TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY) IN ATLANTA

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Dr. Wright Jones and Dr. Sabine Lovell are expert plastic surgeons who specialize in abdominoplasties. Patients travel from all over the world to have a drainless tummy tuck performed by them.

At Muse Plastic Surgery you will be approached from a position of reality over fallacy. We believe that many women with common issues, such as stretch marks or abdominal bulges, are manipulated by external forces to believe that their bodies are actually uncommon. They feel abnormal when they are indeed normal. Therefore, patients are advised on ways to achieve their goals, while reinforcing the beauty and positive attributes that they already possess.

We hear countless stories from confident women who are unable to correct their abdominal region with diet exercise and weight loss. They receive compliments from friends and relatives but deep down feel as though the admirations are not deserved due to the issues that they are hiding beneath their clothes. We only want to help you become the best versions of yourself.

Unfortunately, stubborn pockets of abdominal fat, which may take on the form of an abdominal pooch, tummy bulges or the dreaded muffin top, are often resistant to the traditional measures of a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Similarly, patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose, sagging abdominal skin will not be able to eliminate the overhang with a healthy lifestyle alone.

The good news is that tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) has been specifically designed to reduce the appearance of abdominal fat deposits while simultaneously lifting and tightening loose abdominal skin, which is why so many patients continue to select abdominoplasty operations as an effective way to achieve a more toned, tightened abdomen.

Optimal abdominoplasty results can only be achieved when this procedure is performed by a talented plastic surgeon with significant experience performing body contouring surgeries, such as Wright A. Jones, M.D., founder of Muse Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Sabine Lovell located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell are gifted plastic surgeons who employ a unique combination of artistry and clinical excellence to produce natural results that are also flattering to the body. Dr. Jones is particularly known for belly buttons that look natural and desirable curves that enhance the overall appearance.

Patients who elect to have their tummy tuck surgery performed by Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell can rest easy knowing that they are in the capable hands of a competent surgeon who will work tirelessly to ensure that their abdominoplasty goals are safely fulfilled.

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of your abdomen. During a tummy tuck, surplus fat is surgically removed from the middle and lower abdominal region, the loose abdominal skin is excised, and the abdominal muscles are tightened and lifted. These steps flatten the abdomen and create lean, chiseled contours throughout the abdominal area.

Muse Plastic Surgery is most known for the couture tuck, which is a customized tummy tuck.

WHAT IS A COUTURE TUCK?

The couture tuck aims to provide four key characteristics:

A sleek abdomen
A natural-appearing belly button that compliments the overall body shape
A curvy waist
The absence of any drains

Additionally, Exparel injections are given throughout the abdomen to help minimize post-op pain.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK?

An abdominoplasty procedure can be an excellent solution for patients seeking to:

Reduce the appearance of persistent fat deposits in the stomach area
Eliminate excess hanging or loose abdominal skin
Firm, tone and tighten a sagging or flabby abdominal region
Correct the appearance of a distended (protruding) abdomen
Define and contour the waistline
Sculpt and tone weak, abdominal musculature
Address the frustrating problem of skin laxity (looseness) resulting from age, pregnancy, childbirth, genetics, significant weight loss/weight gain, stress, or hormonal imbalances

Most people who are bothered by the appearance of their abdomen will be good candidates for the procedure, but, generally, the best candidates are those who:

Do not smoke
Have maintained a stable weight
Have realistic expectations
Are in good general health
Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or less

The best way to determine your candidacy is to schedule a consultation at Muse Plastic Surgery.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

Prior to your surgery, you will come to an initial consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell will review your medical history, conduct a thorough physical examination and listen to your aesthetic goals for the procedure. After going through this process, they will work with you to determine the best path forward for your procedure.

You may be asked to get lab testing done or to begin or adjust medications — this is a normal part of the process that helps ensure you have a safe surgery. You should always quit smoking immediately and avoid taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements since they can increase bleeding during your tummy tuck.

Our plastic surgeons may also give you a list of pre-operative instructions to follow in the days or weeks leading up to your tummy tuck. Following these instructions increases your likelihood of a successful and complication-free procedure.

Our office will typically perform your tummy tuck as an outpatient procedure, which means you will be sent home relatively soon after your surgery is completed. It would be best if you planned to have someone with you on the day of the tummy tuck who can drive you home and help you with small tasks during the first 24 hours of your recovery.

Patients have a much better time during their recovery when they prepare a recovery station with all necessities ahead of time. If you will be resting and recovering in your bedroom, it is a good idea to have plenty of water, healthy snacks and pastimes available so that you can minimize how often you need to pull yourself out of bed. Keep remote controls, phone chargers, laptops, headphones and other items within arm’s reach from where you will be relaxing.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE?

