If you’re considering a tummy tuck, Atlanta & Marietta area clinic Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery has the experience and expertise that you’re looking for. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is an operation performed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and repairing separated muscles. When performed correctly, an abdominoplasty can be one of the most powerful form-enhancing procedures available in plastic surgery. A protruding abdomen can be a cause of distress for men and women alike.
What happened to my body?
Common after pregnancies or major weight changes, excess skin and fat across the abdomen is often resistant to diet and exercise, and stretched or separated abdominal muscles generate visibly poor muscle tone in this area. Stretch marks are also a common problem in this area and a tummy tuck often eliminates them. Because every case is unique, Dr. Okoro will tailor your abdominoplasty to your concerns.
Who is a candidate for tummy tuck?
Good candidates have reached a stable weight, do not smoke (or plan to quit), and do not have medical conditions that prohibit safe surgery and normal wound healing. Patients whose weight has been stabilized in their weight loss program or who feel they are at their ideal weight are the best candidates for a tummy tuck. Many patients combine their tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery. To determine if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Okoro will review your health history and perform an examination during your consultation.
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Okoro will review with you the various options available for abdominal rejuvenation. He will pay close attention to skin tone, existing scars, possible hernias, fat deposits, and muscle abnormalities, as all are important factors that can influence the surgical result. We will also take preoperative photos during your visit. During the consultation, Dr. Okoro will understand your goals and desires and he will review available options and techniques.
Tummy tuck surgery
There are three basic techniques used to flatten a protuberant abdomen: liposuction, mini tummy tuck, and full tummy tuck. The best technique for you will depend largely on your goals and your specific problem. Liposuction alone can produce a thin abdominal wall for some. If your laxity and excess skin is below your navel, a mini tummy tuck may be right for you. For those with severe laxity of their abdominal muscle or excessive skin, a full tummy tuck may be their only solution.
A mini tummy tuck is usually performed in conjunction with liposuction of the upper abdomen and the flank areas. With a mini tummy tuck, a smaller incision is made in your bikini area and no incision is made around your belly button. Dr Okoro will remove your excess skin and fat through this incision. Permanent sutures will also be placed through this incision to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. To blend the contours, Dr. Okoro may recommend liposuction to the waist and abdomen during this surgery.
A full tummy tuck involves an incision around the belly button and another incision that runs from hip to hip. Your entire abdominal wall is tightened with permanent sutures, and the excess skin and fat is removed. Dr Okoro will remove your excess skin and fat through this incision. Permanent sutures will also be placed through this incision to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. To blend the contours, Dr. Okoro may recommend liposuction to the waist and abdomen during this surgery.
Regardless of which procedure you have, your incisions are closed with small sutures. Small drains may also be inserted to eliminate fluid buildup. Snug elastic bandages are then applied to the area.
Surgery location
Dr. Okoro is currently on staff at Northside Hospital, WellStar Kennestone Hospital, WellStar Cobb Hospital, and WellStar Windy Hill Hospital. It should be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Dr. Okoro performs surgery in the hospital to ensure your safety. He usually performs tummy tuck surgery as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. We usually recommend disposable pain pump catheters during recovery to ease pain.
How about recovery from a tummy tuck surgery?
After your tummy tuck, bed rest is recommended for the first day or so. Most patients experience some numbness in the area of their abdomen, which may last for some time. Any pain or discomfort that follows surgery can be controlled with oral medication. If drains are used, they may remain in place for 3 – 7 days until discharge fluids decrease. Dr Okoro uses sutures that dissolve, meaning there are no sutures to remove. An abdominal support garment is often necessary for several weeks. There will be some scarring that will fade significantly over time. During your recovery, you must refrain from any strenuous activity or lifting. Most patients are back to work within 1 – 3 weeks, depending on the extent of their surgery. Dr Okoro will decide when you can resume normal activities. Patients may drive and return to work once they discontinue narcotic pain medicine.
Results can be quite dramatic, but without the drama. Patients love their slimmer, trimmer figures and flatter abdomens!
How much does it cost?
The cost of tummy tuck varies based on the extent of your surgery and the cost of any additional surgery. To make surgery affordable for you, we offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask. The cost may include the following:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Medication and lab test
- Post-surgery garments
Most health insurance plans will not cover cosmetic tummy tuck surgery, related complications, or another surgery to revise the appearance of your body. However, most insurance will cover panniculectomy surgery due to medical condition. Panniculectomy and tummy tuck surgery are different types of surgery. Please review your health insurance policy.
Your satisfaction involves more than just a fee
When choosing a plastic surgeon for tummy tuck, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery. Dr Okoro takes his time to understand your goals and desire for the best long term outcome. Your safety and satisfaction are very important to him.
When you want a tummy tuck, Marietta clinic Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is the smart choice. For more information about tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a confidential consultation at our plastic surgery practice, please call us or email us today!
