Tummy Tuck
(abdominoplasty)
Tummy Tuck in Athens
Achieve the sleek, sculpted abdomen you’ve been striving for with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) at Pittman Plastic Surgery in Athens, GA. Our expert board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ed Pittman crafts personalized solutions to provide long-lasting results when diet and exercise fall short. By skillfully removing excess skin and fat, and reinforcing weakened abdominal muscles, we reshape your midsection to a smoother, firmer silhouette that complements your natural contours and enhances your physique with enduring grace and definition.
What is Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to slim and shape the abdominal area. This operation effectively removes unwanted fat and skin and often can tighten muscles in the stomach that may have become stretched out or weak. People opting for this surgery often seek a flatter and more toned midsection, which might not be attainable solely through diet and exercise, especially after occurrences such as diastasis recti — a condition where abdominal muscles separate. A tummy tuck restores the look and feel of a tighter, more contoured abdomen.
How Does Tummy Tuck Work?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that gives you a smoother and firmer abdomen. Essentially, it involves an incision just above the pubic region; the size is dependent on the amount of excess skin. The weakened or separated muscles are restored in the abdomen to strengthen the abdominal wall. Once the muscles are tight, the skin from the upper abdominal area is stretched down, and any surplus skin is cut away. The process concludes with stitching the incisions carefully to create a more toned appearance, resulting in a flatter, firmer contour.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Treatment
A tummy tuck offers many advantages, especially for those who have gone through pregnancy or considerable weight reduction. Achieving a sleek and toned stomach can be challenging despite rigorous exercises like sit-ups or crunches. This procedure trims unwanted skin and fat from the midsection and sculpts the waistline by tightening the abdominal muscles, resulting in a flat tummy. A tummy tuck may also reduce the number and visibility of stretch marks. It’s a comprehensive solution for those seeking to refine their silhouette and regain confidence.
Tummy Tuck vs. Other Treatments
When considering how to refine one’s silhouette, the choice between surgical and non-surgical procedures is paramount. A tummy tuck, suitable for those with excess skin or muscle laxity, provides a comprehensive solution by removing unwanted skin, eradicating stretch marks, and restoring firmness to abdominal muscles. In contrast, liposuction, which is less invasive than a tummy tuck, targets and removes fat through small incisions with precision, although it does not address excess skin or muscle tone. Non-surgical alternatives like CoolSculpting eliminate stubborn fat pockets without surgery, but results emerge gradually and without the immediate contouring effect offered by liposuction. While liposuction may accompany a tummy tuck for optimal fat reduction, CoolSculpting can augment the outcome either before or after both surgical procedures, serving as a complementary treatment to enhance the overall body contour.
CANDIDATES FOR TUMMY TUCK
Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is designed to correct a protruding abdomen resulting from weak abdominal muscles, weight gain, or pregnancy. Excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles typically do not respond to exercise.
TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
During this procedure, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened, and excess fatty tissue and skin are removed to improve the body contour. The goal is a narrower, flatter abdomen. The procedure can be performed with liposuction to further define other areas such as the flanks, hips, and lower back.
It must be noted, however, that body contouring procedures are NOT a substitute for normal weight loss achieved through a healthy diet and exercise. The surgery takes two to three hours under general anesthesia at our private AAAHC-accredited Surgery Center, which provides our patients comfort and privacy while avoiding a costly hospital visit.
TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY & RESULTS
Recovery time is typically two weeks and patients should refrain from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for one month. Your scars will fade and flatten over 3 months to 2 years.
Before, during, and after
What To Expect Before a Tummy Tuck Treatment
When preparing for a tummy tuck, expect a personalized consultation with Dr. Pittman, where your medical history is reviewed, and a physical examination performed. He will explain advanced surgical techniques tailored to your needs. Ensuring clear communication, we address your desired outcomes and any queries you have. Pre-surgery guidelines will be provided, such as the cessation of smoking and avoidance of specific medications like aspirin, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs to minimize the risk of bleeding.
What To Expect During a Tummy Tuck Treatment
During a tummy tuck, your surgeon will begin with an incision near the pubic region, tailored to the amount of skin removed. The skin and fat from the abdominal muscles will be lifted, then these core muscles will be tightened for a smoother, firmer abdomen. With careful suturing, excess skin is cut away, and the area is neatly closed. The surgery usually takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia and may include liposuction to sculpt the waist and lower back, resulting in a more contoured, flat stomach.
What To Expect After a Tummy Tuck Treatment
After undergoing a tummy tuck, it’s normal for patients to expect some specific post-operative care measures. The surgical area may be covered with specialized bandages, and you might be required to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling. Small drainage tubes could also be positioned under the skin to remove any build-up of blood or fluids following the procedure.
Your plastic surgeon will provide detailed instructions for at-home care, medications, and scheduling follow-up visits to monitor your recovery progress. During the initial recovery phase, it’s common to experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising around the treated area, but these symptoms are temporary. Most patients can resume work within two weeks, depending on the physical demands of your job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Liposuction procedures are only concerned with removing fat from an area. It does not address loose skin or reconstructing the abdominal wall like a tummy tuck.
Yes. Our plastic surgeons are experts in all forms of surgical body contouring. However, not everyone is a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck. During your consultation with your surgeon they will evaluate all facets of your anatomy and determine which surgery can best achieve your goals.
Yes! We have already discussed liposuction as a combination procedure for a tummy tuck. Other individuals decide to expand the liposuction procedure to other areas of the body (i.e., hips, legs) to complement the tummy tuck procedure. CoolSculpting is also a nice complement to a tummy tuck as you can sculpt different areas of the body to compliment your tummy tuck.
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty in Athens are near their ideal weight but have loose skin and belly fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. Those seeking to firm up their belly area and mend diastasis recti, or parted abdominal muscles, are suitable candidates for a tummy tuck.
Undergoing a tummy tuck, though generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Ed Pittman, is not without potential risks and side effects. Rare risks include bleeding, infection at the site of the incision, adverse reactions to anesthesia, altered skin sensations, unsightly scarring, and the accumulation of fluid beneath the skin.
To prepare for a tummy tuck procedure:
- Undergo any necessary laboratory tests or health assessments as advised.
- Start or modify your medication regimen upon your surgeon’s recommendations.
- Quit smoking well in advance of the surgery.
- Refrain from consuming aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements since they may elevate the risk of excessive bleeding during the operation.
Taking these precautions will help ensure a smoother surgical experience and optimal recovery.
Tummy tuck surgery typically lasts two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia at our accredited Surgery Center in Athens.
While initial improvements are noticeable almost immediately, it can take several months for swelling to subside and the full effects of your contouring to appear, as your body takes time to reveal the enhanced outcome of your transformation.
FROM OUR PATIENTS
“Another great job by Dr. P. his staff and himself are the kindest most compassionate group of medical professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
As always he calls to check on you the night of your surgery. I’d give them all a million stars and references if I could.”
“I came in very depressed due to the fact of excess skin. I was afraid to have a tummy tuck, but after speaking with the nurses and Dr. Pittman, I was ready and excited to get this procedure done.
Having the tummy tuck has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The staff and Dr. Pittman are so caring and very professional. I would recommend to ANYONE!”
“Dr. Pittman and his staff are Amazing!! After having twins, I am thankful to have found a great place for my tummy tuck procedure! ❤”
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