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Abdominoplasty

Learn more about Atlanta Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery performed by Dr. Franklyn Elliott with Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. who has offices at Northside & Alpharetta, GA.

Ask Dr. Elliott: Good Candidates for a Tummy Tuck

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Tummy tuck surgery is consistently one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures year in and year out. This procedure is used to provide patients with a flatter, trimmer abdominal area by repairing the abdominal muscle, removing loose skin, and excess fat, and repositioning tissue from the area. However, being such a consistently popular procedure doesn’t mean that a tummy tuck is necessarily the right body contouring option for every prospective patient. This is why I wanted to answer a few questions about what makes someone a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery.

Question #1: How can a tummy tuck help women after pregnancy?

Undergoing a tummy tuck after pregnancy has become quite commonplace. It’s normal for women to experience stretched abdominal skin after a full pregnancy. Additionally, many women experience separated or damaged muscles in the abdomen that mimics the appearance of a pooch as a result of their pregnancy. A tummy tuck can help remove this stretched, loose skin and repair this muscle damage to provide aesthetic and medical relief.

Question #2: Can a tummy tuck help people who experience excess skin on their sides and back as well?

I perform different methods of tummy tuck surgery that each have their own unique benefits to patients. This includes the mini tummy tuck, as well as my extended tummy tuck, which can be highly beneficial for patients who seek more extensive body contouring. During the procedure, I make a horizontal incision to help address the sides, waist (or flanks), as well as the side of the lower back, in addition to the abdominal rejuvenation of the traditional tummy tuck.

Question #3: What should my weight be before undergoing a tummy tuck?

I often advise my patients to reach or get close to their ideal body weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. Like any other body contouring surgery, a tummy tuck will not provide significant weight loss for patients and this result should not be expected. Reaching a goal weight and maintaining it is important, as weight fluctuation can affect the results of a tummy tuck and even lead some patients to require additional revision procedures down the road.

I have been performing tummy tuck procedures on both men and women for many years and am always so happy to see how satisfied my patients are with their results. For more information or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget to follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.

How Much Scarring Will I Have After My Tummy Tuck?

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Considering how popular it is (and has been throughout the years), it’s no wonder why I spend so much time speaking with patients interested in tummy tuck surgery. Every patient I meet with is different and comes to the office with their own unique questions and concerns about this procedure. However, the topic of scarring after a tummy tuck is among the most common topics addressed during pre-surgery consultation appointments.

tummy tuck surgeryThis is perfectly understandable. After all, no one wants a big, unsightly scar ruining the results of their surgery. However, it’s important to remember that there are steps I take during the procedure to reduce the appearance of visible scarring. Tummy tuck incisions are most commonly made from hip bone to hip bone, as well as a small incision around the belly button. This can vary depending on the type of tummy tuck surgery performed. In most cases, I am able to make my incision along the bikini line where it can be easily hidden by underwear or a bathing suit.

The size and color of the scar left after surgery varies from patient to patient depending on several factors. These factors include how much skin and tissue was removed during the procedure, the patient’s skin tone, and how vulnerable they are to scarring. Thankfully, any amount of post-tummy tuck scarring will fade over time with the right care and attention. I would also personally recommend the following tips to help minimize visible scarring:

  • Do not smoke or use other forms of nicotine that can constrict blood vessels and aggravate your scar.
  • Avoid any physical activity or motion that causes you to put additional pressure on your abdomen like bending and stretching.
  • Keep your skin moisturized and use a vitamin E topical that can help aid in the healing process.
  • Avoid direct sunlight after your procedure and make sure your incision area is protected with sunscreen if it is not covered when you are spending time out in the sun.

The best scar-reduction tip I can recommend is speaking about this subject with a board-certified plastic surgeon like myself and following your post-surgery instructions closely. In the long run, the outstanding tummy tuck results you achieve will more than make up for the scar maintenance steps you have to take in the days and weeks following your procedure. For more information or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, and practice updates.

 

Why Does Fat Accumulate Around My Waist?

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The natural process of aging can have its effects on our bodies and their appearance. It’s true that aging affects every part of a person’s body, however, some areas on the human body are more susceptible to these changes than others. The waistline is one such area. It can be downright impossible to maintain a trim, shapely waistline over time. But why is this? 

Eating an unhealthy diet including a lot of sugar and trans fats can lead to excess fat around the abdomen. The same is true for people who aren’t physically active. However, some factors that lead to fat around the waist may be out of a person’s control. For some people, even those that exercise regularly and maintain an otherwise healthy lifestyle, the accumulation of fat around the waist and belly can be unavoidable. It’s natural for a person’s metabolism to decrease as they age, leading to more fat in certain areas including the waist. Genetic factors including certain types of bacteria found in the gut can lead to excess fat in this area. Some women may also experience excess fat around their waist as a result of a lack of estrogen after menopause. 

Regardless of the cause of this aesthetic concern, undergoing a cosmetic surgery procedure can help provide a more defined, thinner waistline. I perform different body contouring procedures including liposuction and tummy tuck surgery to help patients who are interested in addressing this specific area. Liposuction can be an excellent option for patients who are dealing with stubborn, excess fat. A tummy tuck makes more sense for those who also experience loose skin around their abdomen and/or damaged abdominal muscles that cause the appearance of a “belly pooch.” 

In the video below, I discuss in-detail how cosmetic surgery can help people who seek to remove excess fat from their waist area:

I understand that it can be frustrating to produce a shapelier waistline with diet and exercise alone. That’s why I’m always happy to help patients who seek assistance rejuvenating this area and achieving the slimmer physique they desire. For more information on cosmetic surgery or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for additional videos, tips, news, and more.

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