It is usual for patients to experience minor pain, discomfort, swelling, redness, bruising and discoloration immediately after their procedure. These symptoms can be managed with prescription and over-the-counter medications as needed. Our plastic surgeons will inject a long acting drug known as Exparel into your muscles during surgery. This should dramatically reduced your post-op pain. Most patients are also prescribed an antibiotic to prevent infection.

Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell use a technique that involves what is known as progressive tension sutures. This process eliminates the need for drains and also takes pressure or tension off of your incision, which leads to better healing. Absorbable stitches are placed underneath your skin to obliterate the empty space where fluid could normally build up. You should NOT need the drain tubes inside your wounds to help prevent excessive swelling and fluid build-up. These drains are usually left in place for a few days after the procedure.

For about eight weeks after your procedure, you should also wear a compression garment to further prevent fluid build-up and minimize swelling. During these six weeks, you should avoid any strenuous activities, including exercise and heavy lifting. Most patients can resume desk work after 2-3 weeks.

You should wait until Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell has cleared you before resuming any strenuous activity — otherwise, you could compromise your tummy tuck results.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE?

The first step in any tummy tuck procedure is the administration of anesthesia. This step ensures that you are comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. Typically, you will be given either general anesthesia or IV sedation, but you will be told ahead of time which anesthesia option is best suited for you.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell will begin making the incisions. This process will differ depending on the type of tummy tuck you are having performed.

TRADITIONAL (FULL) TUMMY TUCK

A horizontal incision will be made from hip to hip between the belly button and pubic hairline during a full tummy tuck. While our plastic surgeons will make this incision to best combat your unique conditions, the incisions will be made low on the abdomen so that any scarring can easily be hidden inside a bikini.

Once the incision is made, the plastic surgeon will have full access to the abdominal structure. Any excess fat and tissue will be removed, and muscles will be retightened to their appropriate places in the abdomen. This method is the best approach for patients who are experiencing moderate to severe cases of excess skin and muscle separation.

EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK

An extended tummy tuck is essentially the same as a full tummy tuck but with a longer incision that extends around toward the back of the patient. While it provides the same access to the abdominal structure, an extended tummy tuck allows for an increased amount of skin and tissue to be excised for a more dramatic result.

An extended tummy tuck is best suited for patients suffering from severe and extreme excess skin and tissue surrounding their entire hip region. The incisions will still be made within the bikini line whenever possible.

MINI TUMMY TUCK

On the other hand, if only mild skin ptosis is presented, then the best option may be to go for a mini tummy tuck. This method creates a much smaller incision and can even use the same incision location as a C-section, minimizing the scarring on your body. The best candidates from a mini tummy tucks are thin patients with a small amount of extra skin.

While this method can create drastic improvements in excess and sagging skin, it does not provide the access necessary for muscle retightening in the upper abdomen. This approach is generally best suited for patients who are not experiencing significant diastasis recti (separation of abdomen muscles).

Regardless of the approach used, once Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell has made the necessary adjustments, the skin will then be redraped tautly over your abdomen and closed with absorbable sutures.

TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY

Dr. Jones uses a technique that involves what is known as progressive tension sutures. This process eliminates the need for drains and also takes pressure or tension off of your incision, which leads to better healing. Absorbable stitches are placed underneath your skin to obliterate the empty space where fluid could normally build up. You should NOT need the drain tubes inside your wounds to help prevent excessive swelling and fluid build-up. These drains are usually left in place for a few days after the procedure.

You should wait until Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell has cleared you before resuming any strenuous activity — otherwise, you could compromise your tummy tuck results.

WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

Most patients can get a pretty good idea of what their final results will look like after three or four months of recovery. You can expect to have a slimmer, more contoured abdominal area free from excess or drooping skin. Addressing your abdomen’s contour often improves other areas of your body and gives them a more complementary figure.

CAN I COMBINE MY ABDOMINOPLASTY WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?

A tummy tuck procedure is often combined with other cosmetic surgeries. In fact, we highly recommend combining the operations for multiple reasons. The first is that it saves you both time and money. If you have multiple surgeries at once, you will only be paying anesthesia and surgical facility fees once. The total amount of recovery and downtime is also significantly reduced when your body is allowed to heal all at once rather than multiple times over the course of multiple surgeries.

The second reason we recommend combining procedures is that the best results are achieved by maintaining balance throughout your figure. If your abdomen has been improved with a tummy tuck, but you are still experiencing sagging breasts or thighs, then you will likely not be completely satisfied with your physique, and it might look unbalanced if other parts of the body do not match your new, contoured abdomen.

