Tummy Tuck Atlanta
Tighten your abdominal muscles and achieve a smoother stomach
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty, known as a tummy tuck to most people, is one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures in the United States, and for good reason. It powerfully shapes the abdominal contour while repositioning the umbilicus (belly button) into a normal, attractive location. It also simultaneously tightens the abdominal wall musculature, akin to an internal corset.
Tummy Tuck Consultation
Dr. Patel provides expert guidance on tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction to help thin the abdominal tissues while tightening them. It is important to know that too much liposuction can affect the blood supply to your abdominoplasty skin flaps. Having a well-trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Patel perform your abdominoplasty is crucial, as he understands the blood supply to the abdomen as well as the relationship of your fat to vital structures underneath, such as your lungs, bowels, and bladder.
A drainless tummy tuck is also a popular option that plastic surgeons such as Dr. Patel can offer. It depends on the extent of your excess abdominal skin and fat that requires removal. The drainless technique also involves extra time for placement of special sutures. Regardless, you should be prepared for Dr. Patel’s use of one or two closed suction drains. Drains are sometimes a necessary evil to avoid buildup of fluid that can become uncomfortable or even infected if it does not find a way out before you can absorb more fluid that you make.
Tummy Tuck consultation
What to Expect After a Tummy Tuck
Undergoing a tummy tuck does entail being in a bent or hunched position for a few weeks postoperatively, until the tissues stretch and relax. As you heal, you’ll be able to stand up straighter. Of all cosmetic plastic surgical procedures, a traditional tummy tuck is probably the one that requires the most downtime and recovery, and you should plan accordingly with your job.
Best Candidates for Tummy Tucks
You’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck if:
- You are in good overall health but have excess skin throughout the abdominal area
- You are at a stable weight that you can maintain following the surgery
- You have realistic expectations for the outcome of your tummy tuck surgery
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Panniculectomy is often confused with an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. The difference is that a panniculectomy focuses only on removal of excess skin, usually that hanging below the umbilicus (belly button). The excess apron of skin is thus accurately called a panniculus or, inaccurately, a pannus.
It depends. While removal of the excess skin or panniculus can sometimes be covered by insurance, repositioning the belly button and tightening the internal muscles are considered cosmetic maneuvers. Dr. Patel believes in not only providing safe care but also ethical care, and he will never agree to do something that deviates from health insurance standards.
As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can expect results to last for many years. If you have no large weight gain or pregnancies after your tummy tuck surgery, then the results will be relatively permanent.
