DiFrancesco will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical examination, and recommend a personalized treatment plan. This is also the time to review before and after photos and understand what to expect during recovery.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re looking for a highly effective way to address the problem areas affecting your abdominal area, Dr. DiFrancesco at DiFrancesco Plastic Surgery is here to help. Contact us any time by calling (404) 531-2478 or contacting us online and our medical professionals can help you schedule a consultation about a tummy tuck treatment plan.