Here is a list of the most procedures that are most commonly combined with tummy tucks:

TUMMY TUCK COST

It is important to keep in mind that price will change noticeably depending on your unique anatomy and the extent of the correction that is required. Therefore, you must have a consultation to determine your exact cost.

Many practices claim to provide top-tier tummy tuck results for a fraction of the price, but when you pay for cosmetic surgery, you are paying for the experience and expertise of your surgeon. By going to someone with less experience and skill, you are increasing the likelihood that you will need additional revision surgery at an additional expense. Also, most of the fake cosmetic surgeons will offer discounted or unusually low prices. They are not real plastic surgeons and may not even be a surgeon at all.

WHY CHOOSE MUSE PLASTIC SURGERY

At Muse Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell focus not on changing their patients’ core aesthetic components but rather on using cosmetic enhancement procedures to help them become the absolute best that they can be.

Dr. Wright Jones is a double board certified plastic surgeon who stays up-to-date with the latest developments and technological advances in the field of cosmetic body contouring procedures and utilizes these cutting-edge techniques to ensure naturally beautiful results and the safest possible procedures for his patients.

Our plastic surgeons believe in the importance of having well-informed patients and will take the time to explain all of your tummy tuck options and procedural details so that you feel completely comfortable about your surgery.

If you would like additional information about having your abdominoplasty performed at Muse Plastic Surgery, please do not hesitate to contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell.

ABDOMINOPLASTY FAQ

CAN I LOSE WEIGHT WITH A TUMMY TUCK?

Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss surgery. While many patients choose to combine liposuction with this procedure to remove stubborn deposits of fat along the waist and bra rolls, a tummy tuck is best suited to patients who are close to their goal weight. If dramatic weight loss is your primary goal, Dr. Wright Jones and Dr. Sabine Lovell suggest trying diet and exercise or bariatric surgery. Our surgeons recommend you are at your goal weight prior to consulting for surgery.

CAN I HAVE CHILDREN AFTER HAVING ABDOMINOPLASTY?

Although a tummy tuck has no effect on your ability to have children, women are generally encouraged to wait until their family is complete before having the surgery. The reason for that is that women who become pregnant (either for the first time or again) after an abdominoplasty are going to see the results achieved from the procedure undone when the belly expands. If you intend to get pregnant at some point in the future, it is best to wait until after the pregnancy. Our surgeons to require patients to be at least 12 months postpartum prior to consulting for surgery.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BELLY BUTTON DURING ABDOMINOPLASTY?

The belly button is one way that Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell customize the procedure to the needs of each patient. The patient keeps their original belly button, our surgeons just create a new hole for it. Both surgeons take great pride in giving natural belly button results.

DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT SCARRING?

Scarring is an unavoidable consequence of a tummy tuck. While the scar will fade with time, it will not vanish completely. Fortunately, Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell are careful to make their incisions low enough that the scar is hidden by most types of underwear and bathing suit. Most women are happy to trade loose skin for a flatter tummy with a scar.

DOES ABDOMINOPLASTY FIX STRETCH MARKS?

A tummy tuck is a great way to eliminate stretch marks that form between the belly button and bikini line. When your abdominal skin is pulled tight, the texture should be smooth and stretch mark-free. However, if you have stretch marks above the navel, those will not be removed.

HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS FROM MY TUMMY TUCK LAST?

While certain cosmetic procedures are known to have a shelf life, an abdominoplasty is one of the better investments since it can last the remainder of your life. The key to extending the results indefinitely is to maintain your weight. Significant weight changes (both gains and losses) can alter the contours achieved by your surgeon. Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell encourage an overall healthy and active lifestyle to maintain results.

CONTACT MUSE PLASTIC SURGERY

At Muse Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell focus not on changing the core aesthetic components of their patients, but rather on using cosmetic enhancement procedures to help them become the absolute best that they can be. Our plastic surgeons stay up to date with the latest developments and technological advances in the field of cosmetic body contouring procedures, and utilize these cutting edge techniques to ensure naturally beautiful results and the safest possible buttock enhancement procedures for their patients.

Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell believe in the importance of having well-informed patients, and will take the time to explain all of your buttock augmentation options and procedural details so that you feel completely comfortable about your surgery. If you would like additional information about having your Brazilian Butt Lift procedure performed at Muse Plastic Surgery, please do not hesitate to contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell.

*This information about Brazilian Butt Lifts was reviewed by our esteemed surgeons. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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