Tummy Tuck Surgery in Atlanta, GA
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure to flatten, firm, and smooth the abdomen by removing unwanted fat, tightening stretched skin, and, if needed, repairing separated and weakened abdominal muscles (a condition known as diastasis recti). A tummy tuck restores a toned-looking midsection, correcting changes caused by pregnancy, significant weight loss, or simply the aging process.
Mark Crispin, MD, at Crispin Plastic Surgery, performs tummy tuck surgery in Atlanta to help men and women achieve a younger, healthier look and renewed pride in their bodies. Dr. Crispin is a board-certified plastic surgeon who consistently delivers beautifully natural-looking results for his patients. He and his staff run a warm and welcoming practice where patients are listened to and valued for who they are.
To learn more about how tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Crispin might make you look and feel better, contact Crispin Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation in Atlanta.
What's the Difference Between Tummy Tucks and Liposuction
Why You Might Consider a Tummy Tuck with One of the Best Surgeons in Atlanta
With age, pockets of excess fat can build up in the abdomen and around the waist, fat that resists slimming with diet and exercise. The skin in the midsection can stretch and lose its resilience, becoming wrinkly or hanging loosely. Significant weight loss can accelerate these unwanted changes, making them even more noticeable. Pregnancy can cause the abdominal muscles to separate (diastasis recti), weakening them and adding to the belly’s bulge. A tummy tuck reverses these changes, restoring a flat, firm, toned-looking midsection.
A tummy tuck can:
- Tighten and smooth stretched and sagging skin on your abdomen
- Eliminate bulges of fat from your midsection
- Remove fat that is resistant to slimming with diet and exercise
- Reconnect separated abdominal muscles for a firmer, flatter belly
- Pull in your waist to enhance your body’s curves
- Transform a flabby midsection into one that’s toned and younger-looking
The changes made in a tummy tuck can make you look and feel younger, fitter, and more attractive, a transformation that can boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?
Dr. Crispin can tell you if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck as part of your consultation with him. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen because of stretched skin, excess fat, and/or bulging caused by separated abdominal muscles
- Are in generally good health
- Are not significantly overweight and have maintained a stable weight for several month
- Have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure
If you smoke, you must be able to quit for a period of several weeks before and after your surgery. Dr. Crispin recommends that women wait until they have finished having children before having a tummy tuck. Abdominal muscles that tightened and reconnected in a tummy tuck can stretch and separate in a future pregnancy.
Planning Your Tummy Tuck
Planning for your tummy tuck starts with your consultation with Dr. Crispin. He will ask questions to learn your medical history and understand your goals, perform an examination, and answer all the questions you may have. Based on his observations and what he learns from you, he will recommend an approach to treatment that will give you optimal results in the safest way. He will explain his surgical plan and what you can expect throughout the process.
Dr. Crispin’s goal in every cosmetic surgery is to create natural-looking results that are in harmony with the patient’s features, taking the surgical approach that promises the best outcomes and holds the lowest risk.
Dr. Crispin Discusses Tummy Tuck Options
Exceptional Results & Compassionate Care
For over 25 years, Dr. Crispin has been the top choice for plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures in the area. You’re provided with professional and compassionate care at the office, and it’s no wonder Dr. Crispin is named one of the Top Doctors in 2023 by Atlanta Magazine. You don’t have to travel to access high-quality plastic surgery and personalized care — patients can receive expert mommy makeover planning right here in Atlanta. Breast lift surgery is a cosmetic surgery option for women who have noticed sagging or changes in breast shape.
How Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
In a mini tummy tuck, an incision is made across the lower part of the abdomen, just above the pubic area, where the resulting scar is easily concealed below your bikini line. A mini tummy tuck corrects loose skin and weakened muscles below the belly button.
In a full tummy tuck, two incisions are made, one across the lower part of the abdomen, as in a mini tummy tuck, and a second around the belly button. A full tummy tuck tightens loose skin, removes excess fat, and repairs abdominal muscles both above and below the belly button.
Once the incisions have been made:
The abdominal muscles are pulled together, if they have separated and connected with internal sutures.
Excess fat is removed. In a full tummy tuck, liposuction may be used to reach fat deposits in the upper part of the abdomen and around the waistline.
Excess skin is removed so that the skin lies smoothly over the newly flattened abdomen.
In a full tummy tuck, the navel may be repositioned.
When all changes have been made, the incisions are closed and protected with a sterile dressing. A drainage tube is placed to minimize post-surgical swelling and promote healing. When the anesthesia has worn off and you are fully alert, you will be released to go home. You should arrange ahead of time to have a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night.
What to Expect After Your Tummy Tuck
Plan to rest at home for a week or two after your surgery. You can expect some discomfort in the days right after your surgery, which can be managed with pain medication. You’ll probably need help with household tasks for the first few days, especially if the surgery includes muscle reconnection, as you will be limited in your ability to bend and lift. The drainage tube and a compression garment will help to control post-operative swelling. The drainage tube will be removed after 3 to 5 days as part of a follow-up appointment.
Dr. Crispin and his staff will provide you with detailed instructions on:
- Self-care and wound care as you heal
- When to return follow-up appointments
- How to get answers to any questions or concerns
- When and how to resume normal activities
While you should be able to return to work after one to two weeks, many patients do not feel completely back to normal for up to two months. During this time, it is important that you follow all of Dr. Crispin’s postsurgical advice, wear your compression garments, and take any medications you may have been prescribed.
These steps will help ensure your comfort and improve the aesthetic results of your procedure. The final tummy tuck results can take several months. Be patient. This is an involved cosmetic surgery procedure, but it offers remarkable results. A tummy tuck can provide you with the defined body contours you have always wanted.
The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting. You can extend the improvements by maintaining a stable weight and adopting healthy eating and physical activity habits.
Schedule Your Atlanta Tummy Tuck Consultation
Contact Crispin Plastic Surgery online or by calling (404) 257-0064 to schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck with Dr. Crispin. He will ask questions to understand your goals for treatment, examine you, and give his recommendations for the best and safest approach. Patients throughout the Atlanta area choose Dr. Crispin because of his caring approach, his surgical expertise, and his beautifully natural-looking results.
Atlanta Tummy Tuck - FAQs
- Good scarring
- Smaller waistline
- Natural umbilical incision
Come with a list of prepared questions you have about different options to address your specific concerns about your abdomen to help Dr. Crispin develop a specific plan to achieve your goals.
You should plan this procedure when it is most convenient to your personal and/or work schedule.