Atlanta Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Practice Since 1980
Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Before and After Photos
Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Before and After Photos
TUMMY TUCK (Abdominoplasty)
In today’s more health conscious…anti-aging society, a flat stomach is important to a physically fit appearance. Abdominoplasty is designed to firm and smooth the abdomen to give a flatter, tighter abdominal profile. If you have excess fat deposits or loose skin that just won’t respond to diet and exercise –tummy tuck could be your remedy!
BENEFITS OF TUMMY TUCK SURGERY (ABDOMINOPLASTY):
- Excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin
- Protruding abdomen – not proportioned with the rest of the body
- Abdominal muscles weakened by aging or pregnancy
- Excess fat – concentrated beneath the abdominal skin
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QUESTIONS OUR PATIENTS ASK ABOUT TUMMY TUCK SURGERY:
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) – what is it?
It is a surgical procedure that successfully and effectively corrects the conditions mentioned above. Tummy tuck surgery is performed thousands of time each year – benefiting many thousands of patients. It is safe – effective and may be the right choice for you.
How is a full abdominoplasty performed?
- Patient is prepped and anesthetized
- Horizontal “bikini line” incision is made from hip bone to hip bone
- An incision is made to free the navel – to remove excess skin
- Through the incisions underlying muscles are tightened and stitched in place
- Fatty deposits are removed (liposuction)
- Excess skin is trimmed away (maybe even stretch marks)
- Sutures close the incisions – mini drain tube is inserted - gauze dressing is applied
- Patient is placed into a “support garment” – to be worn for a short period of time
*(This is a “full abdominoplasty procedure)
Mini or Modified Tummy Tuck surgery: to correct “below” the navel appearance
- Patient is prepped and anesthetized
- Bikini incision is made from hip bone to hip bone
- Working through this incision: muscles are tightened – excess skin removed – fatty deposits are removed – usually using liposuction
- Sutures hold the newly positioned muscles in place
- Drain tube is inserted if needed
- Sutures close the incision – gauze bandages are applied
What’s the main difference between a “full” tummy tuck and a “mini/partial” tummy tuck? A full abodominoplasty (tummy tuck) is needed by some patients to correct conditions that involve the whole abdominal area – conditions such as excess fatty deposits, excess/loose skin, sagging muscles – conditions that the patient has not been able to correct through diet and exercise. A “mini tuck” involves the area below the navel.
Is liposuction always used in the tummy tuck procedure ? Not always – but usually it is the most effective way of removing the fatty deposits. In some cases – liposuction alone can be done – and tummy tuck is not needed. Liposuction is used in both full and partial procedures.
During my pre-surgical abdominal exam – what is evaluated?
- The quality of your abdominal skin
- The location of any existing scars
- The amount and location of any excess fat
- The status of the underlying muscles.
- This is when your treatment plan is recommended to meet your goals.
What do I do to prepare for tummy tuck surgery? We will cover this with you in detail but here’s a basic outline to help you know what’s usually expected:
- Avoid all medications - except those your surgeon prescribes
- Stop smoking – it can cause complications and slow recovery
- Eat nutritious foods – exercise moderately
- Arrange for help following your surgery
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery
- Do not wear makeup or contact lenses on the day of surgery
- Arrange for someone to drive you the day of your surgery
What can I expect following surgery?
- You’ll be kept comfortable & monitored until you are ready to go home
- You will experience some numbness, bruising, swelling or discomfort – in the abdominal area – this passes with time.
- Medication is given for any discomfort you may experience
- Bandages are removed in 1-2 days – stitches are removed in stages over 1-3 weeks time.
- Swelling and bruising usually subsides in 1-2 weeks.
- Returning to work is normally allowable within 1-2 weeks
- Physical activity is limited for several weeks – limit your exercise: avoid stretching – bending – walking – swimming – for 1 month.
Although – you’re going to start feeling better soon – we want you to take it easy for about one month Allow your body time to recover and heal well. It takes time for energy levels to return to normal – you need to rest – eat well and get plenty of sleep to assist your body during this recovery time.
When will I see the full results of my tummy tuck ? It takes the body time to heal and return to normal – that is for the swelling to go down – bruising to fade and your body to accept its new appearance. This occurs over several weeks – everyone is different – but within a few weeks you will notice the results of your new, slimmer, tighter profile! Even your incisions will fade away within a few months.
During the next few months following your surgery: you should – take extra special care of your healing skin by avoiding too much sun exposure, too tight clothing –even dark clothing when outdoors to avoid heat absorption.
Each year – thousands of people choose abdominoplasty to achieve personal goals and for health related reasons….this is a long-term remedy with long lasting results –that we’re confident you’ll be glad you chose!
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