Cosmetic Surgery Tips

Atlanta Ga Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, medically known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower and middle abdomen to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. For people who have had children, lost a significant amount of weight, or simply have inherited sagging skin in their abdominal area, a tummy tuck can be an effective way to restore your body’s contours and improve your confidence.

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Atlanta Ga Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck surgery, sometimes referred to as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to eliminate excess skin and fat from the abdominal region, and can include tightening of loose abdominal muscles. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight after bariatric surgery or an intense diet and exercise routine. Additionally, tummy tuck surgery is included in virtually all mommy makeovers.

Despite what you find on the internet, not all “tummy tuck” procedures are the same. There are many different options for recontouring the abdomen. Dr. Lintner meets with patients to address the differences between full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and panniculectomy. Since the length of recovery time, the cost, and the amount of scarring can vary among the three procedures, Dr. Lintner wants to ensure that each patient decides upon the appropriate procedure for his or her individual needs. In your consultation with Dr. Lintner, he will help you determine which procedure is best for achieving your aesthetic goals.

What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Compared to a full tummy tuck, there is less surgery involved in a mini tummy tuck, which makes a quicker recovery possible. This is an ideal treatment for patients who need less correction to their abdominal muscles compared to the full procedure. This technique can be beneficial for women who have had a hysterectomy scar with a small pooch above the scar.

I am very pleased with the whole experience of my surgery. I appreciate each and every one of you at Dr. Lintner’s office. Your professionalism and the fact that I felt truly cared for were very important to me. Thank you.

What is the Difference Between Panniculectomy and Abdominoplasty?

When reviewing surgical options for your tummy tuck, you may hear about panniculectomy and abdominoplasty. Panniculectomy only addresses excess skin along the abdomen. Although the term “abdominoplasty” is often used interchangeably to refer to all tummy tucks, it actually only refers to tummy tuck procedures that involve tightening of the abdominal muscles. If a panniculectomy is right for you, Dr. Lintner can help you determine whether or not it should be performed in combination with abdominoplasty.

Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Ideal tummy tuck candidates should be in good overall health and close to their desired weight. Dr. Lintner may advise patients who still have a significant amount of weight to lose to wait until they are closer to their goal before considering this procedure. Panniculectomy with abdominoplasty can tighten abdominal muscles and eliminate excess skin that has resulted from weight loss and/or pregnancy. These procedures can also be combined with liposuction to reduce any remaining pockets of stubborn fat.

What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Whatever the reason may be for patients to choose a tummy tuck, there are a number of advantages that can come along with it, such as:

  • Reducing excess abdominal skin
  • Tightening the abdominal skin for a visually appealing, smooth look
  • Tightening abdominal muscles that have separated
  • Removing stubborn fat around the abdomen
  • An improved waistline
  • A better fit for certain types of clothing
  • A renewed self-confidence

How Is the Tummy Tuck Procedure Performed?

Traditionally, in a full tummy tuck, both the upper and lower abdomen sections are targeted. Excess skin is removed, and the abdominal wall is tightened from the pubic area and upwards to just below the chest. Remaining skin is then stretched and reattached to achieve a more toned appearance. Any incisions are typically concealed along the bikini line, making resulting scars easier to cover. During a mini tummy tuck, less excess skin will typically be removed and abdominal muscles can be tightened. Depending on your specific treatment plan, liposuction may be used to help reduce stubborn fat in the treatment area.

The length of the procedure can vary depending on the surgical approach used for your specific treatment plan, but on average, it can take anywhere from two to four hours. Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia at a local hospital. After surgery, patients may be admitted overnight, if they wish, for increased comfort and safety. In these cases, Dr. Lintner will follow up with you the next morning to check on you and discharge you into the care of a friend or family member.

What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?

Our office strives to make a safe and healthy recovery possible for patients. Many circumstances will vary based off of individual needs, such as post-surgical pain, but most patients will need one to two weeks off from routine duties. Below, we have provided some recommended guidelines that can help with this process.

After tummy tuck surgery, some swelling and bruising is normal, but will gradually lessen over time. Patients will likely be able to go home the day of the procedure to begin their recovery period. The night of the surgery, Dr. Lintner expects patients to be up and around, approximately every two hours (while awake), to help with blood flow and decrease the risk of post surgical complications. He might also recommend wearing a compression garment to minimize swelling and promote the body’s natural healing process.

We recommend sleeping in a recliner, with a pillow placed under the knees for extra support. Twenty-four hours after the surgery has taken place, a warm shower is suggested. To make your recovery as comfortable as possible, Dr. Lintner will prescribe pain management medications, as well as antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, and muscle relaxers. Before beginning any demanding or strenuous exercises, individuals should wait at least six weeks, but short walks can be taken to avoid any blood clots.

