Tummy Tuck Conveniently located to serve Atlanta and Fulton
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Plastic surgeon Dr. Keith Jeffords performs the tummy tuck in Atlanta for patients in need of effective contouring.
What You Should Know Before Getting a Tummy Tuck
The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
Smoking habits, age and obesity are some of the factors the physician considers when evaluating a candidate for this procedure.
Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss what you truly are hoping to achieve with our surgeons and our staff.
Before & After Patient Photos
Please click here to view more Before & After photos
Tummy Tuck Candidates
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise.
The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against tummy tucks or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
Ideal candidates are non-smokers and have realistic expectations in terms of abdominoplasty results. For an idea of how your results may look, it is best to view the tummy tuck before and after photos in our gallery before your consultation.
The Mini-Tummy Tuck
If your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less invasive procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a mini-tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. A mini-tummy tuck requires a smaller incision.
You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete tummy tuck done in conjunction with another procedure for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.
Tummy tuck surgery has risks and complications that could occur due to the complexity of the operation.
The Healing Process After a Tummy Tuck
Once the tummy tuck is complete and the patient has returned home, they must rest to allow their body to heal properly. Following the instructions of Dr. Jeffords during recovery can result in a shorter period of downtime with fewer complications.
As part of healing, patients must stay home from their job. The amount of time required will depend on the type of job it is, since physically strenuous activities must be avoided for at least four to six weeks. Patients must also wear elastic garments and use ice packs or cold compresses as recommended to address post-surgical bruising and swelling.
Tummy Tuck Cost
The price of abdominoplasty surgery is not set in stone but rather depends on the details of each procedure. Tummy tuck cost is dependent on the type of technique chosen, the amount of tissue removed, and other factors. If you are need help when it comes to payment, we offer financing through Prosper Healthcare Lending and CareCredit.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your stomach, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffords regarding a tummy tuck in Atlanta. He can let you know if the abdominoplasty procedure is the best option for attaining your ideal results.