Tummy tuck surgery is gaining popularity among men and women as an effective way to trim and tone the body and rejuvenate the appearance. Our office, led by plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa Bootstaylor, provides tummy tuck and other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for residents ofthe metro Atlanta area and surrounding communities in Georgia.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, known medically as abdominoplasty or panniculectomy, is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of your abdominal wall. By tightening your muscles and narrowing your waist, this procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
Who should consider a Tummy Tuck?
The tummy tuck is most suited for patients who have lax abdominal wall muscles as a result of dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, or simply as a result of the aging process. When excess sagging folds of skin are present in the abdominal area a tummy tuck is often the ideal solution. Patients who have less accumulation of fat and more elasticity in the skin may be suitable for a less-invasive liposuction treatment or a mini-tummy tuck instead of a full tummy tuck.
What is a Mini-Tummy Tuck?
A mini-tummy tuck medically referred to as a mini-abdominoplasty or mini-panniculectomy, is a less comprehensive surgical procedure that treats only the lower abdominal region.
How is the Tummy Tuck performed?
A complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours and can be done under general anesthesia. Typically, the surgeon will make a hipbone-to-hipbone cut just above the pubic area. A smaller second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall and lifts a large skin flap to tighten the vertical abdominal muscles and create a firmer abdominal wall and narrower waistline. The extra skin is removed, and a new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place.
Partial abdominoplasty takes less time, typically an hour or two. For a partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the cut line and the navel (not all the way up the abdominal wall) and the skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place. General or local anesthesia will be used, depending on the choice of Dr. Bootstaylor.
Dr. Bootstaylor performs surgical procedures at Emory University Hospital Midtown and Northside Hospital.
Can I combine a Tummy Tuck with other procedures?
Yes, in fact, many patients opt for a Mommy Makeover, combining the tummy tuck with other procedures such as breast enhancement and/or liposuction to achieve a more comprehensive improvement. By combining several procedures into one surgical session, you can reduce costs, time, and risk.
How quickly will I heal after a Tummy Tuck?
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen, and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort that can be controlled by medication. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures will come out in two to three weeks. It may take you weeks or months to heal completely. The better your physical condition, the faster you’re likely to heal. Exercise during the healing period will help you recover faster.
What kind of results can I expect from a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Our office is a medical facility providing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and led by plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa Bootstaylor. Our practice provides tummy tuck and other types of plastic and reconstructive surgery for residents of the metro Atlanta area and surrounding communities in Georgia. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
4042392660