Dr. Lintner takes the greatest caution to make residual scarring as inconspicuous as possible. Over time, scars will fade and can usually be hidden under clothing or swimwear.

How Much Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost?

The price of tummy tuck surgery can differ from patient to patient, due to the customization of each procedure, but the average cost is approximately $5,400 to $8,150 at Advanced Aesthetic Surgery, depending on the extent of the procedure. Unlike many tummy tuck cost estimates found online, this price includes more than just the surgeon’s fee. Our average price noted above takes into account that there are a variety of other factors that can affect the overall cost of this procedure, such as anesthesia fees, prescribed medications, post-operative garments, hospital or surgical facility fees, and more.

To help alleviate our patients’ concerns about the cost of tummy tuck, we offer financing options through reputable plastic surgery lending companies. These payment plans enable patients to make monthly payments with low or no interest. Our patient care coordinator, Sabrina, can help you apply for the plan that best meets your needs.

Is Pregnancy After Tummy Tuck Safe?

For women who are planning to have a family in the future, it is best to wait until after childbearing to have this surgery. After pregnancy, there is typically excess skin remaining in the midsection, and the abdominal muscles may be overstretched (or possibly torn). These side effects can affect the outcome of a previous abdominoplasty, so while this doesn’t happen to every woman, it is common enough that it should be considered before undergoing this procedure.

If a patient has already had a tummy tuck prior to becoming pregnant, it should not affect the pregnancy, but the patient may desire a revisional abdominoplasty after they give birth. Individual needs can be discussed with Dr. Lintner during a one-on-one consultation. For more information on this topic, please read Dr. Lintner’s blog post regarding 

Additional Tummy Tuck FAQs

HOW MUCH DISCOMFORT CAN I EXPECT FOLLOWING SURGERY?

As with any surgery, some discomfort can be expected. Depending upon which procedure a patient opts for, soreness levels can vary. Dr. Lintner will likely prescribe an oral medication to help relieve some of the pain. If individuals follow provided post-op guidelines, proper healing should take place.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FULL TUMMY TUCK AND A MINI TUMMY TUCK?

The biggest difference between these two surgeries is where they begin and end on the abdomen. A full tummy tuck concentrates on the area from the pubic bone up towards the bottom of the chest. A mini tummy tuck addresses a smaller portion of this area above the pubic bone. Since there is less surgery involved with a mini tummy tuck, the recovery time is generally quicker. Dr. Lintner can review both options during the individual consultation to discuss which might be best, based on the patient’s aesthetic goals.

WILL I NEED LIPOSUCTION, OR CAN ABDOMINOPLASTY HELP ME ACHIEVE MY GOALS?

While a tummy tuck is usually ideal for patients whose main goal is to get rid of loose skin in the abdominal area, including liposuction as part of the procedure might be beneficial in some cases. If stubborn fat is the only concern, liposuction alone may be recommended. During a patient consultation, Dr. Lintner can evaluate any aesthetic goals the patient might have and help them determine if abdominoplasty, liposuction, or a combination of the two is most appropriate.

WHEN CAN I RESUME EATING?

Patients can generally resume their normal diet the day after surgery. Until the patient knows how their stomach will react to the anesthesia and pain medications, we encourage starting with meals similar to what you might feed a sick child, such as bland foods and chicken noodle soup. After abdominoplasty, many patients report feeling they are unable to eat the same volume of food they ate preoperatively. To encourage optimal healing, we recommend diets high in protein and healthy fats.

WHAT WILL MY BELLY BUTTON LOOK LIKE?

A patient’s belly button might look different during the first few weeks of the recovery process — but it is still the belly button your mother gave you; a new one will not be created. The incision placed inside the hole will heal, leaving a natural-looking belly button.

WHAT IF I’M PLANNING ON GETTING PREGNANT?

For women who are planning to have a family in the future, it is best to wait until after childbearing to have this surgery. After pregnancy, there is typically excess skin remaining in the midsection, and the abdominal muscles may be overstretched (or possibly torn). These side effects can affect the outcome of a previous abdominoplasty, so while this doesn’t happen to every woman, it is common enough that it should be considered before undergoing this procedure.

If a patient has already had a tummy tuck prior to becoming pregnant, it should not affect the pregnancy, but the patient may desire a revisional abdominoplasty after they give birth. Individual needs can be discussed with Dr. Lintner during a one-on-one consultation. For more information on this topic, please read Dr. Lintner’s blog post regarding abdominoplasty and pregnancy.

Cheapest tummy tuck in Georgia

Thinking about having a tummy tuck to tighten up your abdominal area? Along with other aspects of the procedure, you’re probably wondering how much a tummy tuck costs. For most people, a tummy tuck is an elective cosmetic procedure, meaning it’s not covered by insurance. It can be helpful to break down the cost of a tummy tuck, both to see where your money is going and to help you decide if this procedure is the right choice for you.

What Can You Expect to Pay for a Tummy Tuck?
According to RealSelf, the cost of a tummy tuck ranges from about $3300 to about $13,000, with the average price falling around $8,225. This includes various fees, such as the:

Surgeon’s fee
Anesthetist’s fee
Operating facility fee
Your tummy tuck costs will also include medications and compression garments for your recovery.

One of the main reasons the price range for a tummy tuck is so wide is that there are different types of tummy tucks.

Mini tummy tuck – Excess skin is removed from the area below the belly button only. This is the simplest version of a tummy and the most affordable. It doesn’t take as long as other kinds of tummy tucks, so it tends to cost less.

Standard tummy tuck – Your surgeon removes skin both above and below the belly button.

Extended or “around-the-world” tummy tuck – Excess skin is removed from the back, as well as above and below the belly button.

Standard and extended procedures involve removing more excess skin and repair stretched out muscle and connective tissue, which really flattens and narrows the waist. They take longer and have higher fees.

Fees and Costs Associated with Getting a Tummy Tuck
The only way to know how much your tummy tuck will cost is to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During your consultation, you’ll talk about the results you want, what to expect from the procedure, and also how much it will cost. Before your surgery, you should receive an itemized list that breaks down the fees and costs of the procedure. If there’s anything you don’t understand or want to know more about, be sure to ask questions at the consultation.

Additional Procedures
If you decide to pair your tummy tuck with any other cosmetic surgery, like a mommy makeover or liposuction, this will add on to the amount you pay. For instance, some people have liposuction to enhance the results of tummy tuck surgery by contouring the body. Liposuction can cost between $1,600 and $10,350, depending on how much fat you want removed, and from where. If you’d like to have liposuction in the abdominal area to improve your tummy tuck results, you should expect to add $1,600 or more.

Surgeon’s Fee
The fee your surgeon charges pays for their time, but it also pays for their expertise. This means that an experienced, skilled surgeon with a good professional reputation will charge more for their time than one who recently completed their training. The amount your surgeon charges may also depend on the location of their clinic, or the location where they perform the surgery.

The kind of tummy tuck you want also affects the surgeon’s fee, as more complex procedures take longer.

Anesthetist’s Fee

The anesthetist for your surgery charges their own separate fee. Their fee is based on how long the procedure takes and their own skill level and expertise. Some kinds of anesthesia are also more expensive than others. According to a consumer guide, the anesthetist fee typically ranges from $425 to $1,800.

Facility Fee
The facility fee for a tummy tuck covers all the other expenses involved in the procedure. This includes items and equipment used in the surgery, as well as costs associated with running the operating room. It also includes any costs associated with post-operative care. The facility fee you pay depends on:

How long the procedure takes
Where the procedure is performed
What kind of care you need after surgery
For instance, if your surgeon performs the procedure in their own clinic, and you go home the same day, the facility fee may be as low as $1,200. On the other hand, if it’s performed in a hospital and you need an overnight stay, the fee could be more like $10,000.

Post-Surgery Prescriptions and Garments
You’ll likely have a few extra tummy tuck costs during your post-surgery recovery period. This will include any medications prescribed by your surgeon, such as pain medication and antibiotics. Your surgeon may also prescribe anti-nausea medication or sleep aids, depending on your needs. The costs for medication are highly variable because they depend on whether your insurance covers prescriptions and whether you have any copays to cover out-of-pocket.

You’ll also need to wear a compression garment during your recovery. This is important to provide support to your abdomen and to help reduce swelling. A tummy tuck compression garment costs around $100.

Why Does Location Affect the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?
The location where you decide to have your tummy tuck can affect how much you pay for it. There are a couple of reasons why.

The cost of living – In a city with a high cost of living, any resources used to perform surgery are more expensive. This also means that having the procedure in a city facility generally costs more than if you went to a suburban facility.
Surgeons who are highly qualified and in-demand are usually located in larger cities – If you choose a Beverly Hills or New York City surgeon to perform your tummy tuck, you’ll definitely pay a premium.
Ask Your Surgeon for Advice
Whether you’ve decided you want a tummy tuck or you just want to discuss your options, talking things over with a qualified surgeon is the next step. Along with talking about fees and costs, you can also ask questions about the other aspects of surgery, so you can make an informed choice about what’s right for you!

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